The Ongoing Work of Redemption by Jesus Christ

 

The Ongoing Work of Redemption by Jesus Christ Redemption is a central theme throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's enduring commitment to restore and heal His creation. This divine mission is articulated from Genesis through Revelation, revealing how God's redemptive work encompasses historical acts, prophetic promises, and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Below are key biblical passages that illustrate the comprehensive and ongoing nature of redemption.

Creation Renewed

• Revelation 21:5: "And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"
• Isaiah 65:17: "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind."
• 2 Peter 3:13-14: "But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace."
• Revelation 21:2: "And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

Covenantal Promises and Historical Deliverance

• Genesis 48:16: "The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth."
• Exodus 6:4-7: "I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant. Say therefore to the people of Israel, 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.'"
• Leviticus 25:9-10, 24-25, 28: "Then you shall sound the loud trumpet on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land. And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan... But in the cities of the Levites, the Levites may redeem at any time the houses in the cities of their possession. And if a man sells a dwelling house in a walled city, he may redeem it within a year of its sale. For a full year he shall have the right of redemption... If he does not redeem the field, or if he has sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed anymore."
• Jeremiah 31:11: "For the LORD has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him."

Divine Protection and Guidance

• Psalm 91:2-3, 10-11: "I will say to the LORD, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence... no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."
• Psalm 34:7: "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them."

Prophetic Fulfillment and Messianic Redemption

• Isaiah 61:1-2: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn."
• Luke 4:18-19: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

  Divine Intervention and Redemption

  • Exodus 15:13: "In your steadfast love you led the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode."
  • Exodus 34:18-20: "You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month Abib, for in the month Abib you came out from Egypt. All that open the womb are mine, all your male livestock, the firstborn of cow and sheep. The firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, or if you will not redeem it you shall break its neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. And none shall appear before me empty-handed."

  Redemption and Deliverance

  • Psalm 103:4: "Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy."
  • Psalm 106:10: "He saved them from the hand of the foe and redeemed them from the power of the enemy."

  Prophetic Assurance and Future Hope

  • Isaiah 43:2, 14: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you... Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'For your sake I send to Babylon and bring them all down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice.'"
  • Isaiah 49:7, 25, 26: "Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers: 'Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.'... But thus says the LORD: 'Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken, and the prey of the tyrant be rescued, for I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children... I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine. Then all flesh shall know that I am the LORD your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.'"

  Redemption in Everyday Life and Ultimate Salvation

  • Titus 2:14: "Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."
  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
  • 1 Corinthians 15:52-54: "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'"

  Additional Insights into Divine Protection and Redemption

  • Psalm 19:14: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."
  • Psalm 25:22: "Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles."
  • Psalm 26:11: "But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me."
  • Psalm 34:22: "The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned."
  • Psalm 55:16: "But I call to God, and the LORD will save me."
  • Psalm 69:18: "Draw near to my soul, redeem it; ransom me because of my enemies!"
  • Psalm 72:14: "From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight."
  • Psalm 77:15: "You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah"
  • Psalm 78:25: "Man ate of the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance."
  • Psalm 107:2: "Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble."
  • Psalm 103:4: "Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy."
  • Psalm 106:10: "He saved them from the hand of the foe and redeemed them from the power of the enemy."
  • Psalm 119:154: "Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!"

  Justice and Redemption in Law and Community

  • Proverbs 23:11: "For their Redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you."
  • Leviticus 25:24-25, 28: "Throughout the country that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land... If your brother becomes poor and sells part of his property, then his nearest redeemer shall come and redeem what his brother has sold... But if he does not acquire the means to repay him, what he sold shall remain in the possession of the buyer until the year of Jubilee."

  Prophecies of Comfort and Deliverance

  • Isaiah 35:4-10: "Say to those who have an anxious heart, 'Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.'... And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
  • Isaiah 41:10-14: "'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand... For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."'"

  Assurance of God's Presence and Redemption Through Trials

  • Isaiah 43:2: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
  • Isaiah 54:5,8: "For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called... In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says the LORD, your Redeemer."

  
  

Honoring the Sacred: Why We Shouldn't Make a Business Out of the Name of Jesus

In today's fast-paced world, where commerce infiltrates almost every aspect of life, it's vital to remember the sanctity of spiritual practices and religious devotion. One poignant biblical narrative that emphasizes this principle is Jesus' cleansing of the temple, a story that serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of reverence towards sacred spaces and names, particularly the name of Jesus.

