Tag: Ephesians 2:8-9

Hymns 2.0 – Rock of Ages

On September 27, 2023

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

Rock of ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee
Rock of ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee

Let the water and the blood
From thy riven side which flowed
Oh, be of sin the double cure
Cleanse me from its guilt and power

Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling
Nothin’ in my hand I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling

Naked, come to Thee for dress (come to Thee for dress)
Helpless, look to Thee for grace
(Oh, look to Thee for grace)
Vile, I to the fountain fly
Wash me, Savior, or I die

Rock of ages (ooh, rock of ages)
Cleft for me (cleft for me)
Let me hide myself in Thee
Rock of ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee (in Thee)
Augustus M. Toplady

The History Behind the Hymn

There is a popular story most hymnologists do not believe about the origin of this hymn text. That story was started 122 years after publication of the hymn text by a letter published in the Times [of London], June 3, 1898, from Dean Lefroy of Norwich, together with one from Sir W. H. Wills on the same matter. The burden of Lefroy’s correspondence is based on a claim made by Sir W. H. Wills regarding the origin of this hymn. Wills’ claim asserted that Toplady drew his inspiration from an incident in the gorge of Burrington Combe in the Mendip Hills in England. Toplady, then a curate (assistant Church of England preacher) in the nearby village of Blagdon, was travelling along the gorge when he was caught in a storm. Finding shelter in a gap in the gorge, he was struck by the title and scribbled down the initial lyrics. ^[3]

According to E. J. Fasham, a more likely inspiration for the text is a 1673 sermon by Daniel Brevint (who had been the Dean of Durham Cathedral). This sermon had been partially quoted in the preface to Charles Wesley’s Hymns of the Lord’s Supper (1745), which was in common use amongst a number of ministers of the period. The similarity between the passages from Brevint’s sermon and the hymn suggests this was the starting point for Toplady’s text.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_of_Ages_(Christian_hymn)

A Lesson for Me

Psa 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Psa 119:114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

Where do I go in times of trouble? I have been saved since 1980 and the answer to this question has changed a few times throughout the years. With each passing trial, I have learned to trust the Lord. (Proverbs 3:5-6) As I grew in the Lord, I discovered His faithfulness more and more. Each trial drew me to Him more quickly. His invitation to come to Him in times of trouble would be the first thing I ran to rather than go to Him as a last resort.

Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling
Nothin’ in my hand I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling

Message for today

Is it any wonder why the world’s religions center on men’s works instead of faith in Jesus? Working one’s way to Heaven is a lie from the enemy. It is centered on the ver first sin, which is pride. This sin had Lucifer thrown out of Heaven and it carried on when he tempted Eve in the Garden. If I can say that I worked my way to heaven, then I can also tell you everything I did in order to earn it!

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.

There is nothing that I can do that will wash away my sins. It is due to the wonderful gift that the Father has bestowed upon His creation! (John 3:16) Anything good I do before salvation is considered to be dirty rags. Mother Teresa was a wonderful person; her works for the poor and needy are to be commended. But they will only be commended here on earth. Her works amount to nothing because she did not have that relationship with Jesus Christ.

Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Jesus has a very special love for you. [But] as for me–The silence and the emptiness is so great–that I look and do not see,–Listen and do not hear.
–MOTHER TERESA TO THE REV. MICHAEL VAN DER PEET, SEPTEMBER 1979

A born-again Christian is given the Comforter, the power of the Holy Spirit, to be able to see the truth so that truth can set him free. (John 8:32) The promise from Jesus Himself tells us that the Holy Spirit abides with us for ever! Had Mother Teresa known Jesus, she too would have had the peace of God! (Philippians 4:7)

Joh 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (17) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Jesus paid a dear price in order for us to have that peace. He paid a great price for His Church so she can hide herself in the cleft of the Rock! It is through Him that we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us! (Romans 8:37)

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Hymns 2.0 – Jesus Paid It All

By Kate Plourde

On August 25, 2023

In Devotionals, Hymns 2.0

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”

Refrain:
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim;
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

And now complete in Him,
My robe, His righteousness,
Close sheltered ’neath His side,
I am divinely blest.

