Five Finger Exercise For Today:
1. God is Real.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." Gen 1:1-2
First off, nothing - but GOD. No light! No time! Nothing of creation at all! But God said the word - WHAM!!! CREATION came into existence! Day one: LIGHT. Day two: Firmament - a dome of sky. Day three: Dry Land, VEGETATION - a million shades of it. Day four: SUN, MOON, STARS. Day five: GOD said, ANIMALS - a whole caboodle of living things. Day six: PEOPLE - men and women. All made in the image of GOD. "Fill the earth with your families and run things well."
"God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands." Acts 17:24
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalms 27:1
2. Christ is Lord.
"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phil 2:9-11; Col. 1:15-20 [note song # 858]
What's God like? Look at JESUS. We were at war with GOD - but now JESUS wrote the PEACE TREATY with His Blood! 2 Cor. 5:17-19 Reconciled! Romans 5:8; Col. 1:20.
3. Sin is Forgiven.
"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 at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." Heb 1:3-4
JESUS stepped in to take our mess of sins upon Himself! Then He took office right next to the KING of HEAVEN!
"Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens," Heb 8:1; 9:15; 10:12
4. Love is Supreme.
"And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:16
How come we LOVE? HE STARTED IT! "We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19
"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5; John 7:38-39; Titus 3:5-6.
5. Life is Eternal.
"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." Romans 8:11; John 14:19; 2 Cor. 4:14
"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." 1 John 5:13
Confidence is necessary to fight against defeatism and certain false doctrines. Note how John’s proof progresses: 1 John 1:2; 2:25; 3:13-14; 4:12-13; 5:11-12. In the Name. See Matt. 28:19; Acts 4:12 and notes. The Name of JESUS includes everything that JESUS IS, WAS, HAS DONE and WILL DO!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
HOLY BIBLE
HOLY BIBLE
Campbell said: Facts are stubborn things. Perhaps that is why the Bible describes many things that actually took place in real time. Words may have different meanings in different contexts. Facts stand out to speak reality.
Campbell wrote: "We have, in writing, all the Hebrew and Greek that is necessary to perpetuate to the end of time, all the ideas which the Spirit of God has communicated to the world; and these languages, being dead, have long since ceased to change. The meaning of the words used by the sacred penman, is fixed and immutable; which it could not have been, had these languages continued to have been spoken..." The Sacred Writings, A. Campbell, 1826
[Campbell's Living Oracles New Testament is online for all to read at: www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/oracles4th/oracles4th.html]
Many are not aware of the human effort used to translate the Bible into language and form we can understand. The Original Bible was written all in capital letters with no space between the words, and with almost no punctuation. Chapter and verse divisions did not come until the 16th century. In ancient times few could possess a Bible. Manuscripts had to be copied by hand. Printing introduced a revolution where the common man could have his own copy of the Bible.
It is the Spirit's Bible!
Copyright every word!
Only His thoughts are uttered,
Only His voice is heard!
[William Luff]
Some years after the KJV translators had "handled aright the word of truth," a major discovery was made of ancient New Testament manuscripts in the Greek. language. J.W.McGarvey, a highly respected scholar of the Churches of Christ made this comment at the Missouri Christian Lectures in 1883 concerning the "corrected Greek Text of the New Testament." [He was speaking of the Greek text that became the basis of what we call the American Standard Version - the "gold standard" of translation.]
"The Canterbury Revision of the New Testament should now totally supplant the King James Version, not only because it is a great improvement as a version, but because it is the only representative in English of the corrected Greek text. A man is not safe in venturing upon the exegesis of a single passage by the aid of the old version until he shall have compared it with the new; and rather than be continually making these comparisons, it is better to at once adopt the new into exclusive use."
By Canterbury Revision McGarvey meant the English Revised Version of 1880. It is the version used in the margin of Johnson's Notes - The Peoples' New Testament. And it was the basis of the American Standard Version of 1901.
When the work was begun on the Canterbury Revision in 1870, sixty-five scholars were selected to do the work. A year later an American committee of thirty-four was chosen to cooperate in this project. These scholars made changes in the interest of clarity [because words had changed their meanings, etc.]. But, it is worthwhile to notice that although they had in their hands no less than 2000 manuscripts of the Old Testament and 3000 manuscripts of the New Testament, they did not find changes necessary which would alter a single historical fact or essential doctrine of Christianity. In other words, the Hand of God has been active down through the ages, working through devoted men, to transmit to our age the Word in an unchanged form.
