Jesus of Nazareth taught how to pray and live in the Kingdom of God.

I believe there are pro-active positive, scripture based solutions to the many problems our nation and the world are facing as we move into the future.

Some will not accept and prepare, others will say we will hear you again later, however others will listen and embrace scripture based solutions that will bring Heaven’s Kingdom blessings upon them. Notice I said Heaven’s Kingdom blessings and not the establishment of God’s kingdom upon the earth.

The institution of both the Millennial Kingdom and God’s final kingdom will occur at some unknown future time. However until these thing s take place, the blessings of the kingdom of God of a coming Age has the power to reach back to this present evil age and touch the lives of those who by faith seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Faith is needed in order to see the kingdom of God because for now the kingdom is invisible. Therefore by faith we see what our natural eyes cannot see.

This faith I speak of here is only available to those who have been born again from above as it is not available to the unregenerate natural man. Therefore the natural man cannot see or even perceive the kingdom of God. This is why Jesus of Nazareth the Son of God was born into this world . . . to teach and show us by His example what the kingdom of God is and how to become a citizen of this kingdom.

When Jesus taught the disciples “How” to pray He said, “Our Father.”

We pray, communicate; talk to and acknowledge not a distant god but Our Father who is in Heaven. This is powerful, personal, and intimate!
“Hallowed be thy name.”

We acknowledge Him by giving Him all glory all honor and all praise.

“Thy Kingdom come”

We are to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and we have been given the authority to invoke His kingdom’s power and blessings on earth until the Age comes when Christ sets up the Kingdom of God physically upon Earth.”

“On Earth as it is in Heaven.”

It is interesting the goal of many churches is to help people get to “Heaven.” This seems to be opposite of the Lord’s goal which is to get “Heaven to come to earth.”

We are to look with anticipation for The Lord’s government for our solutions, and not to man’s government. Especially if the people running the government are not acting according to the truth of God’s Word. Bur when His government is established by Him upon the earth, He alone will rule over the entire Globe.
I personally believe part of our responsibilities as God’s Children is to follow the example of Jesus of Nazareth to be going about “Our Fathers Business.” This begins with preaching the “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God” which includes the “Gospel of Salvation.” Preaching does not necessarily include standing before thousands but many times it is simply sharing the good news of the remedy (Kingdom) for this fallen earth

“Give us this day our daily bread”

The Father knows we have needs even before we ask Him. He provides for the birds that do not sow, reap nor do they store up into barns. This is a beautiful picture The Lord painted with words to illustrate to us “How” Our Father will provide for those who “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness”.

“And forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

This is the part of the Kingdom attitude we are to have as “Kingdom Citizens.” Jesus taught the Eight Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. Notice these are Be Attitudes and not Do Attitudes, meaning these are the attitudes a Kingdom Citizens should endeavor to live by in the way they treat others.
The very first beatitude is one of being “Poor in Spirit” or having the attitude of true humility. How can we expect forgiveness if we will not forgive?

“Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”

Matthew 6:13 (K J V)13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

James 1:13 (King James Version)
13Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

The Heavenly Father does not tempt us with evil; however He does deliver us from evil. Our Father does not lead us into temptation in order to test us to see if we will resist temptation or not.

“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Lord Jesus closes His instruction of “How” to pray by teaching His disciples to again to submit by acknowledging the Fathers Kingdom, Power and Glory!

The message of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is what I have come to believe was the main focus of the Lord’s mission while living on the earth. His main mission was to preach the Kingdom of God is at hand and then to teach others who responded on “How” to become a Kingdom Citizen and to live in this world as a Kingdom Citizen in the attitudes (Be Attitudes) of the Kingdom of God.

If we can learn to live as Jesus lived and also taught others to live we can again be blessed by God with His Kingdom Blessing. By living this way we will be blessed (happy) and prepared to be with the Lord during His Millennium Kingdom and beyond.

The Cross and the Kingdom

The Cross and the Kingdom

Revelation 13:8-9

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.

Everything the Father has done for mankind since the creation will culminate when His Kingdom is established on earth. The New Jerusalem, will come to earth and God’s righteousness will rule forever.

This all began at the Cross.

