Preachr34
  • Preachr34
    • Blog
  • Free Offer
  • Ministry Links
    • Other links
    • Other Bloggers
  • Contact me
  • BTCfP/L
  • About me

The vessels of the house of the LORD

6/22/2016

 
Who is there among you of all His people? his GOD be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD GOD of Israel, (He is the GOD,) which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of GOD that is in Jerusalem. Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit GOD had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem. And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered. (Ezra 1:3-6)
     Our journey through Mark now complete, we turn our attention to the history in Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. Ezra was a faithful scribe who collected many of the books of the Old Testament after the books of the Law and the books of wisdom and gathered them together, though not the same way we know them, into the Hebrew Scriptures or Old Testament. He begins his chronicle with the command and proclamation by Cyrus for the Jews to go back to Judah and Jerusalem and rebuild the temple which Babylon had torn down when Jerusalem was overthrown and the Jews were captured. The captivity of the Jews is drawing to a close and GOD has moved to return His people to their land and build a new temple that they may worship Him in spirit and in truth.
 
     When GOD moves, we must strengthen ourselves to the work, not in our own strength, or relying simply on our talents, abilities, strengths, and knowledge, but resting in His power, gifts, wisdom, and direction, to accomplish His will and do His work in this lost and dying world. Whatever GOD has called us to do for Him, we must do His work as His ambassadors and servants in this broken and sinful world He has called us to serve in for as long as we are here. He will strengthen us to whatever He brings us to do, and provide all our needs that He may be glorified in the work He does in us, just as He did with the Jews that He sent to build a new temple for Him in Jerusalem.
 
     Then the Jews who were obedient and faithful focused their worship on the Law and the sacrifices, so they needed a temple, the priests, and all the instruments of their worship to meet GOD. Today, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit that lives within us, and we worship all the time, the GOD who redeemed us from the Law and from sin when we repented of our sin, that we might serve Him whom we have received by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary. Though a new temple is coming, and GOD will call back the Jews to Himself, and all nations will worship in that temple for a thousand years, and Christ Himself will be there as He rules and reigns on this earth, that is a future still to come.

     Until that day, we are called to minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as GOD provides, with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that others 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 us with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go in the power of the Holy Spirit where He sends us, and as we go, 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.
 
       For 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 trust Him and what He has already done for you 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

He is alive

6/21/2016

0 Comments

 
And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him. (Mar 16:2-6)
     Our Lord, having paid our sin debt, yet without sin, Himself was not subject to death. The grave could not hold Him. Death could not keep Him, for He is life. He has paid for our sins, and satisfied the Father’s wrath, and all who receive Him by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary are no longer under condemnation but free. We free to free to live in Him the life we are meant to live through Him and free to live a life of holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

     The stone was not rolled away to let Him out, but that His disciples and followers would see in, and know that He had risen, that He was alive, and would see them just as He said. The angel was sitting, no longer covering the mercy seat, but now at rest, just as we rest in Him who is our life, our peace, and our rest, because He has fulfilled the Law, made a way for us to have peace with GOD through His sacrifice and given us victory over sin, death, and the grave. We have victory in Him, not to live as we please, or to do as we will, but to accomplish His will and do the work He has for us to do in this broken and sinful world.

     The Lord Jesus has called His redeemed Church to serve Him as His ambassadors, with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, and to minister to those around us who are hurting and in need with that which GOD provides. Our GOD and Saviour has commanded us to love one another as He first loved us and gave Himself for us, and to disciple one another in His Word that we might grow up into the full measure of Him who commended His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Our Master has commissioned us into His service to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and as we go, 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.

     For 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 trust Him and what He has already done for you 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
0 Comments

He taught them as one that had authority

6/14/2016

0 Comments

 
And they come again to Jerusalem: and as He was walking in the temple, there come to Him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto Him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was it from Heaven, or of men? answer Me. And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things. (Mar 11:27-33)
       Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son has authority and power to judge, to exercise dominion, to speak and teach Truth, for He is the Word made flesh. He is our Creator and has every right to set His terms for our behaviour and our redemption. He is our Redeemer and has paid the sin debt we cannot pay. He is our King and not only rules in the hearts of those who submit to His authority today, but one day He will rule His earthly Kingdom and then all eternity with the Father. He, with the Father and the Spirit, is the Supreme Authority, GOD of gods and Lord of lords, over kingdoms, princes, powers, and life itself, for He is our life, and all things come from Him. He ever liveth to make intercession for His own, and to draw all who will believe to the Father.

