Home of the Triune God

“Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.” (Matthew 27:51-53 NKJV)

The Christ’s death is an eternal event. It is effective beyond time and space. The people who lived before Christ are saved by the blood of Christ and so the people after Christ are. When Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. God accepted the Son’s blood as the atoning sacrifice for cleansing the stain of sin in man once for all. The opening of the Holy of holies indicates that there is no longer need to sacrifice animals. That animal sacrifice was the shadow and picture of the real substance, the sacrifice of the Son Jesus Christ. 

The high priest once a year entered beyond the curtain to sprinkle the blood of animals on the mercy seat in the Holy of holies. Jesus Christ did not bring the animal’s blood but poured out His own blood not in the earthly temple but in the heavenly temple which has fully satisfied the demand of the Law of God. The death of the Son with blood is the substitutionary death in our place. Christ died in order to save others. He didn’t need to die for Himself because He was sinless. 

When Jesus died, the earth quaked and the rocks were split. The nature cried out at the death of the Son of God. And the graves were opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. The saints fallen asleep were resurrected after Jesus’ resurrection. The power of death couldn’t grip the fallen any more but had to be loose. But notice the saints were resurrected after Christ’s resurrection as the scripture confirms. 

“But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.” (1 Corinthians 15:23 NKJV)

Christ didn’t remain in the tomb but was resurrected from the dead according to the scriptures. His death is not the end of story but the beginning of new life. Those who are recorded in the Book of Life before the foundation of the world have come to life through the faith in the blood of Christ. Repentance is the open door for coming of Jesus Christ. Man once dead has been made alive at the coming of Christ. 

Once Christ comes in man’s heart, He never leaves but indwells within permanently. Jesus promised to His disciples, saying “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23 NKJV) Jesus died for our sins and for coming to us and making His home with us. Man is made in God’s image from the beginning. Now in Christ, man has been made the temple of God. Christ is our inner sanctuary. Christ is the throne of grace within.

Therefore, in Christ Jesus we have access to the throne of grace anywhere and anytime. He is rivers of living water. There is no more death in Jesus Christ. No emptiness, downcast, depression, drabness, dullness, boredom, defeat are found in Jesus Christ. There shall be excitement and expectations in full. Overflowing victories over victories shall be manifested in Him now and forevermore. The question is, “Do you believe that?”  

God's Throne

“Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.” (Revelations 4:2-3 NKJV)

What does the throne of God look like? No one has seen God ever. No one has understood the heaven either. However, there are a number of people who had been shown the heaven. Prophets Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Apostles John and Paul are a few of those. John was summoned to the heaven and was privileged to witness the very throne of God in the heavens.

What he was shown of heaven is full of light. There was One sat on the throne like Man. He described the throne in three fold. First, the One who sat on the throne was like a jasper. The brilliant light of diamond was shining in all directions on the throne. Second, the One who sat on the throne was like a sardius stone in appearance. That crimson red light of ruby was shining in all directions on the throne. And there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. The peaceful green light of emerald was shining in the rainbow circle fashion around the throne.

Those objects represent the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. The color red always indicates blood and thus Jesus Christ who shed the blood on the cross. God is light, John says. “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5 NKJV)

God reveals everything clear, crystal clear, because there is no darkness in Him. He sees everything even the highest things in heaven and the deepest things on earth and under the earth. He knows our hearts, even things we aren’t aware of. Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NKJV) In Him, there is full of life.

God measures everything justly and righteously, because there is no variation, not even shadow of turning in Him (James 1:17). God is eternally straight and transparent. No one can deceive God, nor can hide anything. “For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.” (Mark 4:22 NIV)

God heals anyone who comes to the light, because He is stronger than the devil. Man is in a serious trouble which nothing can heal. He is critically contaminated by the deadly poison of evil. God can heal with one condition. It is called repentance which means to agree with what God says and sees, change his mind, and turn from the old way to the way of God. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NKJV)

We have such an awesome and wonderful God in us. No wonder the four living creatures around the throne fell down and worshiped God day and night. “The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8 NKJV) And the twenty-four elders who sat on the twenty-four thrones around the throne also worshiped God. “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 NKJV)

The God what John saw is in our midst. What a comfort it is! He is in our every step of lives eternally. He never forsakes us, nor leaves us alone in any circumstance (Hebrews 13:5). So, we trust in Him and say with the words of truth boldly. ““The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6 NKJV)

The Son Can Do Nothing of Himself

“And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” (Mark 5:30 NKJV)

How did Jesus know the fact that the power of God went out of Him when a woman who in secret touched his cloak? When we serve anything like service, counseling, waiting and helping, we use our energy and then get tired. That’s what happened to Jesus at the moment of curing the woman from bleeding twelve years through a touch of His cloak by faith in Jesus. He immediately knew in Himself that power had gone out of Him. When Jesus was searching for the woman in the midst of a large crowd, the disciples gently rebuked the Teacher, reminding Him of how many a people were pushing and touching each other.  

This happened while Jesus was heading to the house of Jarius whose little daughter was dying. It must have been quite a commotion aroused among the people around because at the plea of Jarius Jesus headed to his house without a word, giving a hint that He would heal his little one. At some point, the woman touched His cloak in the back. Then, Jesus immediately knew that she touched Him and was healed.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus said a remarkable statement to the Jews. “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working. Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.” (John 5:17, 19-20 NKJV)

Jesus never lost His sight and vision of God under any circumstance. As Hebrews tells, Jesus fixed His eyes upon the Father in heaven no matter what happened around. He was always in prayer, asking and believing the Father who delightfully showed the Son whatever He did. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV)

That is how all Christians are intended to live before the creation of the world. We are called not to promote our programs but to do the will of the Father of Jesus Christ. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV) God opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens (Revelation 3:7). We are called to execute His program when He opens the door of opportunity in our midst. 