Those of us who have believed in and put our trust in Jesus Christ of Nazareth as the Messiah are now citizens of His coming Kingdom. We have the promise of Jesus Christ that if we seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness all things we need in this life will be supplied to us. We may not always get what we ask, but we are promised our needs or daily bread will be supplied by the Father’s provision.

So then the ultimate Plan of God will be fulfilled at the culmination of this present evil age when His Kingdom is established on earth. At that time those who are citizens will have eternal life and live in His Kingdom in a lifestyle which the world has been clamoring for, but are not able to achieve.

A question one might ask is where does this Kingdom life begin and who is this Kingdom for?

I believe the Kingdom life begins at the Cross of Jesus Christ. I believe the Kingdom life is available for all men and women who accept God’s grace, and mercy, of the gift of salvation.

With this said, I would like to share my personal story with you:

About twenty years ago my manner of life brought me to the place where I was confronted with the reality of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Something happened that day that changed my life forever.

I was alone at home and had come to the conclusion that even though I wanted to serve Jesus Christ, I could not because in all honesty I was still a sinner. I was well aware of my shortcomings and struggles and was ready to throw in the towel and quit trying to serve Him.

This is when I began getting a deep agonizing feeling in my gut, or as the Apostle Paul would say in my “bowels.” Like I said, I so wanted to serve the Lord but I knew I was still a sinner. Therefore I concluded that I could not do anything for Him. This deep feeling was so strong that it felt as if my gut was going to burst at the seams. I began to realize there was a battle going on within myself. I was lying flat out on my living room floor and telling the Lord with tears I could not serve him due to the weakness of my flesh. Then suddenly a scripture flashed in my mind. “Oh wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from this body of death?”

Immediately another thought quickly followed indicating that Paul was a spiritual man trapped inside a sinful body, and that whenever he desired to do good, evil was present in him. Paul was trapped and he realized that within his flesh was dwelling no good thing.

It was then I realized that Paul at one time felt similar to the way I was. After contemplating this, I finally came to understand that as long as I am alive sin would be dwelling in my flesh. I also realized that in Christ I was given a power to exercise dominion over this evil.

When I was saved I was given a gift of holy spirit which is the spirit that has the power to overcome the sin dwelling in my flesh. This may also be called the spirit of obedience.

I began to see that through what Christ accomplished on the Cross I was given the power to overcome sin and given the ability to serve my Lord.

Now I could serve Him even in my imperfection.
Now Grace made strong in my weaknesses.
Now Grace is an ever present unmerited divine favor.
Now Grace is power given by Christ which is sufficient for me to overcome the infirmities in my flesh.

Then suddenly as if in a dream I found myself at the foot of the cross at Calvary. In my mind’s eye this was as real to me as if I were watching a movie with all its color and sound.

There I was laying stretched out with my arms wrapped around the foot of the cross sobbing. As I looked up I saw His bruised and bloodied feet, and the rusty nail that had been cruelly driven through them.

As I clung to the cross I slowly lifted my head and looked higher until I saw His legs which showed the marks of the cuts caused by the whips. They were badly bruised with the blood running down and dripping on my face.

I began to weep as I heard the wind howling and saw the low hanging ominous dark clouds blocking out the sun. The wind and dust in what seemed like a crazed frenzy blowing around the place of the skull. Some of the bystanders stared at Him while some wept uncontrollably.

There He was my Lord hanging helpless. His life almost gone from His body. He had been brutalized and mangled beyond recognition. His bones were out of joint and parts of His ribs were exposed. It looked as if there was not any place on his body that was not bruised or broken, or torn. The wound made by a soldiers spear in His side was open and oozing out both blood and water. I saw Him struggle to take each breath, while some people spit on Him and called Him names.

With my eyes, now flooded with tears, began to look higher until I saw His head hung to one side with the thorns insisting on digging deep into His bloodied scalp. His face was bruised and swollen, worse than any boxer I had ever seen after a brutal fight. His left eye was swollen shut, and His right eye was barely visible.

All this seemingly happening before my very eyes and not realizing that I was in a position of prayer called obeisance with my arms stretched around the base of the cross with His blood drops falling on my face.

Then He took one last deep painful breath. Just then His almost shut right eye caught my eyes and I realized He was looking at me with a pure love, forgiveness, and acceptance. No matter what I had done to sin against God and humanity before He loved me.

