A Human Mother

JESUS HAD A HUMAN MOTHER

        1. God’s Act in Christ Jesus to put the world right with Himself.

        The overriding theme of the Old Testament portion of the Bible is the living God, the strict Judge, punishing the sinner, loving the penitent and guiltless and evoking fear and awe, utterly ethical and moral, the Righteous One leaping out of those pages and demanding our obedient response.  If God is truly righteous, and if we are truly to let God be God and let His righteousness be revealed in a world of tragedy and suffering and moral failure, there is only one way in which this can happen.  There is only one way in which a fully personal and truly just God can achieve His purpose in such a world as this.  That is, by Himself bearing the suffering of the world and the consequences of our transgression.  How can He be the just God of the Bible unless He suffers more than any man in total innocence?

        “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24

        2. HE came as the Son of a human mother.

        “Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.  Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.” Rev 12:1-2

        “She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.”  Rev 12:5

        For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

        Luke wrote to tell us of God’s Great Plan centered in Jesus.  Luke 1:1-4,26-35; 2:4-7.

        3. Jesus the Messiah who was promised.

        “He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ).”  John 1:41

        Messiah = Christ = Anointed One.  "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor;”  Luke 4:18; Isaiah 49:8-9; 61:1-2

        God’s Plan was for God the Son to come into our world in human form (The Human One). 

        “And because the children are flesh and blood, he took a body himself and became like them; so that by his death he might put an end to him who had the power of death, that is to say, the Evil One; And let those who all their lives were in chains because of their fear of death, go free.”  Heb 2:14-15 (BBE)              

        Furthermore HE remained God all through, and the human generation in Time did not in any way detract from the divine generation in Eternity. “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;” Col 2:9 [Col. 1:15-20; Hebrews 2:14-18; 10:5-10;  Matt. 1:20-25.]

        God’s Plan for Mankind was in place before Creation.  Eph. 1:3-4.  This Plan centered around Jesus and a human mother.  As Eve was the first mother, Mary became the ‘God-bearer” (theotókos) as the mother through whom God the Son took flesh & blood.  "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Matt 1:23

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”  John 1:14

        “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”  Genesis 3:15.

        This is a promise of God’s Messiah, the Seed of the Woman, who would and did bruise the head of the Serpent.

        “Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made.  He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed,’ who is Christ.”  Gal. 3:16

        Christ Jesus is the one-and-only Seed - Seed of the Woman and also Seed of Abraham.  “Christ is God and God is Christ.”

        “But Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.”  Hebrews 3:6.

        In claiming Christ Jesus we also claim God.  Note 1 John 2:22-23.  “He who has the Son has the Father also.”

REVIVE US AGAIN

REVIVE US AGAIN!!!                           R. D. ICE

Clem Thurman writes in Gospel Minutes Sept. 27, 02: “Some folk, faced with the conditions as they are in the world today, are led to believe that ‘Christianity has failed.’  Even among those who are supposed to be Christians, many are ready to give up on ‘the law of the Spirit of life’ (Romans 8:2) as a world-changing movement, claiming that the gospel will just not fit the complex issues of our society today.”

Paul “planted.”  Apollos “watered.” But it was God Himself who gave the increase.  1 Corinthians 3:6.  Both planting preachers and watering preachers are required.  But no human effort can substitute for God who makes the plant grow.  God Himself is always on His Throne.

 

The Lord’s church has existed since Pentecost in Acts chapter 2.  But over the centuries there have been times of revival and renewal, movements, brotherhoods, and difficulties - all within the Lord’s church.  Note the “church of God” at Corinth struggled with many things.

The Lord’s church is indestructible!!!  Even the gates of hell cannot prevail against her!!!  Yet individual churches are only one generation away from extinction, and a local church may lose her candlestick [Revelation 2:5].

The Church is continually in need of "times of refreshing from the Lord."  Satan does his worst to discourage us and to send us down "blind alleys" to turn our attention away from Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.  Note Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:10-31.  We need revival and renewal to fill our hearts with the love of Christ [Romans 5:5].  This gives us hope, and hope is the anchor of the soul!  Peter proclaimed: "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."  [Acts 3:19 NKJV]

We in America look back to three times of revival which have had particular importance to the Churches of Christ in America.