When the American Standard Version is used as a basis of comparison for recent new versions, they will be seen to be more accurate than some have said. You can read the ASV online at www.keyway.ca/bibles/asvindex.htm
If you want to read about Greek NT texts, www.bible-researcher.com/kutilek1.html
If you want to read Westcott & Hort's Greek NT Text in Greek:: www.biblegateway.com/versions/index.php?action=getVersionInfo&vid=68
Campbell used Griesbach's edition of the Greek New Testament. This text survives in the Wilson Emphatic Diaglott of 1864. www.thedcl.org/bible/diaglott-nt/index.html
[note that the English subtitles reflect Wilson's opinions sometimes. He thought like a JW.]
On evidence for the longer ending of Mark see: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_16#The_Longer_Ending
Note: When I graduated from High School my Grandmother Rosa gave me an American Standard Version Teacher's Bible and an Underwood Portable Typewriter. I used both to good effect. But the most valuable thing she gave me was her faith in Christ.
The Best Translation Of The Bible
Four preachers were discussing the merits of the various translations of the Bible. One liked the King James Version because of its simple, beautiful English. Another liked the American Standard Version best because it comes closer to the original Hebrew and Greek. The third liked Moffatt’s translation best because of its up-to-date words. The fourth preacher was silent. When asked to express his opinion, he replied, "I liked my mother’s translation best." The other three expressed surprise and wanted to know what he meant. "Well," he explained, "my mother translated the Bible into her everyday life, and it was the most convincing translation I ever saw." -- Attributed to William Barclay, via Mark A. Copeland.
Campbell said: Facts are stubborn things. Perhaps that is why the Bible describes many things that actually took place in real time. Words may have different meanings in different contexts. Facts stand out to speak reality.
Campbell wrote: "We have, in writing, all the Hebrew and Greek that is necessary to perpetuate to the end of time, all the ideas which the Spirit of God has communicated to the world; and these languages, being dead, have long since ceased to change. The meaning of the words used by the sacred penman, is fixed and immutable; which it could not have been, had these languages continued to have been spoken..." The Sacred Writings, A. Campbell, 1826
[Campbell's Living Oracles New Testament is online for all to read at: www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/oracles4th/oracles4th.html]
Many are not aware of the human effort used to translate the Bible into language and form we can understand. The Original Bible was written all in capital letters with no space between the words, and with almost no punctuation. Chapter and verse divisions did not come until the 16th century. In ancient times few could possess a Bible. Manuscripts had to be copied by hand. Printing introduced a revolution where the common man could have his own copy of the Bible.
It is the Spirit's Bible!
Copyright every word!
Only His thoughts are uttered,
Only His voice is heard!
[William Luff]
Some years after the KJV translators had "handled aright the word of truth," a major discovery was made of ancient New Testament manuscripts in the Greek. language. J.W.McGarvey, a highly respected scholar of the Churches of Christ made this comment at the Missouri Christian Lectures in 1883 concerning the "corrected Greek Text of the New Testament." [He was speaking of the Greek text that became the basis of what we call the American Standard Version - the "gold standard" of translation.]
"The Canterbury Revision of the New Testament should now totally supplant the King James Version, not only because it is a great improvement as a version, but because it is the only representative in English of the corrected Greek text. A man is not safe in venturing upon the exegesis of a single passage by the aid of the old version until he shall have compared it with the new; and rather than be continually making these comparisons, it is better to at once adopt the new into exclusive use."
By Canterbury Revision McGarvey meant the English Revised Version of 1880. It is the version used in the margin of Johnson's Notes - The Peoples' New Testament. And it was the basis of the American Standard Version of 1901.
When the work was begun on the Canterbury Revision in 1870, sixty-five scholars were selected to do the work. A year later an American committee of thirty-four was chosen to cooperate in this project. These scholars made changes in the interest of clarity [because words had changed their meanings, etc.]. But, it is worthwhile to notice that although they had in their hands no less than 2000 manuscripts of the Old Testament and 3000 manuscripts of the New Testament, they did not find changes necessary which would alter a single historical fact or essential doctrine of Christianity. In other words, the Hand of God has been active down through the ages, working through devoted men, to transmit to our age the Word in an unchanged form.