Suddenly He cried, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Then came His last words.

“It is finished!”

Suddenly the labored breathing which caused Him excruciating pain stopped. He offered up His live as a sacrifice to the Father.

His head fell limp.

He was dead!

Then as they slowly and carefully took Him down from the cross, I could hear some say, “Will He rise again in three days as He said He would?”

Three days later He arose from the dead and He is still alive today active in the affairs of men. He is still calling all who will believe in His name and saving and forgiving all of their transgressions committed against God and man.

As took this all in I was filled with the most relieved emotion I had ever felt before. A flood of peace came over me as any doubts of being able to serve Him were now washed away and gone!

I was cleansed by His precious blood.

I was empowered by His grace.

In this moment of time that I spent on my living room floor, I realized without a doubt that I had been to the cross where my Lord Jesus Christ was crucified.

I cannot explain this occurrence but it is real to me. Now I am able to serve Him because His willing sacrificial death paid the full payment for all my sins. And not only my sins but yours also and the sins of the entire world.

Now I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am His and He is mine! He is my Lord and my savior and He is my King.

Nothing will ever be able to separate me from Him ever again.

Without the Cross of Christ there is no forgiveness of sin and there would be no Kingdom coming in the future.

Without the Cross of Christ all mankind would be still lost and doomed to misery.

Praise the Father Who sent His only begotten Son to usher in eternal life and His coming Kingdom.

The Remedy

The Remedy
(Introduction)
By Frank J. Manasseri
Is there is a remedy for the present global insecurity and unrest the world is experiencing today!

What may be done to eliminate religious intolerance, racism, slavery, human trafficking, sexism, world hunger, disease, crime and the myriad of injustices humans perpetrate regularly upon one another?

Will all the good intentions of building a better world by eliminating wars, famines, pestilences and natural disasters ever be realized? Or is the human race doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past over and over again?

There is a remedy that has been offered to mankind but thus far it has been rejected. What is this remedy? It is the promise of Jesus of Nazareth that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Christ came into the world to make the promise of the Kingdom of God a reality by establishing a government sanctioned by the eternal Creator of our ever expanding universe.
When I speak of the kingdom of God as the remedy, I am not referring to what is known today as “Dominionism Theology”. A definition of Dominonism Theology is

:
“The belief that we (mankind) have a mandate to build the “kingdom of God” on earth, restoring paradise, by progressively and supernaturally transforming ourselves and all societal institutions, through subduing and ruling the earth by whatever means possible, including using technology, science and psycho-social engineering; and then and only then will a “Christ” manifest his presence on earth.”
This Remedy of the kingdom of God of which I am referring is the Global Kingdom which Jesus the Messiah alone will establish here upon the earth.
Why is this kingdom of God the only remedy for the ongoing problems of mankind?
Where may we learn more about this kingdom of God?
Who will reign over and throughout this global Kingdom of God?
What will this Kingdom look like?
Who will inhabit this kingdom?
Where will the capitol of this kingdom be established?
When will it be available to abide in the promises of this kingdom?
These questions and more need to be answered so that we may apply this kingdom living to our everyday life style or what I call “Kingdom Dynamics.”
“Kingdom Dynamics” simply means the power of God’s Kingdom, or the rule of God over the entire earth to provide the means of positive change to this present troubled world.
Jesus of Nazareth claimed that if we seek first this kingdom of God and His righteousness, all the things the world lusts over will freely be given to us. Therefore, seeking this Kingdom of God is the only viable remedy for this present dying world in which we live. The summation of the entire Gospel of the Kingdom of God is this kingdom living is at hand or available to mankind now.
A biblical definition of the kingdom of God is simply God’s rule over the earth, or God’s way of living on earth.
This kingdom of God, in which Christ will reign as King, is a coming world government that will encompass the entire globe. In Matthew 6 when Jesus of Nazareth was asked by his followers to teach them how to pray he said:
After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Jesus when He taught the disciples “How” to pray said, “Our Father.”
We pray, communicate; talk with Him, acknowledging Our Father who is in Heaven. It’s powerful, personal and intimate.
“Hallowed be thy name.” We acknowledge Him giving Him all glory honor and praise.
“Thy Kingdom come!”
We are to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, expecting the day to come when He sets up the Kingdom of God physically upon Earth.”
“On Earth as it is in Heaven.”
It is interesting to me that the goal of many churches is to help people to go to “Heaven.” This seems to be opposite of the Lord’s goal is to get “Heaven to come to earth.”
We are to look with anticipation for The Lord’s government for solutions, and not man’s government. When His government is established by Him, He will rule over the entire Earth.
I believe part of our responsibilities is to follow the example of Jesus of Nazareth and going about “Our Fathers Business”, which begins with preaching the “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God” which includes the “Gospel of Salvation.”
“Give us this day our daily bread” The Father knows we have needs even before we ask Him. He provides for the birds that do not sow, reap nor do they store up. This is a beautiful picture The Lord painted with words to illustrate “How” Our Father will provide for those who “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness”.
“And forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
This is the part of the Kingdom attitude we are to have as “Kingdom Citizens.” Jesus taught the Eight Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. Notice these are Be Attitudes and not Do Attitudes, meaning these are the attitudes a Kingdom Citizens should endeavor to live by in the way we treat others.
This first beatitude is one of being “Poor in Spirit” or the attitude of true humility.
How can we expect forgiveness if we will not forgive?
“Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
Matthew 6:13 (KJV)
13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
James 1:13 (King James Version)
13Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