1. "The Great Kentucky Revival" which took place around 1801.  Barton W. Stone said this was the Holy Spirit stirring up things [John 16:7-15], convicting and convincing.  This revival at Cane Ridge was a milestone.

The French & Indian War had ravaged and desolated the morality of our Nation.  It was said that the nation had become a nation of drunkards.  Crime was rampant.  Religion was at a low ebb.  When a time of revival broke out in Logan County, Kentucky, Stone went to see for himself.  He came back with new hope and strength.  He prayed, along with others, and revival came to Cane Ridge.  In that time of difficult and almost impossible travel, thousands came to join in, some from 100 miles away.  Perhaps twenty thousand came.  It was a new day!  Later Campbell and Walter Scott and others joined in.  Jesus was preached and thousands across the land "obeyed the gospel."

2. "The War Between The States."  Another time of revival took place around the time of the Civil War.  The War produced great upheaval and dislocation and suffering.  But Dr. J. H. Darst wrote in a history of the "restoration" in Virginia, "Ante-Bellum Disciples":  "Between the surrender in April, and November 1865, Chester Bullard baptized 500 persons in southwest Virginia, and about the same number of converts were secured in eastern Virginia: approximately a 10% increase in the State membership during the first seven months of peace."  The War produced strains on the "restoration" that later produced division.  But for a time Jesus was preached and many across the land "obeyed the gospel."

3. "World War II."  The Great Depression had come to an end.  Many were snatched up and taken overseas to fight.  It was a time of great turmoil and dislocation.  But many came to realize there was a World out there which could be won to Christ!  Returning soldiers brought with them great excitement and this filled the Churches of Christ!  Success became the goal!  Much outreach was done to bring people to Christ Jesus and to get them to "obey the gospel."  Many benevolent works were done; helping those in other countries who were starving; and also proclaiming Christ Crucified and Risen!  Much the same things were done here in our own country.  We saw a time of tremendous growth!

But the devil does his worst.  Whenever revival comes, the devil works to oppose it.  He tries to convince good people that the revival is sinful and that these things are of the devil.  Note how the Pharisees spoke of Jesus in Matthew 12:24.  Jesus said they were in danger of the unpardonable sin, verse 32.  But it is the Lord who opens doors that no one can shut (Revelation 3:7-8).  In opposing “revival” we could be opposing God (Acts 5:38-39).

Sometimes honest and sincere brethren will differ over what to them is a matter of "The Faith."  Note Romans 14.  We are to welcome all the Lord's followers - even those whose faith is weak, as Paul says.  We are not to spend our time arguing with them over their concerns.  We are to love them and help them. Yet of course our own freedom is not limited by what others think (1 Corinthians 10:23-29).

In the 50's brethren began debating brethren over certain "issues" that were being raised.  Some began to "choose up sides" and withdraw themselves from those they labeled as "unfaithful."  There would perhaps be two struggling churches now, where one strong church existed before; sometimes three or more struggling churches.  The Churches of Christ are effectively split into five distinct groups who have little or no contact with each other.  Note the list of distinctives in Mac Lynn's Directory: “Churches of Christ in the United States.”

But the past is no more.  There are times of Revival in our past, but we must move boldly ahead as good stewards of our "revival heritage."  Jesus is Lord and we must be faithful to Him!  We must speak out and encourage new revival simply because the Word of God on these matters is true.  Out of our deep love for God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit, we must strive to make our faith and love be real, honest, genuine and sincere!  We lift up our voices to God and ask for fresh strength!!!

Lensch wrote: "A revival is not just a season for spiritual fun and games.  No, revival is a divine corrective that is designed to get the church back on a course that is biblically normal." We look back to see the church as it was in the New Testament.  We also reach forward to the responsibility of sowing the same good seed from the Bible.  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!  We must exalt and glorify JESUS CHRIST and lead people to love and obey HIM!!!  [Read John 3:10-21.]

The Problem of Evil

THE POWER OF EVIL IN THE BOOK

OF REVELATION

The Book of Revelation is in a sense the "last word" about the struggle between good and evil. The divine drama which the Bible records is still going on, and will continue until Jesus Comes.

If we focus on the power of evil, we seem to think and dwell upon the disunity and ineffectiveness of the Lord’s church. "By names and creeds distressed." We see the failures and the crimes done in the name of being faithful to the Lord. Human pride and inertia, stupidity.  [But, are we seeing the whole picture?]