      The scribes, and lawyers, and leaders of the Jews could not admit that His authority was from the Father because of their unbelief, nor could they condemn John, knowing the people's reaction and belief that he was a prophet from GOD. Their unwillingness, in their own pride and self-righteousness, to admit to anything and acknowledge the work of GOD led to their equivocation and acknowledging their unbelief. Pride will keep us from surrendering to GOD on His Terms and repenting of our sins, and our trust in our own righteousness and unwillingness to admit we need GOD will keep us from trusting in Jesus Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary in our place and for our Salvation.

     Those who are secure in Him and born again are to rest in that authority, not as license to sin, but His rightful demand of holiness and righteousness, as we serve our Lord and Master, fellowship with His people, and share Him with others. We are called to minister to those around us who are hurting and in need with the Word of righteousness and reconciliation, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that others might see Christ in us, the hope of glory. We are commanded to love one another as He loved us, and to disciple one another in His Word that all may grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him who died for us. We are commissioned as His witnesses, to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to this lost and dying world in the power of the Holy Spirit that is within us, and as we go, proclaiming the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and acknowledging our sin and reconciliation with the Father through faith in the Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD, might have life in His Name.

    For 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 trust Him and what He has already done for you 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
0 Comments

Teach me and I will hold my tongue

4/6/2016

0 Comments

 
Oh that I might have my request; and that GOD would grant me the thing that I long for! Even that it would please GOD to destroy me; that He would let loose His hand, and cut me off! Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let Him not spare; for I have not concealed the Words of the Holy One. What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life? Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass? Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me? To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty. (Job 6:8-14)
       Job in his affliction laments and cries out to GOD for deliverance and mercy, though his request was for death not healing because his grief was so great. He also spoke out against his friends words without comfort that while partially true under the right circumstances weren't really helpful to Job in his situation. Job sought comfort in the Words of the Holy One, and found that the Lord was His strength, not himself or his friends. He has some learning to do, but recognized that he could not come to grips with his situation within himself, but had to seek it in another more wise and helpful. His friends didn't measure up, for they too were men, so Job turned to GOD, the only one who could answer him.

      In our grief and sorrow when calamity comes, we often forget the lessons of Job and turn to other sources for wisdom and understanding. But only GOD and His Word is our true Authority for He is Truth, His Word is Truth, and He will guide us into all Truth if we diligently seek Him. He tells us to search the Scriptures for they speak of Him, He tells us to study and learn of Him, He tells us that He may be found, and we can find rest for our souls in Him. Our circumstances may be temporary or permanent (in this life), but GOD is eternal, and our reaction and response to our circumstances can and should be based in His Truth and our faith in Him and His Word. We have trusted Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary for Salvation and we can trust Him with the rest of the details of the life we now live in and through Him.

       The people of GOD can minister to others because of what GOD has done for them. We have the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, and the Spirit of GOD to encourage and equip us to minister to those around us who are hurting and in need. The children of GOD, as members one of another, are to bear one anothers burdens and so fulfil the Law of Christ as we love one another and disciple one another in the Word of GOD. The church of GOD, the body of Christ, is to take His Word to this lost and dying world, and as we go with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit that is within us, we proclaim His Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that all those who repent and believe that Jesus is the Christ might have life in His Name.

     For 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 trust Him and what He has already done for you 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
0 Comments

My roarings are poured out like the waters

4/1/2016

0 Comments

 
For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest,
There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest. There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor. The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master. (Job 3:13, 17-19)
     Job, in his misery during this first week when his friends and comforters came and lamented his condition, didn't cry out to GOD for answers yet, but wished for death, even crying that he had never been born. Neither wish was helpful at this point, even though his grief was very real and his condition was very painful and grievous. But, even in his lamenting and crying, He didn't charge GOD foolishly.