God does not tempt us with evil; however He does deliver us from evil.
Our Father does not lead us into temptation in order to test us to see if we will resist temptation or not. (To think this is actually blasphemy because it attributes to God something He does not do.)
“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The Lord Jesus closes His instruction of “How” to pray by teaching His disciples to again to submit by acknowledging the Fathers Kingdom, Power and Glory!
The message of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is what I have come to believe was the focus of the Lord’s mission on earth. To preach the Kingdom of God is at hand and then to teach those who responded on “How” to become a Kingdom Citizen and to live as a Kingdom Citizen in the attitude of the Kingdom of God.
If we can learn to live as Jesus lived and taught others to live, we can again be blessed by God with His Kingdom Blessing and at the same time prepare to be with the Lord during His Millennium Kingdom someday in the future.
The more of this Kingdom of God we can learn and know about, the clearer we will be able to envision this kingdom as the viable alternative to living according to failing systems of this present world.

To Be Continued. . .

DISCOVERING THE LORD JESUS THE CHRIST “AS HE IS” TODAY PART XIII of XIII

DISCOVERING THE LORD JESUS THE CHRIST “AS HE IS” TODAY PART XIII of XIII
By Frank J Manasseri

Is Jesus Christ now and forever both fully man and fully God?

As our Great High Priest-King, Christ will forever make intercession for His saints. As a man who was tempted in all points as we are, Jesus of Nazareth can fully relate to our infirmities. As our high priest Christ is able to succor us in a kind and benevolent manner. As fully divine His grace and mercy allows us to approach the Throne of grace to find help in time of need. Christ is also the mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.8

Jesus Christ “AS HE IS” – Not As He Was

Our relationship with Christ must be “AS HE IS” today and not as He was during the days of His flesh! It is evident that Paul the Apostle received revelation from the resurrected, ascended, and glorified Lord of Lords and King of Kings!

When the Apostle Paul realized who it who was that he was persecuting, he immediately stopped maiming and killing followers of Christ and began following and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul never stopped following Him. Paul was faithful right up until the day in which he was beheaded. The Apostle Paul was pursuing the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Paul had received revelation of the third heaven of which he wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians.9

The windows of heaven were opened to Paul and he was allowed to see and hear something that he said was not lawful for a man to speak.

Could it be that what Paul saw in the third heaven was the same as what Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel and the Apostle John was allowed to see? What these men all saw in a vision was the Lord Jesus Christ, fully man and fully divine, sitting on His throne, high and lifted up and His train filling the entire temple.

The Apostle Paul intimately knew Jesus the Messiah “As He Is,” and not as He was.10 Unlike the other twelve Apostles, Paul was the only Apostle called of the Lord who was not with Him during the days of His flesh. It was during the period of time when Saul persecuting the Lord’s people that he met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Paul had never known Jesus of Nazareth in the flesh. He only knew Christ “AS HE IS” in His risen, glorified, form and not as He was! Because of this relationship with the risen Christ, the Apostle Paul decided that nothing was going to hold him back. He was fully persuaded and determined to declare his cruel past over with, and become a new man in Christ. Paul changed and willing to suffer persecution for the sake of Christ, continued to press on toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

In his second epistle to Timothy Paul wrote: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 11

Paul had no doubt who Jesus is and knew that by remaining faithful that one day he would be crowned with the crown of righteousness by Jesus the risen, glorifid Christ.

