The Lord's Army

What does Jesus say, and do we care?  We say, "What would Jesus do?", and then do as we see fit, following our own impulses.  Jesus says that if we love God we will obey His commands.  All God's commands are fulfilled in love, and perfect love casts out fear.  God gives us of His Holy Spirit so we may have the direction and power to live lives pleasing to Him.  Jesus tells us we must be born again - die to self and become alive in Him.  Can I say that it is no longer I that lives, but Christ that lives in me?  Does my life in Christ call me to violent self defense?  Is this what it means to be in the Lord's Army?  Or are we to 'take up your cross and follow me" (Jesus)?  Let us see what Jesus says, and does (demonstrates for the one who is taking up their cross, and following Him).  Let us see what His Disciples do in defense of their self.

Soldiers came to take Jesus, prepared for force.  Here is an account of what took place: "And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."
Matthew:26:51-52

At another time Jesus was having a conversation with His Disciples.  They were coming into the knowledge of who Jesus is.  Jesus gave them this warning: "...the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."
Luke:9:22-24

Here is the account of Stephen's murder - the first Martyr for Christ Jesus: "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
Acts:7:51-60.  Does not the world seek to kill God's people?  Is it different today?  Why do we cry out in defense of our rights and safety?  Why do we seek to preserve our life?

Here are some scriptures about the last days - we are warned, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
2 Timothy:3:12

"And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:"
Revelation:6:9

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
Revelation:12:11

"And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."
Revelation:13:7-10

"And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth."
Revelation:18:2,24

Jesus Christ never taught us self defense.  Jesus Christ never demonstrated for us self defense.  In fact, "...he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
Isaiah:53:5.  Jesus Christ went willingly to a violent death on the cross.  He went with much derision upon him, in silence, without defending Himself to His accusers.  "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us."
Luke:23:34-39

We wait upon the deliverance and salvation of the Lord God, and rejoice to give our lives for the sake of Jesus Christ and His Gospel.  To be absent from the earth is to be present with Jesus. Those who seek to save their lives will lose them.  Our ONLY salvation is in Christ Jesus - not in being armed, and by methods of war.  We are to be set apart from the methods of the world!  We are to appear different, a peculiar people.

"It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD."
Lamentations:3:26

"Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."
Psalm:27:11-14

"And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
Isaiah:30:18

Christian, put down the gun, take up the cross, and follow Jesus.  Wait upon the Lord.  Amen.

Groping For God

The other day I was reading Acts 17 in my New King James Version bible.  Paul was in Athens, speaking to the philosophers there regarding an idol he saw titled "The Unknown God".  Paul was using this opportunity to tell these people of the truth of Jesus Christ.  Here is what Paul told them.

Acts 17: "24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ 29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

Here is a part of the scripture (verse 27) that really gripped me, and has stayed with me: "so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us..." 

This is what I do every night and day, in prayer.  I "grope" for God.  I grope to get a sense of His presence, and this verse tells me that even as I grope, He is already with me.  I grope to know of His will for me.  I invite Him to search me and know me.  I invite Him to indwell me, and reign upon the throne of my heart.  I invite Him to direct and place my every step.  I invite Him to guard my eyes, my ears, and to guard my mouth - and, not only to guard my mouth, but to touch my mouth as He did the Prophet Jeremiah, keeping my communications to His Word, alone.  I recognize that God's words are life.  My words are death.  I implore God that He walk with me - abide with me - as I seek (grope) to abide with Him.  I implore Him to indwell me with His Holy Spirit that I may be Holy as He is Holy, and that it be to His good pleasure and His glory.  I desire that God take pleasure in me, as I have grown to love Him with all my Being.  I grope to become One with Him as Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior, is One with the Father. 

I come to the Father by means of the Son.  Christ Jesus is the ONLY Way to the Father of our Creation - in Whom we live and move and have our Being!  Christ Jesus holds the keys to Heaven and Hell.  He is the King of all Kings, and Lord of all Lords.  And, He - the King - came to earth in the most humble of circumstance to identify Himself with the homeless, rejected, poor, and meek, of the earth.  When Christ Jesus took our penalty of sin upon Himself, at the Cross, he went down into the grave and took His place with the rich.
Isaiah 53:9 "And they made His grave with the wicked - But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth."

What does this scripture infer about the rich?  What did Jesus tell the rich man who wanted to follow Him?  Matthew 19:21 “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”  What instruction did Jesus give to His Follower?  Matthew 5:48 "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect."  How is it possible, then, that any of us can be saved? 

