Way of Salvation

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ starting from Abraham can be found in Matthew 1:1-16.

I wonder and I am sure you also want to know, How can Gentiles be made partakers of the salvation promised by God to Abraham?

Gen 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

Note that this is not in all thy seed but only to the one seed which is Christ Jesus.

Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Gentiles are given the chance by God to become partakers of the promise made to that one seed of Abraham which is Christ.

Eph 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

One may ask, what about the seeds between Abraham and Jesus Christ? How can they become partakers of the promise made to Abraham? God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants for the good deeds he made to Abraham.

Gen 20:14 And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.

Gen 20:15 And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.

Gen 20:16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.

Gen 20:17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.

Gen 20:18 For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.

Like Abimelech, the Gentiles can do the same with Jesus Christ.

Mt 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Mt 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Mt 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Mt 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

Mt 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

Mt 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

Mt 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Mt 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

It is very clear that generations from Abraham and Christ Jesus including the Gentiles are partakers of the promised salvation only when they become part of the body.

And what about Angels?

Heb 2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

In the day of judgment, we will judge every Angels performance.

1 Cor 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

The way of salvation therefore started from Abraham to Jesus Christ and to Gentiles down to the Angels of God.

Jas 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

For us not to miss a shot, though shooting one to another is permitted, shoot at the flock, that way, we can never miss any single shot.

Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Salvation

For some who claims that there is no need for a religion or to enter in any place of worship, is an error contemplated in their mind.

Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful to him, and bless his name.

Thus, entering other gate in another way is called by the Bible as a thief and a robber.

John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say to you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheep-fold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

Because there is really no way to enter the kingdom of God except through a door of salvation which is Jesus Christ.

John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man shall enter he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

To be saved therefore, one must enter by the door and be ruled for without Christ Jesus, salvation is far from them.

Isaiah 59:11 We all roar like bears, and mourn bitterly like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us.

There are people in the old times not governed by the rules of God. So that even they will hear his voice, because of hardened heart, they obeyed not.

Isaiah 63:19 We are thine: thou never didst bear rule over them; they were not called by thy name.

For every house is built by some man; but he that built all things is God.

Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house: whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence, and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

The Gift Of The Knowledge Of The Truth

This is the first step to salvation - faith not on our works.

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Why a gift? Because were dead in sin and previously here are some of us.

1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

But after receiving the knowledge of the truth, after we are washed (baptized), sanctified and justified, shall we sin willfully? Is it true that once saved always saved?

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

For when sinning willfully, we only received the grace of God in vain.

2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

As a man of God, then, we are expected to be perfect unto all good works.

3 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Don't you know that faith without works is dead?

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Let us work out for our salvation, by doing good works, even when no one can see.

Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

And we shall reap our rewards when the time of the end comes.

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Oh wait! The once saved always saved may be true when after receiving the gift of God today then death came after. How lucky is he/she will be.

Rain or Shine

I have discussed in my previous article that earth's disaster like earthquakes and floods are God's wrath and fierce anger. He can make the earth tremble with a mere stare and touch.

Like the saying goes, for every storm there's a rainbow and a blessing in each trial.

Rain or shine, by the mercies of God, we must always present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Him.

Mt 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Literally, who needs sun and rain but plants in the farm or in the garden?

1 Cor 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's farming, God's building.

Spiritually, who needs sun and rain from God?

Mal 4:2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Is 45:8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

Is 61:11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

As the sun of righteousness shine and the rain of righteousness pour down on us, we are assured of a full protection from God.

Rom 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

And who would dare to lay down their own necks for the salvation of anyone?

Rom 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

Rom 16:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

Except that one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus who laid down his own life for the salvation of all.

Mk 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Jesus therefore, is the rain or shine of God - the word and righteousness of God.

Jas 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Water Of Salvation

John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.