The Biblical Account: Jesus Cleanses the Temple

The incident of Jesus cleansing the temple is recounted in all four Gospels. Here are the specific verses from each account:

• Matthew 21:12-13: "Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 'It is written,' he said to them, 'My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.'"
• Mark 11:15-17: "On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, 'Is it not written: My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.'"
• Luke 19:45-46: "When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 'It is written,' he said to them, 'My house will be a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of robbers.'"
• John 2:13-16: "When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, 'Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!'"

Implications

This episode vividly illustrates the separation that should exist between commerce and genuine spiritual practice. It highlights the need to maintain the purity and sanctity of worship spaces and practices, ensuring they are not tainted by the materialistic pursuits prevalent in other areas of society. Jesus' reaction is a clear directive that the worship of God should be free from the influence of monetary gain and should not exploit religious sentiment for profit.

Applying This Principle Today

In modern times, the principle of not making a business out of the name of Jesus extends beyond the physical church to various domains:

• Merchandising and Commercialization: While religious articles are a means for believers to express their faith, the commercialization of items bearing sacred symbols or the name of Jesus should be approached with sensitivity and a focus on respect rather than profit.
• Media and Entertainment: Portrayals of religious figures and themes in media and entertainment should be handled with care to avoid trivializing sacred beliefs.
• Personal and Institutional Integrity: Churches and religious organizations should ensure that their operations, especially those involving fundraising and finances, are transparent and reflect the values they espouse.

Conclusion

The act of Jesus cleansing the temple is a powerful lesson in the importance of keeping commerce separate from worship. It serves as a call to all, especially those within religious communities, to reflect on how they represent and respect the sacred. The name of Jesus, and all it embodies, should not be reduced to a mere tool for commerce but revered as a representation of divine love and salvation.

Fruit of the Spirit

"The fruit of the Spirit", these virtues are listed in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Galatians (Galatians 5:22-23). According to the text, the fruit of the Spirit consists of nine attributes:

1. Love - This refers to an unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial care for others.
2. Joy - This is a sense of gladness and happiness that is not dependent on circumstances.
3. Peace - This represents tranquility and harmony, both internally and in relationships with others.
4. Patience - This virtue involves endurance and a capacity to handle delays or frustrations without getting upset.
5. Kindness - This entails a willingness to do good and act benevolently towards others.
6. Goodness - This is related to moral excellence and virtue.
7. Faithfulness - This means being reliable and trustworthy in commitments and relationships.
8. Gentleness - This involves humility and consideration in dealing with others.
9. Self-control - This is the ability to control one’s desires and impulses.

These virtues are considered to be the result of living in accord with the Holy Spirit, contrasting with the "works of the flesh," which are negative traits and behaviors that stem from human nature not influenced by the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit serves as a guideline for ethical and moral conduct and reflects the transformational work of the Spirit in a believer’s life. Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You in humility, asking You to fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Your Word teaches us about the fruit of the Spirit, those divine qualities that should characterize our lives as we walk in step with You. We desire to reflect these attributes in all that we do, say, and think.

Lord, infuse our hearts with Love, that unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial care for others that mirrors Your love for us. May this love guide our actions and renew our relationships.

Grant us Joy, Lord, a deep and abiding gladness that does not depend on our circumstances. May this joy be our strength and a light within us that brightens the lives of others.

Bless us with Peace, that tranquility and harmony which surpasses all understanding. May this peace govern our hearts, keeping us calm and steadfast in the midst of life’s storms and stresses.

Teach us Patience, to endure difficulties and delays with a spirit of grace and perseverance. Help us to respond with calmness and hope, trusting in Your timing and plan.

Instill in us Kindness, a willingness to extend goodness to others without hesitation. May our actions bring comfort and aid to those in need, reflecting Your compassion and mercy.

Let Goodness flow through our deeds, as we seek to embody moral excellence and virtue in our daily encounters. May our lives commend Your gospel to the world.

Foster in us Faithfulness, that we might be reliable and steadfast in our commitments and relationships. Help us to be loyal and true, just as You are ever faithful to us.

Cultivate Gentleness within us, a humility and gentleness of spirit that regards others with tenderness and care. May our approach be one of meekness, especially in moments of disagreement or conflict.

And strengthen our Self-control, that we may have the discipline to resist temptations and control our desires. Help us to live wisely and prudently, making choices that honor You.

Father, we know that apart from You, we can do nothing. We depend on Your Spirit to produce these fruits in our lives. May Your Spirit guide us, change us, and empower us to live out these virtues every day. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

How to discern if prophetic words is true?

The discernment and testing of prophecy and spirits are essential practices intended to ensure that individuals are aligning with God’s will and not being misled by false teachings or deceivers. This concept is rooted in biblical instructions and has been an integral part of God teaching in the word.

