The Israel of God

Jesus Israel

The Use and Abuse of God’s Word – P1

Part One: Preface

One of my younger brethren had a fairly difficult time coming to grips with the Scriptures; an often testing journey towards the truth of Christ and the Word of God; he now has a good understanding of what spiritual and personal tribulation actually means. The LORD put this young brother through the fires of hell to teach and correct, out of which has come a hardened steel and refined faith, yet he admits he has some way to go. And when we reflect honestly upon our own journey through God’s Word, so do we all. The LORD loves him dearly, the perfecting continues, and a word will come.

While most Christians read the Bible sincerely to learn and grow in faith, there are some, perhaps not well enough schooled to fully understand Scripture, who find it hard going and often distracted. But there are others, who in their delusion use God’s Word to openly promote religious and worldly themes, and in this group especially we find the Denominational Church.

A phrase to explain the arbitrary exploiting of Scripture is touching God’s Word. It is absolutely not to be touched, corrupted, distorted, or changed in any way to suit one’s thinking, or sway others at the expense of its literal and prophetic truths. It does not need interpreting, as Scripture interprets itself. As an easy example, Isaiah 7:14 uses the term ‘Immanuel’ to show Jesus when announcing the virgin birth. In Matthew 1:23, we find it means ‘God with us’ but I wonder how many actually understand or accept this truth.

Now, the Testimony of Jesus (Revelation 19:10) is the Spirit of Prophesy.

Jesus sent His Angel to testify He is the root and offspring (the Father and son) of David’s line. (Rev 22:16) It was Paul who declared, Jesus Christ is unchanged throughout time; (Hebrews 13:8) and again in Revelation 19, we see Jesus called Faithful and True and the Word of God. So we are talking about the author of Holy Writ, the inspiration of its writers, the LORD Jesus Christ. So, every time we touch His Word we ram the thorny crown upon His head once more.

The first time we see God’s Word challenged is in the Garden of Eden, when described as a serpent, Satan tempted Eve. It was extremely subtle as he questioned God’s instructions regarding the penalty for touching the tree of good and evil, casting doubt in Eve’s mind. Adam and Eve were charmed by his ruse, and sin and death entered the world through unbelief. Satan planted the seeds of uncertainty, which have come down the generations and reside in us still.

It is therefore vital for our eternal well-being that we know and understand the Scriptures are to be used for spiritual growth, to gain understanding, and to learn about God. They were given so we may discern the light from the darkness and its place in our lives. They were also given so we can come to an understanding of Christ; who and what He is and what He has done. To this end, they hold teaching and rules, especially the two Great Commands in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, given to help order and make sense of our life, thinking and faith.

It is also important to understand that the Holy Bible is primarily concerned with spiritual matters; as Paul told the Church at Corinth, flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. (1Co 15:50)

Jesus informed the Woman at Jacob’s well; the LORD seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. (John 4:23) The Word of God is not to be touched, abused, or changed in any way, which we will look into in part two, when foolish men made themselves Gods…

To Philip, my lovely brother in Christ, whose enthusiasm for the Word of God, and love for his fellow man knows no bounds…

In peace and love as always,

James.
Jesus Israel

The Use and Abuse of God’s Word – P2
Part Two: Historical

The abuse of God’s Word comes in many forms; directly tampering with it, altering context, using it in vulgarity or arrogance; but when it comes to total disregard Ancient Israel was top of the class. There are countless examples of the LORD warning Israel of what would befall them if they stayed on that path. When the LORD’S patience finally ran out they were banished from the land, taken into captivity and then sifted into the nations. With rare exceptions, all the Kings of Israel flouted the Commandments and Laws. They worshiped false gods and built groves on Temple grounds. But the worst was at Gilgal when Saul replaced the LORD as king.

All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters. (Hosea 9:15)

But Ancient Israel was not alone in its sin. The Jews of the First Century hunted down, killed and imprisoned the disciples of Jesus, imprisoned His Apostles, and with the chant of ‘his blood be on us and our children’ murdered the Christ. And yet, it was ordained for a higher purpose, a purpose thwarted ever since. And at the core of this impiety was the Nicaean Council of 325.