When the American Standard Version is used as a basis of comparison for recent new versions, they will be seen to be more accurate than some have said. You can read the ASV online at www.keyway.ca/bibles/asvindex.htm
If you want to read about Greek NT texts, www.bible-researcher.com/kutilek1.html
If you want to read Westcott & Hort's Greek NT Text in Greek:: www.biblegateway.com/versions/index.php?action=getVersionInfo&vid=68
Campbell used Griesbach's edition of the Greek New Testament. This text survives in the Wilson Emphatic Diaglott of 1864. www.thedcl.org/bible/diaglott-nt/index.html
[note that the English subtitles reflect Wilson's opinions sometimes. He thought like a JW.]
On evidence for the longer ending of Mark see: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_16#The_Longer_Ending
Note: When I graduated from High School my Grandmother Rosa gave me an American Standard Version Teacher's Bible and an Underwood Portable Typewriter. I used both to good effect. But the most valuable thing she gave me was her faith in Christ.
The Best Translation Of The Bible
Four preachers were discussing the merits of the various translations of the Bible. One liked the King James Version because of its simple, beautiful English. Another liked the American Standard Version best because it comes closer to the original Hebrew and Greek. The third liked Moffatt’s translation best because of its up-to-date words. The fourth preacher was silent. When asked to express his opinion, he replied, "I liked my mother’s translation best." The other three expressed surprise and wanted to know what he meant. "Well," he explained, "my mother translated the Bible into her everyday life, and it was the most convincing translation I ever saw." -- Attributed to William Barclay, via Mark A. Copeland.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
FOR FREEDOM
FOR FREEDOM CHRIST HAS SET US FREE!
I make no excuse for having "borrowed" some things from others, changed a word here and there, and added a few things. ["The cow grazes in many pastures, but the milk she gives is her own."] But I believe these speak truth about who we are in Christ Jesus. And so I pass them on.
"Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you." Galatians 5:1 (MsgB) But sometimes WE are the one who keeps ourself in slavery by REFUSING to be free.
CAN WE FORGIVE WITHOUT GOD? [Terry Rush]
We shout obedience, but whisper grace and repentance. When God's children left Egypt He let them wander in the wilderness for the rest of their lives because they began their trek with grumbling and complaining which never stopped. They went around the same old mountains and through the same old dry places year after year. Why?
They refused to flip the switch on their talk. It wasn't they wouldn't walk the talk. They refused to TALK the WALK. It was all about them and how bad they had it and how much they wanted God to bless…and how irritated with Him they were because He didn't. But what they couldn't figure out was they were their own Barney Fife, arresting themselves one crabby and sulking complaint at time.
What a tragedy to plant our own land mines and then step on them. How much sadder to find ourselves jailed and WE are our own jailer. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free..." Gal 5:1 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Eph 6:12-13 Petersen words it: "Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet." (MsgB)
WHO GOD IS! [Patrick Mead]
God can do all things by Himself, but He seems to be a God who relishes community and relationship. He didn't have to create us, but He did. He didn't have to leave His treasures in us "earthen vessels" but He did. He earnestly desires a working, loving, relationship with us; one that transforms us and makes us ready for eternity with Him. Even in heaven, He doesn't work alone. Again, it must be stressed that God could work alone. We don't want to fall into Zoroasterism or any other kind of dualism. Simply put, dualism says that there is a great cosmic war between good and evil and those two forces are roughly equal in power and influence. Humans are urged to choose good and work hard to tip the scales, even if ever so slightly, in the favor of goodness. This is NOT a Biblical way to view the cosmos. God is LORD, VICTOR, and ALL IN ALL. The only reason the battle with evil has gone on this long is because God loves us and wants to work with us to make us more like Him and He wants to give people more time to come to Him, so He delays the End.
MY LIFE FOR THEE! {Christmas Evans]
Mr. Christmas Evans [he was born on Christmas day.] now entered into a solemn covenant with God, made, as he says, "under a deep sense of the evil of his heart, and in dependence upon the infinite grace and merit of the Redeemer." [1 John 1:6-10] Some of this renewed determination can be seen in the following statements.
1. "I give my soul and body unto Thee, Jesus, the true God, and everlasting life - deliver me from sin, and from eternal death, and bring me into life everlasting. Amen."
2. "I call the day, the sun, the earth, the trees, the stones, the bed, the table, and the books, to witness that I come unto Thee, Redeemer of sinners, that I may obtain rest for my soul from the thunders of guilt and the dread of eternity."