Paul who came from a background of Religious Jewish Traditions and keeping the Law had made a decision to count allof his family background and religious accomplishments but “dung.” He left it all behind once He saw Jesus for Who He Truly is today!

We too can know Him AS HE IS today and press in to develop an intimate relationship and fellowship with the Lord Jesus and with the Father.

Eternity Past and Eternity Future

In Eternity Past Christ in the form of spirit was divine and shared divine attributes with the Father? 12

During the days of His flesh Jesus of Nazareth chose to limit Himself by setting aside His Godly attributes and was born fully man (flesh) with perfect sinless blood. In eternity past, Christ states that He was with the Father and shared God’s glory.13

Now and in Eternity Future He is and will be forever remaining fully man and fully divine. The Father has highly exalted Christ as the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. After the gathering together of the saints Christ as King will take His rightful place setting up His kingdom government on earth and sitting upon His throne as Lord of Lords and Kings of Kings of the entire Universe.

Lets us pray that God would assist us to see the Lord Jesus “AS HE IS” today, and that He will also allow us to move on to perfection, or spiritual maturity in order to obediently respond to our high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The End. . .

Scripture References

1. Acts 17:11(KJV)
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (KJV)

2. Matt 16:13-20(KJV)
13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. (KJV)

3.John 8:17-19(KJV)
17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.(KJV)

4. Heb 1:3-9(KJV)

3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
(KJV)

5.Acts 1:4-5(KJV)

4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV)

6.I Corinthians 15:22-28(KJV)

22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

7.II Corinthians 5:16-21(KJV)

16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

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

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

8. I Timothy 2:5 (KJV)

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

9.II Corinthian 12:2-5 (KJV)
12 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities

10.II Corinthians 5:15-20 (KJV)

15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

11.II Timothy 4:7,8 (KJV)

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing

12.John 3:13 (KJV)
13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

13. John 17:5 (KJV)
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

Discovering The Lord Jesus Christ As He Is Today PART XII of XIII

Discovering The Lord Jesus Christ As He Is Today PART XII of XIII

By Frank Manasseri

Eternity Past and Eternity Future

In eternity past Christ was the divine Sonof God, in the form of spirit with the Father.

During the days of His flesh the Messiah chose to limit Himself by setting aside His Godly attributes, and was born of a virgin, fully man (flesh) with perfect sinless blood.

Now and in eternity future Christ is and will be forever remain “As He Is” fully man and fully God. Christ has been highly exalted by the Father and serves in the Holy of Holies in heaven as the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek making intercession for the saints. Then after the gathering together of the saints when His role as His Priest is completed, Christ will then take His rightful place setting up His government sitting upon His throne in the Kingdom of God as Lord of Lords and Kings of Kings of the Universe.

Lets us pray that God would assist us to see the Lord Jesus “AS HE IS” today and that He will also allow us to move on to perfection or spiritual maturity in order to obediently respond to our high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

To be continued. . .

DISCOVERING THE LORD JESUS THE CHRIST “AS HE IS” TODAY PART X of XIII

DISCOVERING THE LORD JESUS THE CHRIST “AS HE IS” TODAY PART X of XIII

By Frank J Manasseri

Was Jesus Christ fully Human?

Chapter two of Hebrews deals with the humanity of Jesus Christ, Who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death to be crowned with glory and honor.

This chapter begins with the first and firm warning to take heed to the things which we have heard, because at anytime they may drift away from us. The warning continues to not neglect so great salvation, which began to be spoken by the Lord, when in the days of His flesh, He went about preaching and teaching the things concerning the Kingdom of God. All the while, the Father also bearing witness with signs, and wonders, and with many miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will.

Did you know there was more than once ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven?

The First Ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven

When we study the scriptures closely we learn that the Bible describes two ascensions of the Lord Jesus into heaven. The second and final ascension was from the Mount of Olives with the Apostles in attendance. The first was on the morning of His resurrection from the dead in the presence of Mary Magdalene.