Matthew 19:23-30 Christ Jesus tells us, "23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first." 

Christ Jesus told us to seek, FIRST, the Kingdom of God, AND His righteousness, THEN all these things (of our earthy concerns) will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).  Jesus tells us that God, the Father, knows what we need before we ask!  When God is our first love we need not worry over provision.  Yet, our Father will not give us anything that will hurt us - including wealth.  Am I seeking (groping for) healing of my physical body, or am I seeking (groping for) God? Am I seeking (groping for) financial provision and abundance, or am I seeking (groping for) God?  Am I struggling to preserve my life?  Or, am I joining my Savior in death so that I may resurrect with Him, a New Man, in Eternal Life?  Jesus tells us we must be born again.  Can I say, "It is no longer I that lives, but Christ that lives in me"?  If I want to live I must be willing to die, for the sake of Christ Jesus.  If I struggle to preserve my life, for my sake, I will lose it.

May I always be groping for God - His righteousness, and His Kingdom.  He will meet me there, for He is always with me, in truth.  He has given me His Holy Spirit that I may have the power to live Holy, as He is Holy.  He has given me of His Son, my Lord and Savior Christ Jesus, so that I may be forgiven of my sins.  He calls me, continually, to repentance so I may be made whole, and Holy, in Him.  Repentance is good for the Soul, yet we often balk at it so.  ALL of God's instruction to us is for our good!  Because He is merciful, and He loves us... and, He is Holy, above all.  God is good.

Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Amen.

The Perfect Law of a Holy God

God's Law is perfect.
"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes."  Psalm:19:7-8
Jesus did not come to do away with God's perfect Law, but to fulfill it.
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."  Matthew:5:17-20

While God is love, God is holy.  Nothing about God is 'scandalous' - including His love.
"Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."  Isaiah:6:2-3
"And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."  Revelation:4:8-11

Bethel Church 'Core Values' contradicts each of these Biblical truths, stating (on their 'Core Values' page, under the 'Responsive to Grace' tab - see Blog photo): "God scandalously loves His lost creation and extends grace to us, empowering believers to love Him and others at a higher standard than the law."

"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."  2 Timothy:4:1-4

"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."  2 Thessalonians:2:8-12

"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you. For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it? I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD."  Jeremiah 23:16-18,21-22,29-32

Jesus taught repentance.  "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."  Matthew:4:17.  We must repent of (turn from) false doctrines - doctrines of demons - and return to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Those who teach and practice false doctrine face an eternity in hell.  Turn back to God, and He will turn to you.

Grace To Live Holy

By grace we are saved, it is true.  Sinners saved by grace, it is true.  Our righteousness is as filthy rags, it is true.  Yet, Jesus Christ is all our righteousness, and His righteousness is perfect!  When I declare it is no longer I that lives, but Christ that lives within me, I am declaring the holiness of the living Christ within - and this by grace.  The grace extended us through Jesus Christ is that through Him we are made holy.  Holy fruit comes forth from our lives!  Jesus told us we MUST be born again.  This follows death to the old man, and becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus.  When we are born again we are set free from the bondage of sin.  This is God's grace extended to us through Jesus Christ - that we may be holy as our Father in Heaven is holy!  Our liberty in Christ Jesus is liberty from sin - not liberty to sin.  Faith in Christ Jesus produces works in keeping with His holiness.  These works prove whether our Father is God, or the devil.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew:5:16-20

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
Matthew:5:48

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
2 Corinthians:5:17

Jesus calls us to be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect.  Is this an unreasonable expectation for the one who has been born again?  Jesus also says His yoke is easy, His burden is light.  How can this be?  It is impossible for me to be holy!  Yet, when I die to me, and come alive in Christ, it is Christ living in and through me that makes me holy.  Jesus makes it clear that He did not come to do away with the perfect Law of God, but to fulfill this Law - within us!  It is not some ideal out there, for some day.  The Living Christ is a reality for NOW!  And His salvation is NOW.  Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith - NOW.  When we are born again, we are born again NOW.  Yes, we repent - continually.  Why balk at this most precious gift of repentance?  What a relief repentance brings us from the despot ruler of self!  What a gift to become so diminished, in repenting of ourselves, as Jesus Christ becomes everything!  To lose self importance for the sake of the importance of Christ Jesus.  Truly, then, the burden becomes easy and light.  Dying to self is where the struggle lies - the death struggle.  Think of a dying bug...

