Welcome

March 2025 is now posted.

We will be posting the Glorious Gospel articles individually below. A PDF file (large print) can be downloaded under the Archives tab and printed if desired, as well as past editions.

 Chariot of the Cherubim

Part 2

Jack Davis

Interesting symbols: The pattern and construction concerning the Ark, as well as everything in the tabernacle, teach about Jesus Christ and His work of redemption. 

What was to be placed in the ark? Read Heb. 9:1-11. In the temple of Solomon it contained only the table of stone. I Kings 8:9.

What was placed on the ark? The mercy seat, which also acted as a lid. The blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled thereon. God said He would neet and commune with His people there. Ex. 25:21

What was on the mercy seat and covered it? The cherubim of glory – Heb. 9:5.

Where was the ark to dwell when Israel camped? In the Holy Place (the Holiest of Holies) the throne room. With the blood sprinkled upon the mercy seat, represents for us the throne of grace. Heb. 4:14-16 and 10:19-22.

What do the Cherubim Represent? Can you see redeemed, glorified humanity, who have by the power of the Holy Spirit entered the glorious liberty of the Children of God? In the Word of God they seem to be enjoying the spacious, gracious freedom of performing the will of the throne. They seem to be carrying out and calling forth the mode, mood, and movement in harmony with that glorious throne of glory.

I greatly appreciate Pastor Richard’s series on “Liberty” and quote the last paragraph. “In eternity each of us is an integral unit. Our faith takes hold of  it now. The cherubim of Ezekiel and the seraphim of Isaiah, show the full character of Christ in man. He has the nature, the humility, the power, the durability that a God-man should have. Who are these cherubim and seraphim? They can be you…me…an entirely new “I.” Praise the Lord! Liberty from all the bondage of corruption!” 

The cherubim’s wings tell us some wonderful things about how full overcomers are enabled by the Holy Spirit to rise and reign. Eze. 10:15-17; Isa. 40:28-31. The expression in our translation is “mount up.” Ezekiel 10:15 also identifies the cherubim as living creatures. These “living creatures” with four wings joined one to the other (unity of the Spirit), straight feet, and four faces, (a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle) show the fourfold characteristics of our Lord Jesus 

Christ pictured in the four gospels, and reproduced in His dependant people.

In Revelation chapters four and five the living creatures are referred to as “beats.” Their description in 4:6-8 is comparable to those in Ezeklel ten. When these redeemed and glorified beings joyfully express their knowledge of Christ’s right to reign both as Creator and Redeemer, all creation seem to react. That which is said of them affords us some marvelous insight to the conveyance of the King of kings, for they are always acting in perfect harmony with the will of the throne. These will have taken the name of Jesus with them, carried His life, as treasure in earthen vessels, born His reproach, made Him known to others, and shown forth His light.

Transport for dignitaries of most countries are elaborate. But what is the president’s limo, copter, or plane compared to a chariot of cherubims? For seven years our assemble took a bus load of young people to youth camp out in the Colorado rockies, what trips! The Lord was certainly with us, and watched over us. One year we got behind a bus named the ‘Lord’s Ford.’ Someone wondered if we could call our bus “The bride’s ride.” We had some real blessings and mechanical problems with the old bus, but it was far easier to take them than Rebecca’s camel.

“The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: He sitteth (enthroned, above, among, on or between) the Cherubims; let the earth be moved.” – Psa. 99:1. We here have a chariot that it is a living vehicle, made up on living creatures. 

In Songs of Solomon 1:9; the king compares the great love of his life, to a company (how significant) not of wild horses, but to a highly trained company of powerful creatures that move swiftly in  perfect unison at the will of the chariot master, and which otherwise stood perfectly still. In Songs of  Solomon 3:9-11, We read that the king built for himself a palanquin, His car of state. Some have called it a litter. By definition this has characteristics of a curtain covered couch for carrying a crowned one.

He made has chariot of wood which teaches of our Lord’s work with humanity, having become man to redeem mankind. He made the pillars of silver, in other words His work, it’s solid supports were established on redemption. In Old Testament type the redemption money was silver. Of course under the new covenant we are redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus. The floor of His car of state was of gold. He became man to make mankind a partaker of the divine nature, pictured by the gold. The covering of purple indicates that those who are born into the family of God by faith in Jesus Christ are heirs of God, born to royalty. The midst paved with love, that is what the gospel story is all about. The greatest love story ever told, from start to finish, first to last, least to the greatest. This is the chariot of charity. “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Rev. 1:5-6. Read and rejoice in 5:11-14.

He who is the king maker, house builder, foundation, and chief corner stone will soon finish His work in the objects of His love. Then will He forever be highly honored as the King of all kings, and Lord of all lords. He who is the maker of true priests must be acknowledged as the High Priest forever.

Oh, what a Redeemer, what a Savior, none other name can claim such fame, for no one in heaven and earth has borne the blame, and suffered the full measure of reproach and shame. Oh, yes the highest praise must go to our lover, liberator, and lifter of our heads forever.

“Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Ammi-nadib.” S.O.S. 6:12.

In a grand surprise, the king of love seems to dip too low on His inspection tour. Then all of sudden with love’s magnetic force the king and His greatest love get caught up and carried away in translation’s embrace. He might be heard to say, “Before I realized what was happening, my heart set me on the chariots of my princely, or willing people.” I am told such is the meaning of Ammi-nadib. The Lord Himself will soon descend with a shout, and His watching waiting bride shall ascend to that glad meeting in the air! What comfort this hope affords.

 FRUIT

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:1-5

God has always used things from His creation to teach us spiritual lessons. We can easily understand that a tree is identifiable by the fruit that it bears. If you see a tree that has apples growing on it, you will know that it is not an orange tree. So, remember, fruit is what can be observed.

Jesus told us “by their fruits ye shall know them.” He is giving us an understanding that a person’s actions and behavior and speech will allow you to know something about them. It is easy to say, “I am a Christian,” but is there any evidence. On the other side, if you are a true Christian, can others tell? Can they observe your life, your behavior and know that you are a Christian?

If you think that non-Christians don’t know what to look for, you would be wrong. Even if they are not sure, you will hear them say, “that doesn’t seem very much like a Christian.” They do know what they expect someone’s behavior to be when they claim to be Christian. 

And this brings me to the problem that we often have. We claim to be Christians. That means we are bearing the name of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, God told His people that they should not bear His name in vain. Israel bore the name of Jehova their God. Others would take note of this and the actions of the Israelites would reflect on their God.

First, in our passage, Jesus does not leave us to try to figure out how to live a Christian life. He very clearly tells us that we cannot bear fruit except we remain in Him. That is a life that is yielded to the life of Christ. We are created in Christ (new birth) unto good works (fruit). “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Secondly, I want you to notice that He uses the word “bear,” that is, to “carry.” We are not creating the fruit, we are bearers of the fruit that is the result of the life of Christ. The fruit comes as a result of the work of the Holy Spirit. He works through God’s Word to produce fruit in our lives. “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:” Colossians 1:5-6

Thirdly, notice He emphasizes the word “abide.” This speaks of a continuation. Not leaving Him. I think it indicates our need for continual study of God’s Word, and continual communion with Him in prayer. It is those times when we think we finally have everything under control and can take it on our own, that we end up failing. Our human tendency is to be independent, but scripture teaches us differently. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalms 1:1-3.