On the morning when the Father raised Christ from the dead, Jesus as the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, ascended into the third heaven, and entered into the Holiest of Holies (in heaven) to sprinkle His own sinless blood on the Mercy seat to cleansing those who believe in His name from all sin>

The scriptural evidence of this incredible truth is found in John 20:11-17:

John 20:11-16 (KJV)

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

Notice this scripture does not state, “I will ascend” at some future time, but is plainly states, “I ascend unto my Father. . .” Had Mary held on to Jesus at this time, He would have been unclean and would not be able to perform His High Priestly duty of the atonement.

In the Old Testament under the Aaronic priesthood, if the High Priest was touched within seven days of the Atonement, he would have been unclean and would not have been able to conduct the sacrifices. So Jesus said to Mary, “Touch me not” or “Do not cling to me for I have not yet ascended to my Father. . .”

At the moment of this encounter, Jesus was evidently on His way into heaven to perform His High priestlt duty of th Atonement.

Imagine what it must have been like the first time Jesus ascended into heaven? All attention was riveted on Him as He appeared as High Priest after the order of Melchizedek to fulfill His priestly duty of the atonement. What an awesome moment it must have been as the hosts of heaven watched as Christ approached the Holy of Holies in Heaven. Just as the earthly High Priest perform his duty of sprinkling the blood of the sacrificial lamb on the Mercy seat on earth, Jesus Christ in His role of High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, was carrying His own precious blood into the Temple of heaven. The blood of the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world was sprinkled by Christ on the Mercy seat in heaven. At this most significant moment our redemption was complete.

All the eyes of heaven were watching as The Son of the Living God entered into the Holy place to cleanse the sins of His followers with His own precious blood. The plan of salvation was complete as His pure precious blood was sprinkled on the Mercy seat. Redemption was complete and sealed for eternity! What joy and rejoicing must have filled heaven!

After ascending into heaven and the sprinkling of His own blood on the Mercy seat was completed, He returned to Jerusalem and spent the next forty days with the disciples in His resurrected glorified body teaching them the things concerning the Kingdom of God.. During this time He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

The Second and Final Ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven

When the forty days were completed, He was on the Mount of Olives with the Apostles whom He had chosen, and commanded that they should not depart from Jerusalem. There on that Mount, He instructed them for the final time to wait for the promise of the Father. 5

Christ told them that they would receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon them, and that they would be witnesses unto Him both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Then as the Apostles beheld Him, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. They obediently returned to Jerusalem and spent the next ten days with the other disciples with one accord, in prayer and supplication.

To be continued. . .

DISCOVERING THE LORD JESUS THE CHRIST “AS HE IS” TODAY PART IX of XIII

DISCOVERING THE LORD JESUS THE CHRIST “AS HE IS” TODAY PART IX of XIII

By Frank J Manasseri

GLIMPSES OF ETERNITY FUTURE

God opened the windows of heaven and allowed the prophet Isaiah to see the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Isa 6:1-8
1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.(KJV)

This was a revealed glimpse given to Isaiah of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings Jesus Christ AS HE IS now since His final ascension into heaven seated upon His throne, highly exalted.

Isaiah was allowed to see what was to him Eternity Future. Who he saw was the Lord Jesus Christ sitting on His throne, high and lifted up, His train filling the temple, fully God and fully man!

The prophet Daniel was also given visions in the night of this Holy place as recorded in Daniel 7:13-14.

Dan 7:13-14
13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.(KJV)

Dan 8:15-17
15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.
16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.(KJV)

Dan 10:5-7
5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.(KJV)

In what was to him ETERNIY FUTURE, the prophet Ezekiel also was given a vision of the Throne of the Christ:

Ezek 1:26-28
26 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
27 And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.(KJV)

The Apostle John received similar revelations of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings AS HE IS:

Rev 1:9-19
9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
(KJV)

A quote from Seiss’ Commentary on the Apocalypse PP14 on ” The Son of Man” is fitting.