The death struggle can also be termed 'rebellion'.  Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and left to rule in the individual's life, indeed, comes to look very much like witchcraft!  When in rebellion, and arguing, and accusing, against God and His words we find in opposition to our sensibilities and desires (of our wicked heart), we have set ourselves up as gods.  We are in great mistrust.  We are inclined, then, to distort scriptures to be more palatable and acceptable.  We are given to nuances and frivolities in our doctrines - doctrines of demons, the Bible says - "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." 2 Timothy:3:5  God becomes in our service for healing and riches.  He becomes enamored with us, and soft.  We do not seek His Kingdom first.  We seek our importance and comfort.  Things become backwards to the Truth.  The light within us is darkness, and oh how dark is that darkness.

Jesus said, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, THEN all these things shall be added unto you."  Here is what Jesus said about the Kingdom of God:  "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
Matthew:13:44-50

What do you seek?  Healing and provision, or the Kingdom of God?  "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."  Philippians:2:12-13. Perfect loves casts out fear.  Let us be made perfect in the love of God through the life Christ lives within us and through us.  This holy life Jesus gives us is His gift of grace and love, alone.  Let us only boast in this - in Christ Jesus our King - and live holy lives in keeping with the holiness of our Heavenly Father.  Let us allow Christ Jesus to live this holy life in and through us.  It is only His doing!  This is the Father's heart toward us.  Let us not spurn this most precious gift of grace and love.  Amen.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..."
Ephesians:6:10-17

"I Am"

Along with the Psalmist, and John of the New Testiment, we rejoice in the aspects of God which bring us comfort in considering His love, grace, and favor.

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
Psalm:86:15

Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
Psalm:89:14

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1 John:4:7-12

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

These scriptures are beautiful for the one who trusts in Christ Jesus!  Yet, they present only half a truth.  It is so important that we discuss, and come to terms with, the severity of God.  Do I resent the more difficult aspects of God - those contrary to my will?  Am I in rebellion?  Have I created God into an image more acceptable to me (idolatry)?  Who does God say He is?  All of God's words are Life for those who will believe, and become in accord with Him.  All who reject God are already dead.  Here is an extensive collection of "I Am" proclamations made by God, in the Holy Bible, that inform us of His Character, and Who He is - in His Words.

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Genesis:15:1

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
Genesis:17:1

Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
Exodus:3:6

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exodus:3:14

And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD:
Exodus:6:2 (many verses God introduces Himself by saying, "I am the Lord")

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
Exodus:15:26

For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.
Exodus:22:27

For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Leviticus:11:44

And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.
Leviticus:20:8

But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people.
Leviticus:20:24

Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you,
Leviticus:22:32

And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.
Numbers:18:20

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm:46:10

Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.
Psalm:50:7

Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.
Isaiah:1:14

I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
Psalm:81:10

To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
Isaiah:1:11

For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man:
Isaiah:10:13

Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.
Isaiah:41:4

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah:41:10

I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Isaiah:42:8

For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Isaiah:43:3

Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
Isaiah:43:5

Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
Isaiah:43:10

Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?
Isaiah:43:13

I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.
Isaiah:43:15

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Isaiah:44:6

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;
Isaiah:44:24

I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
Isaiah:45:5

That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.
Isaiah:45:6

For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.
Isaiah:45:18

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
Isaiah:45:22

And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
Isaiah:46:4

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
Isaiah:46:9

Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
Isaiah:48:12

Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
Isaiah:48:17

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.
Isaiah:49:23

But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.
Isaiah:51:15

Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I.
Isaiah:52:6

I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
Isaiah:65:1

Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah:1:8

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.
Jeremiah:1:19

Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.
Jeremiah:3:12

Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
Jeremiah:3:14

But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah:9:24

And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah:15:20

Behold, I am against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, and rock of the plain, saith the LORD; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations?
Jeremiah:21:13

Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.
Jeremiah:23:30

Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.
Jeremiah:23:31

Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah:23:32

And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.
Jeremiah:24:7

For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet I will not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.
Jeremiah:30:11

They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
Jeremiah:31:9

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
Jeremiah:32:27

Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.
Jeremiah:42:11

Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.
Jeremiah:46:28

Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee.
Jeremiah:50:31

Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.
Jeremiah:51:25

And they shall know that I am the LORD, and that I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them.
Ezekiel:6:10