Biblical Foundation for Testing Prophecy and Spirits

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 – "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
2. 1 John 4:1 – "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

These verses underline the importance of testing both prophecies and the spirits behind them to determine their authenticity and alignment with God's truth.

How to Test a Prophecy

1. Alignment with Scripture: A true prophecy will always accord with the Bible's teachings and the character of God as revealed in Scripture. It ensures that any prophetic declaration complements and does not contradict the established Word of God.

2. Confirmation within the Community: Prophecies should be evaluated and confirmed within the community of believers. This community discernment process helps safeguard against personal misinterpretations and ensures that the prophecy is consistent with Christian faith and communal wisdom.

3. Conditional Fulfillment of the Prophecy: While the ultimate fulfillment of a prophecy is a strong indicator of its divine origin, it's important to recognize that some prophecies are conditional. They may depend on human responses, such as repentance or obedience. Examples include Jonah’s prophecy to Nineveh or God’s promise to Hezekiah. A prophecy’s fulfillment may therefore change if the conditions under which it was given change, reflecting God's responsiveness to human actions.

4. Edification and Encouragement: Prophecies are meant to edify, exhort, and comfort the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). A true prophecy will contribute to the spiritual growth and encouragement of believers, fostering a sense of hope, unity, and spiritual development within the community.

How to Test the Spirit

Testing the spirit behind a prophecy or message involves discerning whether it originates from the Holy Spirit, human imagination, or a deceiving spirit. The following are steps to undertake:

1. Check for Confession of Christ: 1 John 4:2-3 states, "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God..." A true spirit of God acknowledges the full divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ.

2. Examine the Fruit: Matthew 7:16 says, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." The behavior and actions of the person delivering the prophecy should exhibit the fruits of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).

3. Consistency with God's Nature: Any message or spirit must be consistent with God’s nature and the overall narrative of redemption and love as expressed in the Bible.

Practical Application

In practical terms, this means continually engaging with the Scripture, praying for wisdom and discernment, and involving other mature believers when discerning prophecies or spiritual messages. As Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

This blend of scriptural engagement, communal wisdom, prayerful discernment, and a deep relationship with God will guide believers to walk in alignment with His will and understand His perspective better.

The role of the watchman

The Divine Commission of the Watchman

In the spiritual realm, those called to be watchmen are entrusted with a divine commission. God, in His infinite wisdom, does not leave His servants to wander in obscurity but promises revelations that turn mysteries into clear mandates. As watchers on the walls of spiritual Zion, you are in active service to the Lord, positioned to receive downloads from heaven—serving as spies for the divine kingdom.

The Threefold Dimension of a Watchman’s Duty:

1. Insight into Divine Will: A watchman must peer into the depths of God’s intentions, discerning His will for nations, families, and tribes. You are not merely observing but are an integral part of the tribe you are called to watch over. This role is bound by time—what God is saying now, in this season, is critical.

2. Understanding Angelic Movements: Awareness of the celestial is crucial. As a watchman, you should perceive the activities of angels, understanding the policies God is implementing in this season. Such intelligence is vital, preparing you for spiritual battles ahead. Your mind acts as a temporary repository of this heavenly intelligence, while your heart preserves these divine strategies more permanently.

3. The Prophetic Sound: Attunement to the trumpets of heaven is essential. A watchman must know when and what the heavens are proclaiming—the announcements of what is to come are often heralded by spiritual sounds. This includes recognizing when significant events like salvation, strength, the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ are manifesting, as echoed in Revelation 12:10.

Additional Responsibilities:

4. Understanding Time and Season: Comprehending the times and seasons according to God's calendar is a critical aspect of a watchman’s duty. Each period carries its specific divine agenda that must be understood and engaged with appropriately.

5. Interpreting Signs and Omens: The spiritual realm is filled with signs and portents. A watchman’s role extends to interpreting these divine signals, understanding the secrecy of sealed revelations, and being sensitive to the unfolding of new graces and journeys.

In this high calling, the watchman navigates through revelations, interpretations, and divine strategies, standing as a guardian of God’s truth and a herald of His forthcoming judgments and blessings.

---

Prayer for the Watchman

Heavenly Father,
Equip us, Your watchmen, with the clarity and discernment needed to understand Your divine will. Grant us the spiritual acuity to see beyond the veil, into the workings of Your kingdom purposes. Let our hearts and minds be aligned with Your heavenly clock, ever ready to act according to Your sovereign timeline. We ask for the sensitivity to hear Your trumpet's call, to recognize the movements of Your angels, and to faithfully interpret the signs of the times.
Strengthen us to stand firm in this watch, to guard the revelations You entrust to us, and to proclaim Your word with boldness and truth. May we be steadfast in our watch, vigilant in our duties, and faithful to the call You have placed on our lives.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.