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.

When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
Shall rend the vaulted skies.

And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I’ll lay my trophies down,
All down at Jesus’ feet.

Elvina M. Hall

The History Behind the Hymn

Did your mind ever wander during a Sunday service? Perhaps you started thinking about other things–maybe what occurred last week, or plans for the coming week or what you will be doing later that day. Something like that happened to the writer of a familiar hymn.

On a hot summer Sunday morning in 1865, Mrs. Elvina Hall (1820-1889) was found in her accustomed place in the church choir loft. But as the pious words of the Reverend Schrick’s prayer droned on and on, her thoughts drifted to other things. She pondered the meaning of the cross, and the storied scene flashed before her mind’s eye.

High upon a rocky crag, three crosses scarred the afternoon sky. On the outer gibbets, hung two notorious thieves. Below, Roman soldiers drank and gambled, waiting for death to overtake the poor wretches suspended above them. It was a public execution, but far more significant than they imagined at the time. Suddenly, the air grew dense and an eerie darkness invaded the scene.

As the soldiers gazed about them in superstitious dread, a triumphant cry pierced the gloom. It came from the figure on the centre cross. One word, in the Greek tongue: “Tetelestai!” Then He was dead. That shout of victory Christ uttered as He died is usually translated “It is finished!” (Jn. 19:30). But it had another meaning back then. It was an accounting term. When a bill was paid, it was commonly stamped with the word “Tetelestai,” meaning Paid in Full.
https://www.independentbaptist.com/jesus-paid-it-all1/

A Lesson for Me

But it had another meaning back then. It was an accounting term. When a bill was paid, it was commonly stamped with the word “Tetelestai,” meaning Paid in Full.
https://www.independentbaptist.com/jesus-paid-it-all1/

It is finished! Paid in full! Tetelestai! Tetelestai comes from the verb teleo, which means “to bring to an end, to complete, to accomplish.” How appropriate that the Lord used these words, Reader! Do you see it? We’ve heard the phrase “Jesus paid a debt that He did not owe” but does it mean anything to you?

Someone has to pay the debt for all my sin, and that is ME! Each one of us cannot enter Heaven’s gate unless that debt, that penalty, is paid. If there were a dollar value set to each one of my sins in my lifetime, I dare say there would not be enough money in the world to take care of that debt! Since tetelestai’s meaning in Jesus’ day was an accounting term, we can picture the Father in Heaven stamping “PAID” on our debt because Jesus paid for it all.

For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim;
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb

Message for today

Friend, thank the Lord Jesus for giving us the opportunity to have our sins washed clean because of His shed blood on Calvary!! There is no other way that one can do this! (John 14:6) He is the only way. Buddha can’t help you! Allah can’t help you! Only Jesus.

What would you say if you bought a house when times were great and your income paid the mortgage with no problem. But then you fall on difficult times and you are now months behind with no hope to catch up. If the bank didn’t foreclose on you, that debt would increase ever more with interest added to boot! It is no different with our sins, Reader. The only way the debt for our sins could ever be paid was for Jesus to take that debt upon Himself. We cannot pay that debt ourselves! There is nothing we can do either! All we can do is receive the consequences for lack of payment and that is eternal life in Hell!

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Where are you at this point in your life, Reader? Are you so deep in debt for the sins you’ve committed that you feel there is no turning back? We all come to that place in our lives. Some receive salvation early in life, while others are more stubborn. The longer you wait, the harder your heart becomes toward that sin. Sin will no longer stir regret in your heart and it will become hard as stone. There will come a point where your heart will be so hardened you will be blind to sin altogether.

Eph 4:18-19 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: (19) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Don’t get to that point, Reader. Surrender yourself to God’s love and forgiveness. There is peace to be had and balm for your wounds! Jesus paid it ALL so you could have that peace and balm! However, judgment awaits the person who does not want his debt to be paid. The Bible shows us the way of salvation. Don’t be ignorant but turn from your wicked ways.

Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.

