Tag: Scriptures

Christ, our next of kin.

Aug 22nd, 2022

For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.
Hebrews 2:11 KJV

What comes to mind when you think of a ‘next of kin’? A father, a mother, a brother, a sister? Someone who is our closest blood relative perhaps?

Well, indeed you are right. Webster defines a ‘next of kin’ as:

“one or more persons in the nearest degree of relationship to another person”
Merriam-Webster Dictionary

This definition does not only relate to our earthly family, but the Scriptures themselves teach us that Christ Himself, is our next of kin.

We are taught that Christ died for our sins and that through Him we have salvation, which is true, I won’t negate this, however it is a bit deeper than this.

Christ did die for us, suffering the punishment required by the Law for the transgression of that same said Law, which is death, eternal death. But why did He choose to die? why did He take the form of fallen man, could He not have redeemed us from Heaven? why did He choose to suffer temptations as we also suffer temptations?

All of these are viable questions to the ‘thinking’ Christian.

The fact of the matter is this, we could have never had salvation through Christ Jesus, unless He had not become our next of kin.

Let me explain.

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
1 John 3:4 KJV

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23 KJV

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23 KJV

Scripture teaches us that anyone who transgresses or breaks the Law of God is a sinner, for sin itself is the transgression of God’s Law. It further teaches that all of us have transgressed the Law of God and therefore are sinners and the wages or reward given to all sinners is death, viz, eternal death at the last day. However, despite all of this, the Father, in showcasing His immense love for fallen humanity gave His only begotten Son, who in nature & substance is Himself also God, that whoever should believe on the merits of His Son, shall not suffer this eternal death but have eternal life, John 3:16 KJV.

However, being in the very nature and substance God, John 1:1-3,14 KJV, Christ Himself could not suffer as we suffer or endure the temptations of the devil as we go through daily being God, so “in all things, it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren“, Hebrews 2:17 KJV.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Hebrews 2:9 KJV

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same…
Hebrews 2:14 KJV

He therefore, had to be made like unto us, partaking of literal flesh and blood, born of a woman, in the fallen sinful nature of man, a descendant of Adam. “He, also, Himself, likewise, took part of the same” nature as us.

It is by doing this, that He became our next of kin, He became our blood relative, for we are all one family, descendants of our first two parents, Adam & Eve, and therefore took on their sinful propensities after they sinned. Christ, after taking on human nature, having been made like unto us, his brethren, was now able to suffer as we suffer, be afflicted as we are afflicted, tempted as we are tempted, and by His righteous, blameless life and the blood He shed for us, we can now be redeemed.

For the Law states that if any man be sold into slavery, he can be redeemed by his next of kin.

…if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger… After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him…any that is nigh of kin unto him of his family may redeem him; or if he be able, he may redeem himself.
Leviticus 25:47-49 KJV

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Matthew 5:17-18 KJV

We have been sold into bondage to sin because we in our very fallen nature are sinners, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. And contrary to the wisdom of the world, we are not able to redeem ourself for we are like the poor slave, there is only one Way, one Truth, and one Life and that is Christ Jesus. He therefore, being made like unto us, His brethren, became our next of kin that He might be able to redeem us. For Christ has not come to abolish or do away with the Law of God, as some falsely claim, rather, He came to fulfil the requirements of the Law.

The Law of God demands that a next of kin redeem him that has been sold into slavery, therefore, Christ, became our next of kin, that He may redeem us as the Law required. If the Law of God had been abolished, why then would Christ have to become like us and suffer like us and even die for us? The Law requires not only that there be a next of kin, but it also requires death for the transgressors, for the wages of sin is death. Christ Himself, came and took the death that we deserved and bore all of our sins upon the Cross, that we might be redeemed from the hands of the devil. Therefore, fulfilling the requirements of the Law, not one jot or tittle was passed from the Law.

As a result, Christ suffered for us, being tempted like we are, and is thus able to help and strengthen us as we are tempted. For we have not an high priest (and a next of kin) which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 KJV.

Loud Cry Compendium
“Even at the doors…”

Aug 15th, 2022

“When ye shall see these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.”
Matthew 24:33 KJV

When we look around us what do we see in the world today?

