jesus – Page 2 – Living Words of Encouragement

God’s P.H.D. Parts 1-8+conclusion- taking a quiet look, slowly digesting God’s Word, and waiting upon God.

The Apostle Paul gives us a ‘look’ into eternity past in the first chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians.

This section of scripture is a ‘mother lode’ of theology.

Ephesians 1:3-14, NKJV, reads, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence* (understanding), having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to the His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth–in Him. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” (*insert mine, marginal note) (emphasis mine)

What an incredible amount of understanding is found in the opening of this letter.

In this passage of scripture, the Five Solas of the Reformation can be found within the text: Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone, God’s Glory Alone.

Also present in this passage is the eternal interaction of the Trinity: God the Father; God the Son, Jesus Christ; and God the Holy Spirit.

There are also many prominent theological words, i.e.: Blessed, ‘in Christ’, spiritual blessing, heavenly, chose, holy, without blame, love, predestined, accepted, redemption, blood, forgiveness, sins, grace, wisdom, prudence(understanding), mystery of His will, dispensation, inheritance, His will, word of truth, gospel, salvation, believed, Holy Spirit of promise, guarantee, purchased possession, praise of His glory. (insert mine)

What ‘nuggets’ of gold in this ‘mother lode’ of words ‘sparkled’ in your mind?

If I missed your ‘nugget’, I hope you understand my point.

I want to begin, focusing on this ‘nugget’, found in Ephesians 1:4, “before the foundation of the world”. (emphasis mine)

In the eternal past, before the creation of the world, there was something pulsating in the heart of the Father.

Is it too simple to say, that Father God desired a family.

I do not believe so.

END OF PART 1.

The Godhead, the eternal Trinity: God, the Father; God, the Son; and God the Holy Spirit is a ‘relational community’ of perfect agape love for one another.

Genesis 1,2 details for us what God created.

‘Creation’ is the interaction of all three Persons of the Godhead: God, the Father; God the Son; and God the Holy Spirit.

Creation is the beginning point of the revelation of the desire of the Father’s heart.

I submit that the Godhead’s desire to “let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26, NKJV) was to be in fellowship with a created humanity that would be in their ‘relational community’, not as God, or even gods, but in a living relationship with them.

Therefore, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” was that moment in time when God’s heart began to become reality.

In Ephesians chapter 1, Paul, explains what God knew before the creation of the world; that the first two humans, male and female, created in the ‘image and likeness’ of God would disobey His word saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you ear it you shall surely die.” and fall willfully short of His heart’s desire. (Genesis 2:17 NKJV)

Adam and Eve did partake of the fruit of the ‘tree of good and evil’. (Genesis 3:6)

They disobeyed God’s Word.

Their disobedience is called sin.

The result of sin is death.

Death is two-fold.

Death is both spiritual and physical.

Adam and Eve each died in their spiritual relationship to God because of their disobedience.

They were no longer in a right relationship with God spiritually because God is Holy, in Whom there is no sin.

Their internal death broke communion with God spiritually; and it initiated the physical death of their bodies.

However, their sin did not eliminate His love for them.

END OF PART 2.

Reading Ephesians 1 shows us explicitly that God’s love for humanity is strong; so strong, that before the creation of the world, “God chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love…”. Ephesians 1:4 NKJV. (emphasis mine)

How does that happen?

Paul continues in this text recounting Christ’s sacrifice, the shedding of His blood, the forgiveness of sins, all according to the riches of His grace.

Stop. Please re-read Ephesians 1:3-14.

All of this was foreknown before the creation of the world.

What love!

What grace!

What mercy!

To repeat…all of this was put into motion, when “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

There are numerous scriptures that speak of the redemptive plan and purpose of God.

There is one verse, that many believe clearly explains the heart of God for fallen humanity.

John 3:16 NKJV (Let me emphasize this verse progressively)

“For God – so loved – the world – that He gave – His Only Begotten Son – that whoever believes in Him – should not perish – but have everlasting life.”

(Stop! I encourage you to re-read these words as they are divided; and think about each set of words between the hyphens.)

I want to encourage you as a believer that in order to more fully understand God’s P.H.D., we must have it settled in our hearts and minds what God, the Father purposed in His heart before creation.

God’s P.H.D. is His Prophetic. Historical. Document.

END OF PART 3.

God’s P.H.D. is the Word of God.

The Word of God is God’s redemptive thoughts, expressing the fullness of Father’s heart.

It is an unfolding of His interaction with the human race, from the first ‘tick’ of the redemptive clock to the final ‘tick’ of the redemptive clock.

Throughout the history of mankind, God has made Himself known to His creation.

Psalm 19:1-6 tells us that “The heavens declare the glory of God…”

Psalm 19:3,4 NKJV says, “There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line (*tent) has gone out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world.” (*marginal note, insert mine)

Creation speaks to us.

Psalms 19:7-13 describes the unfathomable riches of the written Word of God.

Psalm 19:14, is David’s heart cry to be rightly related to God, his strength and his redeemer, based upon the written Word of God.

God’s Word speaks to us.

Paul, writing to the church in Rome, expresses God’s judgement that will come upon humanity who reject God and His Word.

Romans 1:18-21 NKJV, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

But God, Himself, came into this world and brought His Light to shine in the midst of this darkened world and upon the darkness of the human heart.

John 1:1-4, NKJV, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the life shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (*overcome) it.” (*marginal note, insert mine)

Jesus said of Himself, John 8:12, NKJV, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 1:14, NKJV, “And the Word became flesh dwelt among us, and beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

The Word, the Son of God, became the Son of Man, who lived here in the midst of His creation and among His chosen people.

Hebrews 1:1-4 NKJV, says of the Son of God/Son of Man:

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the Father by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” (emphasis mine)

This passage tells us forthrightly that God’s Son, Jesus Christ, is the central message of God’s Prophetic.Historical.Document.

Three things have been emphasized: 1. Creation speaks to us. 2. The Word of God speaks to us. 3. The Son of God has spoken to us.

The writer of The Epistle to the Hebrews, gives us this warning:

Hebrews 2:1-4, NKJV “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

END OF PART 4.

Returning to The Epistle to the Ephesians, there is no question what is the central message of Paul’s letter?

The Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us return to Ephesians 1:3-14.

I encourage you to go back to the beginning of this post and re-read these verses.

Notice in Ephesians 1:10, God has always purposed in Himself that at the right time, “He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on the earth–in Him.” (NKJV) (emphasis mine)

These words parallel what is written about Christ in Hebrews 1:1-4.

Jesus Christ is the One in whom all things are to be gathered. (emphasis mine)

Ephesians 4:10-13, NKJV, “He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things. And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…” (emphasis mine)

The centrality of this passage is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul tells us that we are being matured (teleios-perfected) as sons and daughters of God, in the Lord Jesus Christ. (insert mine)

We are coming “to the unity of the faith” – a ‘oneness’ in the faith, as we grow in our ‘knowledge of the Son of God'( who is our standard of ‘perfection/maturity’) that Paul says, is “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (emphasis mine)

Paul is telling the Ekklesia to ‘grow up'( Ephesians 4:14-16 NKJV) “…that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ-from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (emphasis mine)

To ‘grow up’ is to become mature.

END OF PART 5.

Would you believe that the words the ‘Lord Jesus Christ’ are used 42 times in the Ephesian Epistle?

When I first read that; my thought was, it that true?

It is true.

Not only did I read that information once; but twice.

However, the title, Son of God is used only once, and we read that in Ephesians 4:13.

Why are the words, ‘Lord Jesus Christ’ used so often by Paul in this letter?

AI overview gives a very concise and accurate answer; and it expands its answer to give a more detailed explanation.

[I am sure you understand that this is a ‘machine’s’ answer.]

Therefore,

I would like to share a Pastor’s comment.

This comment is from his blog dated February 8, 2014.

It was shared with his parishioners telling them that “Tomorrow morning I am preaching on Ephesians 4:29-30”.

His sermon topic was about the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.

He also shared this. “The Son of God is used only once in 4:13. However, the title, Lord Jesus Christ, is used 42 times (Eph 1:1 ff, 5, 9, 12, 17, 20; 2:5 ff, 10, 12f, 20; 3:1, 4, 6, 8, 11,17,19, 21; 4:12f, 15,20, 32; 5:2, 5, 14, 20f, 23ff, 29, 32; 6:5f, 23f. Paul used this title more often than the Son of God to show the divine power of the God man, Jesus Christ (the resurrected man Jesus is God) and to distinguish the Son from the Father. Again, I am not counting all the pronouns referring to the Son.”

(note: I have been unable to find the name of the Pastor. The church is the Redeemer Church in the Champaign-Urbana Illinois area.)

END OF PART 6.

Recently, I was reading a devotional, by T. A. Sparks, and was challenged with this thought: ‘the Christ who was resurrected from the tomb was greater than the Christ who was buried in the tomb.’

Jesus, Son of God/Son of Man was buried in a human body in a tomb. (emphasis mine)

Hebrews 10:5-7, NKJV(quote from Psalm 40:6-8), “Therefore, when He came into the world, He said, “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come–In the volume of the book it is written of Me–To do Your will, O God. ‘ ” ” (emphasis mine)

Jesus lived in the same type of body as we live in; but without sin. (Philippians 2:5-11; II Corinthians 5:17) (emphasis mine)

Therefore, He is the perfect sacrifice for sin.

God’s Sacrificial Lamb.

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29b, NKJV)

I Corinthians 15:42-49, Paul explains the reason why the resurrected Christ in His resurrected body is greater than the body of Jesus that was buried in the tomb. (emphasis mine)

The entirety of I Corinthians 15 addresses the message of the Gospel, the hope of the Gospel, the power of the resurrection, and what is the fullness of resurrection with respect to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. (boldness mine)

I recommend that you read I Corinthians 15.

I want to point out that Paul’s words explain God’s principle of resurrection.

verses 42-49, NKJV, “So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown in a natural body, it is raised in a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.“ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.”

The principle is that ‘what is resurrected’ is greater than ‘what is buried’.

Q: Do you believe that?

That is what took place with Jesus’ bodily resurrection.

That is what Paul is talking about in the above passage.

END OF PART 7.

Paul also describes this in Romans 8:18-25.

I encourage you to read this passage.

Continuing in Chapter 15:53-56, NKJV, ” For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Simply put, Jesus was sown in a natural body, and He was raised in a spiritual body.

In I Corinthians 15:20-28, NKJV, Paul addresses the issues surrounding the validity of the resurrection.

He explains, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (died). For since by man came death, by Man also came resurrection from the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. the last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says, “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.” (insert mine)

Then the end of time will come; the last ‘tick’ of the redemptive clock will occur; and time will be no more; everything will have been carried out that was purposed in the heart of God, the Father, before the creation of the world. (emphasis mine)

The Word of God, God’s Prophetic.Historical.Document, in The Revelation of Jesus Christ, chapter 21, verses 1-8 NKJV, gives us this prophetic vision,

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John (Apostle John), saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, ” Behold I make all things new.” Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done!” I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be His God and he shall be my son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the Lake which burn with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”” (insert mine)

Paul said it this way, in II Corinthians 5:1-11 NKJV

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether, present or absent to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.”

Remembering the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that was shared earlier in this post:

John 3:16 says, “For God-so loved -the world-that He gave-His only Begotten Son-that whosoever believes in Him-should not perish-but have everlasting life.”

Paul reminds us, in II Corinthians 5:17, NKJV:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.”

END OF PART 8.

Conclusion-W.R.A.P.-wrapping it up!

God’s P.H.D., the Word of God, tells us what was ‘purposed’ in Father’s heart before the creation of the world in eternity past. (emphasis mine)

Many believe that we are very close to the second coming of Christ of that we are certain.

Our task, now, is to be Watchful, be Ready, be Alert, and Praying-looking up for our redemption draws near (context Luke 21:20-28).

What God purposed in His heart before the foundation of the world will be fulfilled just as He desired it to be completed. (emphasis mine)

I trust that you have been encouraged with these passages.

Jesus said in Luke 21:25-28 NKJV, verse 28, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up you heads, because your redemption draws near.”

What things?

Please read, reflect, and recall Matthew 24, 25.

Until the moment of Christ’s return, we are to: be Watching; be Ready; be Alert; and be in Prayer.

blessings, your brother in Christ, deo

Pentecost-50 days After Passover, Part 2

In Part 1 of this post, we were focused upon the Passover Meal celebrated by Christ and His disciples in an Upper Room during the Feast of Unleavened Bread in which the Jewish nation remembered their deliverance from the land of Egypt when the blood of a lamb was applied to the doorposts of their homes.

John 16:28-33 are the closing words of Jesus to His disciples. He says to them, “I have come from the Father and come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father. His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly to us and not in figures of speech! Now we know that You know all things, and have not need for anyone to question You; because of this we believe [without any doubt] that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now [at last] believe? Take careful notice: an hour is coming, and has arrived, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, leaving Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you will have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] {Amplified Version}

Jesus closes the Upper Room discourse with a prayer (John 17) to His Father.

This prayer is referred to, as His ‘High Priestly Prayer’.

I recommend that you read John 17.

Having considered all of this, is there something that stands out as being more important than the coming of the Holy Spirit?

END OF PART 1.

_______________________________________________

50 days after Jesus’ resurrection, Jerusalem is celebrating Pentecost.

PART 2.

During the forty days between Christ’s resurrection and His ascension back to the presence of His Father, Christ revealed Himself to His followers.

On the morning of His resurrection, “…after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdelene and the other Mary, came to see the tomb. {Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-10; John 20:1-8} And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.”…”the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold I have told you. So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” (Matthew 28:1-10 NKJV) {insert mine}

We are witnessing the fulfillment of the Upper Room discourse unfold and take place just as Jesus said.

The Apostle Paul recounts these events in I Corinthians 15:1-8, NKJV.

“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you-unless you have believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas (Peter), then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over 500 brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.” (insert mine)

Luke, writing his treatise about the life of Christ shares in Acts 1:1-3 NKJV,

“The former account account I made, O Theophilus, all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

Luke has written about Jesus Christ the Lamb of God, who took away the sin of the world (John 1:29); justified the wrath of God (Romans 5:6-11); conquered death, hell, and the grave (I Corinthians 15:55-57; Revelation 1:18); dethroned Satan of his authority (Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14-15;) and has accomplished a total victory through His death on the Cross.

For forty days, Jesus has been interacting with His disciples; and now the day has come for His departure back to His Father.

Luke writes, Acts 1:4-11 NKJV,

“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken away up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

Jesus ascended into heaven.

Now what?

Do what He had commanded them to do?

Acts 1:4, Do not depart from Jerusalem; wait for the Promise of the Father; “which He said, “you have heard from Me.”

Acts 1:5, “for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

I wonder if they pondered what that meant?

Is the coming of the Holy Spirit important?

Absolutely.

However, there is something else taking place that preempts its importance.

What can be more important than the coming of the Holy Spirit?