And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth.
Ezekiel:7:9

The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Ezekiel:7:27

Ye shall fall by the sword; I will judge you in the border of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Ezekiel:11:10

And ye shall know that I am the LORD: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you.
Ezekiel:11:12

And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries.
Ezekiel:12:15

For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel:12:25

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel:13:8

And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel:13:9

So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Ezekiel:13:14

Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.
Ezekiel:13:20

Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Ezekiel:13:23

And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Ezekiel:14:8

And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from one fire, and another fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I set my face against them.
Ezekiel:15:7

And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD:
Ezekiel:16:62

Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.
Ezekiel:20:12

I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them;
Ezekiel:20:19

And ye shall know that I am the LORD when I have wrought with you for my name's sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel:20:44

And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.
Ezekiel:21:3

Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.
Ezekiel:22:26

And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.
Ezekiel:25:17

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up.
Ezekiel:26:3

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.
Ezekiel:28:22

And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God.
Ezekiel:28:26

Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.
Ezekiel:29:3

Behold, therefore I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia.
Ezekiel:29:10

Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Ezekiel:30:19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and will break his arms, the strong, and that which was broken; and I will cause the sword to fall out of his hand.
Ezekiel:30:22

But I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall stretch it out upon the land of Egypt.
Ezekiel:30:25

Then shall they know that I am the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed.
Ezekiel:33:29

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
Ezekiel:34:10

And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.
Ezekiel:34:27

And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel:34:31

And thou shalt know that I am the LORD, and that I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to consume.
Ezekiel:35:12

For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown:
Ezekiel:36:9

And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Ezekiel:36:11

And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.
Ezekiel:36:23

And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Ezekiel:37:6

And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,
Ezekiel:37:13

Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Ezekiel:38:23

So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
Ezekiel:39:7

So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward.
Ezekiel:39:22

Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.
Ezekiel:39:28

And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession.
Ezekiel:44:28

I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.
Hosea:11:9

Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.
Hosea:13:4

And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
Joel:2:27

So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.
Joel:3:17

So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.
Zechariah:1:14

Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.
Zechariah:1:16

Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
Zechariah:8:3

And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them.
Zechariah:10:6

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew:3:17

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Matthew:5:17

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Matthew:9:13

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Matthew:10:34

For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Matthew:10:35

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew:11:29

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
Matthew:17:5

I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
Matthew:22:32

But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
Matthew:26:32

And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
Matthew:26:61

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew:28:20

And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Mark:14:62

I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
Luke:12:49

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Luke:12:51

For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
Luke:22:27

Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
Luke:22:70

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
John:5:43

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
John:6:35

I am that bread of life.
John:6:48

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
John:6:51

Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
John:7:28

But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
John:7:29

Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
John:7:34

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John:8:12

And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
John:8:16

I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
John:8:18

And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
John:8:23

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
John:8:24

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
John:8:28

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
John:8:58

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
John:9:5

And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
John:9:39

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
John:10:7

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

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John:10:10

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John:10:11

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
John:10:14

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
John:11:15

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
John:11:25

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

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
John:12:46

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
John:13:13

Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
John:13:19

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

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John:14:6

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
John:14:10

Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
John:14:11

At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
John:14:20

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
John:15:1

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:15:5

And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
John:17:10

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
John:17:11

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
John:17:14

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
John:17:16

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
John:17:24

They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
John:18:5

As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
John:18:6

Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
John:18:8

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
John:18:37

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
John:20:17

Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.
Acts:7:32

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Acts:9:5

And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
Acts:22:8

And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
Acts:26:15

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation:1:8

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Revelation:1:17

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Revelation:1:18

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Revelation:2:23

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Revelation:21:6

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Revelation:22:13

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Revelation:22:16

The Love, and Wrath, of God

Recently I saw a post on Facebook that was rejoicing in a Pastor's declaration that in love there is no judgement.  I contradicted this claim by scripture, and was promptly unfriended.  I made this judgement against this comment because I love those who responded favorably to this lie from hell.  The Follower of Jesus Christ is to make judgments within the body - remembering that with the same judgement they use, they shall be judged, and with the same measure (Matthew 7:2).  We must have our own house in order (remove the beam from our eye, Matthew 7:5), before setting out to make judgments on those who claim to be Christians (1Corinthians 5:12-13).  We must be living in obedience to God, and speaking His Words, at His prompting, and not our own.  We must be abiding in God's love, mercy, and truth, in all our judgments.