The tree that is planted “fixed in place” by the rivers of water gets continual nourishment from the source. When we delight (take pleasure) in God’s Word, we are nourished from it and are able to bear fruit. The Holy Spirit knows what fruit to produce in our life in every season. If we abide in Jesus in every aspect of our life, we will bear fruit that others will see and they will be drawn to Him. In Acts we read that the people “took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” This is what I want from my life, and you should too. Our main purpose should be to draw other to Jesus. 

 THE DEDICATION OF OUR MIND TO GOD

Anita Clark – Pastor, Carbondale, KS

Jesus spoke in Matthew 22:37 with a quote from Deuteronomy 6:15, saying “Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” The “mind” speaks of “deep thought, imagination, and understanding.”

Deuteronomy 6:5 tells about Moses going off the scene, and would die before going into Canaan land.  He said, this very scripture mentioned by Jesus there in Matthew 22:37 - “And thou shalt love the Lord God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” The part “all thy soul” means “all thy life, mind, heart, desire, or breath.”  He said this is what God wants from Israel, but God wants this also from all His people.

This same word for “mind” is used in Ephesians 2:1-3.  Vs. 3 -”Among whom also we all had our conversation in the times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”  Before knowing Christ, our sinful mind led us. (vs. 3).  This word “mind” means - “imagination, and deep thought.”  

In Romans 1:28-29, the Scripture says, speaking of people with “reprobate minds,” And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.” When, by Adam, sin entered the world, man became more and more vile. i.e. Cain killed Abel. The word “reprobate” means “unapproved, rejected, worthless morally.” Why don’t many people, those without Christ want to accept the “the natural man?”  I Corinthians 2:14 tells us, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are Spiritually discerned.”  I Corinthians 2:16 says, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” I Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness (or silliness, absurdity); but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

Ephesians 4:17 tells us to “Walk not as other Gentiles in the vanity of their mind.” The word “vanity” means “moral depravity.” Vs. 18 says “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them; because of the blindness of the heart.”

Romans 8:5 tells us, “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”  The term “carnally minded” means to be “fleshly, human nature, with its failure, physically and morally.” Vs. 7 says “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” We have victory through Christ over our flesh. Great Victory is in our midst and our Church.

Philippians 1:27 says, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Chapter 2:2, “Fulfill ye my joy; that ye be likeminded having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”  Vs. 3 - “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.”  “Lowliness of mind,” means “humiliation of mind, modesty, and the state or quality of being moderate in the estimation of one’s own abilities, accomplishments or value.”  Vs. 5 tells “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”  The Amplified Version says, “Have the same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus (look to Him, as your example in selfless humility.”

In Philippians 3:10-12 Paul declares, “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; If by any means I might attain the (out) resurrection of the dead.  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” In verse 11, where Paul spoke of “I might attain unto the (out) resurrection” the word “attaining” means “to take, to get hold of, seize, to obtain.”

In Philippians 3:15, Paul says, “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”  It would be great if we were all “perfect.”  The Lord is working in our lives right now to perfect us into His likeness. The word “perfect” in this verse above, means “complete, in various applications of labor, growth, mental or moral character, completeness, of full age.” Has anyone reading this reached their complete, and full age?  Make up your mind!  Choose where you will go.  Who will you give your mind, attention, and duration to?

 A Crown of Thorns

Vicky Moots

Matthew 27:27-30: “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto Him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.  And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.”

The placing of the crown of thorns on Jesus’ head is also recorded in Mark 15:17-20. When we read these accounts of the crown of thorns, we obviously think of the amount of pain which Christ endured physically and emotionally. He was a true king, but he was mocked and scorned and rejected even though they bowed their knees to him. But I believe that the thorns on his head had a more significant meaning than just pain and rejection.

Thorns entered into this world because of man’s sin in the Garden of Eden, as we read in Gen. 3:17-18. God told Adam after he had eaten of the fruit of the tree which he was commanded not to eat, “…cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth to thee...” This means that thorns were a part of the curse, and are identified with sin. Therefore, the crown of thorns being placed on Jesus’ head represented Him being identified with our sin. Even though He was sinless, He was made sin for us so that He could bear our penalty.

The Mosaic law also pronounced a curse on all those who could not keep it, as God declared in Deut. 11:26-28: “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: And a curse if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God…” However, no one could keep the law, so Christ had to die to redeem us from the curse of the law.

In Duet. 21:22-23 we read further regarding the curse: “And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God)...”

But, praise God, Christ bore the curse of the law for us, as Paul proclaimed in Gal. 3:13: “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”

As Christ hung upon the tree of Calvary, His blood poured down upon the ground, which was cursed, just like the blood from the sacrifice of the sin offering was poured out at the bottom of the Altar of Burnt Offering in the Tabernacle in the wilderness. (Lev. 4:18). He became our sin offering on that day.

His crown of thorns became a Victor’s crown as he cried out, “It is finished.” He no longer wears a crown of thorns, for He is now crowned with glory and honor, as Paul stated in Hebrews 2:9: “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God, should taste death for every man.”

JOY

Gary Giddings – Broken Arrow, OK

Lk. 2:10-11, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” These were the words that the angel spoke to the shepherds the night Jesus was born. It is interesting that God gave this announcement of joy to such lowly, common workers like shepherds. God wants all people to know and experience the joy of knowing Jesus as Savior.

According to Webster Dictionary, the basic definition of joy is ‘The passion or emotion excited by the expectation of good.’ This is something that we all can be excited about: Jesus our Savior has saved us from our sins. BELIEVE, RECEIVE Him into your heart, and you will BECOME a child of God! We have joy because we have acquired the goodness of God through Jesus, we live with the expectation of more of God’s goodness through Jesus. Consider the Grace & Glory song, Joy, Joy Is Mine, my Savior divine – Comes to abide with me, with me, Comes to abide, ever to abide, My own loving Savior abideth with me.

The presence of Jesus in our heart gives us never-ending joy. No one and nothing can give us joy like Jesus. We like to have fun, but joy is better. A sister in the Lord told me years ago that fun is spoken from the lips, it is shallow. But joy is spoken from deeper within and resides deep within us. I want to look at each of the FOUR VERSES of the song, ‘Joy, Joy Is Mine’ [song credits to Mrs. J.H. Knowles and Mrs. J.F. Knapp].

1) He has come! He has come! My Redeemer has come, He has taken my heart as His own chosen home; At last I have given the welcome He sought, He has come, and His coming– all gladness has brought.

Rev. 3:20,  “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Jesus doesn’t want to enslave us; He wants to love us. To “sup” to “dine” with Him. We have fellowship and communion with Him when we give ourselves to Him. Jn. 15:10-11, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” First we welcome Jesus into our heart, and then we make Him welcome on the throne of our heart as we obey God’s Word. God showed His love to us by GIVING us His Son Jesus. We show our love to God by OBEYING Him. Obedience to God opens the way for us to experience His love and joy.

2) He has come! He has come! My Love and my Lord, Every thought of my being is swayed by His Word; He has come, and He rules in the realm of my soul, And His scepter is love, O blessed control!  

Hab. 3:17-18, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Jesus comes to rule in the realm of our soul, and He rules with love. Even if all things seem to fall apart, it is because of His unending love we can rejoice in the Lord. We may not understand it all, but we TRUST Him. 1 Pet. 1:6-8, “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 honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” We can rejoice in the Lord, even when circumstances aren’t so great. Why? God is working in and through us to be the people that He wants us to be. It is our honor to praise Him when times are tough. After all, things will change, but God and His promises will not change! He will see us through and give us greater joy than we had before. Remember, joy is the expectation of the good coming.