A great wrath awaits the person who does not accept salvation. Zech 7:12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts. Is your heart set in stone? If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Hymns 2.0 – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

By Kate Plourde

On August 21, 2023

In Devotionals, Hymns 2.0

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

This was not at the top of my list for songs that speak to my heart. However, upon doing the research for this post, it has since risen to the top! No one wants to admit they are a sinner. This hurts our pride and, therefore, is not a title we willingly claim. It is for this very reason that Christ went through the agony of the cross. Dr. C. Truman Davis wrote an article entitled “A Physician’s View of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.” If you haven’t read it before, please take a moment to read it as it will most definitely change the way you think about what Christ went through for you and I! It is heart-wrenching to say the least! I’m thankful Dr. Davis took it upon himself to research it and to share it with us! Our society has no idea what the Lord Jesus went through in order to be the Perfect Sacrifice for our sins!

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Isaac Watts

The History Behind the Hymn

It was a daring move when, in 1707, Isaac Watts published his first book of hymns. At that time it was the practice of almost every congregation of the Church of England to sing only Old Testament psalms in their public worship. However, Watts had grown to dislike this because it restricted the Christian from being able to explicitly celebrate in song all those aspects of the gospel that are fulfilled and illuminated in the New Testament.

In the preface to Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Watts addresses the worship situation of his time and offers a defense for writing and publishing new music.

Many Ministers and many private Christians have long groaned under this Inconvenience, and have wished rather than attempted a Reformation: At their importunate and repeated Requests I have for some Years past devoted many Hours of leisure to this Service. Far be it from my Thoughts to lay aside the Psalms of David in public Worship; few can pretend so great a Value for them as my self . . . But it must be acknowledged still, that there are a thousand Lines in it which were not made for a Saint in our Day, to assume as his own; There are also many deficiencies of Light and Glory which our Lord Jesus and his Apostles have supplied in the Writings of the New Testament; and with this Advantage I have composed these spiritual Songs which are now presented to the World.

Within Watts’ book, under the section “Prepared for the Holy Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper” is the first public printing of “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”

Concerning the hymn’s creation, there is no special story that singles it from among the many others he wrote. (He is credited with something like 750 hymns.) But what makes the hymn unique is the particular beauty of its language and imagery, and the power with which it highlights the most significant event in human and personal history — the cross of Jesus Christ our God.
https://believersportal.com/story-behind-when-i-survey-the-wondrous-cross-hymn/

A Lesson for Me

Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

I was raised Catholic and because I was taught that salvation was by works plus Christ’s work on the cross, I would battle my flesh whenever I wanted to boast at the good things I had done. After salvation, however, I learned through the Scriptures that it was by God’s grace that I was saved through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross!

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.

No longer could I boast about what I had done! Oh but I sure could boast on what Christ did so I could be saved!

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Message for today

The above verse brings tears to my eyes! After reading the doctor’s medical account of the crucifixion of our Saviour, I can totally understand why Issac Watts penned “Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,”! Our Saviour had to suffer such excruciating pain in order to pay our penalty! 😥 Oh what great a love would drive Him to do so! I love my husband and I would surely die for him. But the Lord Jesus died for me while I was yet a sinner!!! (Romans 5:8)

Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

1Pe 2:24-25 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (25) For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

My Saviour hung on the cross … a wooden cross … one that took His earthly body. But praise the Lord, He has risen and is coming again!

Php 2:8-11 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Rapture and End Time News – Hidden Agenda No Longer Hidden

By Kate Plourde

On June 28, 2023

In Devotionals, Rapture and End Time News

We are most certainly in the end times. Confusion runs rampant in our streets. In years past, one would not have heard nor seen such things as we are today. Just last week, there was a march in Manhattan where one could hear chanting:

We’re here, we’re queer, we’re coming for your children!
https://tinyurl.com/yc6ma44m

It’s not even hidden – it is out in the open and there is no longer a hidden agenda. It is pure evil spawned by the devil himself. The devil has wanted the children from the beginning! He tried to destroy the seed of Moses so Jesus would not be born. He tried to destroy Jesus through the work of Herod. His goals are totally the opposite of Jesus’ goals!

1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

1 John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Some government servants took a stand on moral ground. But I’m afraid that these stands are not enough. The Church is not screaming louder than those who promote such evil deeds.