The “one like unto the Son of man” (), is Christ himself. He is described in
the same way in the Psalms, in the visions of Daniel, and in his own
discourses concerning himself. It is a form of speech meant to set forth the essential importance and prominence of the human element of the Saviour’s character; for it is in his human nature that his redemption work is conducted, and his victories achieved. It is as the Son of man that he came, lived, suffered and died. It was as the Son of man that he rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will come again, judge the world, and set up his glorious everlasting rule. But he is not to be conceived of as nothing but a man. He is “one like unto the Son of man.” This word like sets us upon the scent of something higher than humanity, though conditioned as humanity, and having everything in common with it. Thus, we read of him as “made in the likeness of men,”– “in all respects made like unto his brethren.”

Throughout the scriptures can be found many other accounts which tell of the visions that were given of Jesus Christ AS HE IS after His final Ascension into heaven, which occurred 40 days after His resurrection from the dead.

These men who received revelations and visions were permitted to glimpse into Eternity Future and see the form of the Lord as He would appear forever upon His Throne. These revelations served to instill in them and others, who would hear, or read their words, a faith, hope and love which at times is beyond description. All of these men were never the same as their committment increased once they clearly saw and understood these visions.

To be continued. . .

Visions of Jesus Christ the Lord of Lords and King of kings of the ever Expanding Universe

Visions of Jesus Christ the Lord of Lords and King of kings of the ever Expanding Universe
by Frank Manasseri

There are only four men mentioned and written about in the scriptures that were given visions, or glimpses of the future Kingdom of Jesus Christ. There may have been others who were also given this insight, but only Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and John’s accounts are written in the scriptures.

The Prophet Isaiah:
The prophet Isaiah’s description of the future King of the kingdom of God, where
God opened the windows of heaven and allowed Isaiah to see a future vision of the Lord sitting upon his throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Isa 6:1-8
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw:

1. The Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
2. Above the Throne stood the seraphim’s: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
3. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
4. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

The Prophet Ezekiel:
The prophet Ezekiel also was given a vision of the future Throne of the Christ:
Ezek 1:26-28

26 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
27 And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.(KJV)

The Prophet Daniel:
The prophet Daniel was also given visions in the night of this Holy Heavenly place as recorded in Daniel 7:13-14.
1. Behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

2. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.(KJV)

Dan 8:15-17
15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.

16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.(KJV)

Dan 10:5-7
5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:

6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.(KJV)

The Apostle John:
The Apostle John received similar revelations of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings in His risen glorified and exalted position which the Father had bestowed upon His Son.

Rev 1:9-19
9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.

The Apostle John’s description of the risen glorified Christ who is the Alpha and the Omega:
1. A voice like the sound of a trumpet
2. He said I am the first and the last
3. Like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot.
4. Girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
5. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow;
6. His eyes were as a flame of fire;
7. And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace;
8. His voice as the sound of many waters.
9. In his right hand seven stars:
10. Out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword:
11. His countenance was as the sun shines in his strength.
12. He has the keys of hell and of death

All four of the accounts written in the scriptures paint a most vivid picture of an Awesome King ruling over His kingdom with all authority, holiness, righteousness, sternness and judgment. These biblical accounts depicts the four men who were given these visions, as men who were stricken with and awesome reverence, if not fear of the One coming to rule the world.

There is a day coming when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

DISCOVERING THE LORD JESUS THE CHRIST “AS HE IS” TODAY PART VII of XIII

DISCOVERING THE LORD JESUS THE CHRIST “AS HE IS” TODAY PART VII of XIII

By Frank J Manasseri

The Final Temptation of Christ

The following scriptures will expose where, when and what the final temptation of Christ was.

Matt 26:36-39 (KJV)

Matt 26:42 (KJV)

We read in the Gospels that during His agony in the Garden, the Lord went to the Father three times to ask if this cup could pass from Him. It was here that Satan came with his final temptation of Jesus Christ to not obey His Father. This particular temptation was so intense that the Lord actually agonized during the temptation and sweat droplets of blood.

The Greek word for agony here in Luke 24:44 is agonia which is to be in bodily strife, struggle or contest, a violent struggle or agony both of body and mind.

His agony was so intense that the capillaries in His forehead ruptured, and He began to sweat blood. However, once again as a man under intense mental and physical anguish, the Lord Jesus Christ did not give in to this final and ultimate temptation. He resisted and overcame the Devils temptation.