Enter the Rest

“For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” (Hebrews 4:2 NKJV)

Warning! This is a warning that all Christians shall take careful heed to the gospel and act by faith. The gospel of God has been preached to all nations. It is good news to all peoples on earth that anyone accepts it has life in which there is no darkness and confusion but light in full. The good news of great joy is that there is a God who cares of humans, even giving up His begotten Son on the cross. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32 NKJV)

The fruits of those who received the gospel are incomparably profitable and beneficiary like overflowing love, unadulterated peace, and continual joy in the lives not only this age but the ages to come. Christ lives in us and we in Him as God promised in the scriptures.

There is only one condition to multiply the fruits though. Faith in Christ profits us. Faith is not knowledge only but with deed. For example, the people of Israel were redeemed by the blood of lamb on the Passover and crossed the Red Sea. They had to completely rely on the word of God to be saved from the angel of death. When they did obey Moses, they were saved. When God opened a way through the Red Sea, they walked as in dry land by faith. Since they were saved only through obedience to the word of God and walked away from the bondage of slavery by faith, they were told to continue walk in the faith on the same basis in the wilderness.

But they did not take heed how they were saved and walked away from the slavery but hardened their hearts. Inevitably, no profit benefited them at all throughout forty years of wilderness life. They did not take rest in God who abundantly demonstrated His care and love in wonders and signs. Instead, they wanted God to do what they wanted. That’s not faith at all. Faith is obedience to God and what He wants us to do. Some may say God is a tyrant. But that is a lie. Humans can find rest in no other place than in God. So, Jesus invites faithfully, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon youand learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV)

There are only two choices lie ahead of all—obedience or disobedience. There is no grey area. Continue to walk in love, joy, and peace not by might but by faith. The regenerated can obey God because Christ in us, the hope of glory.

Therefore, the Scripture says, “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:11 NKJV)

Altar of Stone

“And if you make Me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stone; for if you use your tool on it, you have profaned it.” (Exodus 20:25 NKJV)

Why did God forbid using tool on stones in making an altar of stone? This altar was the place to worship before the wilderness tabernacle was built. It was built as high as a single step and dressed stones were prohibited to use in building the altar. There is a record in the scripture which there was no sound made in building the temple. “And the temple, when it was being built, was built with stone finished at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built.” (1 Kings 6:7 NKJV)

There is a clue what it means from Apostle Paul who says that the church of Christ works just like the human body. “…from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:16 NKJV) The members of the body of Christ works harmoniously and peaceably each other and grows in silence and quietness.

That’s how the church spreads and grows influence in the world. There is no need to make spectacular meetings making a lot of noise in an effort to attract the world. That’s not how the church functions at all. Rather, the church of Christ shines the light out of the world in lowliness and meekness. No one feels anything when he comes to Christ and receives the Spirit. There is no sound or vision at all. The Spirit comes into the heart of people in complete silence and quietness. It’s just like when a new life is conceived in the womb, the women don’t feel anything at all. That’s how the new children of God are born.

So, hewn stone or dressed stone made by tool means man made religious performances. What God really wants is lowliness, plainness, honesty, and transparency without any pretense. Religious piety is God hates the most. Jesus calls the religious leaders as the hypocrites, sons of the devil. The church of Christ is supposed to functioning and operating in all humility and lowliness. “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)

God knows our hearts even before we come to the altar. What to do is not important but how to do, the motive and attitude. That is what our God is after. God is interested in what is inside rather than outside, internal than external. We can make things ignorantly or unwittingly as if God would be pleased through absolute commitment and devotion. Any perfunctory and mechanical religious performances no matter how attractive and wonderful in the human eyes that may be will be counted nothing but rubbish in the eyes of God.

Our God is a realist. No pretense or hypocrisy works out solving human problems, but makes it worse and worse. The only measurement in seeing and understanding truth realistically is the word of God. God is light. The light straightens out everything because it does not bend or twist at all. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV)

If you want to truth and live not in black darkness and utter confusion, come to God who is going to tell you step by step. Keep silent a while and stand before the ultimate realist, then He will guide you into all truths. There is no other way for you to find true life except through the God and Father of Jesus Christ.

Overflowing Victories

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” (John 12:24 NKJV)

How can we live a life worthy of calling? What is the life? Jesus is the life and He gives His life to those who believes in Him. His life is eternal. The life worthy of calling is to live eternal life which Jesus bestows. Everyone desires to have the abundantly victorious life. That life is given to all believers in Christ Jesus. There are only two kinds of life. One is eternal life and the other, dead one. Eternal life is filled with the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, and peace. It is given to the obedient and the responsive to the commands of God. Truth is known to only those who respond to the drawing of God. On the other hand, the dead life is filled with darkness, confusion, and fear. It is given to the disobedient and non-responsive to the words of truth. Man can serve either God or Money, but not both (Matthew 6:24). It means that man can either obey or disobey God. There is no grey area for man to stand contrary to many who think they can. So, man can either be living or dead.

How then can we continue to live such a marvelous life in season and out of season? It is through the way of the cross of Jesus Christ who entered the Holy of holies with His blood, the heavenly throne of grace. It works whenever we stand on the cross with Christ Jesus. It means practically the death of old self which signifies the full acceptance of guilt, shame, despair, and condemnation caused by sin and trespasses. That’s called true repentance. Accept as God sees that there is no one righteous, not even one. Then, just as Jesus Christ died, buried, and rose again from the dead, so also we rose again with Christ. A new life is given whenever we stand on the cross with Christ, eternal life. There is nothing to block the overflowing strength and power welling up to eternal life from within when we died and buried with Christ. The resurrection life has been manifested at the tomb in the cemetery. So, when everything looks dark and gloomy, that’s the best time to experience the power of resurrection.