A world thrown into disarray & utter confusion. Wars and rumours thereof, racial conflict, widespread natural disasters, pestilences and diseases in man and in beast, not to mention the major increase in the frequency and intensity of global earthquakes and other calamities.

Crime is on the rise, there seems to be no more morality left in the world or in the Church. No respect for elders, no respect for parents, no respect or care for one’s own children.

Natural affection for one’s neighbour has ceased, mankind has become lovers of them own selves and pleasure more than lovers of God. Surely, we are living in unprecedented times, surely these days are perilous ones.

If the world is like this today, what will it be like in 30, 40 even 50 years to come?

Surely the world cannot continue like this….. Can it?

Are these not the warnings and signs that were given more than two thousand years ago? Have these messages not been preached by the Church for centuries, especially in the last 150+ years? Are we actually seeing the unfolding of Bible prophecy right before our eyes?

I believe we are.

I believe that these events and the state of the world as described by Christ and His disciples shortly before Christ’s Second Coming are being revealed right before our eyes.

“Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?“
Matthew 24:3 KJV

These were the words spoken by the disciples of Christ just days before His crucifixion upon the Cross. Christ was about to yield His life willingly for you and I. The penalty for the transgression of God’s Law is death (eternal), and Christ came as the atoning sacrifice that we may not have to suffer that penalty, should we believe and live for Him.

It was upon the Mount of Olives, after His final departure from the Ancient Temple in Jerusalem, that he was about to reveal unto his followers, both present at that time and future throughout later generations, the state of the world preceding His 2nd Coming in power and glory.

“ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars...nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom”
Matthew 24:6,7 KJV

Just look around us today, in the last 20 years for example, and observe the amount of global and civil wars and unrest that have taken place in our world.

Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Isis, Yemen, Russia & Ukraine, India & Pakistan. These are but a few. Not to mention the civil upheavals in Sudan, Mexico, Central Africa, Bangladesh, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, North Korea and the list goes on.

Surely the words of Christ have been speaking loud and clear in our day.

“there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.“
Matthew 24:7 KJV

Droughts are more noticeable, and this has a direct effect on the agricultural sector. As a result we are seeing more and more famines across the world.

Monkey Pox, Covid-19, SARS, Ebola, Swine and Avian Flus, Chikungunya, Cholera, Horse Flu, Mad Cow Disease, Zika virus & Lassa Fever. These are just a few of the epidemics and pandemics seen in man and beasts in the past twenty years.

Should I even mention the earthquakes?

It seems like everyday there is a new one and yes, one can argue, we have been having earthquakes as far as we can remember, which is true. However, have we been seeing earthquakes and tremors with such high frequency? At the time of this writing, there have been 46 earthquakes alone, greater than 2.5 in magnitude, all ranging from small island states to large independent nations; all “in divers places.”

“upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity…Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth“
Luke 21:25,26 KJV

With all of what we see happening in the world today, are not “men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth”?

In addition to the words of Christ, the Apostles also had much to say on these times. For says the Apostle Paul:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent (uncontrollable), fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God“
2 Timothy 3:1-4

Does it not sound like Paul is writing to us today?

Many may scoff at this and other similar messages, saying “where is the promise of His (Christ’s) coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation. 2 Peter 3:4

But does not God tell us in His Word “that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts.”? 2 Peter 3:3 and again He says “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4

All of what was written in times past is literally unfolding before our very eyes. Jesus gave us these signs that we may know that His Coming is near, even at the doors.

Therefore let us not be found scoffing and rejecting the message which Christ has given to us in love, for all of what we see transpiring today is meant to wake us up for ” the Kingdom of God is at hand, repent ye and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15

“Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.“
Matthew 25:34

Loud Cry Compendium
“Widespread Deception”

Aug 10th, 2022
“…take heed that no man deceive you…many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.”
Matthew 24:4,11 KJV

These are the words of Christ, spoken not only to the twelve disciples on the Mt. of Olives, but to all of His followers throughout all generations. Perilous times shall arise in the world and in the Church just before His return. Many false believers shall arise, professing to walk in truth, professing to be disciples of Christ and shall lead many into perdition.