Matthew 3:3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' "

Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

I wonder why John the Baptist makes his calling in the dessert instead of within the city. Other translation is wilderness instead of dessert. Dessert or wilderness, within the city is still the best place to make an announcement.

Luke 3:4-6 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “ The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘ Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough ways smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

The dessert is a place where there is no water and evil spirit goes there.

Matthew 12:43 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.

A word of God that comes out of a mouth from a man's heart is a water of faith.

Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

Romans 10:8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” that is, the word of faith which we preach:

A heart therefore with no word of God is like a dessert without water having nothing that will bring us to life. Who wants a heart with no water where evil can dwell?

Preparing the way of the Lord is to have a clean heart ever ready to receive enlightenment that you may know the hope of salvation to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance.

All Souls Day

It's All Souls Day again for the devotees and I just want to mention few things to remember.

First, the prayers and offerings for the dead has nothing to do with their salvation.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.

Second, the dead don't have a day and visiting them to show your love and compassion is something the dead will never know.

Ecclesiastes 9:6 Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; Nevermore will they have a share In anything done under the sun.

Third, the dead shall be judged according to the works done while still living.

Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

Knowing that we shall be judged for our own sin, we can do nothing for the salvation of the dead.

Deuteronomy 24:16 “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin.

What is All Souls Day then? Perhaps, a picnic, a gatherings or a family get together that can be done with or without the dead under.

Forfeited

Examine ourselves, whether we are still in the faith unless we are disqualified because of the temptation.

Jas 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Sin out of ignorance may be forgiven as Paul knowing Jews' religion as the truth persecuted the Church of God but later preached the faith which once he destroyed.

Heb 10:26-27 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful apprehension of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Once we receive therefore the salvation offered and we become abusive, careless and neglect His will then it's forfeited.

1 Chro 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou shalt seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou shalt forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Set our hope fully upon the grace stored for us at the coming of Jesus Christ.

1 Pet 1:14-16 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of deportment. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

So the next time we read below the first requirement of salvation which is believing in Him, think of the works expected of a believer.

Jn 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Let us look to ourselves then, that we lose not those things which we have acquired that we may receive the full reward so as not to be marked "forfeited".

Misguided Members

What is the purpose of Jesus Christ dying on the cross when after believing in Him one can not be saved because of sin. This is the question of one of my friend citing John 3:16 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 and Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I call this belief elementary or just the basic because salvation is not just believing and presto, you're saved.

2 Peter 2:20-21 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.

What was purchased by the blood of Christ is the sin from the pollutions of the World prior to the acceptance of Jesus as the Lord & Saviour like Mary Magdalene - the prostitute, whom Jesus had cast seven devils.

1 Timothy 1:13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

What was forgiven was the sin done ignorantly not the original sin of Adam & Eve as some quarters insisted.

Ezekiel 18:20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

When one lived in righteousness, there and only then that we can connect John 3:16 & Romans 8:38 to justify salvation.

Romans 8:35-36 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “ For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

With the exception of Mary Magdalene, who become faithful follower of Christ, let it be known that there are possibilities of not saved while inside the Church like what happened to Judas Iscariot & the couple Ananias & Sapphira, Hymenaeus and Alexander, disproving the belief that once saved always saved.

Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Can we judge those who are inside our Church?

1 Corinthians 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife!

1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”

The once saved always saved theory is not true after all.

The Day Of The Lord

This is the day that the Lord has made.

2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: “ In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

The day when God will judge the secrets of men.

2 Thessalonians 2:14-15 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

For those who disregarded the heavenly calling, God has this to say.

Proverbs 1:24-29 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. “ Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD,

Come closer brethren, grab His hand and be prepared for the day of the Lord.

Christians Are Already Sitting At the Right Hand of the Father

This is the story of Salvation with God the Father as the author.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

2 Timothy 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Above is the brief story of salvation. It is presented by God and considered as done.