If there is a crime against one you love - your child - do you feel the need for justice?  Are judgments made, with consequences to follow?  Would we say it is wrong to allow crimes to go unchecked?  Why, then, do we reject God's perfect judgments?  God is love.  God is holy, and His Laws are perfect.  And, love requires judgement against that which defiles what is God's holy, and beloved, creation.  God has fierce wrath he reserves for that which is evil - for sin - which is not covered by the precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

My interjection into the online post, and ensuing conversation, was very much unappreciated.  People resent having their pet beliefs challenged.  They have them for a reason - usually to feel better.  Yet, all lies are from the father of lies - the devil - and to make friends with them is to make friends with the father of lies.  The ultimate end to this path is the broad highway to hell.  Scripture promises that all liars will end up in hell, unless they repent of their ways and turn to follow in the steps of Jesus Christ (Revelations 21:8).  Jesus Christ has made every provision that we may be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect!  This is the story of grace - the story of the Gospel of Peace (between God and man)... our salvation.  We must die to self, and be born again in Christ Jesus.  This faith in Christ Jesus produces works in keeping with holiness - and this by the gift of the powerful Holy Spirit of God!  That is the only way anyone is going to step beyond the pearl gates, and into God's Kingdom of Heaven.  Jesus Christ is the door, and no one will enter except by Him.  It matters not that we know Him.  Demons know Him, and tremble (James 2:19)!  Does He know me?  Is my name written in the Lamb's Book of Life?  "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

God is love, and so God is also Just.  Love requires justice!  And there is no justice without judgement.  God's judgement is merciful, so He sent His only son to take upon Himself the penalty of our sin.  In God's perfect Courtroom we are guilty!  It is unthinkable that justice should not follow.  God loves justice, and those who are just.  There is none who has not sin, thus creating separation between ourselves and a Holy God.  Yet God, in His unfathomable love and great mercy, wanted still to provide a way of reconciliation between man and God - for we were created for His pleasure!  When we reject this gift - this redemption provided in God's beloved and precious Son, Jesus Christ - then there is no sacrifice left, and we are left to the penalty.  We are left to God's great wrath, which Jesus Christ had taken upon Himself at the cross of Calvary.

The Holy Bible, as God's testimony to man, is full of verses declaring the wrath of God.  The Bible tells of the impending great and terrible day of the Lord.  This day is coming!  Christians are imaging they will not be among those who lament, wail, and gnash their teeth?  The 'church' has largely lost the fear of God.  They have opted for a soft pillow of delusion, and have turned away from the Jesus Christ of scripture because His words are difficult... just like the disciples did in the book of John, chapter 6:60-71.

"Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard [this], said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?  When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?  [What] and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.  But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.  And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.  From that [time] many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.  Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.  And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.  Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?"

We have all heard John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..."  Yet, how often have we heard John 3:36, further down in the chapter?  "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Have we read and considered Romans 1:16-19?  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them."  In other words, there are those who know of, and have participated in , the grace of God who then will suffer His wrath for handling this truth in unrighteousness!  In that day they will declare, "Lord, Lord - didn't we do this, and that, in your Name?!"  And God will say, "Depart from me you worker of iniquity, for I never knew you (Matthew 7:21-27)."

 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."

For those who are believing a false gospel, with false prophets and teachers, and rewriting the Bible with 'new' revelations, there shall be wrath - because God loves us, and hates the sin - the lies - that causes us to be eternally separated from Him, in eternal torment.  God has promised that with a different (new) gospel comes a curse!  Galatians 1:8 "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."  God has wrath in store for these:

Jeremiah 23:29-32 "Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord."

Jeremiah 30:23-24. "Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the Lord shall not return, until he have done it, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it."  Here it is, in the Old Testiment, speaking of God's wrath, in the latter days, against those who speak falsely and declare it from the mouth of God.  This isn't the only such scripture.  There are many.

Jesus Christ continually calls us to repentance!  His prophets continually call us to repentance!  Jesus and the Prophets are calling those who deem their selves 'saved'!  We must repent, and live by faith in Jesus Christ, in His truth... not our vain imaginings.  His words may be hard, but they are Life, and for our salvation!  Let's make friends with the words of Jesus Christ.