Let’s find out.

Jesus is ‘prepping’ them for the Day of Pentecost reminding them of what He had shared with them.

Acts 1:12,13a, 14- NKJV, “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey (less than one mile). And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying”…”These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” (insert mine) (boldness mine)

Acts 1:15-26 records the events that took place from the day of Christ’s ascension to the Day of Pentecost.

Some noteworthy thoughts.

Vs 15-Peter (petros*) stood up in the midst of the assembled disciples that numbered around 120.

Vs 16-Peter (petros*) addressed them, regarding the fulfillment of the Scripture that was previously spoken by the Holy Spirit through David regarding Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus.

Vs 21-Peter (petros*) told those in the upper room that it is necessary to fulfill the Scripture found in Psalms [Psalms 69:25; 109:8] to choose another to fill Judas’ vacancy.

Vss 21,22-give to us the qualifications for the persons to be considered. The timeline begins with the baptism of John and concludes with the ascension of Christ.

Vss 23-26, two people are chosen; they pray to the Lord for guidance; and in vs 26, they cast lots. This way of making the selection is not wrong. It was a common method used in the Old Testament.

What is the significance of including this?

There is a new ‘governing’ coming.

The Old Covenant has come to an end; and there is a New Covenant.

Something new is about to happen.

In an upper room, things are in ‘order’; the disciples have been ‘obedient’; and the Day of Pentecost has arrived.

In an upper room, “…they were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1)

They were where Jesus had commanded them to be; and there was ‘order’ and there was ‘obedience’.

These two words are critical for a healthy Church, the Body of Christ.

‘order’ and ‘obedience’ allows the God’s Kingdom to come and God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

Jesus lived His earthly life in a human body governed by the Holy Spirit carrying out whatever His Father asked Him to do. That is ‘order’; and He did it with perfect ‘obedience’.

Wherever Jesus went His Father’s Kingdom came and His Father’s will was done on earth just as it is in heaven.

In God’s Presence, everything is about ‘order’ and ‘obedience’.

This is not legalism; this is the Essence of Who God is.

Reflect upon these words, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

His commandments are His ‘order’; keeping them is our ‘obedience’; our reason for doing so is because we love Him.

Q: Where did Jesus say these words?

A: In the Upper Room to His disciples at the Passover Meal.

Acts 2:2 NKJV, “And suddenly”, the words that Jesus shared with His disciples in the Upper Room, when they were celebrating the Passover Meal, are fulfilled in an upper room on the Day of Pentecost.

{Note: All of this happened, most likely, in the same Upper Room where the disciples waited for the Promise of the Father, in the city of Jerusalem.}

Being redundant.

The words regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit are fulfilled.

The promise of the Father has come in the Person of the Holy Spirit.

The words spoken by John the Baptist have been fulfilled.

John the Baptist said that Jesus is the baptizer in/with the Holy Spirit.

Again, I would like to encourage you to set aside your doctrinal teaching surrounding what took place on the Day of Pentecost, and continue with me as I proceed.

On the day of Pentecost, after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter stood up with the other eleven and explained what was taking place to those assembled. (Acts 2:14-36)

Peter told them that what they had seen and heard had been prophesied by the prophet Joel.

Acts 2:17-21 NKJV,

Peter said, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My servants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven about and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.”

Q: In the above passage, what is ultimately most important?

A: “whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”

The Holy Spirit has come.

Q: What do you associate with the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost?

Q: What have you been taught?

Q: What has been the emphasis of the teaching that you have received?

Q: Are you comfortable with Pentecostalism? Charismatics? Spirit-filled believers?

Q: Are you doctrinally a ‘cessationist’ or a ‘continuationist’?

(Big words but important regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit and His ministry in the Church.)

I want to make a bold statement.

There is a lot of teaching, division, and misunderstanding regarding the purpose and work of the Third Person of the Trinity in the church today.

Please understand my heart.

I want to challenge you with a thought that I am understanding to be more significant and more important than all of the teaching surrounding the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Do I believe in the importance of the Holy Spirit?

Absolutely.

I am not a cessationist; but a continuationist.

Setting aside my theology…

All theology, belief, and personal experience,regarding the Person of the Holy Spirit is extremely important.

However all of our objective and subjective understanding of the truth that is taught in the Word of God regarding the Holy Spirit, is secondary, I believe, to this truth.

What truth is that, you ask?

Let us read carefully Peter’s closing words on the Day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:32-36 Amplified Version

“God raised this Jesus [bodily from the dead], and of that [fact] we are all witnesses. Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this [blessing] which you both see and hear. For David did not ascend into the heavens, yet he himself says, “The Lord [the Father] said to my Lord [the Son], sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” [Psalms 110:1] Therefore let all the house of Israel recognize beyond all doubt that God has made Him both Lord and Christ (Messiah, Annointed)–that Jesus whom you crucified.

Peter said that God (the Father) has made Him (Jesus) both Lord and Christ–this very Jesus who you crucified. (inserts mine)

Peter declared that Jesus, who was crucified has been made by God, both Lord and Christ.

My question was, Is there something that stands out as being more important than the coming of the Holy Spirit?

The answer is yes, Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified, is both Lord and Christ.

The Head of the Body of Christ is the Lord Jesus Christ. (See Ephesians 1:18-23; Colossians 1:13-20; Ephesians 5:17-33; I Corinthians 12:12-14)

It is important to understand Christ as the Head of the Church.

Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, is the One who said, I will build My Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

Ephesians 1:22, everything is put in ‘subjection’ to Christ’s Headship. (emphasis mine)

Colossians 1:17-18, Christ existed before all things, and in Him all things are held together; Christ is the Head, the [life-source and leader] of the body, the Church; and He is the beginning the firstborn from the dead... (emphasis mine)

Ephesians 5:21, be “subject to one another out of reverence for Christ”; verses 22-33 discuss the living out of being ‘subject’ to one another.

I Corinthians 12:12-14, we are all members of the Body of Christ.

Verse 12, says “For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many for [only] one body so it is with Christ.”

It is interesting to note, that when Paul talks about the Body of Christ, and each of us having our unique placement in the Body, there is no mention of any of us being the Head.

Why?

Christ is the Head.

In order for the Body of Christ, and each of us, as members in particular, to function properly we must be submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

In order for the Church to be an authentic representation of Jesus Christ, the Body of Christ, here on earth, the members of the Body must be submitted to the Head of the Body, the Lordship of Jesus Christ; then the Body of Christ will be ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit, walking after the Spirit and not after the flesh.

In order to be ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit, as a believer in Jesus Christ, you personally must be submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in your life.

Everything that surrounds the coming of the Holy Spirit; and everything that the Lord Jesus Christ wants to accomplish through the members of His Body will only take place orderly and obediently if the members of the Body, believers in Jesus Christ are submitted to Him and governed by the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost has come.

On the church calendar, Pentecost is remembered 50 days after celebrating the resurrection of Christ.

Q: Is the Body of Christ, the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ submitted to Christ, as the Head of the Church, committed to living according to His Lordship ‘orderly’ and ‘obediently’, manifesting His life, governed by the Third Person of the Trinity, Holy Spirit?

Or is the Church not fulfilling living the life of the Body of Christ that it should be because it is not submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ; and therefore not governed by the Holy Spirit?

Strong questions, but they need to be asked.

The Church began proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus Christ, submitted to Him, ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit, fulfilling what the Spirit of God, living in ‘order‘ and ‘obedience‘.

Acts 2:40-47 shows us the first fruits of that ‘order’ and ‘obedience’.

Is this lifestyle still happening today?

If the Church is not living in ‘order’ and ‘obedience’, then the Church is not being ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit.

If the Church is not being ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit, then it is not submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, If the Church is not living in ‘order’ and ‘obedience’, then it is not submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Strong words, but, are they true? (Transitive Property of Congruence)

The Church only functions properly when it is ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit.

{Q: Why did Paul write letters to the churches that he had founded? They had departed from the Lordship of Jesus Christ; they were embracing another gospel; they were focused on the wisdom of the world; they had left their foundation of ‘Christ crucified’; in short, they were not following the Lord in ‘order’ and ‘obedience’; therefore, they were not ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit but governed according to the wisdom of the world; the words of false teachers; and the whims of their own souls. They were not submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ-yet they were Christians; those who had called upon the name of the Lord and were saved. Paul wrote the letters to the Churches so that they would come into doctrinal alignment , and ‘for reproof’, ‘for correction’, and ‘for instruction in righteousness’. (2 Timothy 3:16)}

The Holy Spirit ‘governs‘ those that are ‘submitted‘ to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

I want to close returning to Matthew 16:13-18.

Jesus said that He would build His Church upon the confession of faith(petra-immovable rock) that was spoken by Peter(petros-small stone).

What was Peter’s(petros) confession of faith(petra)?

Matthew 16:16, Peter (petra) said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Those words are the ‘petra’(the solid rock) upon which Christ will build His Church.

Go back and reread Acts 2:32-36, what is the ‘petra’ of Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost?

What did Peter communicate under the anointing of the Holy Spirit?

Peter’s ‘petra’ was ,“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (NKJV)

What is the Godhead doing on the Day of Pentecost?

The coming of the Holy Spirit got everyone’s attention.

B.U.T. (Believers Understand This) the centrality of the message is Jesus, and Him crucified, who God made both Lord and Christ.

In Matthew 16, Jesus responding to Peter’s confession of faith, told Him that flesh and blood had not revealed what he said to him, but that it was God the Father. I believe that revelation came by the Holy Spirit.

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter stood, filled with the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father, and preached the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:37-39 records the response of those that heard the anointed words of Peter.

“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said to them. “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (NKJV)

Acts 2:40-47 tells us what happened and how the Church was birthed into existence on the Day of Pentecost under the Lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Body of Christ, ‘governed‘ by the Holy Spirit.

This is a time when believers in the Lord Jesus Christ need to examine themselves and see if they are in the faith.(2 Corinthians 13:5)

Strong words: I want to encourage you as a believer to examine yourself.

I am not questioning your salvation.

I am asking you to stop and ask yourself, does my life reflect the Lordship of Jesus Christ?

Am I seeking to live in ‘order’ and ‘obedience’ to the Word of God?

Am I ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit?

Or am I doing my own thing, saved, waiting to go to heaven?

Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26, NKJV)

This challenge follows Christ’s interaction with His disciples asking them what men are saying about who He is?

Peter said that Jesus was the “Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Jesus’ response to Peter’s words was that upon this confession He would build His Church.

In effect, Jesus’ words to deny oneself, take up your cross and follow Me , is His ‘order’ that requires your ‘obedience’ if you want to be His disciple.

The follower of Christ, who responds ‘obediently’ to His ‘order’ acknowledges the ‘Lordship‘ of Jesus Christ, and will be ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit.

That disciple will learn to walk by the Spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh.

That disciple will experience ‘God’s Kingdom come’, and ‘God’s will be done’ in their life on earth as it is in heaven.

Impossible?

No, that is what it means to be conformed to the image of Christ.

This is the life that the Apostle Paul, saw before him, cried out for, and pressed forward to obtain (Philippians 3), and wrote letters to the churches he had founded to focus their attention upon; specifically ‘Christ crucified’, the Lordship of Jesus Christ and to be ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit.

The hour in which we are living necessitates our diligence to focus on the Lord, to study His Word, and to walk in the Spirit.

This comes from submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, being ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit, learning to walk after the Spirit ‘orderly’ and ‘obediently’.

Be blessed in your walk with the Lord, a brother in Christ, deo

Pentecost-50 days After Passover, Part 1

June 8, 2025 on the Church calendar was Pentecost Sunday.

In the Old Testament, the Feast of Pentecost was the second of three feasts established by God that the nation of Israel would observe annually.

Exodus 23:14-17 (Amplified Version), “Three times a year you shall celebrate a feast [dedicated] to Me. You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread; for seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt. No one shall appear before Me empty-handed [but you shall bring sacrificial offerings]. Also [you shall observe] the Feast of Harvest [Weeks, Pentecost, or First Fruits}, acknowledging the first fruits of your labor, or what you sow in the field. And [third] the Feast of Ingathering [Booths or Tabernacles] at the end of the year when you gather in [the fruit of] your labors from the field. Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord GOD.”

The first feast is to remember the Lord’s Passover when “…I [the Lord] will pass through the land of Egypt {Exodus 12:12,13} on this night, and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and animal; against all the god’s of Egypt I will execute judgments [exhibiting their worthlessness]. I am the LORD. The blood shall be a sign for you on[the doorposts of] the houses where you live; when I see the blood I shall pass over you, and no affliction shall happen to you when I strike the land of Egypt. [I Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:8]” (Amplified Version) {insert mine}

The remembrance of Passover (the feast of Unleavend Bread) is a foreshadowing of the Cross of Christ; where the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ (God’s Passover Lamb), shed His blood for the sin of the world. (John 1:29) (inserts mine)

Let us read the testimony of John the Baptist written by the Apostle John.

“The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! [Exodus 12:3, Isaiah 53:7] “This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I and priority over me, for He existed before me.’ I did not recognize Him [as the Messiah]; but I came baptizing in water so that He would be publicly revealed to Israel.” John gave [further ] evidence [testifying officially for the record, with validity and relevance], saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. [Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:22,23] I did not recognize Him [as the Messiah], but He (God) who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this One is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ “I myself have [actually] seen [that happen], and my testimony is that this is the Son of God!” ” {John 1:29-34 Amplified Version} (insert mine)

Prior to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Jesus met in an Upper Room to celebrate the Passover Feast with His disciples.

Can we even begin to understand the magnitude of the internal conflict in Jesus that is pulsating through every fiber of His being?

The outworking of that internal struggle affecting His body,soul, and spirit was manifested in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. (Matthew 26:36-46)

Recounting the events of Jesus’ life, we know that His internal unrest had been increasing in intensity since He set ‘His face’ toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51) to participate in the Feast of Passover, and die on the cross.

Jesus knew why He had come incarnated to earth and took upon Himself a human body.

Jesus celebrates His last Passover meal with His disciples in an Upper Room of someone’s household.

In the Upper Room, Jesus tells His disciples that His time to ‘leave’ has come.

‘leave’, what is He talking about?

The disciples are unable to grasp what this means.

In His discourse with them, Jesus shares that even though He is personally leaving He will not leave them alone.

This, too, are difficult words for them to comprehend.

Things are becoming ‘muddled’.

The context of what Christ is sharing and what transpires in the Upper Room is recorded in John 13:1-16, followed by prayer to His Father in chapter 17.

The Upper Room account in the Gospel of John plus what is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke gives us an understanding of what took place between Christ and His disciples during their celebration of the Passover Meal.

In the Upper Room (Gospel of John), one of the many important moments between Jesus and His disciples centers on the following question.

Q: What is the importance of Jesus repeatedly assuring them about the coming of the Third Person of the Trinity, Holy Spirit?