3. "I do, through confidence in Thy power, earnestly entreat Thee to take the work into Thine own hand, and give me a circumcised heart, that I may love Thee, and create in me a right spirit, that I may seek Thy glory. Grant me that principle which Thou will own in the day of judgment, that I may not then assume palefacedness, and find myself a hypocrite. Grant me this, for the sake of Thy Most Precious Blood. Amen."
4. "I entreat Thee, Jesus, the Son of God, in power, grant me, for the sake of Thy agonizing death, a covenant-interest in Thy blood, which cleanseth; in Thy righteousness, which justifieth; and in Thy redemption, which delivereth. I entreat an interest in Thy blood, for Thy BLOOD'S sake, and a part in Thee, for Thy Name's sake, which Thou has given among men. Amen." [Christmas Evans]
"We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as His children, including the new bodies He has promised us." Romans 8:23 The Book Version
I make no excuse for having "borrowed" some things from others, changed a word here and there, and added a few things. ["The cow grazes in many pastures, but the milk she gives is her own."] But I believe these speak truth about who we are in Christ Jesus. And so I pass them on.
"Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you." Galatians 5:1 (MsgB) But sometimes WE are the one who keeps ourself in slavery by REFUSING to be free.
CAN WE FORGIVE WITHOUT GOD? [Terry Rush]
We shout obedience, but whisper grace and repentance. When God's children left Egypt He let them wander in the wilderness for the rest of their lives because they began their trek with grumbling and complaining which never stopped. They went around the same old mountains and through the same old dry places year after year. Why?
They refused to flip the switch on their talk. It wasn't they wouldn't walk the talk. They refused to TALK the WALK. It was all about them and how bad they had it and how much they wanted God to bless…and how irritated with Him they were because He didn't. But what they couldn't figure out was they were their own Barney Fife, arresting themselves one crabby and sulking complaint at time.
What a tragedy to plant our own land mines and then step on them. How much sadder to find ourselves jailed and WE are our own jailer. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free..." Gal 5:1 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Eph 6:12-13 Petersen words it: "Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet." (MsgB)
WHO GOD IS! [Patrick Mead]
God can do all things by Himself, but He seems to be a God who relishes community and relationship. He didn't have to create us, but He did. He didn't have to leave His treasures in us "earthen vessels" but He did. He earnestly desires a working, loving, relationship with us; one that transforms us and makes us ready for eternity with Him. Even in heaven, He doesn't work alone. Again, it must be stressed that God could work alone. We don't want to fall into Zoroasterism or any other kind of dualism. Simply put, dualism says that there is a great cosmic war between good and evil and those two forces are roughly equal in power and influence. Humans are urged to choose good and work hard to tip the scales, even if ever so slightly, in the favor of goodness. This is NOT a Biblical way to view the cosmos. God is LORD, VICTOR, and ALL IN ALL. The only reason the battle with evil has gone on this long is because God loves us and wants to work with us to make us more like Him and He wants to give people more time to come to Him, so He delays the End.
MY LIFE FOR THEE! {Christmas Evans]
Mr. Christmas Evans [he was born on Christmas day.] now entered into a solemn covenant with God, made, as he says, "under a deep sense of the evil of his heart, and in dependence upon the infinite grace and merit of the Redeemer." [1 John 1:6-10] Some of this renewed determination can be seen in the following statements.
1. "I give my soul and body unto Thee, Jesus, the true God, and everlasting life - deliver me from sin, and from eternal death, and bring me into life everlasting. Amen."
2. "I call the day, the sun, the earth, the trees, the stones, the bed, the table, and the books, to witness that I come unto Thee, Redeemer of sinners, that I may obtain rest for my soul from the thunders of guilt and the dread of eternity."
3. "I do, through confidence in Thy power, earnestly entreat Thee to take the work into Thine own hand, and give me a circumcised heart, that I may love Thee, and create in me a right spirit, that I may seek Thy glory. Grant me that principle which Thou will own in the day of judgment, that I may not then assume palefacedness, and find myself a hypocrite. Grant me this, for the sake of Thy Most Precious Blood. Amen."