3) He has come! He has come! O happiest heart, He has given His Word that He will not depart; No trouble can enter, no evil can come To the heart where the God of peace has His home.  

Heb. 13:5-6, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” This is the happy heart of joy, when we live according to the promise that God will always be with us. We may feel afraid when certain things happen to us or to others. But God is greater than whatever may be trying to threaten us. Our  body is  God’s temple  and He  takes  care of us! 

2 Cor. 1:8-10, “For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us;” The Apostle Paul is our “pattern racer” he learned to trust God in very difficult times, not ourselves. We don’t deny our feelings but we learn to look to the One who is the Deliverer, our Lord Jesus Christ. 

4) He has come to abide, And holy must be The place where my Lord deigns to banquet with me; And this is my praise, Lord, since Thou art come, Made meet for Thy presence my heart as Thy home.  

Jn. 15:4-5, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” A relationship of love between Jesus and each one of us. We love Him because He first loved us. Because His love is never-ending and His love never wavers, we learn to trust Him more and more. Continued trusting, we abide, remain, dwell in Him. This relationship has a business side to it in the sense that if we don’t trust Him in a practical way, we won’t experience the joy of this relationship. But God is patient and longsuffering and He assures us in times of trouble. 1 Pet. 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” Sanctify means “to make holy, purify or consecrate” (Strong). We are to separate ourselves FROM the world and UNTO Jesus. Our lives can’t be joyful in the true sense of the word without Jesus ruling and reigning in our heart. We can’t be involved in sinful things and still have a good relationship with the Lord. We must walk in the light, and this light is our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Again, the chorus:

Joy! Joy is mine, my Savior divine – Comes to abide with me, with me, Comes to abide, ever to abide, My own loving Savior abideth with me.

No one can take this joy from you, only as you allow someone to take it. But we are learning to TRUST our Lord and Savior in all things and to be the people that God wants us to be. With His joy in our heart, we can continually worship and serve Him all the days of our lives.

 The Headship of Christ

Earlene Davis

I Cor. 12:12, “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.”

Apostle Paul Uses our natural body to illustrate the body of Christ, the Church. Just as our natural body has many members, hands, feet, etc., yet it is one body. “So also is Christ,” referring to the mystical body of Christ. All believers on Jesus belong to His body, the Church. There are many members, but they are one body. I might add, that the local assemblies are a miniature picture of the whole body.

Vs. 13-14, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.” When were we all baptised into one body? It was provisional accomplished on the day of Pentecost - Acts 2. We do not have anything to do with making that unity of it members. For it was made one body by the one baptism of the Holy Spirit. All believers on the Lord Jesus Christ, whether they know it or not. It did not originate with man or a set of men, but we do read of many fillings of the Holy Spirit. 

For all believers have been given the privilege to drink of the One Spirit. Have you taken your privilege? Eph. 5:18, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph. 4:4-5, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Gal. 3:26-28, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” A new creation in Him – Praise God!

Col. 1:12-13, “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” We have redemption through His blood. Vs. 18, “And he (Christ) is the head of the body, the Church…that in all things he might have the preeminence.” There is only one body or Church with One Head, Christ.

Our natural body is an amazing marvel when contemplating its workings. But its many members cannot work independent of the head. Never does one member of the body seek its own thing. Neither does one member become angry with the others. Instead, I think we all have experienced one member in sympathy with an injured other member. “So also is Christ.” May we  honor Christ as our head and no other. God has made this union. 

Man has made divisions. What is the cause? Mainly it is because of not holding Christ as Head of the Church, His body. In Eph. 4:3-4, We are  urged “to keep” the unity of the one body in the bond of peace. We are not admonished to make the unity, but to keep the unity  God has made. Today there are many division. Whenever the Lord works or revives His Church, another sect results which is against the teachings of the Scriptures.  There is but one body regardless of what man does or says.

In Revelation chapters 2 & 3, Jesus’ last words to His Church. He addresses seven local assemblies which typically and prophetically describes the Church Age. Each one beginning with Ephesus who lost her first love for Christ soon after the apostles passed off the scene. Continuing on down to Laodicea where Jesus is on the outside knocking for individuals to invite Him into their hearts. These churches tell the story of the decline of the Church during this Church Age. The rebuke Christ gives in these letters to them, applies to all sects who turn to human authority rather than to the Spirit of God, the teacher of the Church. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” is repeated, ending each letter.

The Church of Jesus Christ is an organism, not an organization. God does not need a manager. Is He not sufficient to manage His own sheep? God always has a faithful remnant and in each of the churches, there are promises of rewards to the overcomers. Smyrna saints are faithful unto death and are given a crown of life. Philadelphia saints have kept Christ’s word and because they have kept the word of His patience, they will be kept from the hour of temptation coming upon all the world. They are admonish to hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown – Rev. 3:12-13 & 22:7, 12-13, 16, 20.

 God of a Small Nation

Part 3

Suresh Manoharan – Hyderabad, India

The Savior

Great men of God were your fathers, and Christ himself was one of you, a Jew so far as his human nature is concerned, He who now rules over all. Praise God forever! – Rom. 9:5. In God’s sovereign plan, it had to be His Son born donning the earthly body of a Jew in the family tree of David who would complete the Redemption plan on the Cross (John 19:30). Didn’t Jesus Himself say “Salvation comes from the Jews (Jn. 4:22)!

The two Gospel accounts giving the genealogy of Jesus from both the paternal side (Matthew) and the maternal side (Luke) leave none in doubt about the Jews ancestry of the Savior that he indeed was the royal descendent of King David. 

Symbol: Israel figured by a withered Fig Tree, a symbol of their spiritual bareness. When it starts blossoming again, you can assume that I am right at the door remarked the Savior (Matt. 24:32-33) speaking on the subject of the Signs preceding His second coming. So Israel in a way is a time-piece. Israel resembled a withered fig tree for approximately 2000 years but in conjunction with His covenant with their forefathers – Duet. 7:7-8, they once again symbolize a budding, blossoming fig tree.

Looking at Israel’s rebirth from another dimension, it would not be possible for Anti-Christ to emerge as a Global problem (after the Rapture of the Church) without the existence of Israel. Rev. 6:1-2 portrays him as a conqueror who would win over the people’s hearts initially by deception (Dan. 8:25) without shedding blood. Note, he is depicted as carrying a bow but no arrows.

Arab-Israeli conflict: Today, there is conflict in West Asia because Israel is there (200 years back, it was not the case). If Israel had not been “re-born,” there would be no turmoil at all, leaving no scope for Anti-Christ to display his “peaceful” problem-solving abilities and broker a temporary Arab-Jewish pact and consolidate his position as undisputed Global leader, during the seven years of tribulation which would follow Church’s rapture. Boy, if Antichrist’s advent seems imminent, how much more imminent is the Church’s rapture (Rev. 4:1) which would precede it.

After initially posing as the friends of the Jews, the Anti-Christ would reveal his true colors in the second half of tribulation (Dan. 9:27) posing as God himself (Rev. 13:1-8) subjecting the Jews to severe persecution. In the midst of their heavy troubles, many Jews (a remnant) would in desperation finally look sky-ward to the rejected Messiah. They had rejected Him in His first advent but would accept Him now as their Savior (Rom. 11:26) for deliverance. Jesus in answer to their prayers would come, defeat the  Anti-Christ and his assistant the False Prophet in the  Battle of Armageddon (Rev. 19:11-21) and usher in the Millennial rule (Psa. 2 & Rev. 20).

Part 4 next issue: The Return of Christ and the Millennium.