Remembering what John the Baptist had said, “He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.” (John 1:33, NKJV)

Q:Who is John the Baptist referring to?

A: Jesus.

Jesus, the Lamb of God ,who takes away the sin of the world is recognized as the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.

At this time I am asking you to lay aside your doctrinal positions regarding Jesus and the baptism in/with the Holy Spirit.

I want us to focus on this?

What is Jesus’ purpose for telling His disciples that the Holy Spirit is coming?

or,

Why is it important for us to understand the importance of Jesus telling His disciples that the Holy Spirit will be coming ? (emphasis mine)

It unlocks the meaning of Jesus’ words to Peter after his confession of faith in Christ.

{This will be the emphasis of Part 2 of this post.}

The context of Peter’s confession of faith is found in Matthew 16:13-28.

Reading, Matthew 16:13-18…20-23 Amplified Version:

“Now when Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is? “[Mark 8:27-29; Luke 9:18-20] And they answered, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah, or [just] one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of the living God.” Then Jesus answered him, “Blessed [happy, spiritually secure, favored by God] are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood (mortal man) did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I say to you that you are *Peter, and on this rock** I will build My Church; and the gates of Hades (death) will not overpower it [by preventing the resurrection of the Christ]. [Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; 5:23; Colossians 1:18]…Then He gave the disciples strict orders to tell no one that He was the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) {emphasis mine}

{*Gr petros, a small or detached stone. **Gr petra, bedrock or a huge rock. Jesus uses a simple play on the Greek words petros and petra in this verse.}

Please follow along with me.

Understanding the coming of the Holy Spirit is critical to the continuation of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ following His crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension back to His Father.

At this moment in the Upper Room, Jesus’ words, regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit, will assuage (ease) the disciples’ experience of being separated from Him.

What did Jesus tell His disciples regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit?

In the Gospel of John (Chapters 14,15,16) there are three main discourses spoken by Jesus. (insert mine)

{The following passages are from the Amplified Version, unless so noted.}

Please read the account in John 14.

Chapter 14 is divided into three sections: John 14:1-6 is entitled “Jesus Comforts His Disciples”; John 14:7-15 is entitled “Jesus’ Oneness with the Father”; John 14:16-28 is entitled “Role of the Spirit”.

The sequence is progressive.

First of all, Jesus, knowing their present and future emotional state; comforts them; telling them where He is going; and assuring them that one day, they, too, will be with Him in the Presence of the Father.

Second, He explains to them the Oneness between Himself and His Father. He forthrightly says, I am so ‘One’ with the Father that if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.(Matthew 14:9) They didn’t know how to process that thought. (insert mine)

That Oneness is beyond us too! {See Hebrews 1:1-4}

Third, He focuses their attention on His care for them; telling them that He, Himself, will ask His Father, to send a Helper for them, since He is leaving them. He reiterates that the Helper is the Holy Spirit.

It is here that He explains the ‘Role of the Spirit’.

Jesus says in verse 16-19…26; “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate,Intercessor-Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever–the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him because He(the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans[comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come back to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also….But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor–Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in my place, to represent Me,and act on My behalf, He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. [Matthew 5:7, 13, 24,25; Luke 24:59; John 14:16; Acts 1:4] {emphasis mine}

{Did you see the interaction between the Trinity, the Godhead?}

Please read the second account in John 15

This sequence is progressive.

Chapter 15 is divided into three sections: John 15:1-11 is entitled, “Jesus is the Vine-Followers are Branches”; John 15:12-17 is entitled, “Disciples’ Relation to Each Other”; John 15:18-27 is entitled, “Disciples’ Relation to the World”.

First, the disciples are told about their relationship with Him as a vine and branch.

Jesus is the Vine; we are the branches.

Second, the disciples are told what Jesus expects from them as His disciples. Verse 17 says, “This [is what] I command you: that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another.”

Third, the disciples are told what to expect from the world as followers of Him.

In this section, Jesus assures them again about the Holy Spirit and His role in their lives.

John 15:23-27 says, “The one who hates Me also hates the Father {remember John 14:7-15, Jesus told His disciples about His Oneness with the Father}. If I had not done the works (attesting miracles) which no one else [ever] did, they would not have [the guilt of their sin]; but now [the fact is that ] they have both seen [these works] and have hated Me [and continue to hate Me and My Father as well. But [this is so] that the word which has been written in their Law would be fulfilled, ‘THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.’ [Psalms 35:19; 69:4] “But when the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor-Counselor, Strengthener, Standby] comes whom I will send to you from the Father, He will testify of Me and bear witness about Me. But you will testify also and be My witnesses from the beginning.” {inserts mine} {emphasis mine}

Please read the account in John 16.

This sequence is progressive.

John 16 is divided up into four sections: John 16:1-4 is entitled, “Jesus’ Warning”; John 16:5-15 is entitled, “The Holy Spirit is Promised”; John 16:16-22 is entitled “Jesus’ Death and Resurrection”; John 16:23-33 is entitled, “Prayer Promises”.

First, Jesus warns His disciples of what will be the natural consequences of following Him as a disciple. He tells them what to expect “so that you will not stumble or be caught off guard and fall away.” (John 16:1 )

Jesus is warning them not to be offended by how they are treated for following Him. Don’t allow the words hurled at you on My account become an offense or (personal) stumbling block and fall away from the faith.

Second, Jesus reiterates (verse 7) the promise of the coming of the Third Person of the Trinity, Holy Spirit.

Jesus has been preparing them for His literal, physical departure back to His Father.

He knows that this is going to devastate them.

He is assuring them, even though they do not understand it yet, that His physical departure will result in His Spiritual return to them.

How can this be?

Quoting the MacArthur Study Bible, pg 1614, regarding the Promise of the Holy Spirit’s coming, it reads (verses 14:18,19 NKJV) “I will come to you…you will see Me. First, He was referring to His resurrection, after which they would see Him (20:19-29). There is no record that any unbelievers saw Him after He rose (1 Corinthians 15:1-9). In another sense, this has reference to the mystery of the Trinity. Through the coming and indwelling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Jesus would be back with His children. (16:16; cf Matthew 28:20; Romans 8:9; I John 4:13)”

Jesus ascended back into heaven in ‘bodily’ form; and He will ‘spiritually’ descend into those who accept Him as their Savior.

Christ dwells in us through the Holy Spirit.

Please read John 16:14-18.

Third, to backup His previous comments about returning to His Father, Jesus elaborates on His death and resurrection.

Throughout this passage, Jesus, knowing their internal emotional state, continues to reassure them that He will come to them again after His death, burial, and resurrection.

In John 16:22, He pinpoints their ’emotions’ with these words, “So for now you are in grief; but I will see you again, [then] your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away from you your [great] joy.”

(This is not referring to His second coming.)

In the fourth section, Jesus closes His final words sharing the privileges that await for them in prayer.

Consider the following assurances: verse 23, “in that day”, “I assure you”, “whatever you ask in My name”; verse 24, “Until now”, “ask…keep on asking”; verse 26, “In that day”, “I will ask”.

We must understand this, that these privileges of prayer are conditional upon our obedient relationship to Him.

Summarizing our thoughts.

What has been the purpose of Jesus gathering together with His disciples during these last few precious hours He had with them?

It was a time to celebrate the Passover Feast according to the Law.

The keeping of this Feast became a gathering place for Jesus’ final words to prepare His disciples for what is about to take place.

Our emphasis has been that He is leaving and the Holy Spirit is coming.

But we know that much more than this has been taking place.

What are the implications?

This is happening just hours before His betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion.

This Passover has had many dramatic moments; it has a dramatic ending: but it also initiates an incredible new beginning.

There is much that is talked about, modeled, and set in motion in John 13:1-17, that is very significant, revolutionary, sobering, and crucial for the on going work of the ministry of Jesus Christ, and the building of His Church.

The Passover Meal has been an instructional time to lay the foundation for the ‘major change curve’ facing the lives of His disciples; the religion of the Jewish nation; the salvation of humanity; the victory over sin and death; and the dethroning of Satan’s authority.

All of this is made possible through Christ’s death on the C.R.O.S.S.

C.R.O.S.S. – Christ Reconciled Our Sinful State

And it has been accomplished by God”s G.R.A.C.E.

G.R.A.C.E – God’s Redemptive Activity Changed Everything

This post has been focusing on one significant aspect of Jesus’ final remarks to His disciples.

His remarks centered on the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus closes the Upper Room discourse with a prayer (John 17) to His Father.

This prayer is referred to, as His ‘High Priestly Prayer’.

I recommend that you read John 17.

John 18:1, Amplified Version, “HAVING SAID these things, Jesus left with His disciples and went across the ravine of the Kidron. There was a garden there, which He and disciples entered.”

Part 2 asks this question:

Is there something more important for us to understand and to embrace than the coming of the Holy Spirit that we need to give our attention to?

Yes.

END OF PART 1.

50 days after Jesus’ resurrection, Jerusalem is celebrating Pentecost.

Biblical Hope, Part 3 , Keeping A Right ‘frame of mind’

In Biblical Hope Part 1, it was discussed that Biblical Hope Opposes Political Expectation, Do You Believe That?

In Biblical Hope Part 2, it was emphasized that Biblical Hope Offers Eternity in the Person of Jesus Christ; and that a believer’s Biblical Hope is focused upon the return of the Person of Jesus Christ. Therefore, Biblical Hope Offers Permanent Eternal life with Christ. (emphasis mine)

Do you believe that?

The Hebrew word for hope in the Old Testament is tiqvah; Strong’s #8615: Hope; expectation, something’s yearned for and anticipated eagerly; something for which one waits. (KJV Spirit Filled Life Bible, Word Wealth, page 1218) (emphasis mine)

The following passages of scriptures are found in the Psalms and Proverbs using the word ‘tiqvah’: Psalms 16:9; 22:9; 31:24; 33:18; 33:22; 33:15; 39:7; 42:5; 42:11; 43:15; 71:5; 71:14; 78:7; 110:49; 119:81; 119:14; 119:116; 130:5; 130:7; 131:3; 146:5; 147:11; Proverbs 10:28; 13:12; 14:32.

One of the most quoted texts in the Old Testament regarding hope is Jeremiah 29:11. These words were spoken by the prophet to the nation of Israel when they were in Babylonian exile. (see Jeremiah 29 for context) (emphasis mine)

” ‘For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope.‘ ” (Amplified Version) (emphasis mine)

In Biblical Hope Part 3, the topic for consideration is emphasizing the knowing that the Word of God has many ‘hope filled’ verses for our encouragement to focus our attention on the Lord Jesus Christ; so that we have a right ‘frame of mind’ as we walk with the Lord daily in this darkened world; we are a vessel of light that manifests the glory of God that dwells with in us. (emphasis mine)

The Greek word for hope in the New Testament is elpis; Strong’s #1680: Hope, not in the sense of an optimistic outlook or wishful thinking without any foundation, but in the sense of confident expectation based on solid certainty. Biblical Hope rests on God’s promises, particularly those pertaining to Christ’s return. So certain is the future of the redeemed that the NT sometimes speaks of future events in the past tense, as though they were already accomplished. *Hope is never inferior to faith but is an extension of faith. Faith is the present possession of grace; hope is confidence in grace’s future accomplishment.*” (KJV Spirit Filled Life Bible, Word Wealth, page 1791) (emphasis mine) (*meditate on these words)

Do you believe that?

Biblical Hope Offers Peaceful Existence

How?

Consider this: Hope (is a confident assurance) Offering (a) Peaceful(internal) Endurance until the return of Jesus Christ.

Do you believe that?

Linking our definitions together, and looking into the Word of God, we find God’s promises are buoyed with hope.

These hope filled verses allow us to focus on the Word of God that undergirds our mindset so that we can have a right ‘frame of mind’.

(for comments about a right ‘frame of mind’, see the previous post and Cortan Carter’s analysis of Edward Mote’s hymn)

Strong’s Concordance, nous – pronounced ‘nooce’; probably from the base #G1097; the intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning-mind, understanding.

Romans 12:1,2 Amplified Version instructs us regarding our ‘mind’(#G1097).

“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy, well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And to not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” (emphasis mine)

So how do we believers Keep A Right ‘frame of mind’ ?

We read the Word of God.

We meditate on the Word of God.

We memorize the Word of God.

We obey the Word of God.

(The following passages of scripture are from the Amplified Version.)

“Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again [that is to be reborn from above–spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,[Matthew 28:1-9; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:6; John 20:1-18] (1 Peter 1:3) (emphasis mine)

“But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy–acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance[elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect. [Isaiah 8:12,13] (emphasis mine)

Did you notice that there is a confident assurance attached to hope?

The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews explains to us the connection.

“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality-faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]…”But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and ] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.”(Hebrews 11:1,6) (emphasis mine)

“We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as we pray always for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [how you lean on Him with absolute confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness], and of the [unselfish] love which you have for all the saints (God’s people); because of the [confident] hope [of experiencing] that which is reserved and waiting for you in heaven. You previously heard of this hope in the message of truth, the Gospel [regarding salvation] which has come to you indeed.” (Colossians 1:3-6a) (emphasis mine) {notice the three words-faith, hope, love}

“For it pleased the Father for all the fullness [of deity–the sum total of His essence, all His perfection, powers, and attributes] to dwell [permanently] in Him (the Son), and through [the intervention of] in Him (the Son), and through the blood of His cross; through Him, [I say]. whether things on earth or things in heaven. And although you were at one time estranged and alienated and hostile-minded [toward Him], participating in evil things, yet Christ has now reconciled you [to God] in His physical body through death, or order to present you before the Father holy and blameless and beyond reproach–[and He will] do this] if you continue in the faith, well grounded and steadfast, and not shifting away from the [confident] hope [that is a result] of the Gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven and of which [Gospel] I, Paul, was made a minister.” (Colossians 1:19-23) (emphasis mine)

God [in His eternal plan] chose to made known to them how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in and among you, the hope and guarantee of [realizing the] glory.” (Colossians 1:27) (emphasis mine)

“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises…Again Isaiah says, “There shall be a root of Jesse, He who arises to rule [as King] over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles hope,” [Isaiah 11:1; Revelation 5:5; 22:16] “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peach in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” (Romans 15:4,12-13) (emphasis mine)

Do you believe this?

Q: What is settled in Paul’s confidence?

A: The ‘knowing’ his Savior Jesus Christ, and the surety of the Gospel?

Paul writes to the Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Paul’s security, identity, and belonging is identified in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

Therefore, in Christ, he is “a new creation in Christ Jesus” and the Lord Jesus Christ, lives in him.

Paul is fully persuaded of his living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, he seeks to live by faith in His Lord; knowing that no matter what he must endure as a believer here on earth; his mindset is fixed on the sure hope that anchor’s his soul; knowing he will spend eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ. (emphasis mine)

The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews (who I personally believe is Paul) encourages believers with these words.