They present a half truth to the people and they gobble it up like a 3 course meal. “Grace, grace! we are under grace” they say, “we can live as we want for Christ has died for our sins, all we need is faith!”

Yes, Christ has died for our sins!

The King of kings, had for a time stepped down from His throne in Heaven, to take on humanity’s fallen, fleshly nature and lived the life that we should live. ” By His stripes we are healed” Isaiah 53:5 KJV, and only by believing in our hearts by faith, that our sins have caused the death of our Saviour and belief in His divine redemptive power, will we be saved from eternal damnation. However, does this somehow give us the right to live in open rebellion to His Divine statues and commands?

Does not the Apostle James tell us that “faith without works is dead”? James 2:26 KJV, and does not the Prophet Samuel tell us that “…obedience is better than sacrifice…” 1 Samuel 15:22 KJV.

We must have a faith that produces the works of Christ which comes from obedience to His Word, for says the Apostle John, “He that saith he abideth in Him (Christ) ought himself also so to walk even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6 KJV. As Christ was obedient unto “every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (the Father)”, so must we be obedient unto every Word of Christ, who, in His very nature IS God.

So as we see from the Scriptures, yes we are justified by faith. Faith in Christ and His atoning sacrifice for us is the foundation of the Christian walk but we must also live the life of Christ and reflect His character and be a light in this dark world. For if we truly love God, we shall obey Him and live the life that He has called us to live, John 14:15 KJV.

However, despite the clearness of Scripture many shall err and depart from the truth in these last days of earth’s history.
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"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
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2 Timothy 4:3,4 KJV
These false ministers preach smooth things, sugar coated messages that lull the people to sleep. They refrain from preaching repentance from sin and gaining the victory over it. “They judge for reward”, “teach for hire”, “divine for money”, then have the gaul to say amongst themselves, “Is not the Lord among us? None evil can come against us”. Micah 3:9-11 KJV.

But why? Simply because the multitudes want to live in their sins, whilst falsely professing the name of Christ, this is the sad state of the Christian Church today. Therefore, they “heap up to themselves teachers, having itching ears” and therefore turn their ears away from those who preach the truth as it is in Jesus and rather follow after fables and false teachings.

This is the sad state of the world in these last days, light has come into the world and men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil…

Loud Cry Compendium
“Awake out of sleep”

Aug 7th, 2022

We are living in perilous times. Multitudes are asleep and are not paying any attention to the events that are transpiring around us. Events that ultimately will determine our everlasting destiny.

“Great changes are soon to take place in our world and the final movements will be rapid ones. The condition of things in the world shows that troublous times are right upon us. “
Testimonies to the Church vol.9 pg 11.2-11.3

We live in a world today where many profess the Christian faith, yet if you ask them what they actually believe, they cannot tell you. Why? Solely because Christianity today is a mere profession of faith with no corresponding works. The Christianity that we see in the Bible and in the early Church is nothing like what we see today. Christians today do not even pick up their Bibles and read them for themselves, dedicating time to study, like what was done in times past. Additionally, many ministers stand in the pulpit teaching a half truth and the end result? We have a Church today, which has “a form of godliness but deny the power thereof”, 2nd Timothy 3:5 KJV. In other words, they profess the Christian faith but they have not the fruits of the Spirit in their lives; they have one foot in the Church and another in the world.

As a result, it has been a passion of mine to open up the Scriptures to people. I believe that there should be less preaching and more teaching of the Word. Therefore, I intend to share various Bible Study notes on this platform for persons to view and study for themselves. Various topics will be covered and it is my intention that by opening up the Scriptures to people for them to see what the Bible actually teaches, that the gospel can be spread across the world and that they might come to a knowledge of the truth that is needed for these last days. I, by no means intend to judge any one; however, the truth must be presented from the Word of God and it is up to the individual to make a decision for themselves.

“Blow ye the trumpet in Zion and sound the alarm in my holy mountain. Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand.”

Joel 2:1. KJV

Happy Reading.

Loud Cry Compendium