With the writings of the Prophets available, and the Epistles now in circulation outlining the truth of the Christ, the Nicaean Council chose to design a three-part God of their own instead. They reduced the Mighty God and Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6) to an obedient son, and to add insult to injury, half-heartedly agreed on the prospect of a Holy Spirit. They completely trampled God’s Word professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into and image made like to corruptible man: (Rom 1:22)

Over the centuries, the Papal Roman Church extended its power across Europe, and then much of the known world. They concealed early manuscripts declaring the Pope the final authority on God and salvation, exacting compliance under threat of damnation. They changed the Commandments, instigated a register of sin value, the holy family trinity; purgatory as a halfway house, to abstain from meats, daily attendance at the altar, the confessional, forbade priests to marry, and decreed the Pope Christ’s official messenger. The Papal Roman Church has altered and deconceptualized virtually every facet of God’s Word in order to have power over men.

Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)

While the Reformation set out to redress past wrongs, Protestantism also has its failings, above all the preservation of the Trinity Creed. Though it did enable the emergence of the Bible, its printing, distribution, and translation into various languages, which over time, shone a light on this and other errors, and those held and promoted within new and growing congregations. The Church of England and its breakaways have since fallen into a place where never the Gospel was preached.

Evangelism spread, and with it diverse opinion and interpretation resulting in the denominational church structure. With significant internecine conflict, and ongoing opposition to Rome, millions of lives were tragically lost for the sake of opinion and creed. Apostolic teaching of forgiveness and peace, the Godhead truth ignored, saw the Word of God abused at every turn. Now, listen to the LORD Jesus Christ on the subject of touching just one part of His Word…

For I testify to every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Rev 22:18-19)

The Christian belief is predicated on the fact Christ conquered death. It is built on the testimony of Jesus, the writings of the Evangelists, and the letters of Peter, Paul, John, James and Jude all of whom bore witness. It was foretold by the Prophets through the Spirit of Prophesy in them; for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2Peter 1:21)
- The Christian Faith is a direct and personal relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ in Spirit and in Truth.
- The Christian Religion was made by men who corrupted and abused Scripture; constructing religious systems, which sit upon creeds, rules and laws.
One comes down from Heaven; the other is of the earth.

Many shall say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesised in thy name? And in thy name cast out demons? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I shall say unto them, I never knew you: depart from me you workers of wickedness. (Matthew 7:22-3)

End of part two…
Jesus Israel

The Use and Abuse of God’s Word – P3

Part Three: the Way, Truth and Life

As the Church of Rome and daughter churches of the Reformation have obviously touched God’s Word through errant doctrine, where do we find dependable teaching and the truth of Christ Jesus in all this confusion? With so many claiming the truth, with all manner of theological answers on offer, the task can appear daunting. Yet, Paul cuts through the rhetoric in six simple words.

One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5)

Let the Spirit of Jesus guide your understanding and let no man influence you, not even me. All I will do is point you in the right direction, I cannot teach you only Jesus does that. He knows His flock and His sheep follow Him. If you are around like-minded people, find a fellowship and the LORD will place a teacher in your midst. Listen to your heart, be open to your spirit; avoid church-based religion as best you can.

The most difficult thing many find is putting aside preconceived ideas; we actually have to unlearn everything we have been taught at variance with the Gospel. It can be tough, yet its reward is more than I can express in words. It truly is a new sense of liberty, gifted from Heaven through Grace. Jesus has told us that; if we believe and are baptised we will be saved, He cannot lie so it must be the truth. He also said: come to me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

It’s true, He does.

But before He will begin to open His Word there are a few things to attend to. The first and most obvious is to believe, the second is repentance; next is baptism into His Name. Until these are done in their order, we are missing a vital component. Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Unless the Spirit of Jesus is within us the fullness of His Word will not be revealed, as it is the Holy Spirit who does the teaching. Amen. When we study the Bible, read it in the knowledge its wisdom and instruction was given by Jesus. As Paul informs us; for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught, except by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:12)

The letters of Paul in particular are among the most edifying in the New Testament, he was the LORD’S chosen vessel to bear His name. (Acts 9:15) But all of the writers; Prophets and Apostles, are treasures that adorn the Kingdom of the LORD through His Spirit.

The Bible is a great gift, treat it with respect and you will be treated the same. Use it in humility to clothe one another, not to expose perceived failings, to act in love and forgiveness. As Paul reminds us, let all your things be done with charity. (1Cor 16:14) And Peter agrees; above all things have fervent charity among you: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1Peter 4:8)

Never abuse it, or use it in self-righteousness or in anger to prove a point, because it comes at a price.

The LORD will not spare him, but the anger of the LORD and His jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven. (Deuteronomy 29:20)

Jesus wants us in His Kingdom, but to get there we all must be washed clean by His Word and keep a pure faith in Him alone. You don’t need to know the Bible inside out, but a good understanding is surely a joy. Yet, as someone who has trouble reading once told me, ‘I believe Jesus is both LORD and Christ, my sins are forgotten, and He lives in me.’ And to that I say a big Amen…!