“But, beloved, even though we speak to you in this way (context is Hebrew 6:1-8), we are convinced of better things that accompany salvation. For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have for for His name in ministering to [the needs of] the saints (God’s people), as you do. And we desire for each one of you to show the same diligence [all the way through] so as to realize and enjoy the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be [spiritually] sluggish, but [will instead be] imitators of those who through faith [lean on God with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in the power] and by patient endurance [even when suffering] are now inheriting the promises. For when God made the promise to Abraham, He swore an oath [an oath] by Himself, since He had no one greater by whom to swear, saying, “I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply you.” [Genesis 22:16,17] And so, having patiently waited , he realized the promise [in the miraculous birth of Isaac, as a pledge of what was to come from God]. Indeed men swear [an oath] by one greater than themselves, and with them [in all disputes] the oath serves as confirmation [of what has been said] and is an end of the dispute. In the same way God, in His desire to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable nature of His purpose, intervened and guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled [to Him} for refuge would have strong encouragement and indwelling strength to hold tightly to the hope set before us. This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]–a safe and steadfast hope that enter within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells] , [Leviticus 16:2] where Jesus has entered [in advance] as a forerunner for us, having become a High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. [Psalms 110:4] (emphasis mine)

Now comes the ‘mindset’ challenge.

We unite the meanings of our highlighted words; and their intersection becomes the essence of our walk with the Lord, that will keep us in a right ‘frame of mind’. (emphasis mine)

Do you believe that?

Those words faith; hope–confident assurance, a safe and steadfast hope, love

Do you believe these words have been given to us by the grace, mercy, and love of God the Father; promised to us through the Lord Jesus Christ; and emboldened in us by the Holy Spirit; enabling us to live each day of our live?

Let me share some new acronyms.

F.A.I.T.H.: Faith Assured Is True Hope

Hebrew 11:1,2,6 “Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed) and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality-faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. For by this kind of faith the men of old gained [divine] approval…But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever [comes] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek HIm.:

H.O.P.E. : Hope : Hope Observed Purifies Everyone

I John 3:2-3, “Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children ] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory]. And everyone who has this hope [confidently placed] in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (holy, undefiled, guiltless).” (emphasis mine)

I encourage you to re-read these verses and see the intersection of thought between faith and hope, working in us as we walk with the Lord and are made ready for His appearing.

Biblical Hope does not rest in a politician.

It does not rest in the strength of nations.

It solely rests in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

You can be absolutely certain that the Lord Jesus Christ will return to this earth in all His glory.

That is a certainty.

It is interesting to see in the Word of God, the mindset of the Jewish leaders, as well as, the mindset of Jesus’ disciples.

The Jewish leaders and Christ’s disciples both put their hope in a Messiah that would come and set up a kingdom.

They had political expectations.

Luke, the author of Acts identifies this very thought that was embedded in the mindset of Jesus’ disciples.

Luke writes, Acts 1:1-11 (Amplified Version)

“The first account I made, Theophilus, was [a continuous report] about all the things that Jesus began to do and teach [Luke 1:1-4] until the day when He ascended to heaven, and after He had by the Holy Spirit given instruction to the apostles (special messengers) whom He had chosen. To these [men] He showed Himself alive after His suffering [in Gethsemane and on the cross], by [series of] many infallible proofs and unquestionable demonstrations, appearing to them over a period of forty days and talking to them about the things concerning the kingdom of God. While being together and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised “Of which,” He said, you have heard Me speak. [John 14:16; 15:26] For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized and empowered and united with the Holy Spirit, not long from now.” So when they had come together, they asked Him repeatedly, “Lord, are You at this time reestablishing the kingdom and restoring it to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.” “

It is not hard to understand why they asked Him repeatedly about the reestablishment of the Kingdom.

Jesus had been talking to them about the things of the kingdom of God over the course of 40 days .

As I see it, they were mentally fixed upon an earthly kingdom like the Jewish nation; and like its religious leaders had had for centuries before the coming of Christ Jesus to the earth.

Jesus was not talking about a literal Jewish nation being reestablished at that time; He was talking about the heavenly Kingdom of God being established within them; and I assume of its coming at the end of the Age. (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)

The Kingdom of God within them was not new to their hearing; they never properly understood it. (Romans 14:17)

Jesus, when standing before Pilate, was asked by him, if He were a King?

Jesus replied that His Kingdom was not of this world. (John 18:28-40)

Do you believe that?

What began at Pentecost continues to this day!

And it will continue until Jesus Christ’s Second coming!

Jesus said so.

Do you believe that?

The writer to the Hebrew community encouraged them with these words.

“Therefore (Context, see Hebrews 10:1-18), believers, since we have this confidence and full freedom to enter the Holy Place [the place where God dwells] by [means of] the blood of the Jesus, by this new and living way which He initiated and opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is, through His flesh, and since we have a great and wonderful Priest [Who rules] over the house of God, let us approach [God] with a true and sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful to His word; and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching. (Amplified Version) (emphasis mine)

Do you believe that?

Our closing thought.

Q: Did you see the progression of faith, hope and love in the previous passage?

Q: Did you see the explanations of these words in the passage? a) verse 22, ‘unqualified assurance’-faith; b) verse 23,’confession’ of our hope; verse 25, encourage one another as the return of Christ draws near; c) verse 24, encourage one another to love-and to do good deeds.

All of this happens in Christ, in the relational community of believers-the Body of Christ.

I Corinthians 13:13 “And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces] but the greatest of theses is love. (Amplified Version)

Do you believe this?

As we walk with our Lord Jesus Christ, being an ‘ex-Algebra teacher’, I propose the following Biblical algebraic equation.

F.A.I.T.H. + H.O.P.E = *GOD’S LOVE

Romans 5:1-5 Amplified Version reads,

“Therefore, since we have been justified[that is acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ[the Messiah, the Anointed). Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying]the glory of [of great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]. And not only this, but (with joy) let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character(spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance[of eternal salvation]. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because (*) God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Q: When did that begin?

The Day of Pentecost.

It is still happening.

Q: Did you notice that ‘God, the Father’; ‘Jesus Christ, the Son’; and the ‘Holy Spirit’ are all involved in our spiritual growth?

Q: Did you notice that our three words, [faith, hope, love] are embedded in this passage?

I submit to you again that F.A.I.T.H + H.O.P.E = the manifestation of *GOD’S LOVE in your life.

Let me say it this way.

The gift of God’s saving faith + the hope of the Gospel in Christ Jesus = the manifestation of the love of God in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

Can you envision living this equation as the foundation of your right ‘frame of mind’?

This is the essence of the lifestyle of the Body of Christ.

This is the maturity that we, as believers in Jesus Christ, are to grow up into, and become learning to walk as Jesus walked.

Ask the Lord to make these truths real in your experience as you follow Him.

“So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but not to our flesh [our human nature, our worldliness, our sinful capacity], to live according to the [impulses of the flesh], you are going to die. But if [you are living] by the [power of the Holy] Spirit you are habitually putting to death the sinful deeds of the body, you will [really] live forever. For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit of producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba Father!” The Spirit testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God.” (Romans 8:12-16 Amplified Version) (emphasis mine)

May the Lord richly bless you,

a brother in Christ, deo

Biblical HOPE, Looking Unto Jesus, Part 2

In the previous post, the topic was Biblical Hope Opposes Political Expectation, Do You Believe That?

That question is still a valid question today and each day of our lives as believers in Jesus Christ.

The Word of God explicitly renounces putting our hope and trust in anything, or anyone apart from the Living God as followers of Jesus Christ.

The main issue throughout the Old Testament, regarding the nation of Israel, was that they were putting their trust for their safety and security in other nations, instead of the Lord their God; the God of their fathers, Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.

Such was their abandonment of following their God, that He had to punish them according to His covenant with His people.

God’s punishment of His people is always balanced with His grace and mercy to restore His people if they will confess their sin, and return to Him.

This is the essence of the cross where the intersection of God’s judgement against sin and His grace and mercy to provide life took place where Jesus, the Lamb of God was crucified for the sin of the world.

The nation of Israel’s God is a jealous God.

He loves His people with His whole heart; but the problem is that His people did not love Him with their whole heart.

They had a divided heart.

Q: Does your expectation from politics create a divided heart in you for God? (See the post Biblical HOPE OPPOSES POLITICAL EXPECTATIONS, Do You Believe That?)

If it does, then you must go before the Lord, confess your sin, and ask Him to give you an undivided heart for Him.

When you study Israel’s exodus from Egypt; their journey in the wilderness; and their refusal to enter the land; the heart of the nation’s people is clearly exposed.

The nation of Israel’s heart was focused on Egypt.

They never surrendered their heart fully to God.

They struggled with coming out from under the ‘government’ of Egypt and submitting to the ‘government’ of God.

This is exactly the same struggle that took place in the early Church after the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.

The beginning Church was filled with Jews. They struggled with the new ‘government’ that was instituted by the coming of the Holy Spirit; they were resistant to set aside completely the Law of Moses; they did not want to abandon the traditions of the Jewish nation; they sought to keep their preconceived ideas about the temple worship; and they did not let go of their political expectations of God’s Kingdom on earth.

These are some of the same struggles that new believers face in our day too; especially learning about the ‘government’ of God.

The old has passed away; behold all things have become new.

Jesus unequivocally had said that all authority was given unto Him.

So, who is in charge?

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Body of Christ.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the King of the Kingdom.

The Holy Spirit is C.E.O. of the Body of Christ.

This means that the Holy Spirit is the Chief Executive Officer of the Church.

The Holy Spirit ‘governs’ the Church as the Head of the Church directs.

There is a new King governing all the affairs of the world.

His name is Jesus.

Jesus has instituted true Biblical Hope.

True Biblical Hope Offers People Eternity.

True Biblical Hope comes because of the ‘finished work’ of Christ on the cross.

The foundation of true Biblical Hope is clearly enunciated in the words of a well known hymn.

The hymn, ‘My Hope is Built on Nothing Less’ was written by Edward Mote around 1834.

This hymn is understood to be based on the parable that Jesus told in Matthew 7:24-29.

The context of this parable is found at the end of what is known as ‘The Sermon on the Mount”, Matthew 5-7.

Jesus’ parable posed this question in the ears of the ‘hearers’ of His teaching.

Q: Is it wiser to build your house on a foundation of rock or on a foundation of sand?

Q: What is the obvious answer?

A: build on rock, not sand.

This parable concluded the teaching that Jesus had shared with a large crowd on a mount.

The chorus of this well known hymn, says, “On Christ, the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand. ” (emphasis mine)

According to AI overview, “God is explicitly compared to a rock (or rocks) approximately 23 times in the King James Version of the Bible. These comparisons are primarily used to convey God’s strength, stability, and unwavering character, emphasizing His role as a refuge and a source of protection.” (emphasis mine)

In the Psalms, the Lord is referred to as a Rock. (emphasis mine)

See the following: Psalms 18:2; 18:31; 18:46; 27:5; 28:1; 31:2; 31:3; 40:2; 42:9; 61:2; 62:2; 62:6; 62:7; 78:16; 78:20; 78:35; 81:6; 89:26; 92:15; 94:22; 95:1; 105:41.

It is not stretching the truth to categorically say that the Word of God is a solid rock of our foundation as believers in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is our cornerstone. (Psalm 118;2; Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20)

The effect of Jesus’ teaching elicited this response from His ‘hearers’.

“When Jesus finished [speaking] these words [on the mountain] the crowds were astonished and overwhelmed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one who had authority [to teach entirely of His own volition], and not as their scribes [who relied on others to confirm their authority]. (Matthew 7: 28-29 Amplified Version)

In the text of the hymn, Edward Mote theologically penned the correct Biblical understanding of Hope, as expressed in the Word of God, centered in Christ Jesus.

The first stanza reads, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

These words are the message of the Gospel.

These words are the foundation of being born again.

These words are the rock upon which we build and live our life following Christ Jesus. (emphasis mine)

The aforementioned stanza is our sure foundation, our cornerstone.

This stanza is a vivid picture of the cross.

This stanza gives us a clear explanation of John 3:16.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life.”

The remainder of the hymn is a continuation of theological excellence.

l recommend that you read the entire hymn.

Examining the commentaries, there are differences of opinions as to what the wording ‘the sweetest frame’ refers too.

I would like to offer the following thought.

Because, Biblical Hope Opposes Political Expectation, and the Word of God clearly tells us not to put our hope and trust in mankind; the words ‘sweetest frame could easily refer to humanity, i.e., any human being.

As one person wrote, “the sweetest frame’ means the best person you could ever find. I dare not trust that person (no matter how dependable, clever, strong they are) but wholly lean on Jesus’ name (because He is the One who is truly faithful, good, perfect and He became my sin bearer at the cross.)”

I agree with this observation.

I recommend that you read Corton Carter’s analysis of Edward Mote’s hymn.

It is found at kings-table.com. It is entitled “I Dare Not Trust the Sweetest Frame”; dated February 5, 2016.

His analysis presents this personal conclusion.

I quote, “We are all familiar with this idiom. When we are off a bit, we are not in our right “frame of mind”. “

“This use of ‘frame’, Corton says, is referring to our joy and affections for Christ, how our souls are rejoicing in Christ.”

(Personal note, I am not sure I am comfortable with his thought, however-)

Quoting Carter, he continues, “We must heed the warning of Paul to “take heed, lest we fall”. God given maturity is mature and should be enjoyed. But the moment we lose sight of the gospel as the source of both our justification and our sanctification, we are close to denying the Gospel.”

He continues, “I think this is what the author (Mote) is getting at. We are not even to trust our sweetest period of life in Christ. How easily it is for a believer to think of himself, more highly than he ought to think, and not to think soberly.” (insert mine)

I think what Carter is talking about is how easily we can exalt ourselves, and take credit for our spiritual position in Christ.

Does not the enemy of our souls seek to take our eyes off Jesus, to focus upon ourselves, and to have us revel in ‘look at me’ and ‘what I have done’?

Absolutely.

Deuteronomy 8 teaches this very principle and shows the subtle progression of changing the center of our attention from God and re-centering it upon ourselves as the one who achieved our greatness.

( I recommend that you read Deuteronomy 8.)

At the end of Carter’s article, there are comments from individuals.

One individual, named David, said this “the sweetest frame…(frame = human body)

I concur with David’s thought.

Why?

Our focus needs to be centered upon Jesus Christ, no one else, not even ourselves, so that we maintain the “right frame of mind”.

I propose that Mote’s hymn, Carter’s article, and David’s thought intersect with my previous post.

How?

Biblical Hope Opposes Political Expectation; because political expectations rests in an elected official exercising his/her authority.

Biblical Hope is not centered in humanity; but in Christ Jesus.

Jesus Christ is the focus of our Biblical Hope.

Jesus Christ is the Word of God.

The Word of God defines Biblical Hope.

Q: What is the hope of the Gospel?