Here are promises for the one who places their trust in Christ Jesus.  In the end He will give us a Heavenly home, and wipe away every tear from our eyes:  Revelation 21:1-4 "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

In fact, God loves us so much He cares about the tears his children shed!  For the one who trusts in Him He collects their tears in a bottle, and writes them in His book.  Psalm 56:8 "O God. Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?"  Place your trust in Him, for He cares for you.  Let us not choose to remain in His wrath.

Does Jesus Christ know you?  Are you living in obedience to Him, in His Truth, or in rebellion?  Jesus Christ is coming again, in judgement.  Jesus Christ did not come to do away with God's Law.  God's Law is not 'inferior', as I have read.  His Law is Perfect, and founded in His holiness!  Jesus Christ came to FULFILL God's Law in those who are His Followers - those living by faith in Him.  He will accomplish His good work in those who live by faith in Jesus Christ!  Those who are not found in Him - in His Book of Life - will be left to suffer the wrath of God.  There is only one sacrifice.  God's wrath is upon all those who are not found under His grace.  Love requires Justice, and even then, God has been found merciful, in lovingkindness, in His judgments.  Praise His Holy Name!  Amen.

Devoted

Satan's first deception toward mankind was to first cast doubt on God's mandate - God's Word - to man, casting aspersions on God's character (the devil is the Accuser).  Then the Father of Lies offered that man can be as God.  This is the apostasy I see in the church today.  Man is being elevated, and the gospel has been exchanged with a message that only includes God's love for us, while neglecting God’s holiness, and man's need for repentance and obedience.  We have preferred the tender words of the Savior, while neglecting those that are difficult.  This is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ tells us of man's depraved state, and our need for repentance.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ includes God's holiness, and Christ's blood which cleanses us from all unrighteousness.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ includes not only Heaven, but hell.  In fact, it tells us that the road to Heaven is narrow, and few there are that find it.  This is disturbing news!  We never talk about that in church.  It might hurt the size of the congregation, or seem insensitive.  Or go contrary to what our will demands.  We must die to self, and be born again in Christ Jesus.

So, the Gospel is diluted to make it more palatable for the congregation.  We entice people into the church by means that look no different than the world, from which we are to be set apart.  It is the devil who uses enticements!  The world needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ – that of peace between God and man through the sacrifice, and blood, of Jesus Christ.  The world does not need more of itself.  "But, we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God".  2 Corinthians 4:2

A necessary part of the Armor of God is the footwear of readiness of the Gospel of Peace, and that is the peace Jesus Christ - through His sacrifice - brought between God and man when we believe upon Him.  This peace with God, however, brings us into enmity with the world.  Jesus did say, "Don't think that I came to bring peace on the earth.  I didn't come to send peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34)  The Holy Bible says that God's Word is a Sword - and it says that Jesus Christ is the Word.  Are our feet fitted with the readiness of the Gospel of Peace?  Are we quick to bring this Gospel to every encounter of war as Soldiers in the Army of God?  We are in a battle with principalities and powers!  Are we fitted with God's Armor?  "For the Word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart."  Hebrews 4:12

Here is what God has to say about man, and the condition of his heart:

“Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”  Genesis:6:5

“For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies.”   Matthew:15:19

Follow Jesus Christ, and the Holy Bible.  Do not follow, or trust, your heart!  Trust in Jesus Christ, alone.

What does the Bible say about the Followers of Christ?

“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, what will it be salted with? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.”  Matthew:5:13

When those who call their self by Christ's Name become unrecognizable from the world, they have lost their saltiness and will be thrown out, and trampled underfoot.  Salt adds flavor, and salt purifies.  It cleans and cauterizes wounds.  It is a cleanser and a healer.  The world needs the salty Christian!  Sure, we balk at the initial sting of salt upon the wound, yet we want the healing and the relief that follows.  We want the flavor!  We cannot have it if we have joined with, and made friends with, the world.  Then we have nothing different to offer the sinner.  No hope.  No power for living in obedience to the Heavenly Father.  No salvation from the fires and terrors of hell.  Also, we are to be a light in the world.  Yet, if the light within us is darkness, how great is that darkness!  (Matthew 6:23)

There are song lyrics in some Bethel music that touts God's devotion to man.  First, stay far from Bethel church, college, or music.  It is the home of demons.  Stay far from Hillsong music, and any that engages in the false doctrine of prosperity, and the elevation of man in the heart of God.  "But the Spirit says, expressly, that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing (enticing) spirits and doctrines of demons".  1 Timothy 4:1  The Holy Bible says nothing of God's devotion to man.  Rather, the Holy Bible informs us that God's love is steadfast, and that He is faithful.  God cannot - will not - contradict His character - who He is.