“This movement grooms minors to have mastectomies and castration and fuels a multi billion dollar medical child abuse industry,”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) tweeted in response to the clip.

This is pure, unadulterated sin! Imagine allowing your child(ren) to be lab rats undergoing experimental surgeries where lifetime repercussions result! This is no different than Josef Mengele’s surgeries during Hitler’s reign of terror. People were outraged when the truth came out. Where are these objectors now? Why isn’t the Church screaming at the top of her lungs to put an end to all of this!

Joh 3:19-20 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Jesus Christ will win in the end and the judgment that will be passed on people who participate and support such events will have to account for their actions. Their own sins will bring judgment upon themselves.

Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

No matter what sin(s) one commits, the end result is the same. (Romans 3:23) No one can enter Heaven on his own merit. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Every human being since the fall of Adam and Eve is born with a sinful nature. You don’t have to teach a child to do wrong; you have to teach a child to do what is right. No matter what a person does, that person starts off life the same as everyone else. After we are born, we start our lives heading down the path of condemnation, which is eternity in the Lake of Fire. That is why the Apostle John said that we are condemned already!

Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

That is why Jesus said we must be “born-again”! (John 3:3, 3:7) We cannot be born physically a second time. But our spirit is born-again. Rather than seek after evil, we now desire to seek after that which is good. We must turn around spiritually! We must repent of that life and forsake our sinful nature. That is why Jesus said:

Mat 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The time is coming when it will be too late for you to repent. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved; you will remember each time you laughed it off and ignored it. Please Reader, repent and accept Christ into your life. (Act 16:31, Rom 10:9) I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Comfort During the End Times – Day 26

By Kate Plourde

On April 28, 2023

In Comfort During the End Times, Devotionals

Good morning! If you think you aren’t important to God, you have it all wrong. You are unique to God. He created you with a unique fingerprint and a unique DNA strand. The devil wants you to believe in evolution so people can believe that they are just a descendent of a blob. But God knows every thought you have ever thought or will think in your future! Those are a lot of thoughts! It doesn’t end there, my friend. God knew you even before you were in your mother’s womb!

Psa 139:13-16 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. (14) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (15) My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. (16) Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Isn’t that beautiful? The same God who created the universe and all that is in it knows you intimately! He knew every body part that grew inside your mother. You are special to Him; so special that He sent Jesus Christ to take on your sins so you would be saved! (Romans 5:8) Christ did this even while you were yet a sinner! He didn’t expect you to clean up your life. If you could have done so, it would mean that your own works could get you into Heaven but we know that isn’t so. (Eph. 2:8-9) That is enough to make you praise the Lord for all He has done for us! This is enough to bring comfort to the one who is discouraged.

Are you discouraged today, Christian? If yes, reflect on the day salvation was yours and be thankful! God has not forgotten you. It may seem as though He is silent in your calamity but He is most certainly working in the background. Romans 8:28 tells us that ALL things work together for good to them that love God. However, the verse doesn’t end there… it continues to say “to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Friend, the Lord has a purpose for you. You have a purpose in life – your main priority is to fear Him (honor Him with reverence) and keep His commandments. (Ecclesiastes 12:13) As believers, we desire to sin less and to keep His commandments because the Word says that none of them are burdensome. They are there to teach us, guide us and help us to live godly lives in order to honor Him! (1 John 5:3) By doing this, others will see God in us! We are to be walking Bibles for the lost world to see.

If you’re a believer and reading this today, you know all these things above. But as an unbeliever, what I’ve written is foreign to you and you probably think I’m off my rocker. However, as the days are getting darker and more evil, it is all the more important that you get saved because things are about to get even darker and more evil. You will have no one to cling to as you experience the most horrific time ever.

Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

As believers, we must be a lighthouse to the lost – pointing them to the light of the Word of God. We must warn them of those dangerous times ahead! We have the whole manual that tells us what is to come. How comforting that is for the believer!! We are not to be caught unaware but we are to stand ready and watching for the appearance of our Lord and Saviour!