Spiritually speaking, saints are already sitting at the right hand of the Father-being part of the body of the Church where Christ is the head. It is but logical to say that, where the head is, the body is there.

Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

The only missing scenario in this story is the changing of the incorruptible body.

1 Corinthians 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

We are still waiting for the changing of the incorruptible body of the called to be saints, unto the Church of God, with all that in every place.

Philippians 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

Assurance

All of us know that Satan is the father of all lies and some people was already deceived and become already his sons & allies.

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

In our everyday lives, at work or in the office for example, you will encounter some of them. In fact they appear to be close always to your boss or managers or to the owner like Satan himself.

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

Job 1:7 And the LORD said to Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down upon it.

The very reason why they are present in every meetings or discussions is because they are there to prove something that they are right and accused every one to their advantage.

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night.

The wicked triumph at the beginning but this is our consolation and assurance from Christ himself.

Jn 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, and is even now come, that ye shall be scattered every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

Jn 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye will have tribulation, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.

Truly, If God is with us, who can be against us.

The wise, the scribe & the disputer became vain in their imaginations

1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

The knowledge of men is nothing compared to the wisdom of GOD.

1 Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Not until your reasoning is based on the wisdom of God written in the bible, you're in vain imaginations.

Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

It is wise then not to based your reasoning with your own understanding & many of us are like that. All doubts & questions regarding your salvation can be all justified by the scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

For only the believers of Christ that the mystery of the kingdom of God is made known.

Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

And for the unbelievers;

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Turn from your wickedness first before attempting to read the scripture, for if you don't, you will never understand it. I mean, how can you understand if you are a womanizer, drunkard, gambler, reviler etc. etc.

Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

The Perfect Man

The day of the lord is the final and eternal judgment by God to the living and the dead who are not included in the first resurrection.

Rev 20:12  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.

It will purportedly take place after the one thousand years reign of Jesus Christ who reigns together with the living first caught up in the air and the dead first resurrected on his second coming.

1 Thess 4:16  For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1 Thess 4:17  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Rev 20:5   But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

Rev 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

In the last day, who will condemn and justify if a man is perfect or not.

Rom 8:33 Who will lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth:

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

Salvation is unto God with the intercession of Jesus Christ as the mediator between God and man but there are three (3) ingredients that a man of God should have that he may be made perfect:

2 Tim 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works.

Col 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

2 Cor 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

And a perfect man kept his word and can never be offended with the word of God.

Jas 3:2 For in many things we all offend. If any man offendeth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

1 Jn 2:5 But whoever keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: by this we know that we are in him.

Straight from God Himself

I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Job 32:9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

Let our faith stand in the power of God.

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

For it was prophesied that many will arise false Christs and false prophets and it was so.

Matthew 25:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Do not be deceived, let us therefore read the Bible.

Isaiah 34:16 Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.

For what to say, do, spend, eat, everything we need is here in this book.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Now try it, ask anything about your salvation here and get the words straight from God Himself.

People Of God

Matthew 23:34-35 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

The killing and persecution of prophets, wise men, scribes and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, I thought, is just a thing of the past as devotees and fanatics are already matured. But, this prophesy is yet to come.

Revelation 6:9-11 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.

The people of God are ready to fight, having with them the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. But, this is not a fight against flesh and blood.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].

This is a fight against whose deeds are like their father Satan.

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

For if God is their father, they will definitely love anyone who is telling the truth.

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Tribulation For The Man Of God

When one tries to be good, the bad will not accept defeat just like that. Surely, Satan will fight a good bad fight.

He can send 7 devils plus 7 more wicked spirits or legions of devils in order to take you back.

Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Luke 11:26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

Luke 8:30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

1 Peter 5:9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Like this man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job.

Job 2:9-10 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Can we disown Jesus who gave this prior warning?

Mark 13:13 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

This is contrary to the thinking that being godly in this world is to live in abundance but actually it's a hard life that we have to endure.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Being godly, therefore, is not of building treasure, wealth or richness in this world. When there is suffering, then rejoice, salvation is working in progress.