But this - we - are the material, inside and outside the church, which the Spirit of God has to work with. And He will only work by love and not by compelling.

We can think of today as a new Dark Ages, with materialism and sin and evil everywhere to be seen. Has Christianity failed??? God forbid!

In the years since Pentecost, Acts 2, these short years of infancy, saintliness, courage, care, concern, have made their mark. Lives have been changed, fear has given way to hope, new light - the light of Christ - has shone in dark places. The church has no need to apologize for its total record of service, its defense of the weak and helpless and unfortunate. Though often it has left its consecrated ones to fight the battle alone.

Jesus the Son of God, came in human form as flesh & blood, was tempted in every way that fallen man is tempted. Hebrews 4:14-16. The gulf between God and man has been bridged by God Himself in the person of the second Adam, a new kind of man, Jesus of Nazareth. He is God expressed in terms of human life (Romans 8:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:20-25).
 

Certainly the Book of Revelation is an odd one; its language cryptic, its symbolism strange. But it speaks in Jewish terms and figures, something like Daniel. Like the Book of Hebrews, Revelation was written to strengthen the church and encourage resistance to the power of evil. This world is only temporary. Jesus is Coming Again! Evil doesn’t stand a chance against the God who sits on His throne.

 Problem of Evil

    The Chardon OH shooting reminds us that Satan still tempts people.  Satan is bound by Christ and His Sacrifice, but still permitted to use his evil influence.  “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”  “Resist the devil and he will flee.”

1.       Satan is powerful, but restricted.

    “Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.  For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night.   And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.  And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.  Therefore, rejoice, O heavens!  And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!  But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.”  Rev 12:10-12 (NLT)

    Michael and his angels do the attacking.  Satan is booted out of heaven.  Christ’s Atonement frustrates the devil. 

1) Now God’s salvation has come. 

2) Our brothers won the victory. 

3) For the devil has come down in great anger. 

There will be Christians alive and waiting when Jesus Comes!  The church/kingdom does not come to an end but continues on into Eternity.

    The battle between God’s Kingdom and the Devil is not determined on earth.  It has already been settled in heaven.  In Rev. 12 John saw Satan defeated.  Yet Satan, thrown to earth, uses every weapon he can find to war against the Creator.  As John wrote, the Roman Empire was the Beast which Satan used to harass and destroy the people of God.  But the wrath of God, the Word of His Power, continues to prepare the punishment of evil.

2.       God’s Plan is being worked out.

    “Then the Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil....”  Gen 3:22

    “True free will cannot exist without the possibility of evil, that humans cannot understand God, that suffering is necessary for spiritual growth, or evil is the consequence of a fallen world.”  Wikipedia

    “And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."  Luke 22:31-32

    The devil sifts each of us looking for our weakness.  The Enemy uses the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life to tempt us to sin.  [But temptation itself is not sin.]  He uses fear of persecution to frighten us, as he did Peter.  Sometimes well-meaning Christians are tricked into opposing us.  Paul warns: “Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thess 3:15

    Note Jesus prayed for Peter, and Peter did return to the Lord.  Peter’s sifting led him to change his heart and mind.  It was Peter with the power of God who spoke at Pentecost. 

    3. Both Good And Evil.

    In the Parable of the Wheat and Tares, both good and evil exist together in our world.  To weed out the tares would disrupt the wheat.  But at the time of harvest, the sorting will take place.  [Matt. 13:24-30.]

    “God’s promise held true; Spring would come. He built into nature a cycle of life and death to show us that death was temporary, even when it seemed to be permanent, final, the end of all dreams.”  (Patrick Mead)

    “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse . . .”  Romans 1:20

    Christians are to know that during this Gospel Age which stretches from Pentecost until the Second Coming, both good and bad will come to God’s people.  Satan will send persecution and lies against each Christian.  But God’s special help prevents the Devil from attacking the church directly and destroying it.  Satan is to be allowed one last all-out effort to destroy the church (Rev. 20:7-101, and this may parallel the persecution of the first century. But we already know the outcome. Satan has already lost! And the Second Coming will put a stop to his final effort.  Some think a period of explosive growth will take place in Christ’s church at the exact same time that Satan is permitted to make his last effort.  History shows that “the blood of martyrs is the seed of the church.”