    Those of us who are born again by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary and trusting in His great Salvation through repentance of our sin, ought not to allow our circumstances to control us, nor should we respond to them, even in trials and tribulations, we ought to be worshipful, grateful, and at rest in Him who is our peace in the midst of the storm. We may not be happy with what is happening around us, or the evil calamities we may suffer in this broken and dying world, but we can be joyful in the Spirit and wait patiently on the Lord. Though all around us may be chaotic and uncontrollable, He is our strength. Though we may not see the goodness in those things which come our way, He is our Lord and is in control, working all things for His glory and for His purpose of conforming us to His image and growing us into the full measure of Him.

      For GOD calls His Church to serve, as His ambassadors, not sitting around the meeting house congratulating ourselves on how spiritual we are because we bothered to show up on Sunday, but ministering to those around us who are hurting and in need, with the things of this life, and with the Word of GOD, rightly divided and fitly spoken. GOD commands His children to love one another in fellowship, forgiving and forbearing one another, and as members in particular, even as He loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD that we may grow thereby.  GOD has commissioned and sent His people forth in the power of the Holy Spirit and with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that as we go into this lost and dying world, we may proclaim His Good News of forgiveness of sin through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son that in believing that Jesus is the Christ they might have life in His Name.

     For 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 trust Him and what He has already done for you 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
0 Comments

Be established in the present Truth

3/23/2016

0 Comments

 
According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2Pe 1:3-8)
     Our life is in Christ, who is our Hope, our refuge, our strength, and our peace. We will be glorified, if we are in Christ, when He comes back for His own. Those of us who have repented of our sins and received Jesus Christ by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, are no longer citizens of this world and the kingdom of darkness. We have been translated into the Kingdom of light, and while we sojourn here for a time, we are now citizens of that Heavenly Kingdom, new creatures in Christ, awaiting the Blessed Hope of His return.

     While we wait on the Lord, serving not sitting around, for we are to continue to do all that He has commanded us to do, to make disciples, to baptize those that believe, and to disciple all who are in Christ that they may grow in Him and continue to make disciples, until He is done with us. We rest in Him who is our rest, resting from our labours to save ourselves and taking His yoke upon us and becoming more like Him as He works in us, to produce His fruit of righteousness in us. His children continue in Him and through Him the cycle of growth and obedience which produces fruit in ourselves and in those around us who we are ministering to, through His Spirit and at His command.

     God's people are called to minister, as His ambassadors, to represent the Kingdom as salt and light in this dark and broken world that needs healing and Truth, serving those around us who are hurting and in need with the Word of reconciliation as God provides. His children are commanded to love one another and to disciple one another as we become more like Him who first loved us. The Church of God is commissioned to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to this lost and dying world in the power of the Holy Spirit, and as we go proclaiming the Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father to all who will hear that they might repent and believe that He is the Christ and in believing have life in His Name.

     For 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 trust Him and what He has already done for you 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
0 Comments

GOD resists the proud and gives grace to the humble

3/22/2016

0 Comments

 
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of GOD, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the GOD of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal Glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1Pe 5:6-11)
       Our daily dying to self, bearing our cross, and resting in Him who is our rest, who is our righteousness, and who is sanctifying His children to be conformed to His image, calls us to trust and obedience in our walk with Him. We who are saved by His imputed righteousness because of our faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, are to continue to walk by faith in Him, living His life and He in us. No matter what happens around us, no matter what GOD allows to come our way, we rest in Him and trust Him to bring us through it. He tells us He will never leave us nor forsake us, He cannot fail, and that no matter what He cares for us.

      We are to be careful for nothing, for our GOD cares for us. That does not mean we don't prayerfully plan, or that we aren't to be wise in all we do, but that we seek His face, follow His purposes, and go in the path He has for us, in His wisdom and knowledge. We are to bring our burdens and supplications to the Lord, to the throne of mercy that we might find grace to help in time of need. We are to trust in Him and walk in Him, that when the enemy of our souls and accuser of the brethren comes against us, we may resist, not in our own strength, nor binding him by our word, but in the strength of the Lord, rebuking the devourer in His Name and by His authority, not in vain, but as His people and children of the King. Fully armoured and in His strength we stand through Him who is our refuge and strength.