We need to give the lost hope as we have hope! Friend, don’t be willfully ignorant of the end times. (2 Peter 3:5) If you are not born-again, confess your sins and repent of them. The time is coming when it will be too late for you to repent. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved; you will remember each time you laughed it off and ignored it. Please Reader, repent and accept Christ into your life. (Act 16:31, Rom 10:9) I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Jewish Feasts & Jesus Revealed – Day of Atonement

By Kate Plourde

On December 21, 2022

In Devotionals, Jewish Feasts & Jesus Revealed

Leviticus 23:26-32 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, (27) Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. (28) And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. (29) For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. (30) And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. (31) Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. (32) It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.

Good morning! Today’s Feast is an exciting feast, in my opinion. The setting is the Second Coming of Jesus and Israel finally accepts Him as their Messiah! They look upon Him who died for their sin and became the sinless and perfect offering for all sins! Hallelujah! 🥰

You can read in detail how God instituted this Feast in Leviticus 16. However, prophetically speaking, we see in Zechariah 12:10 and Zechariah 13:1, that Israel will look upon Him whom they have pierced! This can only happen at Christ’s Second Coming, amen?

It’s interesting to me that the Scriptures above mention several times that NO work is to be done. This time was to be one of fasting and praying (Leviticus 23:27); Repeating this certainly must have some significance, amen? The only one who could do work was the high priest as he would be burning the offering to the Lord. Anyone who violated this would be destroyed (Leviticus 23:30). Do you see the significance here, reader? There is no one who can “pay” for his salvation. (Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8-9) Only the High Priest can do this for mankind. There can’t be any “work” done in order to gain eternal life, amen? This time was to be a time of prayer and fasting. That is what “afflict your souls” is referencing in Leviticus 23:27, 29). They are to look inward and do inventory of their heart and focus on fasting and prayer! It’s kind of ironic that this is not a time of “feasting” but of fasting!

As focus is on Israel during the seven-day Tribulation, this will be their time to recognize Christ as their Messiah. During this time, they will be fasting and praying for God’s revelation of the One Who saved them to make Himself known to all Israel! They will see their Messiah at His Second Coming and will recognize Him! Their atonement will be complete in Him, amen?

Don’t these symbolic points of these Feasts excite your spirit? Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ, personally or do you only know of Him? He is the true sinless Lamb of God! I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus – Day 40

By Kate Plourde

On November 11, 2022

In Devotionals, Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled By Jesus

Prophecy of Messiah:

Psalm 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

Good morning, dear reader! If there are any verses that, in my opinion, separate the doubters from those who confirm Christ as Messiah, these are the verses. The word “gift(s)” referring to the Lord in the New Testament are such a blessing. If only people understood what a true and blessed Gift the Lord Jesus Christ really is! Please, take a moment to read the following verses so you can be blessed:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Romans 5:15-16 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. (16) And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.

I realize that to some this “free gift” may sound like old news and not really taken to heart. But once you understand what it actually means, it makes more sense. As you know, a gift is given to a person and the giver does not expect anything in return, except maybe gratitude and thankfulness. The receiver doesn’t need to pay for the gift; if he did, the gift would not be a gift at all, but would now be a purchase, right? Today’s prophetic verse of Christ being the true Messiah is probably one that stands out the most to me. No other man on earth can say that their death brought salvation to mankind. Psalm 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. Notice the end of the verse says “yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.” John 3:16 tells us that God loved the world! Israel rejected their Messiah and God gave the Gentiles, you and I, the blessed opportunity to receive salvation! Praise the Lord! 🙌 What if Israel had accepted Jesus Christ as their Messiah? Think about it!

Today’s verse speaks of the Messiah’s ascension into Heaven and how Jesus fulfilled that. How many “gods” do you know did that? Surely Buddha didn’t, nor Allah! Only Jesus Christ can claim this! Hallelujah! 🙌 Without Christ’s resurrection and ascension, He would be in the ground and just another prophet. However, Jesus did indeed rise from the dead and He did indeed go back to Heaven to reclaim His rightful throne!