 The Encouraging Word

“Seeing than that we have a Great High Priest…Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14,16

“Therefore take no thought, saying, ‘What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink?’ or, ‘Wherewithal shall we be clothed?’ … for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things,” Matthew 6:31-32

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

“I will both lay me down in peace and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me to well in safety.” Psalm 4:8

“For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous – those who are upright and in right standing with God – and His ears are attentive to their prayers. But the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil – to oppose them, to frustrate and defeat them.” I Peter 3:12 Amp.

“Be joyful in Hope, Patient in affliction, faithful in Prayer.” Romans 12:12

Martha Wainright

 Chariot of the Cherubim

Jack Davis

When king David was told that Solomon his son would be the one to build the house for the name of the Lord, David in turn gave his son Solomon counsel. He gave Solomon the pattern of all that he had by the spirit as well as the materials including the silver and gold for this magnificent temple. David said that the Lord had made him to understand in writing by His hand upon him. I Chron. 28:11-21.

Thank God, He is till writing today by His Spirit, on the tables of our hearts to enable us to understand the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God our Father. David was given the privilege to gather the materials for the construction, even gold “for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the Lord.” I Chron. 28:18.

Solomon followed the plans that God had given his father, and when the temple was built, Solomon in his prayer of dedication said, “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and the heaven of the heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house  that I have builded?” I Kings 8:27. See Acts 7:44– 50 and 17:24-28.

“Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye will build unto me? And where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isa. 66:1-2. It is to us a marvelous thing that our God determined to dwell and walk in human vessels. See II Cor. 6:16 – 7:1. A heart revelation of God and His Word truly humbles us in order to lift us up and make something special of our lives.

It seems that before this first creation God had in  mind a temple that would be made up of living stones, and a transport made up of living creatures. He could  use His channels as vessels and vehicles any way He saw fit. Our part was to be available and let Him determine our use and usefulness.

VESSELS and VEHICLES

Jeremiah was sent to the potter’s house to see how he worked on the wheels. Jer. 18:1-6. The vessel  that the potter made of clay was marred, so he made another vessel as it seemed good unto him. God then asked Israel, “cannot I do with you as this potter…Behold as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in my hand…” God made the first Adam a natural man, and the first creation was marred by the fall. The second creation He placed in Christ, and Christ in us. II Cor. 5:17: II Cor. 13:5, Col. 1:27. He placed in earthen vessels a life that cannot fail. II Cor. 4:4-11. God intended that the life of His Son be manifested, and magnified in our mortal bodies. Phil. 2:19-21.

God, the great and original potter has the power to make vessels unto honour and to dishonour. Whether He is dealing with Israel or with us as in individual, He has endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted to destruction. See Eph. 2:1-10. He has been willing to show His wrath and make His power known in some measure, and will demonstrate more later. Yet it seems that He is far more willing to make known the riches of His glory on vessels of mercy prepared unto glory. Rom. 9:20-23.

Our Father in His great house has all creation at His disposal to make of it whatever He will, but has determined to wash us in His Word and by the power of His Holy Spirit, set up apart unto Himself, and make us fit for His use, prepared unto every good work. Oh how wise we are to be available to His Hand. II Tim. 2:19-21.

We do thank God for Paul, who was faithful as a chosen vessel, and as a vehicle to bear the name of Jesus and His good news unto  many. Praise God for those that went before Paul (Acts 8:3-4) as well as those that followed in the same steps as containers of His life and conveyors of His light, even unto this end of the age. Some are still showing forth His light, and holding fast (and forth) the Word of life. Phil. 2:15-16. That chosen vessel that was told what great things he must suffer for the name of Christ, wrote, “Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach.” Heb. 13:13. 

CHARIOTS

“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” I Kings 2:11.

What an exciting exit! For both Elijah to experience, and Elisha to behold it happening. Later Elisha’s young servant saw Elisha surrounded with chariots of fire. I Kings 6:17. I am sure that His disciples were excited to watch Jesus lift off the earth and ascend into heaven. Lk. 24:50-52; Acts 1:9-11, as a cloud received Him out of their sight. In today’s language, I suppose someone would say that they were abducted by extraterrestrials, but soon and very soon we expect to be transported quickly into realms of celestial glory. OH Hallelujah!!

The Ark Represented the Presence and Favor of God. King David felt the urge to bring the ark of the covenant home to Jerusalem and he consulted with the leaders of the people about it and the people agreed. So David led the people to bring the ark, and they set it on a new cart. On the way toward home the oxen stumbled, and Uzza one of the men driving the oxen put forth his hand to steady the ark of God, and was smitten to death.

How was the Ark to be Moved? David asked, “How shall I bring the ark home to me?” sometimes the best way to miss the perfect will of God is to consult with man. Often wisdom of man can lead us to do the right thing in the wrong way. If David didn’t remember the Word of the Lord on this matter, he would have been wise to ask God in the fist place. The next attempt David made to bring up the ark, they did it according to the  word of the Lord. This time David said, “None ought carry the ark of God but the Levities: for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of God.” Num. 7. Their first attempt was exactly the way the Philistines tried to do it. It is a shame that God’s people today still try to do things of God according to the ways of the world.

Some years ago a man, a successful evangelist said, I don’t care what kind of cart you have to use to get them in, just so you get the Word out. This statement was made in relation to bringing Grace meetings into a man made cart. God in some undeniable way manifested His displeasure with it. Those like the Philistines that are ignorant of God’s way, are not judged severely as those with more light.. The Philistines had taken the ark in battle, but in a little while they were glad to get rid of  it.

 I Surrender All

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

There is an old hymn, written by Judson W. Van DeVenter titled, “I Surrender All.” The second verse is as follows:

All to Jesus I surrender; Humbly at His feet I bow,

Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now

Thinking about these words makes me wonder what would possess a person to write such a thing. Why would someone want to surrender their entire life to Jesus? This is very contrary to the general goal of society today which is to take control of your own life, and not let anyone tell you what to do.

There are only a few reasons one might consider surrendering their lives to someone else. It might be by force. This has been the case many times throughout history. One person or group of persons forcing another to surrender themselves. It might be out of necessity. This also has happened to many through the years.

However, the best reason to surrender your life to someone is out of love. “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:” 2 Corinthians 5:14 There is no doubt in my mind that God could have forced us to surrender our lives to Him. He is, after all, the creator of all things, the Almighty God. He can do anything He wants. But He does not force us to surrender our lives to Him. He invites us lovingly to do so. The offer is without equal.

The invitation God sends us is His only begotten Son to die on the cross for us. I am not sure all of God’s people understand exactly what Jesus has done for us. I am not sure we always think about what we would be without Jesus and His saving blood. “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour.” John 12:26. “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.” John 3:16. The word “believeth” means “to put trust in.” Complete surrender is complete trust.

Our pride will cause us to believe that we are doing fine on our own; that we can take care of our own lives. The pace of our lives today many times does not leave us time to contemplate where we would be without Jesus, and where we would end up without Jesus. The love that God showed towards us is so great it should cause a response from us.

So, what value can there possibly be from surrendering my life to Jesus? Is there anything in it for me? This is the way we tend to think. Well, even if there is nothing in it for me, Jesus deserves my surrendered life, because he gave up His life to save mine. However, God is so loving, that He actually has everything in it for me.

God loves me, and you, so much that as we surrender our lives to Him, He offers us all that He has. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32. It is sad to see so many of God’s children, who have experienced His saving grace, continue on their own way when they could have so much more by simply surrendering their lives to Jesus.