Apostle Paul says that the power is far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come (Ephesians 1:21).  

That’s why the Father sends troubles and difficulties through which we may learn how to handle the ever demanding lives, not by trying hard but by relying on Jesus Christ. Right in the midst of sufferings, the love of God shed abroad by the Spirit for us to come to the fact that who we really are in the Father and God of Jesus Christ the Lord. We are called to live eternal life now and forevermore no matter what happens around us. It could be sickness, failure in exams, accidents, broken relationships, laid off, and the like. We are His beloved children and God is the Shepherd of all. He immediately reaches out His hand to the children in need. We are not our own but we were purchased at the price. How could He not take care of His treasured possessions? He cares the little ones dearly. What a hope that is!

Amalek

"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.' And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner; for he said, 'Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.'” (Exodus 17:14-16 NKJV)

Amalek is the grandson of Esau, the twin brother of Isaac. Esau devalued his birthright at all and so Isaac blessed Jacob rather than the firstborn Esau. He became the burden to all especially to his parents and eventually as always to God. Prophet Malachi prophesied that God loved Jacob but hated Esau (Malachi 1:2-3). So, he became the symbol of flesh to his brother Jacob, the nation Israel. Amalek is one of the prominent figures among Edom’s descendants. The flesh is the seat of depravity and sin and God will blot out the trace of the flesh from under heaven. Until then, the Lord will have war with the Amalek from generation to generation. To individuals who are regenerated in Christ Jesus, Aamlek means the bodily desires and urges to sin. Although the human spirit has been cleansed and washed away once for all by the blood of Christ, the body has not yet been redeemed until the cessation of breath. This is a beautiful picture marvelously displaying that we are in a civil war inside against the flesh until the bodily redemption comes at the great trumpet call of angles. 

Apostle Paul nails down this truth, saying “But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Romans 7:23-25 NKJV)

King Reigns

"Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’" (Matthew 21:5 NKJV)

Matthew, called Levi a former tax collector, a Jew to the bone, witnessed the One who suddenly appeared in the land and made a sensational appeal to the people who were unswervingly and fervently waiting for the Messiah promised to the patriarchs of the tiny tribe, claiming Himself as the Son of God. He couldn't believe his ears of what the people were talking about Him. Out of nowhere, he was without warning visited by the Person face to face when he was sitting at the tax booth. In wonder and surprise, he was quietly and gently called with two words, “Follow me!”

At the divine call, he couldn't resist at all but immediately followed him then and forever. He learned of Him as King of kings and Lord of lords in heaven and on earth. He traced Him to Father Abraham and King David through whom God promised to send the Seed as King. He portrayed Him as the humble and meek King who reigns from the highest heaven to Sheol. Matthew saw His kingdom was not limited to the small land but stretched out to the heavens upon heavens from the deepest inner mind of humans.

Matthew was the last person to be called in the human point of view. He wrote the Sermon on Mount, breaking out the trumpet sound of heaven, saying “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” He thought when he made enough money he would be happy thereafter no matter what the fellow people said. Material wealth, however, never made him happy but disappointed badly enough until he couldn't bear any longer. Turning back was an option for him and clean start all over again. But it seemed hopeless and in a way he was resisting that tiny inner voice.

When he heard about the Person who shed a great light upon the poor and the needy, he was shaken by the electricity of the powerful words. He yielded himself to King and His marvelous teachings on the kingdom of heaven. He was once lost but then found in God. When he accepted his spiritual bankruptcy, his eyes of the heart were widely opened to see the kingdom of God where He reigns in His fullness and majesty. King Jesus came into the heart of Matthew and reigns in meekness and humbleness. As peace, joy, and love prevailed Matthew and his life, so does anyone who has been touched by his gospel, Gospel according to Matthew.

To a Jew to the bone like Matthew, Jesus Christ is Immanuel God who is with His people now and to the very end of age. So is He to all who believes in King, the King of peace and fulfillment. Jesus was made King not by might nor by power but by death, the death on the cross in Calvary. Anyone who believes in Him shall reign with Him, spreading out peace and joy all around. King who is Judge of all did not judge but sacrificed Himself in order to reign in love and peace over all who trusts in Him.

Jesus Christ is the Risen King who streams the overflowing life out of rivers of living water. He is able to make the dead alive by the power of resurrection. So, anyone who put his trust in Him will never be put to shame in any circumstance. 

Faithful Servant Made Lord through the Suffering

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 NKJV)

Mark was a young Jew raised by a wealthy widow mother. He was a nephew of Barnabas who was known as son of encouragement and an apostle to the Gentiles. His full name was John Mark who wrote the Gospel of Mark. He accompanied Barnabas and Paul in the first missionary journey to Cyprus and to Perga in Pamphylia where he suddenly left the group and returned to home in Jerusalem, which later caused a dispute between two apostles at the dawn of second journey. We are not told why he left but it definitely made him troubled a while. However he was recovered by the help of Barnabas and Peter. Eventually Paul accepted him as a fellow worker and brother in Christ Jesus. We are not told when he was converted but he was the man who ran away naked when he was following Jesus with a linen cloth only and the people laid hold of him. 