Prophecy of Messiah Fulfilled:

Luke 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Do you know Him personally or do you only know of Him? I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus – Day 15

By Kate Plourde

On September 14, 2022

In Devotionals, Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled By Jesus

Prophecy of Messiah:
Lev 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Good morning, reader! What a wonderful way to start the day – sitting in quietness and meditating on God’s goodness to us! We do not deserve it but I’m so grateful that He loves me and has forgiven my sins!

It may be difficult for some to comprehend why God would require blood. It was required in the Garden of Eden when God created “coats made of skins” for Adam and Eve to wear (Genesis 3:21). It has been part of the redemptive plan ever since. Why did God choose blood to be a part of redeeming mankind? It all had to do with the giving of one’s life in order to bring mankind back into fellowship with God. All knowing God knew that mankind would not be able to earn that fellowship by their works. Their own works didn’t cut it. After all, Adam and Eve made themselves aprons made of fig leaves. Their aprons didn’t cover the entire body. But the coat made of skins covered the entire body. What a beautiful picture! I liken the aprons to the Jews’ sacrifices in the temple: they could not fulfill total forgiveness. However, the Perfect Sacrifice of Jesus Christ’s blood (the coat made of skins) not only covers our sins but forgives us for our sins! (Psalm 103:12, Micah 7:19)

If you recall, Adam and Eve lived in a perfect environment. They were created to live forever and to live in a perfect world. They were not created to die and go to Hell. But just as it was Satan’s goal for Adam and Eve, it is his goal for all mankind. In order for fellowship to be restored, God laid out this redemptive plan that I mentioned above. We see it throughout the scriptures and it culminates with Jesus, God in the flesh, giving His own blood; but His blood actually redeems those who believe in Him and brings us back into that fellowship with God which was initially intended for Adam and Eve. Revelation 21:3 reveals to us that God Himself will dwell with His people when the New Heaven and the New Earth are created after the millennium! Praise the Lord!

So let’s get back on track and see how the prophecy of Messiah was foretold in Leviticus 17:11. We are told that the life is in the blood and it is only with the blood that atonement for sins can be made. For this very reason, the High Priest sacrificed a spotless lamb and shed its blood so atonement for his own sins and those of the people.

Prophecy of Messiah Fulfilled:
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Mar 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Just as it is life saving when an extremely sick person receives a blood transfusion, so is Jesus’ blood which is given for the remission of our sins. In this case however, it’s eternally life saving. Matthew 26:28 is such a beautiful depiction. Here it says that Jesus gave his life for a ransom for many. Noah Webster captures the meaning of the word as follows:

Ransom
RAN’SOM, n.
1. The money or price paid for the redemption of a prisoner or slave, or for goods captured by an enemy; that which procures the release of a prisoner or captive, or of captured property, and restores the one to liberty and the other to the original owner. 2. Release from captivity, bondage or the possession of an enemy. 3. In law, a sum paid for the pardon of some great offense and the discharge of the offender; or a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment. 4. In Scripture, the price paid for a forfeited life, or for delivery or release from capital punishment. 5. The price paid for procuring the pardon of sins and the redemption of the sinner from punishment. 6. To redeem from captivity or punishment by paying an equivalent; applied to persons; as, to ransom prisoners from an enemy. 7. To redeem from the possession of an enemy by paying a price deemed equivalent; applied to goods or property. 8. In Scripture, to redeem from the bondage of sin, and from the punishment to which sinners are subjected by the divine law.
Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary

Oh my word! After reading each of those eight definitions, one can understand the true meaning of ransom and what Jesus did! The price for sin is eternal punishment in Hell burning for all eternity. Jesus paid that ransom, that penalty, for our sins because we personally could not do it (Ephesians 2:8-9). You may have heard this example but it is worth repeating. I commit murder and appear before a court of law along with my lawyer. The judge sentences me to death under the law of the land. My lawyer stands up and tells the judge that he (the lawyer) will take my punishment so that I can be set free. You may wonder why someone would take that punishment on my behalf? But that is exactly what Jesus did! We don’t deserve His mercy but I’m sure glad that He paid my ransom and took my punishment! He paid the price with His own blood and suffered the excruciating pain of the crucifixion so that I can be saved!