In love and peace as always,

James
Jesus Israel

Quick Read #30: The Liberty of Christ

And there was delivered to Him the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: the Spirit of the LORD is upon me because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set them at liberty them that are bruised; to preach the acceptable year of the LORD.

And He closed the Book, and gave it again to the minister and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened upon Him. And He said unto them: This day, this scripture is fulfilled in your ears. (Luke 4:17-21)

That the promised one had come to heal the broken, preach to the poor in spirit, to mend the sight of the blind; and to show us the way to liberty as the Anointed of God, is the greatest blessing bestowed on mankind. And so, Jesus proclaims His arrival; the Spirit of the LORD is upon me to preach the Good News fulfilling the words given to Isaiah who declared and wrote of the Christ. His advent joined the Old and New Testaments into a comprehensive whole: that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. (Luke 24:44)

Now, when Paul wrote, but even to this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart, he was speaking of those blinded to the truth of Jesus and the great gifts He brings. He then says, yet when it shall turn to the LORD, the veil shall be taken away. Now the LORD is that Spirit: and where the spirit of the LORD is, there is liberty. (2Cor 3:15-17)

So what is this liberty Paul spoke of?

In the First Century, Judeans lived under rabbinical laws brought from Babylon, based on the Law of Moses yet with their own interpretations and additions. The rabbis of the Sanhedrin were the final authority when it came to the administration and execution of these laws, so when Jesus said He had come to set the people free, then preached the Gospel and performed miracles, they were naturally incensed. The Christ had given notice He had come to remove their power, laying down a new testimony and a perfect Law.

Jesus glorified the Father in His work to free the captives, and heal the broken. To pull us again out of Egypt, not through His servant Moses, but a work only He could do; to cut our bonds to sin, debt and death and through Redemption absolve us from Levitical right and custom: no longer, an eye for an eye or recompense of equal measure, but a new law of love for one another. Jesus has given us a gift of immense power; the power of forgiveness without obligation; of mercy friendship and human kindness where love reigns supreme.

Paul places it perfectly: and now abides faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (1Co 13:13)

And as the Apostle James so rightly said, who so looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues not being a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:25)

So, let us live in the liberty of Christ and bestow it without fear or favour upon each other equally. As Paul reminds us; you have been called unto freedom; only use your freedom, not for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another. (Gal 5:13)

Today is that day: so go ahead, heal someone’s pain through an act of forgiveness while there’s still time. Release one another into a new and better way of living, and the Prince of Peace will bless you in your deed…

In love and peace as always,

James
Jesus Israel

Quick Read #29: The Ubiquitous Christ

We are inherently linear beings; and while our actions progress from one to the next like words on a page, we think and visualize differently. It is not sequential like walking or reading, rather an internal subliminal conversation we have every waking moment. Within this background chatter we also reason and analyse; when a subject comes to the fore it becomes an aware process removed from the noise where deliberation and decision takes place. Yet, we all live under the same limitations of time, space and chronological order.

Comprehending something, or someone outside this construct, is another matter entirely. And even though we have coined a term to express an understanding of it; visualizing omnipresence is easier said than done. The thought of an entity existing on several planes simultaneously is a concept not everyone can easily grasp; it is something we certainly cannot do. But as the Apostle John reminds us, God is a Spirit (John 4:24) not limited by dimension or form.

Such was the setting with the Baptism of Jesus: three manifestations in concert yet each different in appearance: the washed Lamb of God rising out of the water, His Spirit visible upon Him, and His voice heard from above. And while omnipresence has gained less attention than omnipotence, omniscience or being eternal; it is a fundamental quality of the Existing One in His dispensations of Father, Son and Spirit, for in Him, dwells all the fullness of the Godhead. (Colossians 2:9)

Peter, James and John, were witness to another eye-opener when they saw Jesus physically changed: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light. (Matthew 17:2) Not only did they see Jesus transfigured before their eyes, but Moses and Elijah talking with Him: and again the voice from Heaven, heard by all, which caused them more than a little unease; they fell on their face and were sore afraid. (Matthew 17:6)

But these events without equal are not only in the New Testament. As His Angel, (Strong’s G3450: of me, mine, I: the Angel of the LORD: see Rev 22:16) Jesus instructed Hagar to return to Sarai (Genesis 16:9); called Abraham twice out of heaven (Genesis 22); appeared to Moses as a flame of fire (Exodus 3:2); dealt with Balaam (Numbers 22); visited Israel (Judges) and blessed Gideon. (Judges 6:12) Jesus dined with Manoah (Judges 13) and told his wife she would bear a son (Samson); He appeared to Elijah (2Kings); cut short the Assyrian incursion at the walls of Jerusalem (2Kings 19:35) and counselled Joshua (Zechariah 3:6) to mention a few.