       In full submission to Jesus Christ, the Lord of life, we are to do His will and accomplish His work while we are here. His servants, in obedience to His commands, are called to minister to those around us who are hurting and in need, with the Word of Truth and righteousness fitly spoken, that others may see Jesus in us, the hope of Glory. His children, members one of another, are commanded to love one another as He loved us, and disciple one another that we may perfect the saints, for the work of the ministry, and edify the body of Christ. His people, on mission with Him and under the guidance and power of the Holy are commissioned to take the Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father to this lost and dying world, and as we go, proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will hear and believe that He is the Christ, that in believing they might have life in His Name.

    For 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 trust Him and what He has already done for you 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


0 Comments

Be followers of that which is good

3/17/2016

0 Comments

 
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (1Pe 3:8-12)
     For those who are truly in Christ, He calls us to holiness and righteousness, not in our own strength, but in Him and through Him. His Spirit within us guides us into all Truth, and prompts in the way we should go to do His will and accomplish His work in this broken and dying world. As we sojourn here, as soldiers and ambassadors in a foreign country, looking for that city whose builder and maker is GOD, we must do so in meekness, a quiet strength which rests in Him who is our rest, and fear, the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. We are to be like Him in all respects, living His life by faith and obedience to His Word that we may glorify our GOD in all things, and others may see Jesus in us, the hope of Glory.

      When trouble comes, and it will, whether from the natural calamities of this world, or from those who oppose GOD and GOD'S people, we are not to strive against the foolish rants and childish taunts of those who do not know GOD, those who have a zeal of God but not according to knowledge, or those who follow some other god and think they are doing right when they are in darkness and dead in their trespasses and sins. We must remember, and prayerfully seek to win them to Christ by our love both in word as we give an answer to every man that asketh us a reason of the hope that is within us, and in His works of righteousness which He has ordained that we should walk in them; that they may repent and receive His great Salvation by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary.

     GOD'S people are to love Him completely, with all of our being, in worship and fellowship, as we love others as ourselves, ministering to those around us who are hurting and in need. The Church of GOD is called and commanded to make disciples, loving one another as we encourage and equip the saints in the work of the ministry and edify the body of Christ. Those who have received Him by grace through faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and been born again are to go in the power of the Holy Spirit and as we go, take the Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father to all who will hear that they might believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of GOD and in believing have life in His Name.

    For 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 trust Him and what He has already done for you 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
0 Comments

The Shepherd and Bishop of your souls

3/16/2016

0 Comments

 
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with GOD. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1Pe 2:20-24)
      If we are in trouble or punished for what we do that is in error or sinful, we are receiving the just reward for our actions, and have nothing to complain about. If we are chastised or persecuted for that which we have done in Christ and for GOD, we will be blessed for our meekness, a quiet strength that rests in GOD who is our rest. If we are suffering the consequences of our own actions, we ought to humbly confess and acknowledge our faults; but if we suffer for our faith, He will reward us in His good time for our faithfulness and obedience to His Word.

     He calls all to repent of their sin, trust in Him alone, and forsaking all else and follow Him, to be as He is, Holy and righteous. We cannot stand in His presence in our own righteousness, which is as filthy rags, we must put on the righteousness of GOD through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary in repentance and surrender to Him on His terms.  The GOD who created us, and has judged our sin as an offense against Him and His Law, has offered Himself in our place that we might be saved from ourselves and the penalty of sin which came upon all men. Jesus Christ became our sin that we might become His righteousness and we who are born again and made new creatures in Christ are to live lives of holiness and submission to His Will as He accomplishes His work in and through us.

     GOD calls His Church to holy and righteous in and through our Lord, Jesus Christ, as His body, the living bride He is fashioning for His Son, as we minister to those around us who are hurting and in need, with the Word of reconciliation. GOD commands His people, the building of lively stones He has established in fellowship and in relationship with Him, to love one another and to disciple one another in His Word, that we may be fully equipped to do the work of the ministry He directs and edify, encourage, and exhort the body of Christ. Our Lord has commissioned His witnesses, the army of GOD, but not with the weapons of this world, but with the Word of GOD and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go and make disciples, teaching and proclaiming, in the power of the Holy Spirit within us, the Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father, that those who hear and believe in Him might have life in His Name.

