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Risen to walk in newness of life

9/29/2017

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And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. (Acts 8:34-38)
     The Ethiopian eunuch, reading from Isaiah, had questions concerning the subject of the text and what it meant. When Philip expounded the Scripture to the eunuch and preached Christ to him from the prophets words in Isaiah 53, the eunuch was convicted of sin and believed in Jesus Christ as his Saviour, was baptized after he had repented and placed his faith in Jesus Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary.
 
     The eunuch’s response by faith to the new birth by the Spirit of God and the Word of God led to immediate baptism as a demonstration of what He had already received from God by faith. The Word of God spoke to him as the Spirit of God used Philip to teach and preach Jesus Christ, the Messiah of God to this Jewish convert that the Gospel might go with him to the uttermost parts of the earth as Christ had proclaimed. The eunuch confessed Christ not only with his words, but also with his heart in obedience to the Lord.
 
      No matter what our circumstances we should look for opportunities to preach the Word, teach Christ from the Scriptures, and witness of the resurrection and God’s power to those around us. We also teach of the justice and judgment of God, for God is just, and his justice is what demands a payment for sin, which Christ paid on our behalf because of his mercy and love. God loves everyone, and is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and faith in Him. He sends us to tell others, just as He did with Philip, that they might be saved. We are to be found faithful and obedient, as Philip was, and go where we are sent, say what He tells us to say in the context of the need, and be willing and available to continue to serve Him and those we are sent to serve in His Name.
 
     God calls all His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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The coming of the Just One

9/28/2017

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When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, (Acts 7:54-57)
     When confronted about his faith and his practice, Stephen gave the Sanhedrin a history lesson concerning the Jews and God’s plan to bring the Messiah into the world through them. He reminded them of all God had done, and all that He said He would do, and then indicted them for their stubborn refusal to see that indeed, Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah of God, crucified by God at their hand, but raised from the dead by the power of God.
 
     Stephen’s accusation concerning their actions in crucifying Jesus and opposing God cut them deeply and they became increasingly agitated. His pointed reference to Jesus, in His authority as our intercessor, standing next to God, was the final straw for the Jewish leaders. To them, his blasphemy in declaring Jesus as the Son of man and at the right hand of God (making Him God) was too much and they stoned him, despite not having the legal authority to put any one to death under Roman law. They had become an incensed wicked mob in their defense of their religion and tradition.
 
     When confronted with the truth, whether about themselves or about God, wicked and sinful men will often resort to physical and personal attacks. Having nothing left to discuss and not willing to see their own faults and sin, especially when it comes to rejecting Jesus as the Jews had done, they will turn debates into accusations and witness encounters into confrontations. It is not that they are rejecting us, but that their sin has them blinded to the Saviour, and they are rejecting Him. Deep down they know there is a God and that they are sinners, but they cannot acknowledge that, or they would have to admit that they cannot change or save themselves but need God, and that is not something that they are yet willing to do.
 
     Until God changes their hearts and minds through His Word and they see themselves as they are, those who do not yet have a relationship with Jesus Christ are lost and dead in their trespasses and sins. Lost people do lost people things, and we are, while still being salt and light in this world, are not going to change them or their behavior, for we are not God. We can witness of Christ, but we must understand that until God works in them, no amount of preaching or appeals to anything in this world will accomplish what only God can do. They must repent and surrender to Him on His terms. God must bring sinners unto Himself and cause them to want to turn from their sin and be saved from sin by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary.
 
 
     Because God is not willing that any should perish but that all should repent and be saved, God calls all His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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A great company were obedient to the faith

9/27/2017

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Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word. (Acts 6:2-4)
     A ministry problem presented itself with the serving of those in the church. Some were being served and others were being neglected. The Apostles who were tasked with prayer and the ministry of the Word of God had the church select the first deacons to handle the day to day task of the first family ministry. The first selection was of seven men who were already serving and of good character and Christian witness which the Apostles ordained to this service.
 
     By having men set apart to the daily ministry of meeting the physical needs of the early Christians, the Apostles could focus on communing with the Lord and teaching all the Word of God. It did not mean that the Apostles were somehow better than the rest, or that they did not associate with the rest of the church, but that they had a different ministry to the church. The first deacons were tasked, but not limited to, with the daily ministering of the congregation so that the Apostles could focus on the spiritual feeding of the fellowship. Both worked together in the service of the Lord and in the growth of the members.
 