The Apostle Paul realized that he needed to surrender to Jesus. He often refers to himself as the servant of Jesus. “For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,” Acts 27:23. “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,” Romans 1:1. A true servant is surrendered to their master. 

We are not talking about surrendering to an evil despotic master, but rather surrendering to a loving God who only wants and provides the very best for us. Jesus told us that He went to prepare a place for us to be with Him for eternity. 

I should point out that there is coming a day when everyone will acknowledge that He is Lord, but those that do so today, in this life will be partakers of the devine nature and spend eternity with Him. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” Philippians 2:10

So, what is your response to Jesus today? Are you still trying to control your own life? Are you still hanging on to things that you know He wants to remove from your life? What if you surrender to Jesus, and then you miss out on something that you were just sure you had to have? Will it be worth it?

You have to make your own decision, but I want to encourage you that it will be more than worth it. Nothing you give up for Jesus will even start to compare with what you will gain from surrendering to Jesus.

 Seeing by Faith

Pastor Rajat Kumar Pani, Uppahar, India

BY faith he (Moses) left Egypt, not fearing the King’s anger; he endured because he saw him who is invisible. Hebrews 11:27

In the 11th chapter of the letter to the Hebrews, we find a number of Old Testament characters who are presented to us as examples of faith. 

What will be said about us and our faith once we have left this transitory world and passed into eternity? Will there be anything worth mentioning about our faith and our relationship with God? Or do we just end up, like so many, with countless regrets: “Oh, if only I had...!”

These examples of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 accomplished the impossible with God. Because they recognized that it is not about them, but about obedience to do God’s will when HE calls.

Moses clung to the one he did not see as if he saw him! That is exactly what faith is. Recognizing that it is not the visible that is the real world, but the invisible, THE INVISIBLE - and yet omnipresent.

Let us be inspired by Moses and the many others who have gone before us. That we do not simply live our lives according to our lusts and pleasures. But that we strive daily to please HIM. A life that is connected to Christ like the branch to the vine. To bear much fruit. Lord grant grace for this.

 THE POWER OF GOD

Anita Clark – Pastor, Carbondale, KS

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD?  What is the factor that causes the earth to stay in orbit?  What holds the planets and stars in their places in the sky? We find out from the Word of God exactly how all this happens.

THE ABILITY OF GOD?  He made the earth and all creation by His power.  Jeremiah 10:10, 12-13 tells us, “But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God, and an everlasting King: at His wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide His indignation.” “He hath made the earth by His power, He hath established the world by His wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by His discretion. When He uttereth His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and He causeth the vapors to ascend from the end of the earth: He maketh lightenings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of His treasures.”    

In John 1:3 we read, “All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.”  In Colossians 1:12-17, Apostle Paul proclaimed, “Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet (able) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. Who hath delivered us from, the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by Him were all things created, that are in the heavens, and the earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers, all things were created by Him, and for Him. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.”  

Before Jesus’ birth, Mary, mother of Jesus, was told by the angel Gabriel before the conception how it would be possible. In Luke 1:34-35, Mary asked, “How shall this thing be, seeing I know not a man?”  Verse 35 tells us, “And the angel answered and  said unto her, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Jesus as Son of God, then became the Son of Man, a title He openly called Himself.  The Prophet Daniel speaks in Daniel 7:13-14, “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.  And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” The Creator reduced Himself into a tiny speck.  Jesus, as Son of God, then became the Son of man, a title. Jesus had power in His crucifixion.  John 10:18, Jesus says. No man taketh it (my life) from me, but I lay it down of myself. I  have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again.”

In Philippians 2:5-9, Apostle Paul says, “Let this mind be in you, which is also in Christ Jesus.  Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God hath highly exalted Him, and gives Him a name which is above every name.” Here in this portion is “Seven Downward Steps,” Jesus went through.  II Corinthians 13:4 says, “For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth through the power of God.”    

Ephesians 1:8, Apostle Paul speaks about Jesus, “Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence (means “wisdom applied”). Ch. 1:19-20, states “And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power. Which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead. And set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places.”  

God has power for us to become sons, this is provided.  In John 1:11 it tells us, “He (Christ) came unto His own, and his own received Him not” (Speaking of the Jews). Vs. 12 says, “But as many as received Him to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in His name.” Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Also in I Corinthians 1:18, Paul tells, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.”

POWER MANIFESTED WHEN GOD SENT THE HOLY SPIRIT - Acts 1:6-8 -”When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, will thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus answered and said, “...It is not for you to know the times and the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.” The “times and seasons” are revealed after we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Vs.8 says, “But ye will receive power after that the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”

Apostle Paul suffered terrible trials.  In II Corinthians 6:3-10, He lists many hard times. In verses 3-10, Paul details His experiences as he moved in the will of God, “ Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed. But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions in necessities, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings and fastings, By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned” - on and on until vs. 10. In verse 7 particularly it uses the words “By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness.”  We don’t have power in ourselves, but Ephesians 6:10 gives us the answer, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”  

In II Peter 1:2-3, the Word speaks to us, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ our Lord. According to 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.” The Amplified Text says, “For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for a dynamic spiritual life and godliness through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”

 Mystery of the Bride

Part 7

Vicky Moots

If you were to have chest surgery similar to what Adam had, which required the removal of a portion of a rib (most likely the fifth rib), you would experience a very painful post-op recovery period. Why is that? What would make it so painful? Do you recall that I stated previously that there is a nerve that runs in a groove underneath each rib? Well, to remove a portion of a rib would require cutting through that nerve twice, leaving raw nerve fibers on each end. There is, of course, no pain during the surgery because the body is asleep, but when you wake up, you are in extreme pain each time you move or take a breath.

  

Adam would also have experienced severe pain as a result of the surgery which God used to prepare him a bride. This has important spiritual significance, for Christ, the last Adam, likewise experienced severe pain in order to have a bride.  He had to endure the suffering of the cross.

Heb. 12:2 reveals to us the reason that Jesus was able to endure such agony: “Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” What was the joy which He looked forward to? What could possibly bring Him so much joy that it would enable Him to look beyond His sufferings? I believe it was more than just knowing that the work of redemption would be accomplished. I believe that He, like the first Adam, looked forward to the joy of having a bride.

So, we see that both Adam and Christ had to endure suffering and bear scars in their bodies in order to have a bride. What about the bride of Christ? Will she suffer also? The apostle Paul had a desire to know Christ more intimately and was willing to suffer for Him and with Him.  He stated in Phil. 3:10, “That I may know him…and the fellowship of his sufferings…”

He wanted to actually enter into the emotional sufferings that Jesus experienced, which included the pain of being hated and rejected, as well as being betrayed, denied and deserted by His friends when He needed them the most. Jesus also experienced the frailty and pain of a human body that was beaten beyond all recognition and the emotional pain of bearing the weight of all our sins.

It wasn’t because Paul wanted to suffer. He simply wanted to know Jesus so intimately that he could understand and share His pain with Him.  When you love someone deeply, you are able to experience the pain that they experience.  When they hurt, you hurt, for you have become one with them. This is the true heart of a bride who is united with her Bridegroom.

But after the cross, comes the crown. Paul warned Timothy that he would have to suffer many things, just as he did for peaching the gospel, but also told him that there would one day be a reward.  He stated in II Tim. 2:12, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us [the right to reign].” This is not referring to salvation, only to reigning with Christ.