    “Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.  Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.  Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!   Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.  Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.”  Romans 12:14-19 (NLT)

    “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”  Eph 6:10-12 (NLT)

We Can Resist The Devil

    Jesus taught an obedient love for God that we are to show in the actions of ordinary life.  Doctrine is important, yet what we really are shows up in visible ways.  How we treat each other is proof of our faith in our God.  [Matt. 25:31-46]

    "To convert the pagan world, we must be the sign and wonder: We must be holy."  [Tom Forrest]

1.       God’s discipline is always good for us.

    “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.”  Heb 12:28-29 (NKJV)

    a) God gives us the authority to resist evil.

   

    “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7 (NKJV)

    “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”  1 Cor 10:12-13 (NLT)

    b) As we learn we are able to help others.

    “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”  2 Cor 1:3-4 (NKJV)

2.       We conquer evil by doing good.

    “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”  Romans 12:21 (NLT)

    “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”  

Matt 5:16 (NKJV)

    “Men do not praise the street lamps which protect them from robbery and assault, but they praise the municipal administration which furnishes the lamps.”  McGarvey - Four-Fold Gospel

    3. Paul speaks of holy living.  Romans 12:14-21 (NKJV)

    “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”     

    “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

    “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”

    “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.”

    “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” 

    “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.”  [Deuteronomy 32:35]

    “Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."  [Proverbs 25:21-22]

                “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 

ANGELS AT THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

Angels at the birth of Jesus the Christ
"Angel activity always increases at times of great spiritual breakthrough in the kingdom of God." Christmas was just such a moment in history. At the time of the birth of Christ, the earth exploded with angel activity.

1. God sent angels to make announcements to all who took part in the birth of the Savior.

a) Gabriel the angel appeared to the priest Zacharias and told him: "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John" (Luke 1:13).

b) Gabriel was sent to Mary, Jesus' mother, to herald her as the woman chosen by God to birth His Son. "Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus." Luke 1:30-31

c) Joseph was reassured of Mary's virginal purity by an angel who appeared to him in a dream. "But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matt 1:20-21

d) An angel directed the shepherds to Bethlehem so they could find the stable and manger where Jesus was. The same angel along with countless others shouted God’s praise above the shepherds' field.

"And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:9-14

e) Angel activity increases when God releases His supernatural into the natural. ("For with God nothing will be impossible."

Luke 1:37) And angel ministry increases when our faith responds to the Word of God. "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14 "So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. Luke 16:22 [it is the office of angels to minister to the heirs of salvation"—McGarvey -Four-Fold Gospel]

Immanuel - God with Us 1. "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Matt 1:23 (NKJV)

In the Bible, Jesus has many names that identify His character. One of those names is Immanuel, which means "God with us." Before Jesus came to earth, the Spirit of God resided in the temple. The people had to go through all sorts of rituals to become clean enough to go near Him. Now, as believers, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). When we welcome Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He is the one who cleanses us and actually makes His home in our hearts (Titus 2:11-14).

Isn’t it good to know that God is with us? He is closer than the very air that we breathe. His peace is always with us. His joy is always with us. His power is always with us, and His victory is always with us. The next time you feel alone, remember, you serve Immanuel — the God who is always with you!

"Till God in human flesh I see,
My thoughts no comfort find;
The holy, just, and sacred Three,
Are terror to my mind.

"But if Immanuel's face appears,
My hope, my joy, begins;
His grace removes my slavish fears,
His blood removes my sins."
[from an old hymn]

"Father in heaven, thank You for choosing to make Your home in me. Thank You for filling me with Your peace and joy. I bless You today knowing that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus’ name. Amen."

Living The Lord's Prayer

Living the Lord’s Prayer

    [”For samples of vain repetitions, see I Kings 18:26; Acts 19:34.” McGarvey]

    To many people the “Lord’s Prayer” represents the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Jesus gave it as a pattern of how people may approach GOD in prayer.  We pray as God’s children!

    Jesus was a man of prayer. 

We can imagine Him saying something like this.  “The Father is the secret of My success.  He is the reason for My existence, My vision, My horizon, My passion and zeal.  Living for Him is what life is all about.  If you miss this, you completely misunderstand Me, and every- thing I wish to give you.”  [John 10:17-18; Hebrews 2:9]

    1. Lord, teach us to pray. 

    “Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." Luke 11:1

In God's family, we, as His childen have the right to pray to Him personally. 