    For 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 trust Him and what He has already done for you 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
0 Comments

The salvation of your souls

3/11/2016

0 Comments

 
Blessed be the GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are kept by the power of GOD through faith unto Salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1Pe 1:3-7)
      Peter begins his epistle with a message of hope and encouragement to believers that our redemption by GOD is not through our own efforts, will not fade away, and though we will go through many trials during our sojourn here, GOD knows that He will bring us through, conformed to the image of His dear Son, for good and for His Glory. Our eternity with Him is sealed by Him, and His Spirit within is the earnest of our Redemption. The trials are temporary, but our GOD and our relationship with Him through repentance and faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary is eternal and ever lasting.

      Those not yet in Christ still have an opportunity to receive Christ by faith unto eternal life, for GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the acknowledging of the Truth. GOD loves you, and while His foreknowledge means He knows who are His, His grace and mercy extends to all who will repent and believe in Him. He will not force any one to be born again, but all who reject His great Salvation will be for ever separated from the only true GOD and from His Son, Jesus Christ, whom He sent to be the Saviour of the world. GOD the Son who is the Son of GOD became a man and went humbly and willingly to that cruel Roman cross that we might have life and have it more abundantly in Him who is our life.

      When He shall appear, we who are His will receive the final aspect of GOD's plan of redemption, the glorification of His people, not that we become gods, but that we are made new in our bodies, just as He made us new in our spirits, and is making all things new in our souls. Until that day we are to continue in Him, trusting in Him who is our rest, and serving all those He sends us to as ministers of reconciliation and ambassadors of His Kingdom. We are to minister to those around us who are hurting and in need, with the Word of reconciliation rightly divided and fitly spoken that they may see Jesus in us, the hope of Glory. We are to love one another, fellowship together as we accomplish His work, and disciple one another as we grow in Him into the full measure of Him with whom we have to do. We are to testify of Him with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Ghost until all have heard the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in Him, that in believing they might have life in His Name.

    For 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 trust Him and what He has already done for you 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
0 Comments
<<Previous


    My Blog:

    Comments on the Scriptures, book by book. Working our way through the Scriptures with commentary, encouragement, and equipping. Feel free to add your own comments, or to send me a message concerning what GOD is saying through His Word.

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    April 2022
    January 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012

    Categories

    All
    Angel
    Antichrist
    Authority
    Birth
    Blessing
    Calamity
    Charity
    Cherub
    Christ
    Comfort
    Commandment
    Confession
    Confusion
    Contentment
    Counsel
    Covenant
    Creation
    Death
    Deliver
    Delusion
    Destruction
    Devil
    Faith
    Faithfulness
    Father
    Fear
    Fellowship
    Fool
    Forgive
    Glory
    GOD
    Godliness
    Gospel
    Grace
    Heal
    Heaven
    Hell
    Holiness
    Hope
    Idols
    Inheritance
    Joy
    Judge
    Judgement
    Kingdom
    Knowledge
    Law
    Liberty
    Life
    Light
    Lord
    Love
    Marriage
    Memorial
    Mercy
    Morning
    Mystery
    Nations
    Obedience
    Offering
    Pastor
    Peace
    People
    Power
    Praise
    Prayer
    Pride
    Priest
    Promise
    Prophet
    Provision
    Refuge
    Religion
    Resolved
    Rest
    Restore
    Reward
    Righteous
    Sacrifice
    Salvation
    Scriptures
    Service
    Sheep
    Shepherd
    Sin
    Spirit
    Strength
    Submission
    Suffering
    Testify
    Thanksgiving
    Tradition
    Treachery
    Trial
    Truth
    Understanding
    Victory
    Way
    Weakness
    Will
    Wisdom
    Witness
    Wonderful
    Word
    Work
    World
    Worship
    Wrath


Engaging and Enabling People to Enjoy Jesus Christ.