A. Biblical Hope Offers Personal Expectation of the fulfillment of the Gospel to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their personal savior.

Please read the following: Titus 1:1-3; Titus 2:8-14; Titus 3:4-8

Titus 2:12-13 is the most direct understanding of what Blessed Hope is for a believer in Jesus Christ.

Quoting Titus 2:11-15, The Tree of Life Version,

“For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all men, training us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live in a manner that is self-controlled and righteous and godly in the present age (now). We wait for the blessed hope and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior, Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). He gave Himself for us so that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and so that He might purify for Himself a chosen people, zealous for good deeds. So communicate these things, and encourage and correct with complete authority. Let no one look down on you.” (Inserts mine) (emphasis mine)

Reminding ourselves of another chorus, we need to ‘turn our eyes upon Jesus and look into His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Please read Hebrews 12:1-3.

Waiting for the return of Christ, our blessed hope of the Gospel,

Our Blessed Hope also reminds us that we need to keep the “right frame of mind”.

Come Lord Jesus.

Your brother in Christ, deo

Biblical HOPE Opposes Political Expectations: Do You Believe That? Part 1

We live in a nation, a world, a culture that is governed by sensationalism not substance.

It purports that what is shared is substance; but in truth it is mostly folly.

Strong words, but verifiable when rationally observed.

The Lord has shown me that I cannot teach or share what I do not personally possess.

This has become glaringly apparent in the composition of this post.

Allow me to explain.

When I read headlines, react accordingly to its hype, its hysteria, and do not let the dust settle, and ‘jump’ to a conclusion, I can easily be caught up in what is said to be true and factual, but in essence is not.

How do I know that this is true?

Many times, I have reacted to an immediate headline, interpreted its words, not taking the time to read the accompanying story, and not waiting a day or two, to let the verbal ‘strife’around the story’s content settle.

If I had just waited, and held steady; I would have understood more clearly what may or what may not have truly happened.

I have assumed; and my assumptions have been wrong.

This has been my growing experience over the past decade.

Why?

Because, growing up, I have been an impatient reader.

I have been undisciplined and read hurriedly to get the ‘gist’, but not the substance; and therefore, assuming that I ‘know’, I have had to learn to read slower, stop, and process the essence of the words that I am reading.

This not only applies to headline news but is especially true when reading the Word of God.

I have had to learn to consciously slow down.

Thank you for hearing me out.

Moving on!

The unfortunate reality is that sensational headlines have progressed in their calculated innuendos suggesting an atmosphere of despair, perceived future, discouragement, and/or foreseeable worry.

Many times, there is an obvious element of truth in a headline, but its reality is exaggerated to get the reader’s attention; and then reading the article, having patiently waded through its words, you come to end of the story, only to find out that the reality of the moment is less than the substance of the headline.

Question: What if people only read headlines? only read the first few paragraphs? or did not read the whole article?

Is it possible to be misinformed?

Absolutely.

Is it possible that what the reader thinks is the truth, is in fact, not the complete truth, or an exaggerated truth?

Yes, that can be true.

How do I know?

It has been my personal experience.

We live in a world, governed by words that use such phrases as ‘what if’, ‘may be’, ‘could be’, ‘might be’, or even ‘let me tell you what this really means’.

I believe that we, as a nation, are a nation of P.O.W.s.

What does that mean?

We have become ‘Prisoners Of Words’.

I have observed how this nation has been systematically ‘manipulated’, ‘incarcerated’, and ‘governed’ mentally by those seeking to establish a specific agenda.

The power of this type of verbal reasoning can create an atmosphere of instability in our thinking; a questioning of our intelligence; an undermining of our culture; and an uncertainty for our future as a nation.

Many other nations of the world have their own histories that include what historians call ‘propaganda’ that has restructured their political future.

Has this nation been subjected to a political ‘rhetoric’ that wants to restructure our political future?

I submit that it has; and that this nation has experienced that profoundly in the past decade.

However, the effect of the onslaught of the ‘use of negative wording’ is now being revealed, is more clearly recognized, is being uncovered, disclosed, questioned and challenged.

What has brought about a shift from darkness to light?

God is exposing ‘untruths’.

God is bringing to light what we have been told was ‘truth’, when in reality that which was shrouded in darkness is now being revealed as a manipulation of the ‘truth’ that was being used to persuade us to believe a lie.

Again, strong words, but God is doing this in our nation.

God is not a god of political manipulation.

What we are witnessing is the intervention of the Sovereignty of God, the uncovering of the lies and deceptions that have been ‘spewed out’ upon this nation.

Luke 12:2,3, Amplified Version, speaks of this work of God, His Father.

Jesus said to His followers, “But there is nothing [so carefully] concealed that it will not be revealed, nor hidden that it will not be made known. [Matthew 10:26-33, Mark 4:22] For that reason, whatever you have said in the dark will be revealed in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.”

{If you are interested, please see the post, The A.A.R.O.W. OF GOD, posted 2024/06/26}

Consider this testimony of Joseph, who was ‘incarcerated’ for many years because of ‘words’ that he had shared with his family.

God had given Joseph dreams and he shared those dreams with his family.

The origin of his dreams was God.

The ‘words’ of his dream were ‘truth’.

But his ‘words’ perpetrated actions against him because his brothers resented what he had shared with the family.

If you are familiar with the complete story of Joseph, then you know that after their father, Jacob died, an incident occurred between Joseph’s brothers and Joseph. It seems that his brothers were afraid of retribution from Joseph, so they had a message ‘told’ to Joseph that their father wanted Joseph to forgive his brothers. Whether this is true or not it is not known for sure; but Joseph showed maturity and integrity. (See Genesis 50:7-21)

“But Joseph said to them (his brothers), Do not be afraid, for I (Joseph) am in the place of God? [Vengeance is His, not mine.] As for you (his brothers), you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome (the fulfillment of what God had showed him) that many people would be kept alive [as they are this day]. ” Genesis 50:19,20 Amplified Version, (inserts in ( ) are mine)

Why am I sharing this incident from the life of Joseph?

To show the overriding principle of the Sovereignty and Providence of God in a person’s life and/or even a nation’s ‘life’.

There are forces of opposition that desire to malign and disrupt what God has purposed; but our God uses those times of opposition for our good. (Romans 8:28)

Who is the opposition? (See John 10)

In the ‘wording’ of the headlines, the ‘rhetoric’ used is to awaken doubts; to present possible peril; to question authority; to advocate deceptions; to speak half-truths; to make false accusations; to bring someone into ‘harms’* way; and to prepare the way to present untruths. (* i.e. Joseph)

Why?

So that a ‘false idea’ against an individual person; against a governing policy; or against a specific political party’s position may be ‘planted’ in the soil of the mindset of this nation.

This ‘false idea’ then becomes the central topic that is in opposition to the ‘opinion’ or ‘belief’ that is going to be articulated in next syndicated column; the major ‘go to’ topic on the evening news; or the ‘spin cycle topic ‘ on the political talk shows.

This is not new journalism.

Deception and false accusations in journalism are historically factual.

{If you Google the topic of journalism, you will find a plethora of information regarding historical journalism.}

In the past ten years this nation has experienced an implosion of false journalism.

This has been a natural result of our ability to disseminate information more easily and repetitively through technology.

As a nation we have been exposed to ‘verbal supposition’ and ‘false accusations’ relentlessly for the past decade.

This didn’t begin ten years ago; but it has certainly accelerated in the past decade.

Therefore,

I ask you, what type of reaction do you personally experience when you focus on the sensational headlines that you are exposed to daily?

How do you respond to those who are seeking to gain your attention?

To those who want your readership?

To those who want to control your thought process?

To those who seek to excite your emotions?

Does this type of rhetoric disturb you?

Do their words bring peace?

Or do their words bring angst, anxiety, anguish, or a an promote arrogance that results in chaos, confusion, corruption, and/or consternation that manifests itself in a rebellious unloving attitude within you that brings anger; or that may even promote a spirit of lawlessness?

Strong words.

But it has been my observation that what is being observed and heard in our nation is the result of the ‘seeds’ of ‘negative rhetoric’ that have been planted, faithfully watered through daily repetition, and is now bearing ‘fruit’.

Q: But what kind of fruit?

{Jesus told a parable in Matthew 13:36-43, in which He identifies Satan as the sower of ‘bad seeds’.}

The ‘fruit’ of the ‘negative seeds’ are ‘weeds’ that have blossomed and are now being seen as they really are, false information.

Since the last election, the soil of our nation is being plowed; the old crops are being removed; and new ‘seeds’ are being planted.

This has brought delight to some; and consternation to others.

Some say, the new ‘seeds’ will yield a ‘positive crop’; others contend that the new ‘seeds’ will yield a ‘negative crop’.

Such is the ‘divided opinion’ of our nation.

The scripture says that you will “know a tree by its fruit” (Matthew 7:15-20)

Q: Why does Biblical Hope Oppose Political Expectation?

A. Because Biblical Hope opposes the work of Satan, God’s adversary, our enemy.

So,

Q: Where does the influence, the ‘seeds of negativity’ originate?

A: The answer is found succinctly in James 3:13-18.

Our issue is greater than most people may understand.

The difference between ‘above’ and ‘below’ as described in James is the result of what took place in eternity before the creation of the world.

Q: What happened?

In eternity past, before the creation of the world, in the presence of God, Lucifer(Satan) determined (decided to personally choose) he wanted to be greater than God. (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:15-17) (inserts mine)

That was the beginning of the conflict over authority.

Q: So, who is in authority in the universe?

A: God, Himself, the One True God.

Since Lucifer’s(Satan) declaration choosing to be greater than God and refusing to maintain his position of submission to God, his decision unleashed the continual struggle of wrestling with the claim of who is in charge?

Lucifer came out from under God’s authority, and said ‘I will ‘ be the authority over God Himself.

The Word of God is very explicit regarding the relationship between those ‘in’ authority and those ‘under’ authority.

Why?

Because it mirrors the willful transgression between God and Lucifer.

Fact: God never abuses His authority.

It is impossible.

However, those under His authority can choose to rebel, to sin, and misuse their position of ‘governance’ by abusing their use of authority.

The love, grace, and mercy of God brought to an end to the abuse of authority by the Person of Jesus Christ, who perfectly obeyed His Father, perfectly kept the Law, and never sinned. (Romans 5)

It was Jesus’ death on the cross that conquered Satan’s willful desire to subterfuge God’s authority.

Jesus did what Adam failed to do.

Adam came out from under God’s authority, when he disobeyed God, and became an authority unto himself. (Romans 5)

Jesus, did not come out from under His Father authority. He did not disobey His Father. Jesus did not become an authority unto Himself. (Matthew 4:1-11; Phiippians 2:5-11; Romans 5)

Jesus’ death on the cross, His burial, and His resurrection validates His victory over death; and His complete victory over Satan’s rebellion against God’s authority. (I Corinthians 15:55-58; Hebrew 2:14-15; 1 John 5:4, 19; Colossians 2:15)

Jesus’ death on the cross was much more than that because Jesus is the ‘Lamb of God’ who took away the sin of the world.(John 1:29)

All praise be to God, the One and Only, True God.

It is interesting that as I am sharing about the negative effects of headline news; the following headline was posted on CBN, the Christian Broadcast Network on 5/5/2025.

CBN was reporting the results of the Kentucky Derby held on 5/4/2025.

The horse that won the race was named, ‘Sovereignty’; the horse that finished second was named ‘Journalism’.

The headline read as follows: ” ‘Sovereignty’ Greater Than ‘Journalism’ at Kentucky Downs: ‘A Heavenly Sent Headline?’ “

Whether or not it was a heavenly sent headline, it certainly speaks truth.

God’s ‘Sovereignty’ is greater than ‘Journalism’ headline news.

Q: Do you believe that?

The title of this post says Biblical HOPE Opposes Political Expectation.

Do you believe that?

It’s the headline news for this post!

Q: In ‘what’ are people putting their hope when they express themselves?

Q: What are individuals ‘looking for’ to be the ‘effect’ of their ‘hostile written words’ and/or their ‘demonstrations’, where they stand, shout, and clamor for their truth to be heard?

These reactions, engendered by humanity, are not unfamiliar to the history of mankind.

History is replete with individuals who have used a ‘writing instrument’ to communicate the ‘truth’ of their personal story, sharing it on a public platform.

There is nothing wrong with that.

Humanity, throughout history, has gathered itself together, for the express purpose to make a noticeable demonstration; drawing attention their grievances; making them ‘known’ by rising up against an oppression they envision oppressing their lives.

This is human nature reacting to their vicissitudes experienced in everyday life.

These reactions are an individual’s way of ‘explaining’ the futility of what they are experiencing; the injustices of they perceive to be true; the utter despair of their moment; and/or their apparent loss of hope.

I am not saying these experiences are not real.

Proverbs 13:12 tells us “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when desire is fulfilled, it is the tree of life.” (Amplified Version) (emphasis mine)

For many people, loss of hope is desperately real.

It is even fearful.

That does not make them wrong, but….

Q: Can a person or a populace be so overwhelmed with a loss of hope that they succumb to being ‘governed’; ‘taken advantage of’ by a person; a mindset; or an authority that presents a solution to their ‘hopelessness’?

The answer to this is YES!

It absolutely can happen; and it has.

History is full of individuals who have risen up to relieve the anxieties of ‘hopelessness’ for a people group, or for a whole nation.

Q: What names come to mind?

Some individuals have overtly taken power over a period of time; some have taken power by revolt; some have rallied people to align with them and overthrow those in power who are the oppressors.

This is validated throughout the annuals of the history of mankind.

We do not have to look back into historical antiquity for such examples; we can begin at 1900 and think forward.

Q: What have you witnessed in your own lifetime?

Such has been the bravado of this nation’s political agenda especially during the past decade.

Why?

Our headline news has centered upon one man.

That, one man, Donald Trump, came onto the political scene; his presence has caused disruption in our nation; our political process; our political posturing; and our political rhetoric.

What began as a political ‘crevice’ in 2015, has grown into a political ‘chasm’ in 2025.

In January of 2017, after Mr. Trump’s election to be President in 2016, I saw on a television news program a young lady holding a cardboard sign.

On her placard were two words-“be ungoverned”.

That sign disturbed me.

Does it disturb you?

Those two words gave me impetus to write.

It has resulted in composing posts about the concerns I have for our nation; and specifically to encourage the Church regarding their relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ in times of unrest.

This was fueled by the two words, “be ungoverned”.

The young lady’s two words are emblematic of declaring, ‘I will not be governed by President Trump’..

Q: Has the nation benefited from the ‘political expectations’ of those who are opposed to Donald Trump?

Q: Will this nation benefit from the ‘political expectations’ proposed by President Trump?

The answer to those questions is at the heart for the soul of our nation.

The position of ‘political expectations’ and their derived benefits has exponentially grown in our nation in the past decade.

Many people are saying all is hopeless?

Others contend there is hope.

It depends upon what you are focused.