The Holy Bible also tells us, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to PREACH THE GOSPEL - not in wisdom of words, so that the cross of Christ wouldn't be made void.  For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing',  Where is the wise?  Where is the scribe?  Where is the lawyer of this world?  Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of this world?"  1 Corinthians 1:17-20

Recently I was disturbed in my spirit, while at church, when I heard, and read, the lyrics of a Bethel song telling of God's devotion to man.  My response was to get into the Holy Bible and see what it has to say in the matter.  I studied the meaning of the word 'devoted', and how it is used, and referenced in the Holy Bible.  All throughout the Old Testament the word devoted, in the English Standard Version of the Holy Bible, was interchangeable with the word 'accursed' in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.  I will use Joshua 7 as the primary example, yet (as always) I encourage the reader to do your own study of this matter,  Never take my word for anything!

"11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. 12 Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction.1 I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. 13 Get up! Consecrate the people and say, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow; for thus says the Lord, God of Israel, “There are devoted things in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted things from among you.”  Joshua 7:11-12  English Standard Version

"11 Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. 12 Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. 13 Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the Lord God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you."  Joshua 7:11-12 King James Version

What would make the 'devoted' thing, the 'accursed' thing?  It was those implements that were devoted to idols and demons.  It is a trespass against God to set up anything in our heart above devotion to Him, because our heart is the altar we give over to the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Even the attempt to conceal these things, as a secret, that we want to have in our lives,  Things we consider riches.  Things devoted to demons, and idolatry.  Things that are an abomination to the Holy God of all Creation.  The God who knows every thought, and every notion of our heart.  This Word, in Joshua, instructs God's people to consecrate (sanctify) their selves!  To do so means to set apart (from the world), and make Holy.  Let us devote our all to our Heavenly Father.

It is an apostasy to ascribe to God devotion to us, over our devotion to Him!  God owes us no thing, including His devotion that we should be as gods to Him, on the altar of His heart.  We owe our devotion wholly to Him!  Yet, our Holy God is a good and merciful God.  He is love, and faithfulness.  Praise His Name!  To Him be all majesty, glory, honor, and power!  God is faithful.  His love is steadfast.  And, he will not despise the broken and contrite heart.  Oh, God, let our hearts be broken before you, that we may share in your rich mercies!  Be high and lifted up in our hearts!  May we find our devotion only to you, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords!  May we be devoted to the Apostle's teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)  Let us be devoted to the service of the Saints. (1 Corinthians 16:15)  Let us be devoted to every good work. (1 Timothy 5:10)  And, finally, let us "...not be led by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them." (Hebrews 13:9)  Amen.

Jesus Christ is all our righteousness, and our faith in Him produces works in keeping with His Holy Spirit.  May God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost receive all honor, glory and praise.  Amen.

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

Let us be devoted to only Jesus Christ, and His Gospel of Peace.

Devoted, or Faithful; Reckless, or Planned?

During worship/singing last Sunday my Spirit was not at rest and the thought kept coming to me, "I need to pray".   So, I quit trying to sing, put my thoughts on Jesus, and began to pray.  Even that was difficult.    I noticed the song lyrics, and they sounded good enough, and then it happened.  A final line in the chorus of the song was "you are devoted to me", referrencing God's devotion to man.  I looked below the lyrics on the screen at the front of the church and it said 'Bethel Music'.  I was becoming sick to my stomach, and my heart burned within me.

Following the worship time in the service there was some testimony.  One lady's testimony was how God makes us 'great' - giants - in overcoming fear.  At the conclusion of testimony time the Pastor's wife held up the 'Jesus Calling' book before the congregation, sang it's praises, and encouraged everyone to get one and read it.  Then the congregation was asked to go around and greet one another before the start of the sermon, as they do every Sunday.  I told my husband that we needed to leave, and we departed post haste.  Following that Sunday my heart burned within me, until I wrote the Pastor a lengthy explanation, and my husband and I had a sit down talk with him the following Wednesday.  