In Eph. 5:31, Paul states, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.” This is quoted from Gen. 2:24 regarding Adam and Eve becoming one. In Genesis we see that Adam was not joined unto his whole body, for Eve was only a small part of him, a rib, which was separated out from the rest of his body and then specially prepared by God’s hand and presented back to him, to be joined again to his side, and once again become a part of him.

And so, it is with Christ and His body, the church. Christ was willing to leave His Father and His home in heaven in order to become a man and to be joined to His bride; but he will be joined only to those believers who have yielded to the cutting, the separation and the preparation to become a bride. The espousal and the opportunity to become the bride of Christ is open to all who will respond to the wooing of the Holy Spirit as He calls us to live a life that is separated unto Christ alone.

 Three Sentences In Revelation

Earlene Davis

We are going to consider three sentences or phrases recorded in the book of revelation.

#1 – The first phrase is repeated seven times in chapters 2 and 3. That phrase is: “to him that overcometh” – said to the church of Ephesus (2:7); said to Smyrna (2:11); to Pergamos (2:17); said to Thyatira (2:26-29); to Sardis (3:5-6); to Philadelphia (3:12-13); said to the church of Laodicea (3:21-22). These statements are made by our Lord Jesus Christ to the seven church which are a picture of this whole Church Age.

We obviously see that there is a difference in rewards to saints. Overcoming is emphasized by being repeated seven times – “to him that overcometh.” Also each statement is accompanied with this reminder – “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” This tells us that the Holy Spirit is very much  involved in our overcoming. He is not only teacher and guide (Jn. 16:13-15 ), but as we yield to God and take in His Word, His Spirit works that Word in our lives. For He is God’s agent working in us “both to will and to do of God’s good pleasure.”

We see a type of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament in the eldest servant sent by  Abraham to bring a wife to his son Isaac. So God the Father has sent the Holy Spirit to prepare a fit wife for His Son, Jesus Christ. God’s Holy  Spirit is our Comforter as we journey on in this life. All the time He is revealing to our hearts more and more about our heavenly lover. Jesus said in Jn. 14:26, “the Comforter which is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you.”

Jesus also said, “in the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” As we yield and let the life of Christ have preeminence in all things – we are enabled to overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit. That we may be able to say as Job did “though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”

#2 – Lets move on to the second phrase: Rev. 3:10, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee” from the judgment coming on all the world, the tribulation period. V. 11 – there is patience both with Jesus Christ and with us James 5:7-8. Jesus Christ is waiting the signal from His Father to gather His redeemed people unto Himself. We need to be patient as we endure trials and afflictions waiting in faith for that glorious hour when Jesus Christ Himself calls us up.

May our patience be a robust vigorous confidence in God’s love (not just a pathetic sentiment). We do not see or understand all He is doing in us, but we are learning to trust Him in reckless confidence. God has ventured all in Jesus Christ to save us and He wants us to risk our all in Him. There are spots where that faith has not been worked in us as yet. 

There were none of those spots in Jesus Christ’s life and the Holy Spirit is working and developing His life in us. There will be a rib portion that will be a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish – Eph. 5:27, A chaste virgin to Christ – II Cor. 11:2. May we view this life as a glorious opportunity for this marvelous transformation to take place in us.

# 3 – The third phrase is Rev. 4:1, “Come up hither, I and I will show thee things…”. God is continually saying, “Friend go up higher.” Satan uses the strategy of elevation in temptation which appeals to the flesh. But God elevates you by His grace into the heavenly places. Instead of finding a pinnacle to cling to, we find a great tableland where it is easy to move, yet God would have us to keep moving higher. 

God desires us to grow in grace and not to measure by the fact that you have not gone back, but have heard God say, “Come up higher.” He will show you things that will enhance your faith and hope and most of all your love. II Pet. 3:18, “…grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever Amen! 

To him that overecometh…because thou hast kept the word of my patience…I will keep thee from…

COME UP HIGHER.

 Are You Lacking?

Phil Wainright

“Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?” I Thess. 3:10. The word lacking means a deficit, that which is behind, or wanting. Joshua, a godly and honorable man who walked with God and was one of the spies who brought back a good report - “We are well able to take the land.” After forty years he was still ready to take the land. In Joshua 13:1, the Lord said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.” There was still more that God wanted to do in the heart of Joshua, there was still yet some “lacking.”

In Daniel 5:27, Belshazzar is described as “Tekel,” meaning weighed and found wanting, deficient. Often we may be tempted to compare our selves with someone else, but the measure is not with one another. In II Cor. 10:12 we read, that is “not wise.” The measure is with someone elsem - Eph. 4:13, the measure is Christ. We realize, “there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.” God has some things to accomplish in our life. 

God desires to make us into the image of His Son, Christ Jesus, Rom. 8:28-29. All that happens in our lives is for this purpose. This work will take all of our life to accomplish. I Thess. 4:12, That we may walk honestly toward them that are without (the unsaved) and that we may have lack of nothing. I think of the prayer of the Psalmist, “Search me, oh God, try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” - Psa. 139:23-24. Paul prayed that God might “perfect.” How can we come to this level of maturity (Perfection) in Christ Jesus? Let us consider five ways in Scripture.

1 – By the Word of God: II Tim. 3:14-17, “Continue thou in…which thou hast heard and been assured of…All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good. Works.” We must learn the Word of God, you cannot take this out of the growth process and fully develop. Just as a newborn child does not automatically do what is right: he makes mistakes and needs instruction. Our selfish tendencies also need correction. God uses His Word to do this.

2 – Through Godly ministers: Eph. 4:8-14, God gave gifts unto men. He gave some, apostles, some prophets, and some, evangelists and some pastors the teachers; “For the perfecting of the saints” (V. 12).  These have an important part in the perfecting work that God is doing in our lives.

3 – through prayer: We need to pray if we are to be “perfected.” To pray that God will help us understand His word and to know His will and purpose for our lives. If we do not there will be a lack. We need to pray for other saints also. I am thankful for the prayers of the saints, without their prayers there would be a lack. I am encouraged to pray for God’s people.

4 – Through suffering: “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 establish, strengthen, settle you” I Pet. 5:10. A part of what God is doing in our lives is through suffering, but it is necessary to what God is doing in our lives. The all wise God, the creator of heaven and earth, knows what He is doing and troubles and trials come our way. God is always wiser than we are. He knows what is best.

5 – Through patience: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting (lacking) nothing” James 1:2-4. The work God is doing in our lives requires patience. If we are not   patient in suffering, (staying in the trials until God delivers), the work will be lacking.

Where was the lack of which Paul spoke? “In your faith.” The body I dwell in will never be perfect - Sin dwells in its members. So where does God want perfection to come? It is our faith, our trust. He wants that to be fully developed and reach a level of perfection. The life that God has called us to live is to be by faith. Gal. 2:20, “the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who lived me, and gave himself for me.”

Our faith is being tested – Lk. 22:31-34, the Lord said, “Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not…strengthen thy brethren.” Heb. 13:8, Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and forever.” Heb. 7:25, “He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” He is praying that my faith fail not, that I will look to him. All God ever called on us to do is to believe Him. Rom. 10:17, “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the  Word of God.” For we walk by faith, not by sight” II Cor. 5:7. Heb. 11:1 “faith if the substance (assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

The flesh was never perfect, but the Old Testament believers of Heb. 11, their faith was made perfect. The Lord Jesus Christ is on one side of the balances, my life is  on the other side of the balances, and there is a lack. Through the Word of God, changes are taking place. Faith in God is being developed and that faith is counted to us for righteousness by trusting God (as Abraham did), the balances level because God sees Jesus in us. That alone is His will and purpose for us. The work is complete. He is satisfied. He is glorified.