I contend that Biblical HOPE Opposes Political Expectations.

Do you believe that?

Our nation, our populace, our political governance, in the eyes of many people is fractured beyond repair.

There is no doubt that one man’s presence on the political scene has resulted in the unleashing of vile rhetoric that has permeated this nation’s media; this nation’s opinion; this nation’s conscience; and this nation’s thought process.

All of this has resulted in galvanizing our nation into at least two political pockets of voters; one, characterized as ‘never Trumpers’ and the other as ‘MAGA Republicans’.

We know these two groups exist.

They are often referred to in our nation’s news.

However, there are many other individuals that do not identify with either group.

They are neither ‘anti-Trump’ nor are they ‘MAGA’ Republicans.

I will let you define yourself.

The populace of this nation lies between these following two extremes, a) those labeled ‘far left liberals’ and b) those labeled ‘far right conservatives’.

The ‘in-between-ers’ (my word) are the ones most affected by the daily political headlines and the strong political voices that espouse both ends of the political spectrum.

Q: What is your personal position?

Q: In ‘what’ do you hope?

Q: In ‘whom’ do you hope?

Q: On ‘what’ do you focus?

Q: On ‘whom’ do you focus?

Political analysts are constantly taking polls; searching out the political pulse of our nation; seeking for a meaningful understanding; trying to gauge the political heartbeat of our nation, providing us with information that may comfort us as a nation; or, as it is possible with any information, supplying us with information that may not comfort us at all.

The realization is that when real truth is provided, it comforts some, and disturbs others.

Some will be delighted ; others will be in despair.

I am guilty of finding fault with those in this nation that have authority over me.

I am guilty of verbally criticizing a President of the United States when his conduct was initially revealed in the headlines, and then conscientiously reported repeatedly to the people of this nation with headlines confirming or denying his conduct.

I can not longer do that.

Why?

Because, the Lord chastised me regarding my behavior.

I was not bashful about verbalizing the inappropriate conduct of President Clinton regarding his personal life in the White House.

The Lord was not pleased with me, nor my words.

I was not walking upright before the Lord in godliness and integrity.

My words, right or wrong regarding President Clinton, in the ‘eyes’ of the Lord , were ‘couched ‘ in a perceived righteous criticism.

This does not mean that, with respect to those in authority over me, I must approve of their behavior; be in agreement with their governing policies; or tolerant of their chosen lifestyle.

I have had to hold my ‘tongue’ about subsequent Presidents after President Clinton.

This means I need to set a guard over my mouth. (Psalms 141:3)

God’s Word instructs us in I Timothy 2:1-4 (Amplified Version), “FIRST OF all, then, I urge that petition [specific requests], prayers, intercessions [prayers for others] and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.” (emphasis mine)

Re-read this verse and ask yourself, what is the result of obediently praying such prayers?

Q: What is God’s desire to happen when this prayer is obediently followed?

Q: Are we living, in a nation, where there is a peaceful and quiet lifestyle in all godliness and dignity?

Could you believe that an individual who obediently prays for those in authority can personally experience “peace and quiet in all godliness and dignity” in their own life?

I believe that is possible.

The Lord made me understand, ‘stop bad mouthing’ the President.

Q: Do you ‘bad mouth’ the President?

Q: Do you ‘bad mouth’ anyone in authority over you?

( I recommend that you read Acts 22:30-23:5. Why? To read about an incident in the life of the Apostle Paul.)

Q: How do you speak about others that have authority over you and are not elected officials?

I have learned that this not only applies in public; but also applies how I talk about those ‘in authority’ over me in private.

Q: What is the conversation like around the office ‘water cooler’?

And yes, I have been disobedient in the private sector and have needed to ask for forgiveness.

It occurs to me that someone that is strongly opposed to President Trump, may have not read this far in the post and may have interrupted their reading at an earlier place.

Let me hypothesize,

They have chosen ‘to grasp’ an earlier comment I made about those who seize control over a nation, politicize their agenda, take action by taking over, and wrongfully exercise their authority.

In essence they would say: ‘this is exactly what I have been telling you all along about Trump’; ‘wake up’; ‘take off your blinders’; ‘get your head out of the sand’; agree with me and all the others who see Trump as the very type of leader you have just described.

Yes, that may happen; but I can’t go there.

Why?

I cannot jump onto a verbal bandwagon lambasting President Trump.

That is the very thing the Lord corrected me about regarding President Clinton.

The entirety of the Word of God is very explicit about the relationship between those ‘in authority’ and those ‘under authority’.

Our world is floundering for truth.

Do you remember Pilate’s question to Jesus? “What is truth?”

However, like Pilate, who represented the ‘governing world’, refused to turn to the One who is the Truth.

When the moment for decision came, he ‘washed his hands of the whole issue’. (Matthew 27:24)

In Jesus’ dialogue with Pilate, He told him, that positionally, you “would have no authority over Me at all if it had not been to you from above.” (John 19:11, Amplified Version; see also Romans 13:1-5)

Truth is a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6)

Our nation is fighting verbally over what is ‘truth’ regarding the governance of our nation by those in authority over us.

In doing so, they are at odds with the Word of God, and the Sovereignty of God.

That is foolishness.

Christians are divided as to how to respond to the injustices that they perceive need to be addressed in our nation.

Please understand I am not ignoring the injustices in our nation.

I am reflecting upon setting one’s hope on the political process to remedy all the injustices in our nation..

I am not enumerating those needs in this post.

But…

Christians have taken sides on how to ‘attack’ the governance of our nation.

Q: When you attack ‘governance’, are you unwittingly attacking ‘authority’?

We must be extremely wise in how we handle the injustices in our nation; that is why we must pray for those in authority over us.

*If there is division in the Christian community, then what is the source of that division?

Upon whom do the Christians need to focus to find the wisdom needed when seeking to bring hope to individuals who are suffering from hopelessness?

*Unfortunately, the Christian community has centered its attention upon the wrong person.

It is fighting over the truthfulness of those in authority over us in government, our elected officials; and not focusing on the One who is Truth, to Whom all authority has been given.

*It is fighting over the authority of God’s Word governing our lives as believers.

This ‘infighting’ is affecting the witness of the Truth of God’s Word in our nation and throughout the world.

The’ truth’ is that you cannot separate God’s Word into two different political ideologies.

One that you approve; or one that you oppose.

Why?

The Person of Jesus Christ is not divided into two political parties.

You cannot say I approve this passage of scripture; or say I oppose this passage of scripture.

God’s Word is absolute truth.

This reminds me of Joshua’s encounter with an individual, as he was pondering how to proceed regarding the city of Jericho.

Joshua sees an individual in his presence with his sword in his hand.

Joshua asks, are you for us or against us?

The person answers, ‘neither, I am in charge!’ (paraphrase of Pastor Robert Goree) {Joshua 5:13-15}

Jesus is the Word of God. (John 1:1-5;)

Selah.

Q: How many Presidents have you witnessed being maligned regarding their truthfulness?

It’s historical.

My hope for the future of this nation is not focused upon our President and his governance.

Am I praying for his ability to do what is right before the Lord?

Am I concerned about how the elected officials govern?

Absolutely

That is why I pray for those in authority over this nation.

My hope is focused upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and His authority over all the nations, which includes this nation, whoever is President.

Regarding the community of Christians wrestling over how to ‘fight’ the injustices in our nation?

God will not allow His Name, nor His Word to be misrepresented or maligned.

God will hold His people responsible for the abuse of His Word; and will hold His people responsible for their response to those in authority over them.

God has always held His people accountable for their response to Him and to His Word.

That is the historical record of the nation of Israel found in the Old Testament and in the New Testament scriptures, written for our instruction.

God has not changed.

His people will be held responsible for their lifestyle according to the Word of God in the place where they live.

The importance of ‘not speaking wrongfully’ about those in authority over you is taught throughout the entire Bible.

Remember, God will also hold those in authority accountable for how they use their governing authority.

Is there a time when the Christian community takes its stand against the governing ‘authority’ and says NO! ?

Yes.

We witnessed that in the lives of church congregations during COVID, that said “NO!” to what their governing authorities told them to do, because of their conviction regarding the relationship between those ‘in authority’ and those ‘under authority’ as they understood the Word of God.

I recommend that you read Francis Schaeffer’s ‘Christian Manifesto’ that addresses this type of situation, and other Biblical issues facing the Christian community. (Also see, Acts 4:13-31)

Romans 15:14, Amplified Version says, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” (emphasis mine) [see Romans 15:1-33 for the complete context]

After Jesus’ resurrection, He said to His disciples, “All authority(all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18 Amplified Version)

Do you believe that?

Do you believe that?

Do you really believe that?

He rules and reigns over all the nations of the earth.

He governs everything in the heavens and on the earth, according to His will and purpose, and that includes our nation and its administration.

We are told to pray for all those in authority over us.

Our President and his administration are included in that ‘all’.

They are responsible to the Lord.

We, as believers in Jesus Christ, are responsible to pray for them; and not negatively, verbally criticize them.

If the administration of this nation goes beyond its governing boundaries, the Lord, Himself, will do what is necessary, in His perfect timing, to judge, and to correct the administration’s wrong doing.

Do you believe that?

How then, are we, as followers of Jesus Christ to live, each day, of our lives, in this nation?

We are to be in the world, but not part of the world.

What does that mean?

The answer to that question is found in Jesus’ prayer to His Father prior to His betrayal and arrest.

Please read John 17:1-26.

What the Lord prayed is what He told His disciples to expect; He told them (us,too) how to live and conduct ourselves; and what the Word of God would be doing in their (our) lives as daily followers of Him. (inserts mine)

I am first a citizen of the Kingdom of God, governed by the Kingship of Jesus Christ, then I am a citizen of this nation.

Do not reverse the order; it will bring confusion.

I am a member of the Body of Christ, governed by the Holy Spirit, who guides and directs the Body of Christ according to the Word of God, in alignment with the Head of the Body, who is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Living by the Word of God will fulfill your personal responsibility as a citizen of this nation; in fact, it will enhance it.

Do you believe that?

God is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:7-26)

How?

Hebrew 11:1,6, Amplified Version, “NOW FAITH is the assurance(title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for(divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality-faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]….But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.” (emphasis mine)

Therefore, I take my stand, with the Lord, in the truth of His Word, knowing “….[with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (Romans 8:28, Amplified Version)

This statement is about us as believers in Christ and as citizens of this nation.

Do you believe that?

So, where do you focus your hope?

in a man?

in a political system?

in the wisdom of this world?

or do you focus on the Person, the Lord Jesus Christ?

See Galatians 2:20

As a brother in Christ, I encourage you to focus on the Lord; to obey His Word and pray for those in authority over you; praying for all in authority, not just for President Trump and his administration;, but also for the elected officials in your state; and for the elected city officials wherever you live.

I confess my need to obediently pray for ‘all’ those in authority over me, as I am encouraging you to do.

It is possible that you are not living in the United States; however, you are reading this post; I encourage you to pray for the appropriate leaders in your nation and the local area in which you live.

I also want to encourage you to stop any negative verbal criticism that you may be engaged in regarding those in authority over you, wherever you are living.

When you see or hear something, written or spoken, against an authority, don’t engage in it.

Take it to the Lord; let Him deal with it; and ask Him for wisdom regarding how to respond to it.

Ask yourself this question, What does the Word of God say regarding the situation I am confronted with?

Word of warning: The enemy of our souls wants to tell you that it’s not wrong to engage in speaking negatively about those in authority over you.

The ‘adversary’ of your soul, Satan, wants to make you ‘adversarial’ to those in ‘authority’ over you.

That is what took place in the Garden of Eden.

Adam became ‘adversarial’ against God’s ‘authority’.

The world stands as an ‘adversary’ to God’s authority’.

Do not allow yourself to be entrapped into such a position.

I have fallen prey to this.

I have rationalized that I can handle it.

Guess what?

I couldn’t.

We need the Holy Spirit to guide us, direct us, and make us aware of the tactics of our adversary, Satan, who is the “accuser of the brethren”. (Revelation 12:10)

Satan is relentless, “seeking whom he may devour”. (1 Peter 5:8)

The wisdom of the world sounds rational; but it is foolishness in the sight of God.

Read Psalm 2 to understand how God responds to the foolishness of humanity’s thoughts against Him.

Remember Ephesians 6:10-18. (I encourage you to read this passage.)

{Please note the number of times the word ‘stand’ is used; and understand that “flesh and blood” (humanity) is not our enemy; our struggle is against rulers, powers, world forces of darkness, and spiritual sickness in the heavenly places.}

These are the very principalities, rulers, power, and the evil spiritual forces that Jesus defeated on the Cross, when He died, was buried, resurrected, ascended, and now sits at the right hand of His Father in heaven.

Christ’s death on the Cross is why all authority has been given unto Him.

What was abdicated by Adam and handed over to Satan has been taken back by Christ.

Colossians 2:15, Amplified Version, At the Cross, He, “…disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession], having triumphed ever them through the cross.”

I have said that Biblical Hope Opposes Political Expectation.

I hope that you believe that.

The Hebrew word for hope is Tikvah.

Word Wealth, Spirit Filled Life Bible, NKJV, pg 1260. hope, tiqvah (teek-vah); Strong’s #8615: Hope; expectation; something yearned for and anticipated eagerly; something for which one waits. Tiqvah comes from the verb qavah, meaning “to wait for” or “to look hopefully” in a particular direction.” (emphasis mine)

Psalm 62:5, Amplified Version,

“For God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him, for my hope is from Him.”

Q: From whom does the psalmist’s hope come from?

A. From God alone.

Q: do you know the chorus, “my hope is in You, Lord, my strength is in You, Lord…it’s in You, it’s in You…..

I encourage you to reflect upon these words.

This is why Biblical HOPE Opposes Political Expectations.

There is so much ‘unprecedented unrest’ in our world.

In the midst of our uncertainty, however, we can rest and find refuge in God alone, for our “hope is from Him”.

Psalm 33:20-22 Amplified Version reads, “We wait[expectantly] for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For in Him our heart rejoices, because we trust [lean on, rely on, and are confident] in His holy name. Let Your [steadfast] lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, In proportion as we have hoped in You*.” (*placed our confidence) (emphasis mine)

Our God and Father is a God of hope.

The Church, the Body of Christ is responsible to bring God’s message of hope to a lost and dying world; and believers are to be disciples of the Lord that manifest God’s hope to those who are living in hopelessness.

Q: If the Lord wrote a letter to His Church today, similar to the ones He had written to the seven churches of Asia Minor in The Revelation, I wonder what He would say to the Church ? (See Eric Metaxas, “Letter to the American Church)

I wonder if Christ’s Words would include a correction course regarding hope?

Waiting for God alone…

Psalm 62:1,2 “FOR GOD alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He Alone is my rock and my salvation, my defense and my strong tower; I will not be shaken or disheartened. (Amplified Version)

How do you live each day of your life?