His gospel portrays Jesus as Servant with two viewpoints--Servant who rules and Ruler who serves. This gospel is the shortest record of Jesus Christ. No genealogy was recorded but right started telling the story of John the Baptizer. Mark was fascinated by Jesus the Servant who rules. Jesus called the disciples, saying “I will make you fishers of men.” Who could say in such an utter confidence? To a young and intellectual Jew, the serene sureness of calling for the mundane men was a mind-blowing moment. Mark should have been baffled by how a man could say of the future life of the disciples like that.

Not only that, he witnessed that Jesus drove out demons and healed the sick by the words of His mouth. Nothing hindered Him to perform the miracles in heaven and on earth. Nature obeyed Him and even the angles submitted Him completely. Any disease yielded its power at His command. The words He spoke penetrated into the depth of the hearers who accepted Him. He was majestic and grandiose in all beauty and wonder of words and deeds as Servant.

The second part of the gospel describes Ruler who serves. Jesus was heading toward the way to give His life for many. The key verse of the gospel is Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” For this purpose, the Son of Man came to the earth and laid down His life in the place of many. To Mark, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was the most beautiful thing in heaven and on earth. This was the way for Jesus Christ to become the true Ruler who sacrificed His body for many. In this way, Jesus became the only way to the Father.

Those who come to the cross of Jesus Christ are given the most powerful and beautiful gift, the resurrection life, eternal life, overflowing love, joy, and peace. The way of the cross in Calvary is the way to the throne of grace in the Father’s house, the very source of life that all humans are in need desperately. Mark, a young man in the first century, saw Faithful Servant and learned of Jesus Christ, accepted Him as Lord, and was given eternal life, overflowing out of rivers of living water. So do anyone who hears of Jesus Christ in any age. 

Son of Man Made Perfect through the Suffering

“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20 NKJV)

Luke, non-Hebrew, Greek, witnessed the life on earth manifested which was so attractive and amazing to his Greek mind which seeks wisdom. The life he hadn't seen anywhere in the wisdom searching world was displayed to his eyes of heart and mind. He was so marveled at the life of the Man Jesus that he received Him as Lord and followed Him until he was martyred for the sake of His name. He wrote the Book of Acts as well and worked closely with Apostle Paul as a companion and fellow worker and the personal physician.

The Gospel of Luke is one of the synoptic gospels, portraying Jesus as Man. So, it starts with the genealogy of man, Adam who was the pattern of man, Jesus is the last Adam. He was a perfect man but sinless. As Man, Jesus prayed everything to the Father in heaven from early in the morning to all night when He called the disciples. He was given power to create another universe but He didn’t. Rather, He asked everything to the Father. He lived on earth on this basis all the time. He depended on the Father from evening to evening and from head to feet.

He demonstrated true wisdom as Man to the whole world. That wisdom of Man is marvelously displayed in the parable of prodigal son. The second son acquired all he wanted and left home to a far country where he squandered and lavished the possessions of the father. Soon, he became dead broke and alone and tried to feed himself with the pig food. That is the exact picture of lost humanity. Human wisdom is turned out as the sheer folly and foolishness. The complete and utter wreck and ruin is the inevitable and unavoidable destination of human boasting wisdom.

Out of hunger and desperateness and loneliness, he remembered the father’s house where even the servants were treated much more decently and abundantly than he was in a miserable circumstance. So, he made a beautiful decision of going back to his father’s house, not as a son but as one of the servants. While he were still away, his father spotted his son coming home and ran to him and hugged him with a kiss and wore the son’s robe and ring and killed a fattened calf to celebrate the son’s homecoming.

The wisdom of Man is out of love and mercy to rescue the lost in the most hopelessness and despair. No one is not without hope in the Son of Man who is full of wisdom and love to bring the fallen and lost to the kingdom of heaven. The Hebrews says, “In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.” (Hebrews 2:10 NIV)

The Son of Man was made perfect through the suffering. He was perfect even before the suffering. He was holy and sinless from the beginning. But He was made perfect in His ministry of redemption through pouring out His blood on the heavenly alter before the Holy God. Jesus Christ is wiser than anyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth. He offered His body for us all out of perfect wisdom and knowledge. 

Who Is, Who Was, and Who Is to Come

“Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” (John 5:19 NKJV)

The life of our Lord Jesus on earth was the continual reliance on the Father in heaven. Jesus said, "I am in the Father and He in Me." Christ Jesus never violated the oneness with the Father, total communion with God, except when he was made sin and forsaken by the Father in order to offer His body as the propitiation for the sin of the world. He was the perfect image of God, a visible manifestation of invisible God, and yet a perfect man but sinless. His eyes were always heavenward and immediately obeyed the Father who opened the doors for His glory. His mind was filled with the words of God from Torah to the Prophets. His heart was filled with the Spirit of God who knows even the deepest heart of God. His feet were ready to pour out the unsearchable riches of God from healing the sick to opening the eyes of the heart for seeing the kingdom of heaven.

When He stepped into the water to be baptized, the heaven responded to approve Him, saying “This is my Son whom I love.” When He prayed to the Father, God was so pleased to release the creation power to feed five thousands and to raise Lazarus from the dead. He prayed to the Father out of His agony and distress to glorify His name, and the heaven answered immediately, saying “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” When He was transfigured into glory in a mountain, the heaven commanded three disciples, “This is whom I love. Listen to Him.” When the Son of Man was lifted up on a cross in Calvary and cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”, the heaven was silent and yet opened the mouth of a soldier, saying “Truly this was the Son of God.”