 God of a Small Nation

Part 2

Suresh Manoharan – Hyderabad, India

Fulfilling the Promise

About 300 years ago, the King of Sweden was having personal doubts about God’s existence and the Bible divine nature. He call for Count Von Zinzendorf, who was the bishop of the Moravian Church, to provide evidence about God’s existence and Divine authorship of the Bible. The King told him he had set aside 10 hours to be enlightened on these matters. Zinsendorf said, that much time would not be necessary because all he needed to do was to say two words. The King, skeptical asked, “What words might those be?” Count Von Zinzendorf replied, “The Jews.”

How true! One look at the history of the nation of Israel would convince even a hard core atheist/agnostic about the existence of the Almighty and authenticity of the Bible. Is not the entire history of this Chosen Nation an outworking of (Deut. 28)? Have not all the blessings so graphically described “chased” the people of Israel whenever they have sincerely obeyed their Master. By the same token have not the curses sent by the chastening God “chased” them whenever, they have gone astray?

Not only the Book of Judges where the cyclical “boom” and “doom” periods of Israel’s faith is portrayed, but in fact the entire Old Testament history stands witness to the solemn fact the Jews’ success or failure in any sphere has been directly proportional to their obedience or lack of it to their Good Shepherd. History of one Nation in public domain can be checked and cross-checked umpteen times and the unanimous verdict would be “God of Abraham exists and His words enshrined in scripture are true! Think of it, a normal story teller would gloss over a hero’s sins of commission or omission all with the aim of making the main character appear as a paragon of all virtues’ in the public eye, but the Divine-inspired writers’ of Scriptures – themselves Jews – have never shied away from neither laying bare the serious shortcomings of all Jewish heroes’ of faith nor that of their Nation as a whole. If this is not truthfulness with a capital “T” - then what is it?

Scripture: By no stretch of imagination, would it be an understatement to say that the Christian world owes most of its Cannon to the Jews, barring the good doctor Luke, all other 38 authors of the Bible are of the Jewish origin. For apart from tracing the root cause of ALL the problems’ of this world to the fall of man into sin (Gen. 3:1-7), it also foretells the advent of the Savior right from that very chapter (Gen. 3:15). From one man Adam came sin, from one man Jesus comes salvation (Rom. 5:12-15). 

Scripture is God-inspired (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21) to tell us what to believe (Doctrine), also what not to believe in (Correction). How to behave (instruction in righteousness) and not to behave (reproof) (Rom. 6). It’s quite scary right, to think of  the Scripture minus all the writings’ of the inspired Jewish authors’. Talk of an average Joe trekking through the Amazon rain forest without a map and a guide in tow…

Part 3 next issue – The Savior

 The Encouraging Word

“But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” 

Psalm 73:28

“For you are my Rock and my fortress. For your Name’s sake you will lead me and guide me.” Psalm 31:3

“The Lord has made every thing to its own purpose; even the wicked (are fitted for their role) for the day of calamity and evil.” Proverbs 16:4

“You will guard him and keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he commits himself to you, leans on you and hopes confidently in you. So trust in the Lord – commit yourself to Him – for ever; for the Lord God is an everlasting rock – the Rock of ages.” Isaiah 26:3-4

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:12-13

Praying one for another. We all need prayer. The Lord is Faithful.

Martha Wainright

 CROWNS OF CHRIST

Jack Davis

“I (John) saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war, His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns…” Rev. 19:11-16.

“MANY CROWNS:” Our dear Lord has gained many crowns and has many yet to gain. He also has many crowns to give. he is the captain of our salvation, Chief Judge, commander in Chief, triumphant General, and preeminent King - I Tim. 1:17. 6:15-16. Although not acknowledged and recognized by all now, He will be soon. He must reign! I Cor. 15:24-28. Crowns tell us of authority, the right to reign with heavenly and earthly dominion – Phil. 2:9-11. Crowns speak of being victorious with victory upon victory. Oh, what battles He has won. In Old Testament times, when one king defeated another, they would take the crown from the head of the defeated king and place it upon the head of the triumphant king – II Sam. 12:29-30. He is to be King over all those being kings and Lord above all those being lords. Our High Priest ever liveth, and makes intercession for even those that he is now developing as kings and priests unto God. His wife, His queen (the rib company of His body) will be His crowning glory – Prov. 12:4. She will have found favor  in His sight, for He has long since been King on the throne of her heart. Do you fit? Will you fill a place in such a company? He, in all things will be preeminent.

THE KING’S CONVEYANCE: “I saw in the night vision, and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages should serve him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away…that shall not be destroyed” – Dan. 7:13-14. Daniel sees Jesus (the Ancient of days), with the clouds of heaven, and they bring Him. Then we view His coronation. It seems that the saints of God, especially full overcomers will have a special place in crowning Him. Those most aware of His right to reign, for they have been honoring Him during their earthly sojourn. I believe those most submissive to Him today, will be most vocal at his coronation tomorrow.

THE WISE MEN: “When Jesus was born…there came wise man from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?…and are come to worship him” – Mt. 2:1,2. It seems they offered him a Jewish crown. Wise men today seek Him, and gratefully shower Him with gifts of love, in whole hearted worship. Any and every king in his won right would be wise to abdicate any throne in honor and worship of the ultimate King of glory – Psa. 24:1-10. How marvelously those wise men of that time sensed the Christ child’s destiny to reign. So where is he today for us? Thank God, he is found in more than history. He is not still in the cradle, He is not yet on the cross, or in the tomb. Glory to God, He overcame and has sit down with His Father in His throne – Rev. 3:21. We wisely acknowledge Him as Lord and King in our homes, and in our hearts. In Isaiah 9:6-7 we read of the wonderful child that was born, of whom the angels said “glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” We will praise God forever for the precious Son that was given, even the Father’s unspeakable gift. Then we are moved with the greatest awe when we realize that the government will be on His shoulders. The one who humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross.

OFFERED A JADED CROWN: Mt. 4:8-9, “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Here was a usurper offering Jesus the crown without the cross. Satan suggested an easier route to the throne, but He didn’t disclose what a miserable kingdom he would take over, had it not been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Jesus is destined to lead in spiritual worship a kingdom of kings and priest unto God our Father. Thank God, Jesus put Satan to flight with the Spirit’s sword, “It is written.” But very soon it will become evident that there is a man who will have accepted the offer of the god of this world – Rev. 13:2-4, but his reign will be short lived. Jesus will remove all false claimant to the throne – II Thess. 2:4-9.

HIS FRIENDS & CLOSE ASSOCIATES: Jn. 6:14-15, “Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. When Jesus perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, departed again into a mountain himself alone.” Although they came with good intentions and shortsighted focus, or possibly ulterior motives, Jesus’ being crowned had to be done God’s way and in His time. They didn’t fully know Him or all that He was about, or destined for.

THE CROWN WE GAVE HIM: Jn. 19:5, “Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!” The whole fallen sinful human race, gave him this crown of suffering, sorrow, and disgrace. In every test, trial, temptation, contest, or conflict; He was always the king in every sense of the world. Hallelujah, He has come forth wearing the crown. At Galilee He walked its shores, rebuked the winds, calmed the waves, made the lame to walk, the dumb to talk and caused the blind to see. At Gethsemane, He asked the Father: “Let this cup pass from me,” but won the victory, saying “Not my will but thine be done.” Oh, what a triumphant Son. There at Gabbatha, “the pavement,” even the judgment  seat of man, He was proven to be God’s spotless lamb. Pilate was made to say repeatedly “I find no fault in Him.” On, to Galgotha we hear Him say, triumphantly, “It is finished,” after all He had suffered there. He is soon to be acknowledged as the King of Glory!