Because only after the test of endurance, only after the devil flee from you, like the story of this man whose name was Job, that God will open the windows of heaven, and pour out you a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Finding Jesus

I wonder what Jesus Christ is doing right now. The last time we heard about him was when he told his Apostles about what he will do after he will be crucified and ascended up to heaven.

Jn 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Jn 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Jn 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

I calculated the time he made that promise up to this time and I realized that its been too long to prepare that's why he is still not coming. Thus, my question is, Is there any other thing that Jesus is doing aside from preparing a place for the Saints?

2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Let us remember that God wants all men to be saved. What is slow then is not God but we are, especially those who are not willing to repent and those who do not believe. This is precisely what Jesus is doing. To go in between and intercede between God and men.

1 Tim 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

1 Tim 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

If it is possible for a man like Apostle Paul, in his time, to mediate even without physical presence, more so with our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Cor 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

1 Cor 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Cor 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

In fact, God is rising up early speaking unto us everyday of our life but many of us don't listen.

Jer 7:13 And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not;

To find Jesus then is to gather in his name.

Mt 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

And God our Father will go also.

Zech 8:20 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

Zech 8:21 And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.

If there is one accuser day & night, there is but one mediator defending us before God also day & night.

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Amazing Stone

It is disgusting to hear lips that speaks lies and a tongue that mutters wicked things, but to know a feet and fingers that speaks and teaches, this is amusing.

Proverbs 6:13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

How can they convey a message is something that the recipient must interpret. This is often done unnoticed except for the sign language where everybody could see.

Online chatting and cellphone text exchanging are good examples of a talking fingers, but this one is amazing - the shouting stones.

Luke 19:39-40 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”

The stone can also stand as witness having heard every word of God.

Joshua 24:27 Joshua spoke to all the people: "This stone is a witness against us. It has heard every word that God has said to us. It is a standing witness against you lest you cheat on your God."

Behold, here's the stone, the corner stone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.

Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Acts 4:11-12 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Loot

Before its a fiery fight. Man against man, kingdom against kingdom, descendants against descendants. Fight between life and death against flesh and blood. The winner will plunder everything including wife, sons & daughters and servants of the loser.

Those who are with the Lord are of great advantage so they are commanded to give to their brethren and to the Levites (the priest at that time) 10% of the loot including the income derived from it.

Josh 22:8 and spoke to them, saying, “Return with much riches to your tents, with very much livestock, with silver, with gold, with bronze, with iron, and with very much clothing. Divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.”

Even the Levites who received the 10% of the loot will give the 10% of the 10% to the lord.

Neh 10:38 And the priest, the descendant of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive tithes; and the Levites shall bring up a tenth of the tithes to the house of our God, to the rooms of the storehouse.

Now, is the 10% still applicable?

Heb 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.

And this is the new law by our new priest Jesus Christ.

2 Cor 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

For there will be no priest that will again rise because Christ has an unchangeable priesthood.

Heb 7:24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.

How about the fiery fight against flesh and blood, is it still applicable?

Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

We don't struggle physically but to reason and righteousness. Can we fight Satan and his cohorts with deadly weapons like guns or spears? Remember that they are eternal because they are spirits.

Because of this, we should put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. This is what we all suppose to have as a faithful Christian.

Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Eph 6:15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Eph 6:16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Eph 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

And Apostle Paul said.

Eph 6:19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Eph 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Guarantee Of Inheritance

Believing that there is God is the first step.

Ephesians 1:13 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,

He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

Ephesians 1:14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Second, we must have faith in Him.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

But everybody is claiming that they are of God. How do we know those who are not?

Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

2 Peter 2:10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings;

Do you know that even angels are afraid of cursing the glorious beings in heaven?

2 Peter 2:11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord.

Believing that there is no God is therefore not a guarantee of inheritance.