When He was buried in a tomb, the heaven was impossible to keep Him in the tomb but shook it and raised Him from the dead. The Father gave the Son Jesus Christ all power in heaven and on earth and seated Him on the right hand of God. Just as He promised His disciples to be with them to the very end of the age, so also He is with all who professed and received Him as Lord now and forevermore. The Christ Jesus Himself will come again with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)

Not by Might nor by Power but by the Spirit

"So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6 NKJV)

What does change people really? Human civilization is the outcome of bloody fights and killings one another. It seems that the democratic nations are under control by the human laws and regulations. But it is not true. Law cannot tame the human minds. It is exactly opposite. Humans resist the laws stubbornly and perpetually. Look how full the prisons are throughout the states and countries. No doubt has everyone experienced the resistant heart at the coming of the law demand. That resistance is in fact out of control, even the civilized minds. It can be observed among even babies who are not educated at all. 

The law cannot change humans. Then, what can change man? The answer is God. Only God can change and transform humans. It's because humans are made by Him in the image and likeness of God. But God does not change people as many think by the fascinating display of might and power but by the gentle and quiet Spirit. The cross of Jesus Christ is the secret of change and transformation. There is no other way than through the death of the Son Jesus Christ with the blood to the Father.

The gift of the Spirit comes into the people whose hearts have been cleansed and washed away by the blood of Christ through the faith in the gospel of God which was announced, prophesied, and finally fulfilled by the Son of Man. God in His long-suffering has fulfilled His promise to the patriarchs of faith. That promise is to give the Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:29). 

When man receives the Spirit he is born of God. The old man died to sin with Christ and God created the new man by imparting His life to sons of God whom He bought at the price of the Son Christ. The indwelling Spirit intercedes with groanings for sons of God who do not know what to pray (Romans 8:26). He changes and transforms the people born of God gradually and yet with visible marks. 

Those marks are more loving, enduring, forgiving, joyful, grateful, kind, gentle, courteous, peaceful, cheerful, and less panicky, angry, resentful, selfish, self-centered, grousing, and exceedingly glad in sufferings and persecutions.

The question is “Do you allow God to change you or resist the Spirit?” 

Inner Teacher

Who is teacher for Christians? The answer is Jesus Christ Himself by means the Spirit. When a Samaritan woman witnessed the townspeople about Christ Jesus she met, they thronged to see Him. When they heard Him speaking the good news of the kingdom of heaven, they urged Him to stay longer and so Jesus did two days. What a marvelous time with the Son of God it would be! Every word fell upon them warmed and blossomed in their hearts and minds beyond the languages. At first, they were told of Jesus the Messiah from the woman of lowliness and humility. But now they confessed they believed not because what she said but because they heard Him and they knew that He is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.

Is it not what is happening even among many today? Each comes to Christ Jesus in various ways. Probably friends, neighbors, books, medium, accidents, diseases, or something else may bring up to Christ Jesus. These townspeople of Sychar, a town of Samaria, came to Jesus in response to the unwelcomed woman’s witnessing.

But when they came to Him, they heard Him speaking to them directly out of His own mouth. The word of the Lord penetrated into the hearts of the people and convinced them to believe that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God. This is exactly what’s happened today in the hearts of all Christians. Although there are numerous ways to come to Christ, there is only one Teacher for every believer. Man is not a teacher but a witness. He is a light bearer, not the light itself (John 1:8). Witness must decrease but He must increase (John 3:30).

How does it work today? The answer is by means of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples to send another Counselor when He went back to the Father. The Holy Spirit came into the hearts of one hundred twenty people gathered in the Jerusalem Temple on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). The Spirit indwells in our hearts forever (John 14:16). The risen Jesus Christ now lives in us by means of the Spirit as He promised to be with us even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

Although we may hear the gospel of the kingdom of heaven in various ways, we have one inner Teacher within. Jesus Christ the Lord teaches us and reveals the truths by means of the Spirit who testifies all but the truth. He is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17).

How can we be taught by the Spirit? Ask, seek, and knock the door! Let Him teach you! How can He teach you unless you let Him teach you? Open the words of God and meditate day and night and in season and out of season. Eat and drink the words of God for your soul and spirit just as you eat and drink food for your body. Just as the Samaritans did, urge Him to stay and teach you. He is the Shepherd of all, so He will teach you and lead you into the marvelous kingdom of heaven today. In addition to that, add one very significant virtue of all, obey His commandments by faith.

His name is Immanuel! He is with us now and forevermore.

“And many more believed because of His own word. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” (John 4:41-42 NKJV)

“But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” (1 John 2:27 NKJV)

Stones Cry out

What is the main thing that the church is called to do? Church is never meant to buildings, but people. Church is the light of the world and the salty salt of the earth, Jesus says (Matthew 5:13-16). The church is the light bearer who shines light on what we are, why we struggle so much, the cause of human evil, to where we are heading, the recovery program for humanity, what sex is, what heaven is, and many others. The church of Christ is called to teach the truth and the reality in life. The intelligence and philosophy of human mind and the lofty achievements of science and technology cannot do that although they have been tried thousand years. That is the main thing for the church to exist on this planet. It is to remove all the illusions, fantasies, and delusions in life and progressively put the right and real viewpoints of life into the hearts and minds which have been contaminated from birth.

How does the church do this? It is through the exposition of the truths and the deeds of the saints who have been called. That’s the first and foremost important task of the saints. For example, the Christians are called to love the enemies and forgive one another. That’s what we are taught by the Spirit. Live by what we have been told to do.

Otherwise, the stones would cry out, Jesus says. Stone is not made to talk like man who can articulate in languages and words. It is a figurative language here. When the stones cry out, it doesn’t sound understandable at all. Even if it made sounds, it would not be accurate and real at all.