     All who serve do so in service to God who calls men to minister as He ministered to others. Whether one is called as a deacon and ordained to serve families, or called as an elder or pastor to teach, preach, and counsel, and ordained to feed the flock, all are called and set apart for the work of God in serving the church. Those who are called should have already demonstrated their character and witness and not be a novice in the faith. Those who serve should do so with distinction and humility, not for their own glory or recognition, but to glorify God and build up His church in the faith.
 
     God sets apart mature men in the faith to serve His people that they might grow in Him and He might be glorified. Whether deacons or pastors, God is the one who calls them to service unto Him. Regardless of whether you serve as a deacon, pastor, teacher, or anywhere else in the church, God calls you to serve Him in whatever you do. Not all are called to serve as deacons or pastors, but all are called to serve Him who is our Lord until He calls us to do more or to something else. There are many things in the church which God calls all Christians to be and to do.
 
     While we are here, God calls all His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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Lest haply ye be found even to fight against God

9/26/2017

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Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him. (Acts 5:29-32)
     First Ananias and Sapphira seek to undermine the integrity of the church from within by their deception, then the Sanhedrin seek to denounce “The Way” from without. Peter exposes the duplicities of Ananias and Sapphira then exposits a sermon to the Sanhedrin, pointing out the power and Authority of God as the Saviour and King in resurrecting the Son of God who is God the Son, Jesus Christ, but also testifying of His grace and mercy.
 
    Though at first the council sought to destroy these men, Gamaliel reminded them of those who had gone before and come to nought, but unlike those men, Peter and John testified of God and led the church of God in their witness as His disciples. They were not learned in the traditions and teachings of the Pharisees nor did they have the standing and position of the Sadducees, but they had the presence and power of God Almighty and in His strength, and in the end they carried the day.
 
     No matter what trial we face, from those within who seek their own ends, or those without who do not understand the things of God, we must stand strong in the Word and strength of our God. He will carry us through whatever He brings us to do when we seek Him and follow His Word and His will. We may not fully understand what we are facing, nor should we be disobedient to authorities placed over us simply because we do not like what we are told, but if they are in error to their authority and to God we are duty bound to follow God and let Him take care of what may come.
 
     We will certainly experience the consequences of our actions, but we must trust our God, that if we are doing His work and His will, He will take care of all the other things. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He is always in control of all things, whether He allows them or causes them, nothing takes God by surprise. We need not fear what man may do to us.
 
     And while we are here, God calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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No other Name

9/22/2017

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Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the Stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (Act 4:10-13)
     Once again Peter identifies Jesus Christ as the Messiah of God, but also as the only one who can save us from our sins. Though the authorities dismissed Peter and John as not having gone to the right schools or learned the religious doctrines from the Sanhedrin they nevertheless had one difference and they were beginning to understand, that they had been with Jesus. All the knowledge in the world can’t save, all the power and position in this life can’t save, only Jesus saves. The rejected servant is now the Head of all and His sacrifice for sin is the cornerstone of our faith. The simple, and yet not so simple, Jewish Carpenter who was God in the flesh, whom the Jews rejected for another, is now Lord of all and the Saviour of all who will believe and trust in Him.
 
     Peter’s proclamation once again divided those who began to understand and believe in Jesus Christ, the Messiah of God, and those who did not. The authorities who did not or would not because of their position in the Sanhedrin rejected Him on political or personal grounds, but reject Him they did, and despite all their religion, they would remain lost and without Christ. Those Jews who believed and repented received Jesus Christ by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary and were saved. The lines were drawn and would lead to persecution of “The Way” as Christianity was known then, and the scattering of those who believed.
 