In that letter I told the Pastor that it is opposite day in the church, and that the Holy Bible warns of 'doctrines of demons' deceiving many in the last days.  I have just been delivered of New Age, and Occult, praise Jesus Christ!  And, the Holy Spirit within me is wholly sensitive to these in the church, and is repulsed by them.  I told the Pastor that the phrase, in the Bethel song, stating God is devoted to us was opposite the truth, because we are to be devoted to God.  The Pastor challenged this idea, and I was not prepared for the challenge, so I have done some investigating in the Holy Bible to prove the Spirit within me - whether it be false, or true.  I also explained to the Pastor the concerns I have regarding 'Jesus Calling', which I am not going into here.  I only admonish the reader to investigate HOW that book came into being.

My study on devotion brought me to some scriptures that say we are to be wholly devoted to God, and that God is faithful - not only to us, but in His character.

(Our) Devotion:

"Let your heart therefore be perfect (devoted) with Yahweh our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day."  1 Kings:8:61

"This I say for your own profit; not that I may throw a snare on you, but for that which is appropriate, and that you may attend (be devoted) to the Lord without distraction."  1 Corinthians:7:35

(The word 'devoted' is found in the NIV version of the Holy Bible, and others.)

(God's) Faithfulness:

"God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord."  1 Corinthians:1:9

"If we are faithless, he remains faithful -- he can't deny himself."  2 Timothy:2:13

These are just a few scriptures on how our heart should be toward God (devoted), and of His faithfulness to us.  If one is so inclined, a further study can be taken on.  I wholly promote the study of God's written Word!  There is nothing like finding out for one's self

Now I want to address the idea that God's love is reckless.  This is not Biblical.  Not. At. All.  Listen - just a smidge from the truth will eventually lead one miles away from the truth.  We cannot take these things lightly.  The Holy Bible calls what is false 'doctrines of demons'.  "But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,"  1 Timothy:4:1

Here is what the Bible does say about God's love for us, and about His orderliness - God's love is steadfast:

"[It is of] Yahweh's lovingkindnesses (steadfast love) that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn't fail."  Lamentations:3:22

"Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, "Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness (steadfast love) and truth,"  Exodus:34:6

"Your lovingkindness (steadfast love), Yahweh, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies."  Psalm:36:5

(The words, 'steadfast love', in parentheses are found in the King James version of the Bible.)

Here is what the Holy Bible says about God's (orderly) plan in His love for us:

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end."  Jeremiah:29:11

"For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."  Romans:8:29

"even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love;"  Ephesians:1:4

So, we see that God is faithful, and steadfast, in His character and love for His chosen children.  We understand that, because of His love, we are to be wholly devoted to Him.  And, we understand that God knew us before the foundations of the earth were created, and has had an orderly plan for us all along.  Praise Him!

The scriptures the Pastor left my husband and I with were 1 Corinthians 8, and Romans 14.  These are chapters on how to treat one another of our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.  We are to be careful in not offending, or causing another in the Body of Christ to stumble.  These are scriptures, also, of liberty in Christ.  Our liberty is that of freedom from the body of sin!  Not to do as we please in following the old sin nature, as we once did.  Yet, if one's doctrine is not sound they have already stumbled, and need to be brought back to the truth, and repentance - if one would be willing to turn from these doctrines of demons.   It is biblical to hold one another to account, and to be held to account.  Here is just one scripture that encourages us in this practice (there are more): "Brothers, if any among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know, that he who converts a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins."  James:5:19-20

So much of what is leading the congregation astray from the truth is  the desire for comfort, at all costs.  The desire to be special, and as gods - Satan's offering in the Garden of Eden.  The Bible warns us that the desires of our heart will lead us astray, and that the heart of man is evil. Do not follow your heart!  Look it up in the Bible, and see if it supports these claims I am making.  Follow Jesus, and let Him transform your heart.  

Some words in the Holy Bible are difficult!  We must make friends with these.  They assist us towards repentance, without which there is no salvation.  God disciplines those who are His children - because of His faithfulness and steadfast love.  Praise Him!  He is a good, good, Father.  And, God is Holy.  He is faithful in His holiness.  He is faithful, and cannot betray Himself, or His character.  Please investigate if what I write here is true, according to the Holy Bible.  Take my word for nothing.  (I have been using the World English Version Bible, and cross reference with other versions. - mostly King James Version.)

The devil is clever.  He has been at the work of deception and destruction since the beginning of mankind.  Let us remain devoted to the God of all Creation, and His Word - both written, and Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Let us, daily, put on the whole armor of God - which is Christ Jesus, and our faith in Him.  He is all our righteousness, and in Him - His love - the Law is fulfilled.  Our faith in Him, and His Word, will protect us from the lies of the evil one.  Amen.