Luke 22:42-44 (KJV)

Jesus Christ was tempted in all points as we are and yet He never succumbed to sin.

Jesus Christ A Great High Priest

Hebrews 3:1 declares that Jesus Christ is The Apostle and High Priest of our profession. Since He was tempted in all points, He is able to empathize with all men in their lowest state of sin, and at the same time, be is able to advance to the aid of anyone who cries out for help, for all who shall cal upon the name of the Lo4rd, shall be saved.

Heb 4:14-15 (KJV)

Under the Old Covenant or Old Testament, the High Priest after the order of Aaron, would enter into the Holy of Holies once a year, to make atonement for his sins and the sins of Israel. He would sprinkle the Mercy seat with the blood of bulls and goats covering the sins of Israel for one year. This special day is called the Day of Atonement and Jews continue to observe this Holy Day today.

Heb 9:12-14 (KJV)

Jesus Christ is not the High Priest after the order of Aaron but now the High Priest forever after the Order of Melchizedek, and constantly makes intercession for us in the Holy of Holies which is not on this earth but in heaven.

Heb 5:5-10 (KJV)

Heb 7:24-28 (KJV)

To be continued. . .

DISCOVERING THE LORD JESUS THE CHRIST “AS HE IS” TODAY PART V of XIII

DISCOVERING THE LORD JESUS THE CHRIST “AS HE IS” TODAY PART V of XIII

By Frank J Manasseri

ETERNITY PAST

Before the days of His Flesh, in what we shall call Eternity Past, was it possible that the Son of God was with the Father in the form of spirit? If so did the Son share the same attributes as the Highest God? Let’s look at some scripture that seem to indicate this pre-existence was possible.

John 17:5 (AMP)
5 And now, Father, glorify Me along with Yourself and restore Me to such majesty and honor in Your presence as I had with You before the world existed.
Philippians 2:6-8 (AMP)
6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [[a]possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not [b]think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped [c]or retained,
7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and [d]rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.
8 And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!

These scriptures seem to indicate that according to the plan of salvation, the appointed time came for the Son of God to willfully limit Himself of His Glory and His divine attributes and willfully laid aside all those attributes that made Him equal with God.

In other words He, Jesus Christ chose not to use His Godly powers while in the flesh, and in doing so, He made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant and was found in fashion as a man. Is it possible the Son of Almighty God, was willing to conceal His glory and leave His divine attributes behind (heaven) in order to be born a perfect human sacrifice for the sins of all mankind?

The way I see it, in this seemingly deliberate and willful act of obedience to the Father, The Son of God stepped from the limitlessness and security of eternity into the confines of the time and space of this fallen world. Accordingly He was willing to humble and subject himself to the cruel and savage treatment He received during the days of His flesh in order to obtain the gift of salvation for mankind.

In obedience to the Fathers Will, He was conceived by the Holy Spirit Then after nine months in His mother’s womb, He was born a helpless infant, totally dependent upon His mother Mary and stepfather Joseph. He grew up as other children along with His brothers and sisters under the authority of His earthly parents in Nazareth.

The Lord Jesus willfully emptied himself to become man, so that He could save us from an eternity in Hell, and freely give all who will confess Him as Lord eternal life.

Oh! What Faith! Oh! What Love! Oh! What Hope! Jesus the Son of God became the Son of Man to dwell among us in the flesh, and to declare to us the Father God. This began the days of His flesh where He was fully human.

Fully Man with Sinless Blood

John 1:1-5 (KJV)

But how is it that the Son of God, Who is the Word made flesh, was born into this world without sin?

The answer to this question may be found in the epistle to the Hebrews.

Heb 2:14 (KJV)

This verse is telling us that the children are partakers of flesh and blood. The word partakers is from the Greek word koinoneo which means to share in common, to be a partaker of or in anything in common with others.

It is interesting that another Greek word is used to describe what part the Son of Man took. The verse does not say that He partook, koinoneo of the same, but that He took part metecho of the same.

The Lord Jesus was born into this world with pure sinless blood, which He inherited, not from fallen Adam but from His Heavenly Father. Jesus is the promised seed of Abraham and He is the only man born of a woman without the original sin of Adam. The flesh He took part of, was from the line of David through His mother Mary. And so He was born fully human in order to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God.

To be continued. . .