Jesus said, Matthew 16:24 Amplified Version, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me[as My disciple], he must deny himself[set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross[expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me[believing in Me, conforming to My example in living, and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me.]

Do you believe that?

If you do, then the ‘self’ in you, your “I” needs to be daily denied; you need to pick up your cross; and follow Him, learning to live by the ‘way of the cross’.

If you believe that, are you ready to live it?

If you are ready to live it, then the Lord will give opportunity to bring hope to individuals that He brings into your everyday life.

You can count on it.

Let me assure you, your heavenly Father is totally committed to you to become a mature son/daughter.

He loves you and is completely committed to you.

What is the other side of the ‘coin’ regarding Biblical HOPE?

By FAITH Biblical Hope Obediently Pursues Eternity (Hebrews 11:1,6)

How? by F.A.I.T.H. – Following Adonai Implies Trusting Him

“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name…..”

Following Jesus, My Lord, in truth, looking forward in hope.

blessings deo

TBC

CHRIST, ON THE C.R.O.S.S.

ON THE C.R.O.S.S. – Christ Ransomed Our Sinful State

Acronyms help sometimes put things into perspective and allow us to remember things in an easier way.

ON THE C.R.O.S.S. – Christ Redemption Overcame Satan’s Scheme

The scene at the top of the hill, called Calvary, was not pleasant.

In fact ‘pleasant’ is a mild word trying to envision a picture depicting the exact opposite.

The prophet Isaiah gives us an understanding of the moment.

Isaiah 52:13-15, The Amplified Version, “Indeed My Servant (the Messiah) will act wisely and proper; He will be raised up and lifted up and greatly exalted. Just as many were astonished and appalled at you, My people, So His appearance was marred more than any man And His form [marred] more than the sons of men. So He will sprinkle many nations [with His blood, providing salvation], Kings will shut their mouths because of Him; For what they had not been told they will see, and what they had not heard they will understand.[Romans 15:21]

“The Hebrew word for “marred” or “deformed” is mishchat. It often refers to disfigurement or damage to appearance or quality. In Isaiah 52:14, it is used to describe a marred or disfigured appearance. (AI overview, Google)

Strong’s Concordance, Hebrew, #4893, mishchat, means ‘disfigurement’ (King James Bible Dictionary)

Can you visualize, the horrific scene, that describes a mutilated body.

As I was musing about this post, the words to a song came to mind.

“There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God, a place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.

O, Jesus, blest redeemer, sent from the heart of God, hold us who wait before thee, near to the heart of God.

These words speak solace (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness); peace (Strong’s #7965, shalom; completeness, wholeness, peace, health, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, rest, harmony; the absence of agitation or discord); repose (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, eternal or heavenly rest); and safety (Hebrew, betach, trust, confidence, security).

The crucifixion of Christ-On The Cross was not a “place of quiet rest near to the heart of God”.

It was a place of anguish.

It was a place of ultimate horrific despair.

This is Jesus, nailed to a cross, where, just before saying, “It is finished”, He had cried out to God, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? (Mark 15:35, KJV)

Jesus was experiencing a total separation, as the Son of Man, from God.

The full weight and measure of humanity’s sinfulness crushed (Isaiah 53) Him, as He hung nailed On The Cross.

By one offering for sin (Hebrews 10), the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus, “who knew no sin, became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God.”(2 Corinthians 5:21)

John the Baptist had declared, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29, ESV)

The Son of God did not come into this world, created by Him, out of compulsion.

He came according to the will and purpose of His Father.

On The Cross is not just an event in human history.

It is the epicenter of God’s will and purpose to redeem mankind from its sinful state, and set us free from Satan’s power and dominion, and cause death to die.(Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 4:1-11)

On The Cross is the convergence of God’s justice and love, judgment and grace, His wrath judicially satisfied and His mercy unleashed.

The final cry of Christ, “It is finished”, is not out of despair; but is one of culmination in which He realizes He has completed completely what God, His Father wanted accomplished.

Because “It is finished”, mankind can now be set free from the bondage of sin.(Romans 8:1-4)

Because “It is finished”, mankind can become a new creation in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The cross is the pinnacle of ultimate separation of mankind from his Creator, God; and at the same time, the place of God redeeming love that paid the judicial ransom for sin completely by God, Himself, who was in Christ Jesus, reconciling the world unto Himself.

God, Himself, experienced that separation, so that we, whom He loves, does not have to incur that eternal separation; but can live eternally in His Presence. It is God, the Father’s love and grace manifested at the Cross that makes it possible for us to be part of the family of God for eternity. (2 Corinthians 17-19)

The cross is the place where, G.R.A.C.E. – God’s Redemptive Activity Changes Everything.

It is the place where, “By grace you have been saved by faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9, NKJV)

In God’s foreknowledge, in God’s heart, in God’s will, before the creation of the world, God the Father, chose you because He loved you and He wanted you to be part of His eternal family.

He desires you to be conformed to the image of His Son, Christ Jesus.

That conformity is a blessing.

It is our blessed hope. (Titus 2:11-15)

What God, the Father, proposes; Satan opposes.

Satan’s opposition resulted in disorder and disobedience to be introduced into God’s creation of order and obedience, because of man’s sin.

The Son of God, who came as the Son of Man in a body, was nailed to the cross.

As the Son of Man, He died to break the bondage of ‘disorder and disobedience’ by His complete ‘obedience’ and ‘orderly’ life lived before His Father to please Him.

In order for me, for you, for anyone, to ‘be near to the heart of God’, as stated at in the song at the beginning of the post; it required that the Son of God ‘leave the nearness of His Father’s heart’; come into this world, and experience the total annihilation of being separated ‘from the nearness of the heart of God’ as a human because of his/her personal sin.

Because He chose to leave ‘the nearness of the heart of God’ as the Son of God, and experience being completely separated from ‘being near of the heart of God’ as a Man; His death, burial, and resurrection, and ascension not only restored Him back to ‘the nearness of the His Father’s heart’ that He laid aside (Philippians 2:5-8) ; but He made the way for us to experience ‘being near to the heart of God’, too; just like Himself.

That ‘way’ was made On The Cross.

The text of the song, Near To The Heart of God, by Cleland Boyd McAfee (1901) was composed shortly “after the concurrent deaths of his two young nieces, caused by diphtheria.”

The text of the song is as follows:

1.There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God, a place where sin can not molest, near to the heart of God.

Refrain:

O, Jesus, blest redeemer, sent from the heart of God, hold us, who wait before Thee, near to the heart of God.

2. There is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God, a place where we our Savior meet, near to the heart of God.

[Refrain]

3.There is a place of full release, near to the heart of God, a place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God.

[Refrain]

If there had been no perfect Lamb of God offered for the sin of the world, then justice would not have been served to satisfy the wrath of a Holy God against sin.

The incredible truth is, to realize that God, Himself, who is Absolute Holiness, took upon Himself, the task to appease His own wrath, and to secure salvation for His own created mankind that had willfully sinned against Him.

There is one verse of scripture that epitomizes this realization.

This is only imperative explanation.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

1 John 3:16 (The Amplified Version) says of this Divine Love, “By this we know [and have come to understand the depth and essence of His precious] love; that He [willingly] laid down His life for us, [because He loved us]. ….”

Christ died, was buried, and three days later was raised from the dead.

Christ lives.

He is Risen.

You, too, can live; call upon His name, and be saved.

a sinner saved by grace, deo

At The Cross, At The Cross…

A man was nailed to a cross between two other men on a hill called Golgotha, which is also known as Calvary.

That man was Jesus.

His death on the cross was His Father’s intended result for His Son who had been born of an earthly woman, named Mary, who was a virgin. (Galatians 4:4,5)

His birth began, no doubt, with a cry of ‘the breath of life’; and His death ended in a cry of anguish with the words “It is finished”. (John 19:30)

God in human flesh.

Who could of known?

Actually, it was no secret.

It is called the Incarnation of Christ.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by [the power of] the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her [promised] husband, being a just and righteous man and not wanting to expose her publically to shame, planned to send her away and divorce her privately. But after he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus [The Lord is salvation], for He will save His people from their sins.” All this happened in order to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet [Isaiah]: “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL” — which translated , means, “GOD WITH US” [Is. 7:14] .” (Matthew 1:18-23,The Amplified Version)

The entirety of the Word of God is about Jesus Christ, Who is the Word of God. (John 1:1-5)

In the above passage in Matthew, the words, “…she was found to be with child by [the power of] the Holy Spirit” are the words that explain the miracle of the Incarnation.

Consider this passage found in Philippians 2:3. The Apostle Paul is encouraging the believers in Philippi to “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.” (The Amplified Version)

To whom does the Apostle point the believers?

Christ.

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility], who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing, the fullness of all the divine attributes-the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it]; but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human (*Incarnation) but was without sin, being fully God and fully man] (*Son of God/Son of Man). After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man[for a divinely-appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by being obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on the cross. For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [Isaiah 45:23] and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father.” {Philippians 2:4-11, The Amplified Version} (*inserts mine)

AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS…

The Man, Christ Jesus, hangs there, nailed to a cross.

The fulfillment of the words that you just read.

The Apostle Matthew writing about Jesus, on the cross, says, in Matthew 27:45-51, The Amplified Version:

“Now from the sixth hour (noon) there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.); [Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49] About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud [agonized] voice, “ELI, ELI, LAMA SABCHTHANI?” this is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME? [Psalm 22:1] When the bystanders there heard it, they began saying, “This man is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran, and took a sponge, soaked it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. [Psalm 69:21; Mark 15:36f; Luke 23:36; John 19:29,30] But the rest said, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him [from death].” And Jesus cried out again with a loud [agonized] voice, and gave up His spirit [voluntarily, sovereignly dismissing and releasing His spirit from His body in submission to His Father’s plan. [John 10:18]”

John 10:17-18 (The Amplified Version), “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My [own] life so that I may take it back. No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down voluntarily. I am authorized and have power to lay it down and to give it up, and I am authorized and have power to take it back. This command I have received from My Father.”

His words caused a division among the Jews that heard what He said.

His words still cause division among many people who hear His words.

John 10:20-21 (The Amplified Version), “Many of them said, “He has a demon and He is mad[insane-He raves and rambles]. Why listen to Him?” Others were saying, “These are not the words and thoughts of one possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

Q: What do you believe regarding the person of Jesus?

Q: Who is this person nailed on a cross?

Q: Is He truly the Son of God who took on human flesh for the specific purpose of dying on a cross?

Q: Why did He need to come and take on human flesh to die on the cross?

A: “Because God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17, NKJV)

Q: Saved from what?

A. God’s wrath of judgment against sin.

Romans 1:18-19, (The Amplified Version), “For [God does not overlook sin and] the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, because that which is known about God is evident with them [in their inner consciousness], for God made it evident to them.” (emphasis mine)

Romans 3:21-26, (The Amplified Version), “But now the righteousness of God has been clearly revealed [independently and completely] apart from the Law , though it is [actually] confirmed by the Law and the [words and writings of the] Prophets. This righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] (*all humanity) who believe[and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction,[I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:28] since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, and are being justified[declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption[the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] (*AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS) as a [life giving] sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood[to be received] through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness[which demands punishment for sin], because in His forbearance [His deliberate restraint] He passed over the sins previously committed [before Jesus’ crucifixion]. It was to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus[and rely confidently on Him as Savior].” {emphasis mine} (*insert mine)

Here is something we must all understand.

Heaven and hell are real destination places. Heaven is the destination for those that accept Christ as their personal Savior. Hell is the destination for those who do not accept Christ as their personal Savior. (Matthew 25:31-46)

Tough words but true.

The Word of God has made it abundantly clear that there is nothing that an individual human being can do of his/her own merit that is acceptable to God because God is Holy. Each human being has a sin nature. Therefore, it is impossible for them to do anything to satisfy the righteousness of God that would appease His wrath against sin. He is Absolute Holiness.

What can be done to rectify this impossible situation?

God did it.

How?

2 Corinthians 5:21, The Amplified Bible, “He (*God) made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him (*Jesus) we would become the righteousness of God[that is, we would be made acceptable to Him (*God) and placed in a right relationship with Him (*God) by His (*God’s) gracious lovingkindness.”

This was done AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS….

God in His grace and mercy, demonstrated His love for all humanity, “that is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed the message of reconciliation[that is , restoration to favor with God]. (2 Corinthians 5:19, The Amplified Version)

Ephesians 2:8-9, The Amplified Version, reminds us, “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved[actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not the result of [your] works [nor your attempt to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].”

The Bible says, Romans 10:13, (The Amplified Version), “For WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD [in prayer] WILL BE SAVED.” [Joel 2:32]

A personal note: I am not criticizing the above verse; however, I would like to comment on the inserted words [in prayer]. I am confident that many people have cried out to God to be saved simply by asking Him to save them; and there was no formal prayer like you may be envisioning. The important thing is to say something–Lord, I need you, please save me; or it may be longer–I believe You are the Son of God, that you died on a cross for me, Your blood was shed for me, please forgive my sin, thank you for saving me. You may not even say all those words. Consider the thief hanging on a cross next to Jesus. He simply asked the Lord to “remember me when You come into His kingdom!” The Lord ‘sees’ the desire of your heart; He hears the words of your mouth; and He knows the truth of your sincerity. “Jesus said to him, Today, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-32, The Amplified Bible)

Act 4:12 (The Amplified Version), “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved[for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].

That name is Jesus.

Why must Jesus take on human flesh?

Let me share what I believe to be a very significant reason.

Romans 5, the Apostle Paul, clearly shows us two men; the first man Adam; the second man, Christ.

Sin came into the world through one man’s disobedience, Adam.

Through the obedience of one man, Jesus Christ, the results of Adams’s disobedience was completely annulled.

This is what is clearly explained in Romans 5.

I encourage you to read the entire chapter.

Adam sinned in a body, human flesh.

Christ obeyed in a body, human flesh.

What was brought into God’s creation through disobedience in a body; needed to be dealt with by obedience in a body.

That is how God planned for it to be dealt with.

The writer to the Hebrew Christians makes this point very poignantly.

Hebrews 10 is entitled, One Sacrifice of Christ is Sufficient. (The Amplified Version)

I encourage you to read the entire chapter.

[Quoting The Amplified Bible]

Hebrews 10:5, Therefore, when Christ enters into the world, He says, “SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, but [instead] YOU HAVE PREPARED A BODY FOR ME [to offer]; IN BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE TAKEN NO DELIGHT. THEN I SAID, ‘BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD-[TO FULFILL] WHAT IS WRITTEN OF ME IN THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK.’ ” [Psalm 40:6-8]

What does this imply?