Therefore, if the church is silent in expounding the truths and realities of life, the secular minds would try and lead people into astray with the twisted and distorted truths. For example, the recent movie, Noah, made by the secular minds, is one of the stones crying out. It broke out quite a tumultuous controversy among the Christians which should have not occurred at all if the church functions as God intended the church to function.

Truth is ruthless and zero tolerant. It does not bend at any degree. It does not make any compromise. Truth remains true unchangingly in time and eternity. Many stones may cry out this and that about the churches, but the truth remains calm and steady as unmoving as the deep sea.

“But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:40 NKJV)

Earthly Things, Heavenly Things

What are earthly things and heavenly things? It seems to be easily answered as many thinks. But we need to pay careful heed to what they mean by earthly things and heavenly things because even a brilliant mind in the first century did not understand it. Birth (born again), wind (the Holy Spirit), and water (the word of God) are earthly things. The heavenly things are the incarnation of God, the crucifixion of Christ Jesus, and the impartation of His life through the resurrection from the dead. Destroying the old and creating the new is the heavenly thing God has done through the Son Jesus Christ on the cross in Calvary. Christ came to the earth to demolish the old man in His body on the cross by being made sin in our place. At the same time, He creates the new man through the resurrection from the dead by the power of God. 

Nicodemus though he was a teacher in Israel had a hard time to understand the earthly truths, let alone the heavenly truths. We need all truths and understand what they mean to us because the truths have been given us to see the realities of life.

In due time, God has revealed the mystery of Christ which was hidden from generations and from ages. The mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). The unsearchable riches of the glory have been shined upon the nations who have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord of all. A new life has been given to all who believes in the crucifixion and the baptism of Jesus Christ who destroyed the sin of the world and implanted eternal life into His captives.

What we have been received is none other than the Christ’s life, immortal, marvelous, exciting, vital, eternal, limitless. Since we have been born of God and clothed with the righteousness of God, we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). So, we do not lose heart in sufferings on the earth, because our light affliction which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). What a hope it truly is!  

"I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” (John 3:12-15 NIV)

New Creation

Why shall Christians flee sexual immoralities like pornography, premarital sex, fornication, adultery, any sexual promiscuity? One, it is possible to shun completely for Christians who have been made a new creation in Jesus Christ. Two, it does sin against his own body which is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:18). Three, it hurts and ruins the lives of families, societies, and the earth. We were dead and but have now been made alive in Christ Jesus and sin has no longer dominion over us (Romans 6:14). We shall consider ourselves dead to sin but alive to God (Romans 6:11). There is old creation and new creation. The old creation is the visible material world made by God. But the new creation is the invisible kingdom of heaven where God reigns. When we were dead in sins and transgressions, we could not respond to the call for holy life (Ephesians 2:1).

But since we have been liberated from the bondage and shackles of darkness and ignorance, we can obey God in holiness and blamelessness (Ephesians 1:3, 1:7). Jesus Christ is the secret of new creation, specifically the cross in Calvary. He shed His blood to be the propitiation for the guilt and sin of mankind (Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:2). His blood cleansed and washed away any sin committed in ignorance and witlessness. So, we don’t have to choose to sin any longer, because we have Christ in us who releases power to obey God when we choose to obey. In fact, we cannot continue to sin because have been born of God and have Christ in us, the hope of glory (1 John 3:9, 5:18).

Every sin a man commits is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his body (1 Corinthians 6:18). We are not our own any more but were bought at the price of Christ’s blood (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). It is not we who live any longer but Christ lives in us by faith (Galatians 2:20). We are His treasured possessions purchased for the redemption to be subject to righteousness. So, we shall flee fornication and pornography and adultery. Evil desires are not negotiable at all. There is no discussion with wickedness but as the scriptures put plainly flee evil desires (2 Timothy 2:22).

Moses’ law prohibits fornications and adulteries among the people of Israel. Any violators must be put to death (Leviticus 20:10). Why did God deal with these sins so severely? It is because it is so dangerous to ruin and demolish the whole community and country unless it stops immediately. It is not difficult at all to see the deeply planted sorrow and hurt in our communities and countries caused by sexual immoralities. God knows that it is not safe for the race. It is His love shed abroad into our hearts by the Spirit that He wants us to flee pornography, premarital sex, and adultery. His love is the motive for the harshness and strictness on sexual immorality. We are His new creation by the blood of Christ Jesus, so we can obey God in holiness. Flee! That’s the Father’s longsuffering plea for all who have been born of God.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)

Storm, Be Still!

What did make the disciples be terrified in the midst of storm control? The answer is Jesus. They feared exceedingly, discovering Jesus who literally calmed down the squall in a flash, in the twinkling of eye. It blew their minds and was beyond the understandings. This incident is so important to understand for the disciples of Jesus. What is happening in the physical level is also happening in the spiritual level as well. So, the storm can be your inner troubles and turmoil going on right now. It may be anger, revenge, frustration, depression, sense of injustice, abandonment, relentless lust, murder, and all kind of evil. It plainly does not go away but haunt you especially when you want to start a clean day or even life all over again. Probably it could be right after the service. That is what our Lord Jesus wants His disciples to learn here.

There is One who is in control of all kinds of storms by His words. When He spoke, the wind obeyed immediately. All power in heaven and on earth is given unto the Son Jesus by the Father in heaven, Jesus says (Matthew 28:18). Jesus promises His disciples whatever they pray in His name will be answered by the Father immediately (Luke 18:7-8). Jesus answers our prayers. The question is "Do you believe in Him?