     We must understand that there is no other way to the Father but by Jesus Christ. We must tell all who will hear of Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, and His propitiation for the sins of the world that they might receive Him and be saved. We must be united in the Spirit, not ignorant of the Scriptures or unlearned about the things of God, but that the world may see and understand that we have been with Jesus. They may reject our message, they may reject us as His servants, but they may even reject Jesus as the Sanhedrin did, but they must see and understand the power and purpose of the Church through the Gospel unto Salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
    
     While the church is here, God calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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Repent and be saved

9/21/2017

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The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified His Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ should suffer, He hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the Heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. (Act 3:13-15, 18-21)
     Peter again preaching to the crowds, this time at the healing of the lame man, reminds the Jews of their history and of their recent actions. He also tells them that it was all determined by God and it was for their salvation. He commands them to repent, not only of the sin of rejecting their Messiah, but of sin in general, for all are guilty of sin, that they might be born again by receiving Jesus Christ.
   
     Though his message to the Jews seems incomplete to those who have heard the Gospel, since he was preaching to the Jews they understood not only their national sin but also their individual part in it. Many in that day recognized not only what they had done, but who Jesus is and in response they received Him in faith. Though the religious leaders would try their best to stop this new sect, they could not stand against the Lord of creation who had given Himself for sin and to save those who are lost.
 
     Knowing the reality of Jesus Christ, the Messiah of God, is essential unto salvation. But only knowing the facts about Him without repentance and faith in what He has done for us is factual knowledge but not saving faith. It’s like knowing all the stats and pertinent information about some star or sports figure, but having never met them nor any personal relationship with them. God calls everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and know Him, not just the facts, but a personal knowledge of Him by relationship with the living God. God demands repentance, a changing of the heart and mind, concerning sin. We must agree with Him of how wrong sin is, not just sin in general, but our sin, as an offence against a Holy and righteous God. We must be willing to turn from our sin and turn to Him who died for our sin that the wrath of God would be satisfied on behalf of all those who receive Him by faith in Him and His finished work on the Cross of Calvary for sin and our salvation.
 
     The message of hope which the church has that through repentance and faith in Christ all who will receive Him can be born again, not giving their life to Christ, but receiving from Him a brand-new life in Christ. That doesn’t mean we won’t sin, but it does mean that we should want to sin less and less as we grow in Him and become more like Him. Just as Peter called people to repentance and faith, so the church must continue to preach and proclaim Christ, crucified for sin and resurrected and alive, that all who will may receive Him.
 
     As long as the church is here, God calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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His Spirit is within us

9/20/2017

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Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on His throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. (Acts 2:29-33)
     Peter speaking of and quoting David in the Psalms as part of his sermon on the events at Pentecost reminds the listeners that the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit were foretold by God. This same Jesus whom they crucified and buried was alive and He had promised the Holy Ghost to come to comfort, guide, and empower the believers, and that is what they were experiencing.
 
     In these early days of the Church God was working to equip the Apostles and believers so that they would take His message to all the people just as He had said. The first was to give them the Holy Spirit that they might be empowered to speak for Him, remember what Jesus had said when He walked this earth, and understand the Holy Scriptures which speak of Him as they shared Him with others. Though He had risen and gone to be with the Father, He had not left them alone and comfortless, but filled them with His Spirit. God the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of God had come and taken residence in His Church.
 
     Just as they had the indwelling Spirit to guide them into all truth, equip them for the battles we all face, and comfort them as they walked with Him, so we too receive Him when we believe. When we come to God on His terms of repentance and faith and put our trust in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, we receive His Spirit, God Himself in us, to guide, equip, comfort, in all He has for us to do. He also corrects and chastises when we stray, that we might glorify God in all things and point to Christ by our words and our deeds.
 
     His Spirit will teach us all things through His Word, guide and direct those who listen to accomplish His Will, and pray for us when we don’t even know what to pray, for He has the mind of God. He encourages as we walk with Him, equips us as we engage others, empowers us as we minister, and edifies us as we make disciple makers until He takes us Home to the Father.
 
     Until we go Home to be with God, The Spirit of God calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs

9/19/2017

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And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven. (Acts 1:7-11)
     Jesus once again declares that no man knows the time of the Kingdom which the Father has established but as He does, He gives the sequence of events which make up the outline of Luke’s record of the acts of the early church and its main apostles, Peter and Paul. Jesus ascended to His Father and to His throne from the Mount of Olives, the very spot He will return to, to rule at His Father’s side until His bodily physical return.
 