    In teaching how to pray, Jesus is teaching how to live.   For Him, constant communication with His Father was His life.  So what He prayed about each day was what He most cared about.

    a) A pattern for prayer.  “So He said to them, "When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” Luke 11:2 

            

    From the very beginning Jesus is teaching that human life is to be understood in relationship to GOD who is our FATHER.  If you want to become all you were meant to be - PUT GOD FIRST.  [This does not cancel the fact that God intends us to work to make a living.  Jesus worked as a carpenter, Paul made tents, Peter fished.  We work, but as a Christian.]

    “Seek first the Kingdom.”  When we plan our day, when we set priorities, when we think of our short and long term goals, all of this must be viewed through our relationship to GOD, and His purposes and plans for our life.  “If the Lord is willing, we will do such and such.”  James 4:13-16

 b) Your kingdom come.  Satan is permitted to distort and confuse.  Yet GOD is on His Throne.  God’s Great Kingdom has come to earth and it will last forever!  Jesus prays that the kingdom of God will be welcomed into our hearts.  Each new baby born into our world is a candidate for citizenship in God’s kingdom.  Compare Phil. 3:20-21.  “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” 

    c) Give us this day our daily bread.  God is NOT a fickle, distant, harsh, trickster, who is nearly impossible to please.  He is a loving Father who is committed to us without limit.  As He supplied manna to the Jews, He feeds us through the most focused, compassionate, powerful, and intelligent MAN who ever lived.  “I am the bread sent down from heaven.”

    “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”  Matt 6:33-34

    d) Forgive us as we forgive others.”  “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”  Eph 4:30-32

    The apostles understood what they had received and what was at stake in Jesus’ command to forgive.  And Paul knew that we are all prodigals who stand in desperate need of forgiveness. Unforgiveness blocks the flow of God’s mercy. 

    e) Lead us not into temptation.  Jesus wants us to be alert, clear-minded, and ready for action.  He himself was tempted “in every way that we are” (Hebrews 4:14-16).  Sin kills.  At its core, sin is a refusal of God, a conscious rejection of His Plan and purpose for our lives.  But Jesus is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world!  [But sin is what God says it is.  Some confuse their opinions with God's commands.

]

    f) But deliver us from evil.  The victory belongs to the Lord!  The idea that we look to God for help to defeat the devil seems weird to the modern mind.  Many today simply deny that there is a devil.  But some think Satan is as powerful as God.  Jesus does neither.  He wants us to be battle-ready and to look to God and draw on His strength.  “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  Eph 6:10-11

    g) For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory Forever.  Amen.  We can have faith in answered prayer when we ask for things worthy of the Lord and strive for holiness.  Of course, human prayers neither limit nor control the Awesome GOD.  He works for our eternal good, and for His Purpose to be completed here and now.

[Christians are to SEE Jesus high and lifted up!  He is the Lamb of God who by Himself PURGED our sins [Hebrews 1:3].  This seems nonsense to some.  ”For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." 1 Cor 1:18-19; Isaiah 29:14]

FOUR GREAT CERTAINTIES

FOUR GREAT CERTAINTIES                                R.D.Ice

        “He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world, but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.  And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.  To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”  Hebrews 9:26-28

 Everyone has to die once,
then stand at Judgment.
Christ died  once,
but His death was a sacrifice
that took care of sins forever.
When He Comes Again,
it will be salvation
for those waiting for Him.
[Hebrews 9:27-28]

        1st great certainty - Death.  “It is appointed for men to die once.”

        Christianity is about life.  Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”  John 10:10

        Jesus said: “For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”  John 5:21.

        But we all die because we are human in Adam.  1 Cor. 15:22

        “Life is a constant and daily journey toward death.  One after another dies, and the living must merely engage in the miserable business of carrying one another to the grave.  All of us are traveling the same road together.”  Luther
 

        2nd great certainty - Judgment.  “We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”  Romans 14:10.

        Judgment beyond this life is only fair and right.

        We shall be judged by a law which is “holy and just and good.”

        God’s promise to forgive and forget.  Hebrews 10:17; 1 John 1:9.