"He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:39-41 NIV)

Truth

Truth is ruthless and zero tolerant. It does not allow any deviation from the beginning to the end. It does not bend at any degree by circumstances. It is sharply against any form of errors and faults in heaven and on earth. God is Truth. Jesus is the way to the Father. The Holy Spirit testifies about nothing but the truth. Man is in want, the truth. The truth is in Jesus Christ who is the Creator of all things. Man is not free until he knows Jesus. No Jesus, no truth. No truth, no freedom. No freedom, no life. No life, no purpose. No purpose, no direction. No direction, no end. Man is in darkness and confusion until he comes to Jesus Christ. Man is in thirst and hunger until he comes and drinks Jesus. Man is in unrest and frustration until he takes His yoke upon him and learns of Him. He who has Jesus lacks nothing.

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6 NKJV)

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalms 23:1 NKJV)

LORD and KING

What is really going on in the world where people are sprawling and bustling around and around? Is there any meaning for waking up in the morning, eating a meal, going to work, coming back home, eating one more meal with families, and going to bed over and over again? Yes, every step in our lives is meaningful and purposeful. The problem is that we can be bored in the humdrum and repetitive lives without finding any excitement and zest. Why does it not deliver anything although it looks like doing? Why at times does a short vacation away from home bring up excitement and vitality? This is the age of sex. We hear all kinds of moral failures and love affairs outside marriage from all sides, even some evangelical figures. Many Christians succumb to pornographic images and medium. Drug and alcohol additions are rampant in every side of the society. Obesity and overeating habits are ever increasing. Why are people searching for something outside the normal humdrum routine? Is it because people don't have things physically? By no means! People have enough, food and clothing and shelter. It is because they do not see the invisible kingdom of God. There is a God who runs and operates the kingdom of heaven without an inch of mistakes and errors. He is King and Lord. He knows every heart in heaven and on earth and leads each individual with eternal compassion and mercy. He also runs the material universe in harmony and order. God is Judge who will pronounce guilty or non-guilty according to our deeds in justice and righteousness in due time. But He also judges every heart right now through fire and wind. Fire burns out dross in our hearts. Wind tests and disciplines our hearts. Though it looks quiet and silent in our daily lives, we are all standing in the court of God who seats on the throne of judgment. That is really what is going on around in our midst. God is Immortal and Eternal. Living with such a God never leaves anyone bored and lethargic. 

"Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent; A fire shall devour before Him, And it shall be very tempestuous all around Him. He shall call to the heavens from above, And to the earth, that He may judge His people: “Gather My saints together to Me, Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.” Let the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is Judge. Selah (Psalms 50:3-6 NKJV)

SWAT Team

Why is bitter sweetness in our midst? Man urges to fulfill his life in full. That driving force never stops no matter what for the young and the old. That’s deeply embedded in our human race. There is nothing wrong with pursuing happiness and fulfillment in life. It is perfectly normal and right. The problem is that man never finds it in the world even if he may try as best as he can. Yes, there have been a great many appeals and testimonials that it may be possible if man tries his best. There are a lot of books and medium flooded to the eyes and ears of man’s mind. Fine arts draw the human mind to some extent. Philosophy and science also join the pleading gang. Religion is not an exception. One notable commonality of all is self-satisfaction. That’s right, feeding the ego self over and over again. Even Christians are not exception in trying their best through the dedicated religious performances. It never works, ever. Out of frustrations and defeats man tries harder to be satisfied and fulfill life. It may be drugs and sexual promiscuity in an attempt to quench the thirst in life. Inevitably, man experiences more futility, loneliness, nothingness, guilt, despair, shame, and abandonment. But there is such a life available which man is desperately looking for in our Lord Jesus Christ. Otherwise, the scripture would have not told us that life. We can find true hope in God who pours out life upon life abundantly and lavishly through Christ Jesus. God sees us as the victims of the master and father of lie who is the devil. So, He is compassionate and merciful on us and without an iota of delay He answers our pleas and cries for help. That’s beautifully described in the parable of the persistent widow in the Gospel of Luke Chapter 18. The point of the parable is not the widow but the Father who never delays even a slight moment to dispatch the Helper out to His children who are in the faith under the severe pressure. The Father in heaven is not like the judge in the parable. He hastily moves and snatches the victims away from the enemies like the SWAT team. The question is “Do you truly believe that?”

“I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8 NKJV)

Kingdom of Heaven

What does really make us scare? Surprisingly enough, it's Jesus for the disciples. Jesus was walking on the water and they saw Him on the body of sea and cried out, supposing it was a ghost. No disciples missed seeing Him and were not troubled. Why were they so scared and troubled? Because they did not understand the realm of the heavenly places. They were still bound to the realm of the earth. Life, death, angles, principalities, powers, things present, things to come, height, and depth are all in the invisible heavenly places. Though they learned a lot of Jesus' teachings and witnessed many miracles, they did not still see the kingdom of God clearly. But when Jesus talked with them and encouraged them not to be afraid, they were released in the end and greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure and marveled. They were literally blown their minds at the revelation of the kingdom of God to the eyes of the hearts. So, what scared them was Jesus and what released them was exactly the same Man. Is it not what is going on right now in the midst of troubled and pressured lives? How many times were we sacred and troubled at things happening unexpectedly and suddenly by the hands of God? And how many times have we been released by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ? The more we grow to maturity in Christ, the less we become panicky. No wonder Peter and John spoke boldly when they were arrested and questioned before the Sanhedrin.  