Hebrews 10:10-14, “And in accordance with this will[of God] we [who believe in the message of salvation] have been sanctified[that is set apart as holy for God and His purposes] through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ(the Messiah, the Anointed) once for all. Every priest stands [at his altar of service] ministering daily, offering the same sacrifices over and over, which are never able to strip away sins[that develop and cover us];” (emphasis mine)

{Note: the reference to the priests is a representation of each one of us trying to do some ‘work’ to satisfy God to “strip away sins [that envelop and cover us]”. The priests could not do it; neither can we.}

(continuing), “whereas Christ, having offered the one sacrifice (Romans 5)[the all-sufficient sacrifice of Himself] for sins for all time, (*in His body) SAT DOWN [signifying the completion of atonement for sin] AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD[the position of honor], waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES ARE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET.[Psalm 110:1]. For by one offering He has perfected forever and completely cleansed those who are being sanctified[bringing each believer to spiritual completion and maturity]. (*insert mine)

Hebrews 9:22, tells us that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS, Jesus was nailed there in a body.

AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS, Jesus shed His blood for sin of the world. (John 1:29)

His death was the One Sufficient Sacrifice that His Father required for sin to be dealt with.

AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS, justice and mercy collided. The wrath of God was completely satisfied, and new life in Christ was made possible.

Death died, sin can be forgiven, and life can be lived in a body by those who put their faith and trust and Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. (Galatians 2:20)

Not only did Christ die, but He was buried, and on the third day He rose from the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)

His Resurrection from the dead validates everything that is written about Him in the Word of God and everything that He said about His Father and Himself. (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

It also assures us of living eternally with Him in heaven if we have placed out faith and trust in Him. This is our blessed hope. (Titus 2:11-14)

God the Father does not send any human being to hell.

Hell is a place God prepared for Satan and the angels who followed him. (Matthew 25:41)

Each individual human being must decide whether or not to believe that Jesus is God’s Son, who was sent as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

If a person does not make that confession of faith, then that individual will spend his/her eternal lifetime in hell separated from God.

2 Peter 3:9 (The Amplified Version), says, “The Lord does not delay (*His coming) [as though He was unable to act] and is not slow about His promise (*to return) as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (*insert mine)

What about you?

Have you come to Christ?

Have you asked Him to be your Savior?

I encourage you to call out to Him now.

He is waiting with anticipation for you to call upon His name and be saved.

1 Timothy 2:1,2 the Apostle Paul is urging believers to pray for all those in authority so that the Church “…may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:2b, The Amplified Version).

Paul continues, “This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the divine truth. For there is [only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom [a substitutionary sacrifice to atone ] for all, the testimony given at the right (*Galatians 4:4) and proper time. (1 Timothy 2:3-6, The Amplified Version)

Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday hearing thunderous cheering and the proclamation, “Hosanna to the Son of David”; at the end of the week, He heard the crowds shouting, “crucify Him, crucify Him”. (Matthew 21:9; 27:22,23)

What was the result?

Jesus died AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS for you….

I am a sinner saved by grace, you can be too, deo

This is not a Post, it’s a Personal Journal Entry. Text: Isaiah 10

March 3, 2025

Reflecting upon Isaiah 10:20-34 from yesterday’s teaching sermon at North Creek Church, by Pastor Kent Dresdow.

Father, these past two weeks, I have been shown from Your Word by Pastor Kent that those whom you have raised up for Your sovereign purpose to judge Your people, because of their unfaithfulness to You, (because they were sharing their love with others and rejecting Your love, and covenant care for them), will be judged themselves, especially because they have arrogantly asserted themselves, beyond Your intended purposes. Therefore, they will be judged accordingly-Thank you Father for a promise of a remnant-those who focus on You, overcome, and remain faithful, listening to what you are speaking by Your prophet, hearing the Word of the Lord, inspired by You/the Holy Spirit. This is the same intent you have always had for Your people-to hear Your Word, inspired by the Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-18), to be Your Church-Your called out ones-Father, give us ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to Your Church today.

This journal entry is roughly written, but that is ok.

Isaiah 10:10-34, the king of Assyria, boasts arrogantly.

Some additional thoughts.

God raises up individuals and/or nations for a specific task.

God has a specific assignment for them to do.

The reality is that most of the time such individuals and/or nations do not realize that they are being directed by the sovereignty of God.

A problem comes, when that individual and/or nation becomes proud in their heart-and acts arrogantly believing that they are invincible.

That arrogance of the heart is Satan driven.

God hates arrogance. That is saying it mildly.

God will judge all such arrogance.

In the context of Isaiah 10, this very dynamic is taking place.

God raises up Assyria to judge His people; the king of Assyria becomes arrogant; After God used Assyria to judge His people; God judges Assyria; God also promises His people that there will be a remnant; God intervenes mightily for His people; and in Isaiah 11 speaks of the coming of the Messiah.

As I shared in my previous post, I am concerned for President Trump and his administrative team that they will not become ‘arrogant’ and assert themselves beyond the assignment that God wills for them to do.

Remember the Church is in the world; but the Church is not to be part of the world. (John 17)

The Church must pray and intercede for President Trump and all those in authority over us. ( 1 Timothy 2: 1-15)

The Church must rest in the sovereignty of God regarding the leaders of the governments of the nations in this world. (Romans 13:1-14)

The Church must acknowledge the Authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Head of the Body, and the King of the Kingdom. (Ephesians 1:15-23)

The Church must abide in the Lord Jesus Christ, governed by the Holy Spirit, and live obediently to the Word of God. (John 15:4-8; Romans 8:5-28; John 14:15)

As Jesus said, if you want to be My disciple, then this is what you need to do daily: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. (Matthew 16:24-26; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23-27; Luke 14:27-35.)

Read 2 Timothy 3:1-17.

I recommend that you read Isaiah 10, especially in the Amplified Version if it is available.

Rooted in Christ’s Kingship, a brother in Christ, deo

Words of Caution to the Church, An Immediate Prayer Request

This post was originally published last March, 2025. I have been reminded of the need to pray for our administration. It is always important.

But its importance has been elevated because of the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, September 10, 2025.

Our nation is being awakened to the real spiritual battle that it faces every day of its existence.

‘Unprecedented unrest’,’ the spirit of antichrist’, ‘unrestrained lawlessness’, ‘increased violence’ ‘virulent rhetoric’comes to mind to characterize our nation’s atmosphere.

Today is September 20, 2025, the day before Charlie Kirks memorial service.

I encourage you to read this re-post.

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Words of Caution to the Church, An Immediate Prayer Request

In the previous post (Another Heavenly Coming , 3/4/25), the Church was reminded of its position before the Lord functioning in the world. The Church must remember that God is Sovereign.

All the leaders of the nations are in their places of leadership because of God’s will and purpose.

Each leader is individually responsible to God .

God will judge and reward each national leader’s performance carrying out their duty.

The Church is responsible to pray for the administrative leadership of their nation and submit ‘orderly’ and ‘obediently ‘to their authority.

The members of the Church are first citizens of the Kingdom of God.

Each individual member of the Church lives his/her life in the world but not a part of the world.

In Christ, we are separated from the world, the flesh, and the devil. (I John 2:15-17)

We are being conformed to the image of Christ.

We are functioning as members of the Body of Christ, fulfilling our assigned spiritual vocation, using the spiritual gifts given to us to build up the Body in love; and fulfilling the work that God Himself has designated for every believer before the foundation for the world. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Why?

If we focus on the venom of the verbal rhetoric that is being spewed forth daily in our nation that rhetoric can infiltrate into our heart and mind, and darken our soul.

What happens within us if we focus on such negative rhetoric?

We will find ourselves coming into alignment with the ‘spirit of the world’ and not in alignment with the Spirit of God.

How do I know this?

I have been there; and I must constantly guard myself against listening to the offensive political rhetoric and subtly embracing the mindset of the world.

I confess to you that is very easy to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think; believing that you are strong enough to listen to the world’s rantings and assume that it will not affect you.

Wrong!

I have been there believing that I can handle this; that I can criticize those in authority over me; and not become affected in my personal attitude.

I am not strong enough.

The Lord showed me my fallacy; and He helped me to overcome my weakness.

In the midst of the administrative upheaval since the re-election of President Trump, our nation has been experiencing a political earthquake that has resulted in a daily shaking of the political landscape that has unsettled many people.

I support the re-election of President Trump.

I am aware there are many people in this nation, and probably around the world that do not support his re-election.

Many despise and hate him; yet, there are many who support the changes he is bringing to our nation.

Many citizens of this nation voted for him because of what he promised he would change.

Others supported him, because they did not support the Democratic platform and their agenda to govern their administration of this nation.

In my previous posts, I have explained my personal struggle and my conclusion as to why I chose to vote for the Republican party platform.

I have been confronted by members of my own family that do not agree with me.

That is ok.

The bottom line for me was a matter of personal conscience before the Lord.

Each individual believer will one day stand alone before the Lord to give an account of their life as a follower of Jesus Christ.

My eternal salvation is not dependent upon who I voted for in each election during my lifetime.

My desire is to please my heavenly Father.

The choices that I make, the words that I speak, the works that I do, either glorify the Lord or they do not bear witness to His life in me.

We are told to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)

If the Church is going to live up to its calling and walk as children of light in this world of darkness, then it must learn and practice the teaching of Ephesians 4-6. (especially Ephesians 5:20-26.)

Please read these verses in the context of what I have been sharing.

As previous posts have explained, I believe Psalm 64 will be fulfilled.

( I recommend that you read the post: A Time To Read it Again)

God has shot His A.R.R.O.W.

Adonai’s Righteous Revelation Of Wrongdoing is being exposed.

There are many who are being wounded, and will be wounded by the revelation of their own malicious words that they have spewed out upon others that will ‘boomerang’ and come back and wound them. (Psalm 64:7-10)

What will be revealed will not be pleasant.

God doesn’t take sides politically.

He is no ‘respecter of persons’. (Romans 2:11-16)

God will judge righteously.

God is not mocked; individuals will reap what they have sown.

(Galatians 6:7-8)

I offer the following as a word of caution.

The Church must pray for President Trump and his administrative team as they implement changes in this nation.

Why?

If you recall my previous posts about the nation of Israel, and God’s intended purpose to bring them out of the bondage of Egypt and into the Promised Land, then you will recall that the original leadership of Moses and Aaron were not allowed to go into the land.

Why?

Because they disobeyed what God had told them to do.

God had told Moses to speak to the rock.

God said that He would bring out water from the rock to provide ‘drink’ for His people that were ‘grumbling and complaining’ about the lack of water.

Ironically, this is what happened 3 days after God had brought His people through the Red Sea and drowned Pharaoh and his army in that same Red Sea. (Exodus 15:22-26) At this time God had Moses strike the rock. Moses struck the rock and the water came forth.

In Numbers 20, Moses did not speak to the rock as God had instructed him; he struck the rock twice out of frustration and anger.

Moses, throughout his entire lifetime of leadership had listened to the people he was leading ‘grumble and complain’.

After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, at the very precipice of entering the land of promise, when he was confronted once more with the people’s ‘grumbling and complaining’, Moses seeks God about how to handle the situation.

God tells him what to do; and He tells him what He will do.

Moses and Aaron, carrying out their administrative appointment, as the governmental leaders of the nation of Israel, do not follow God’s directive.

I, submit, that Moses and Aaron, listened to the ‘grumbling and complaining’ of the people, allowing the spirit of the people, entrance into their own spirit disobeying God’s word to them.

The consequences was that Moses did not execute his office of leadership according to the Spirit of God through obedience to God’s directive; but he exercised his leadership, influenced by the lawless spirit of the people of Israel that ‘grumbled and complained’ and he struck the rock twice (Numbers 20).

Moses struck the rock out of anger (his personal rebellion and lawlessness) ‘governed’ by his own spirit.

God graciously met the need of His people.

The water came out of the rock.

The people received what they had ‘grumbled and complained’ about.

In Exodus 15:25, God made the bitter waters sweet; and then directed them to Elim where there were 12 wells of water and 70 palm trees.

[Many believe the 12 wells represent the 12 tribes of Israel, and the 70 palm trees represent the original 70 descendants of the nation of Israel that entered Egypt in the time of famine.]

Moses and Aaron’s disobedience misrepresented the character of God.

God’s Spirit is gracious and merciful, because He loves His people.

That does not mean He approves of their sinfulness.

God judges His people for their sinfulness.

Moses and Aaron’s disobedience went beyond what God had told them to do.

This is my concern for President Trump and his administrative team and all whom God is using at this time to bring about change in our nation.

I pray, and ‘beseech’ the Church to pray that those in the places of authority, raised up by the sovereignty of God, will stay within their appointed leadership boundaries, asking and doing what God directs them to do; and not allow themselves to be influenced by the opposing rhetoric that is shouting, grumbling, complaining, and hurling venomous rhetoric at them.

I pray that the ‘words’ of the world wisdom will not influence the minds and hearts of those in authority over us, so that they are negatively influenced in their souls.

We must not be ‘governed’ by individuals who ‘govern’ out of their own ‘self-government’ and not the government of God, ‘governed’ by the Spirit of God.

Remember, the Church is called to stand against the principalities, power, and evil rulers that seek to influence our lives. (Ephesians 6: 10-18)

These past two weeks (March 2025), Pastor Kent Dresdow, Senior Pastor at North Creek Church, has made it very clear what happens to individuals, who God has sovereignly chosen to use for His purposes, take matters into their own hands, and go beyond the boundaries that God had originally planned for them to accomplish.

I recommend that you read Isaiah 10.

To summarize Pastor Kent’s teaching, when a person goes beyond what God intends, that person becomes arrogant and boastful.

God hates arrogance and boasting.

As mentioned before, God will judge such individuals with righteous justice

Why?

The source of pride and arrogance is Satan, himself, who said that he will be like God. (Isaiah 14:12-17)

Our task as the Church, is to pray that President Trump and his administrative team will not become arrogant and prideful; that President Trump and his administrative team will stay within the sovereign purposes of God that He has ordained for this nation and the nations of the world, as he exercises his office as the President of the United States of America.

As the Lord taught us to pray, our prayer is that the Lord will not lead them (President Trump and his team ) into temptation, but to deliver them from the evil (evil one[Satan]), because the kingdom is God’s “and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13, as paraphrased by myself)

Thank you for praying for our leadership as I Timothy 2:1-7 directs us to do it daily.

Remember, that the enemy, Satan himself, is relentless, constantly fighting against the work of God.

Therefore, the Church must pray. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

The Church must humble itself before the Lord, resist the devil, and he will flee. (James 4:7-10) [Read the context in James 4:1-17]

Our battle is daily, until ‘that Day’ when God ‘ends’ it; however, until ‘that Day’, our refuge is in Christ.

(See rpmministries.org, 36 Scripture Passages on Safety and Refuge in God: Home, Safe, and Sound)

I am sure that you have your own personal scriptures that you seek out for refuge.

What is your personal favorite?

I encourage you to seek out your personal passage of scripture that is yours when you seek refuge in the Lord.

blessings, your brother in Christ, who, too, takes refuge in our Lord, Deo

(Psalms 62, Psalm 46, Psalm 37)

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