     The Apostles saw Him for many days after His resurrection, began to understand much of what He taught them, but still expected an earthly Kingdom to be established at that time. Jesus corrected their thinking and encouraged them to wait on the Lord and the giving of the Spirit which would come at Pentecost. Immediately after His last instructions, He ascended to the Father, and the Apostles were admonished that they couldn’t just stand there gazing for His return, but to go as He had instructed them while they waited for His return.
 
     Our Lord is alive, has empowered His people to do His work in this world, and intercedes even as He rules from His throne over His Spiritual Kingdom. His Spirit has directed His people as missionaries, preachers, servants, and disciple makers around the world, beginning where they are, taking the message of eternal life to all who will hear. He will come again to physically rule on this earth and has commissioned His servants to continue His work and share Him and His Word to the whole world.
 
     God has directed His Church to be about Kingdom work, even as we wait for His return. We are to serve Him, doing what He has called us to do in our communities, our neighborhoods and counties, our country, and to the uttermost parts of the world, until He calls us Home.
 
     Until we meet the Lord in the air, God calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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That He may exalt you in due time

9/18/2017

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And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea. And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed. (Est 10:1-3)
     In the epilogue to Esther’s or Mordecai’s record we have the record of Mordecai’s position and legacy. Because he had humbled himself not only to his God but also to the king of Persia except where doing so would have led to disobedience to God, Mordecai had been promoted to next unto the king. God had exalted him and given him a place that promoted and preserved the Jews even after the time recorded in the book of Esther.
 
     Mordecai and Esther were very important people to the Jews, not only because of the feast which commemorates their deliverance during their days in Persia, but also because of their faith and steadfastness in following the Laws and Commandments of God. Their obedience to God and to their king in those things not contrary to God meant they were model citizens, despite Haman’s view of them. Their preservation also meant the nation would continue, return to the land of Israel, and bring forth the Saviour, just as God had promised His people long ago.
 
     We can see the promotion of Mordecai, not as a promise that we will be promoted, but a principle that those who obey God and the government in those things which are right and holy will be exalted in due time. God has told us that being dead to self and dying daily, humbling ourselves before Him in faith and repentance, and obedient to His Word will lead to an increase in responsibility and service. Continued ministry to others and good works, not to gain or keep salvation, for that is by grace, but because of what He has done for us and because of our love for Him who first loved us will be rewarded and recognized in His time.
 
     Like Mordecai we are to wait on God, doing that which He has called us to do, and serving Him. Looking for what God is doing and getting in on His work in obedience and faith will lead us to a greater place of service and if we remain humble and grateful to our God a greater love for others and for Him who died for us and lives now at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us until He calls us Home.
 
     Until that day comes, God calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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From sorrow to Joy

9/15/2017

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And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far, To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them; (Est 9:20-23)
     After the decree from Mordecai, which allowed the Jews to defend themselves, and after the day came which they had to stand against their enemies, Mordecai pronounced a day of feasting and celebration to mark the occasion. The days of Purim forever memorialized the deliverance which God provided to the Jews in Persia and their sorrow as a nation was turned into joy despite their status as subjects of the Persian empire.
 
     Not only is the record of Esther the backstory to the celebration of Purim, but it is the record of God’s continued preservation and providence on behalf of His people. He had not abandoned them when they were in the captivity which He had caused to occur because of their disobedience to Him. To many, the discarding of the Jews would have been understood and expected, but God still has a plan for His people, and is already working things out for them to return to their own land and rebuild Jerusalem and the temple.
 
     Seeing God’s hand even in a record which does not reveal Him by name can encourage us to greater faith in our God. We can know and trust that our God is still in control, nothing takes Him by surprise. He is not our cosmic butler or magic genie to clean up our messes or give us all we want in this life, but He is our Father and wants what is best for us. We may experience the circumstances of our choices and that which God allows or directs for our growth in Him but He will never leave us nor forsake us. Whether fire or flood, the Master of the storm will be with us.
 
     Trusting our God who dwells within to provide, protect, and preserve His people, even amid evil events and calamities, we can continue His Work and do His will. We don’t have the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind, so we should not fear natural events nor what man may do to us, but work in His might, share His love, and know and believe Him through His Word as long as we are here.
 
     Until He calls us Home, God calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

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