"And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. (Mark 6:49-51 NKJV)

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13 NKJV)

Real Life

There are many illusions and delusions in our midst. One of the most attractive ones is that the rich and the proud seem to be easy going and have no worries of life because they are simply wealthy. It is a powerful appeal to all people since the fall of man. But that's not true. If you can, interview them and ask a couple of questions starting with, "Are you worry free?" They might respond back to you, "Are you nuts?" It doesn't mean that being rich is wrong and everyone is supposed to be poor. Nothing is wrong to be rich or poor. What matters is to find true reality and truth in life. That is the main thing. This is the age of deceit and deception. It is so natural to be what you want to be by earning money, fame, and status in old and this age. So, as far as man can and as fast as he can, he drives himself to that direction. But our God knows our hearts what we are thinking and reveals it by the words of the Son Jesus. True life is found in Him only as the scriptures confirm consistently. Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." There are things in heaven and things on earth. There are invisible things and visible things. What is seen is not all but what is unseen is reality. The kingdom of God is in our inner thought world where God reigns. So, when man enters into the realm of the kingdom of God, he has now begun to live a real life. That’s the beginning of new and eternal life in Jesus Christ.  

"But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:20-21 NKJV)

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NKJV)

Shun Sexual Immorality

Why do the scriptures bluntly put the strictest prohibition on sexual immorality and fornication as of the first thing among other wicked and evil ones? Why does God treat sexual sins so severely? Humans are basically sexual. The sexual drive is one of the most powerful forces in humanity. It doesn’t mean we must abstain from all kinds of sexual activities. God made and gave sexual desire, so it is good for us to enjoy God-given sexuality. Just as the desires for food and sleep need to be restrained appropriately, so also the sexual urges do need to be guarded and constrained according to the Law of God. Leviticus Chapter 18 lists out all sorts of sexual sins and wrongdoings which God has forbidden. These are eternally wrong and wicked in the eyes of God. Within the marriage only between one man and one woman, God allows the full enjoyment of sex. Anything outside of the holy union of marriage between one man and one woman is wrong, absolutely wrong.

Why did God make man a sexual being and allow the most fascinating enjoyment of pleasure in humanity? God did not make anything without purpose. God wants to teach man something out of the mysterious union of marriage and the enjoyment of sex. He wants man to learn how to fulfill his life by giving up everything to his spouse. The age of secular human mind treats woman as a disposable thing. That is the perverted and evil mind which distorts and twists God-given sex into something playful at random. That is far cry from the truth. Such a mind inevitably ends in sheer futility, void, emptiness, meaninglessness rather than fulfillment and satisfaction at all. That is merely the act of selfishness and self-centeredness and pride. That is not from God but from the devil. No, man can fulfill and satisfy in full measure when he gives up his egoistic way of fulfillment and offers his body for his wife.

Is it not what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us? He offered His own body to the Father in order for the elect to have life in full, eternal life. Apostle Paul commands husbands to love their wives as Jesus Christ loved His church and gave His life for her (Ephesians 6:25). How did Jesus love the church? He sacrificed His body with blood as the fragrance offering acceptable to God for us to have the forgiveness of sins, the redemption of soul, body and spirit, and the full impartation of His resurrection life. By His wounds and scars we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). He paid the full price for redemption to possess His church as the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Sex is the act of possession. Man urges to possess his wife through God-given sex. That possession is only possible as he exercise selflessly like Jesus did for His church. That’s what God wants us to learn through sex.

Shun any and every form of sexual immorality, especially pronography, premartial sex, fornacation, adultery. 

“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV)

“But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” (Ephesians 5:3-4 NKJV)

Jesus, the Christ of God

Why were the disciples not allowed to say that Jesus was the Christ? But they were allowed after the resurrection. It was because what they knew about Him was not complete for Christ was not yet glorified. What Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ was from the revelation of the Father. Until he was fully equipped with the whole story of Jesus, the unsearchable riches of Christ, he did not fully understand Him and what to say about Him. It could mislead him as well as the hearers. The mystery of Christ is not only the story of His death in our place and the burial and the resurrection from the dead but the impartation of His life in the hearts of the believers who died with Christ. Plus, the experience of the Spirit who indwells in each believer's heart shall be demonstrated. Then, all the disciples shall say that Jesus is indeed the Christ of God who was to come and has come and will come again.

"Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him. (Mark 8:30 NKJV)

Mustard See Parable

The mustard seed parable is well known as if the church of Christ may grow in numbers though it started small like a mustard seed. The birds of the air in the parable are understood as people who need shelter and rest. But that is not what Jesus says. Notice a concern found before He uttered this parable, "With what parable shall we picture it?" Jesus reveals the secrets of the kingdom of God through the teachings in parables. The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed not in quantity but in quality. The seed's quality is pungency and bite. The smallness of the seed indicates lowliness and gentleness (Ephesians 4:2). The focal point of the kingdom of God in His sight is church who are the regenerated by the blood of Christ Jesus. The church of Christ is humble and meek like a mustard seed and yet pungent and biting, changing and transforming people into being worthy of God. The message of the church of Christ is rather powerfully working in heart and mind to strip off all the facades and pretenses. It is truth and reality which consumes all the illusions and fantasies and delusions of the world and breaks through the heart of the prime evil in humanity. That is how church functioning in the kingdom of God. The birds of the air indicate the demons of Satan. Jesus warned His disciples before He gave the interpretation of the parable of sower. “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?” (Mark 4:13 NKJV) In that parable Jesus calls the birds of the air as Satan (Mark 4:15). Given the Lord’s interpretation, the church grown up greater than all herbs and shot out large branches indicates unnatural growth which embraces the devil’s nest under its shade. We are now living in the kingdom of God which is inner and invisible world in our minds and hearts. As Jesus teaches us in the parable, this is what is really going on in the ages and generations. False teachings and heresies are really in the churches like nest under its shade.

"Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.” (Mark 4:30-32 NKJV)

(Wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_seed)