        “Will my life stand the test of judgment?”
 

        3rd great certainty - Gospel.  “So it is certain that Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.”

        The Good News Gospel of Christ is as certain as death and judgment.  God loves you and wants you to know what He has done for you in and through His Son, Jesus Christ.

        a) HE lived a sinless life - fulfilling God’s law. 

        b) HE died for us and paid the penalty for our breaking the law of God.  Romans 5:8.

        c) HE rose from the dead and commanded us to tell everyone the Good News that forgiveness and eternal life are offered freely to all who believe.  Luke 24:47; John 20:31
 

        4th great certainty - Christ is Coming Again.

        “He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”

        God begins to reward us for Christ’s sake even now.  He accepts us as sons/daughters (John 1:12).  He gives us the Holy Spirit (Gal. 4:6).  He transforms our lives by making us a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17).

        To believers who wait eagerly for Him, Christ’s return is the “blessed hope.”  (Titus 2:11-13)
 
We are in a new life right now,
and we want the Day to come!
The glorious Day when our great
God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears.
He offered Himself as a sacrifice
to free us from a dark, rebellious life -
into this good, pure life,
making us a people
He can be proud of.
[Titus 2:12-14]

SAMARITAN WOMAN

PHOTINI - The Samaritan Woman of John 4:4-9

(Sometimes a question sparks investigation. Luke mentions many writing about Jesus. Luke 1:1-4. The Bible does not try to tell everything that might be told. John 20:30-31; 21:25. But traditional history tells of Photini, the Samaritan woman.)


Whoever invests his/her life in God's Son
Doesn’t die, but gets given this everlasting life.
Do you think God sent His Son to slam people down?
NO! He sent His Son to liberate people! [John 3:17]


1. Who were the Samaritans [Palestinians]?

The Samaritans were a mixed race and traditional enemies of the Jews. Although they worshipped the God of Israel and were awaiting a Redeemer, they accepted only the first five Books of the OT (the Pentateuch) as their Scriptures. They had built their temple at Mt. Gerazim, which the Jews destroyed in 128 BC. Their worship was similar to the Koran of Islam. [Note the Koran shows Mohammed dead, but Mary's Son Jesus ascending to heaven. And the Koran shows Jesus coming at the End of the World.]

God allowed the 10 Tribes to be taken captive. 2 Kings 17:1-18.

"Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel; and they took possession of Samaria and dwelt in its cities."
2 Kings 17:24

Bwecxause these new people did not worship Him, God sent lions among them. 2 Kings 17:25-27.

"Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the Lord." 2 Kings 17:28

Note God sent no more lions. He must have accepted the things the Samaritans did to worship Him.


2. Jesus at the well.

Jacob's well was at the foot of Mt. Gerazim. It was here Jacob had the vision of the Ladder (Gen. 28:12-19).

"Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." John 4:9-10

"Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?" John 4:12

Jesus is greater than Jacob. He is the final revelation of God. "And He said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." John 1:51


3. Fountain of Living Water.

"but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." John 4:14

The living water given by Jesus is the Holy Spirit as a gift. The inspired explanation is John 7:37-39. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified." And the Holy Spirit Himself becomes a Fountain of Water which flows with eternal life. [Jesus was glorified in the Cross & Resurrection.]


4. I AM - who speak to you am He.

Jesus reveals Himself to be more than the Messianic Prophet [who the Samaritans were expecting] and more than the Jewish Messiah. He is the Incarnate GOD Himself.

"Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world." John 4:42

The Samaritans are the first to recognize Jesus as the Savior of the world. The Gospel is for the world. The Samaritan woman becomes the first evangelist, testifying to the advent of Christ and bringing others to Him (John 4:39).

According to an early tradition, after the Resurrection of Christ she was baptized [at Pentecost] and given the Christian name Photini, "the enlightened one." Along with her two sons and five daughters she went to Carthage to spread the gospel. There they were arrested and taken to Rome under Nero, imprisoned, and later martyred.


O Lord, open our lips.
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Blessed are You, O God.
In Christ the walls that divide are broken down,
the chains that enslave are thrown aside,
and we are freed from death and despair
and given life and hope.
We are liberated from hate and war
and empowered to love and to seek peace.
For these and all Your mercies, we praise You:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
Blessed be God for ever!
[from an old prayer]