CROWNS HE WILL GIVE: He has invited us to go after and claim the crowns He has paid for and fully provided that we win. His precious Word teaches us just what it takes to make up winners. He makes us know that He offers those which are incorruptible – I  Cor. 9:24-27. He also gives us the rules involved, if ignored or broken will cause disqualification – II Tim. 2:5. There are offered crowns of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge will give, unto those that fall deeply in love with Him enough to be loving His appearing. This love has His people living in the light, running by His might – II Tim. 4:8. He has promised crowns of life to those that love Him enough to endure temptation and to be faithful unto death – James 1:12, Rev. 2:10. He has crowns of glory for His faithful under shepherds – I Pet. 5. As we develop in the Lord, He gives each some measure of undershepherd responsibility wherein we are enabled to nourish another. Our dear Lord crowns His own with loving kindness and tender mercies, so that He can make to reign, in life, those fully trusting in Him. Shall we not be soberly impressed with what the crown winners are seen doing with their crowns in that eternal state? They are seen worshiping Him with theirs at His feet. He is seen wearing His many crowns, and the full overcomers are in absolute agreement. Their joyous song, “Thou art worthy!”

 New Years

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

Again, we come to the end of one year, and the beginning of another. This is the time people make resolutions for the new year. I do not want to make resolutions that I may not be able to keep. I do not know what will be of tomorrow, so I’ll simply trust the Lord each day, and take one day at a time. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:33-34.

I do like to look back at the past year, not to dwell on the past, but to see and be reminded what the Lord has done for me, and what He has taught me. “O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvelous things: . . .” Psalms 98:1. “Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;” Psalms 105:5.

This past year has been a good year, as have been all the years that I have walked with the Lord. Not that there have not been trials, but even in the trials, the Lord has shown Himself faithful, and good. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12-13. We have learned many things about trusting the Lord for every need. We have seen the Lord’s hand in everything in our lives. Even as we made some plans and tried to do things our way, we found that the Lord went ahead of us and brought things about much better than we could have planned.

Every year seems to go by faster and faster, as we eagerly await the return of our Lord. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:11-13. It is important to be reminded often that our purpose is to live as though the Lord is going to return today, while we continue our work every day pointing people to Jesus. Every situation that comes our way, is part of our preparation to meet the Lord in the air. More and more each year it seems the world has more to distract us from our Lord. 

Jesus reminded Peter that the relationship between them was personal. In John 21:22, Peter is looking at another disciple and wondering about him and Jesus tells him “. . . what is that to you? You follow me!” We each have a personal relationship with our Lord, and He has called each of us to a particular ministry. We should not get distracted by what others are doing, and look only to Jesus and follow Him.

I look back and realize that on many occasions we were distracted, even if for a short time. As we go forward into 2025, we need to keep our focus on Jesus. Not on Christian ‘things.’ Not on man made religiousness. Not on politics. Not on earthly citizenship. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20 ESV. Not on acquiring things. Simply keep our focus on Jesus. Our faith, trust, and confidence completely in Him.

There will be much turmoil this year, even as there was last year. It will not get better, but worse. There will be uncertainty, there will be fear. Men who seek power love to use fear to move people in their direction. However, we must remember that our Lord is in ultimate control. “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me” Hebrews 13:5-6 (ESV).

If the Lord has not been given complete control of your life, this is the time to let Him. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:11-13.

If you look back over the last year, and do not see the Lord’s hand in your life, then perhaps today is the time to yield to Him. Why go another moment without Jesus in control of your life. You will find the trials useful instead of dreary and overwhelming. You will find peace in the turmoil of this world. Jesus did not promise us an easy life, but He certainly promised us that He would be with us, and that in the end, it would be worth it all.

I cannot emphasize enough how close we are getting to the coming of our Lord. I do not know the day nor hour, but it cannot be long now. Why go another year, or even another day just going through life without giving thought to the coming of the Lord. What real value is there in the things that the world offers? Life is just too short to waste on temporal things, when God offers eternal things.

So, if you reflect on the past year, consider what the Lord has done, and give Him thanks. Consider what you have learned of the Lord, and give Him thanks. I know Thanksgiving is already past, but not for the child of God. Give thanks this new year. “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:” Psalms 92:1.

 Jesus Christ

Anita Clark – Pastor, Carbondale, KS

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not Mary, for thou hast found favour with God.  And behold, thou shalt conceive in the womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call His name JESUS.”  Luke 1:30-31.  God spoke to Mary to name the child “Jehoshua” which is the same name Joshua, Moses’ helper and deliverer of Israel into Canaan in the Old Testament.

In our English text, His name is Jesus, which is actually the Greek term of His name. The Name “Jesus” is the name used, translated from Greek Texts to Latin,  which stayed in the Bible in that Latin form for centuries.  They finally began to use the name “Jesu” and then finally “Jesus.” There are many different names in their language for “Jesus.” The name Joshua in the old Testament means “Jehovah saved.”

1. His birth proved He was God. The scripture details where He would be born. 

2. Micah 5:2, tells us, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; (to reign, dominion and power) whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”  In vs.4, it says of Jesus Christ, “for now shall He be great unto the ends of the earth.”

3. The Lord gave a Sign In Isaiah 7:14 the prophecy says, “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel (which means God with us.)” At the same time that Micah the Prophet foretold the exact city where Messiah would be born, Isaiah foretold the exact condition.  The “sign” given by God would be “a signal, beacon and evidence.”

4. Jesus Miraculous Birth Was fulfilled -Isaiah 9:6-7 The prophecy given again to Isaiah. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” His miraculous birth was fulfilled in Luke 2:1-7 approximately 750 years after the Scripture foretold Messiah would be born to a virgin.

5. Jesus Behavior Proved He was God - His love for all, whether poor, rich or friendly or whether they rejected Him. His love was unlimited.

6. His conduct Proved He was God.  He was absolutely sinless.  He always depended on God the Father.  His miracles proved He was God, healing diseases, raising the dead, feeding the thousands with bread and fish. Touching and healing even lepers. He calmed the storm and walked on water.

7. He could have defended Himself and called angels to deliver Him from the cross, but He healed his enemy’s ear and forgave the thief on the cross, and gave up His own life when He bore the sacrifice for our sins and all the world’s - IT WAS FINISHED.

8. His claims Proved He was God- the High Priest condemned Him for answering, when the High Priest asked Him if he claimed to be God.  Jesus answered “I am.”

9. He showed Himself to be God - He dismissed His own spirit, rising from the dead, ascending to heaven.  WHO DO YOU SAY HE IS?

There are so many Scriptures in the Word of God which emphasize who Christ Jesus would be and who He is.  Some of the Scriptures are:

Genesis 22:18, “And in thy seed, shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.”  

Numbers 24:17 -”I see him but not now; I behold him, but not near, a Star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.”

Isaiah 11:1, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from His roots a branch will bear fruit.  The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him.”

Jer. 23:5-6 - The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a king, who will reign widely and do what is just and right in the land.  This is the name by which He will be called; The Lord Our Righteous Savior.”

Psalms 72:9,10 - “May the desert tribes bow before Him and His enemies lick the dust...May all kings bow down to Him and all nations serve Him.”

Isaiah 40:3-5 - “The voice of Him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.  Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.”