Not only did He perform these wonders, He also protected Israel. Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsook them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go. Thou gave also ‘thy good spirit’ to instruct them: (Nehemiah 9:19-20)

As Paul tells us: they drank of that same spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1Colossians 10:4)

Now, while Peter makes the important call we first make our election sure, and Paul succinctly lays out the tenets of faith he also states that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) in which we see the fullness of God. This is again made clear by the Apostle John in his Gospel and letters, and in witness accounts from Luke and others concerning numerous intercessions by the LORD’S Angel in the New Testament, amplifying the ubiquitous nature of the incarnate Godhead.

The commanding evidence from Jesus in His conversation with Philip (John 14:9) and declarations, I and Father one are (John 10:30: original text); and Before Abraham was, I AM (John 8:58: should be in CAPS) make known the great truth, certitude and essence of the Existing One: LORD (see Isaiah 9:6) and Christ.

His Blood is greater than your sin and He is calling you now to freedom…

In love and peace as always,

James
Jesus Israel

Quick Read #28: Distractions…

And this I speak for your own profit, not that I may cast a snare on you, but for that which is right, and that you may attend on the Lord without distraction. (1 Cor 7:35)

While Paul was addressing the unmarried and widowed at the time, we have another issue where this Scripture could be equally applied in light of a world gone more than a little mad; odd agendas, conflicts and wars, mass migration and the launch of AI upon an unsuspecting public to name a few. Many of these intrigues are disturbing to say the least, and the future looks rather bleak.

So, it’s no surprise we can get caught up in these issues when they are hitting us from every quarter. Life seems to get faster each day, leaving little time to spend on the important things that keep us grounded. And one of those important things most often put aside pertains to matters of God and the Spirit, when one’s life in balance is the thing that keeps us whole and rested.

So, where and how do we find true rest? We find it in Jesus Christ: learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and you shall find rest in your souls. (Matthew 11:29) It is due to the fact we have little or no spiritual rest, we are often troubled. And truth be told, many of our distractions are self-imposed to divert us from our lack of preparation for the Day of the LORD. For various reasons, it is something we don’t want to accept or attend to.

Yet around the world, certainly here, many have been called by the LORD to preach the Gospel to the hungry for truth and solace. There seems to be a renewed sense of urgency in these brethren to warn the people of what is to come. And when we look to what Jesus said on the setting of this age, it is pretty clear those days are upon us. John, Peter and Paul especially, spoke of these conditions and of the behaviour of people towards one another; an age of moral darkness, self-importance, and backs turned to the Ever-Living God. And if any time points to such a period, it is now.

My fellow servants in Christ have come out of the denominations at the LORD’s calling, now led by the Spirit of Jesus through His Holy Word. And having kept His call to come out of that system, we now see the LORD and His Christ: that the Father and Son are one and the same as the Apostle John gave evidence. And we know, the Word of God is a continuous revelation from beginning to end: a living breathing witness, which testifies Jesus is the LORD God Almighty: the risen Christ who took our debt to the grave that we may have eternal life. It is His Commands we keep (Mark 12:29-31) and His Faith we follow. (Revelation 14:12)

When writing of Jesus, Paul stated: thy throne O God is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. (Hebrews 1:8)

John said; all things were made by Him (John 1:3) and the Apostle Peter wrote: you have an incorruptible inheritance reserved in Heaven for you. (1Peter 1:4) Accordingly, the LORD Jesus Christ has made an eternal provision, paying for our entrance with His Blood of Redemption for the Remission of sins.

It is time to make a decision, but it comes with a warning. And for eternity’s sake you would be wise to believe it, because it was made by Jesus, the author of truth, who cannot lie, so now is the time to take this to heart…

He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. (Mark 16:16)

In love, peace and hope for you always,

James

Quick Reads #5 – How the Trinity happened

I once overheard a conversation that went like this…. “The reason we have a trinity is God’s fault..!’ “Why?” someone asked. “Because if He had come himself we wouldn’t be having this debate..!” As you can see it was getting a little tense and arguments about religion will sometimes do that. I imagine it was much the same at Nicaea in 325AD, when many learned men and bishops convened the Council, which...

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