4. "I entreat Thee, Jesus, the Son of God, in power, grant me, for the sake of Thy agonizing death, a covenant-interest in Thy blood, which cleanseth; in Thy righteousness, which justifieth; and in Thy redemption, which delivereth. I entreat an interest in Thy blood, for Thy BLOOD'S sake, and a part in Thee, for Thy Name's sake, which Thou has given among men. Amen." [Christmas Evans]
"We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as His children, including the new bodies He has promised us." Romans 8:23 The Book Version
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
FORMERLY HIDDEN WISDOM OF GOD
Wisdom of God - the formerly hidden wisdom
In spite of the worst Satan can do, many celebrate the Birth, the Death & Resurrection of Christ Jesus - God The Son.
"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1 Cor 2:7-8
None of the rulers. This points to the Jewish and Roman rulers who nailed Christ to the cross. They were completely ignorant of God’s wisdom and plan. The stupidity of the philosophers in rejecting "Christ on the cross" was only surpassed by the stupidity of the politicians who nailed Him there. No one ever expected God to act in history by sending the Eternal Word in human form and having Him die on the cross as the means of salvation! The TOTAL glory of God’s Act In Christ is still beyond human understanding!
"Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father." John 10:17-18
This is the basis of the Gospel. (1 Cor. 1:18-25: 15:1-4). He gave His life on the Cross; He took it back when He raised from death. [In these first 18 verses of John 10, Christ is the Door, through whom the true shepherds must enter. Then He is the Good Shepherd, whose praises both David and Isaiah sung, who gives His life for His sheep.]
The rulers of this age
We look at three. Their desires are so familiar: One is looking for a place to belong. One is in a power struggle. And another wants to save his image. Sound like someone you know? These aren’t twenty first century stressed-out boomers - they are individuals who lived in first century Israel and had a life-changing encounter with Jesus the Savior. See how Jesus relates uniquely to each one, calling them to a new understanding and challenging them to take radical action. Some choose to serve Him, while others reject His invitation, yet all are changed in some way. Take a look:
• Zaccheus, the Jew who works for the Romans as a tax collector, is trying to figure out where he fits. Will anyone accept him?
"And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:9-10
• Annas, the former high priest, is looking to exert power by getting rid of the "trouble maker."
"And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people." John 18:13-14
compare John 11:49-52. "Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad."
• Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee with a fascination for spiritual matters, wants to preserve his image in front of the people.
"Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him." Mark 6:14
"Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other." Luke 23:8-12
"For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done." Acts4:27-28
Quotable. Poetry plays a role in the Bible. Read the Psalms. Charles Williams wrote: "But then poetry can do something that philosophy can not. For poetry, like faith, can look at the back as well as the front of Reason; it can survey Reason all around." "Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation." (Psalm 111:1) "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7)
In spite of the worst Satan can do, many celebrate the Birth, the Death & Resurrection of Christ Jesus - God The Son.
"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1 Cor 2:7-8
None of the rulers. This points to the Jewish and Roman rulers who nailed Christ to the cross. They were completely ignorant of God’s wisdom and plan. The stupidity of the philosophers in rejecting "Christ on the cross" was only surpassed by the stupidity of the politicians who nailed Him there. No one ever expected God to act in history by sending the Eternal Word in human form and having Him die on the cross as the means of salvation! The TOTAL glory of God’s Act In Christ is still beyond human understanding!
"Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father." John 10:17-18
This is the basis of the Gospel. (1 Cor. 1:18-25: 15:1-4). He gave His life on the Cross; He took it back when He raised from death. [In these first 18 verses of John 10, Christ is the Door, through whom the true shepherds must enter. Then He is the Good Shepherd, whose praises both David and Isaiah sung, who gives His life for His sheep.]
The rulers of this age
We look at three. Their desires are so familiar: One is looking for a place to belong. One is in a power struggle. And another wants to save his image. Sound like someone you know? These aren’t twenty first century stressed-out boomers - they are individuals who lived in first century Israel and had a life-changing encounter with Jesus the Savior. See how Jesus relates uniquely to each one, calling them to a new understanding and challenging them to take radical action. Some choose to serve Him, while others reject His invitation, yet all are changed in some way. Take a look:
• Zaccheus, the Jew who works for the Romans as a tax collector, is trying to figure out where he fits. Will anyone accept him?
"And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:9-10
• Annas, the former high priest, is looking to exert power by getting rid of the "trouble maker."
"And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people." John 18:13-14
compare John 11:49-52. "Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad."
• Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee with a fascination for spiritual matters, wants to preserve his image in front of the people.
"Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him." Mark 6:14
"Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other." Luke 23:8-12
"For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done." Acts4:27-28
Quotable. Poetry plays a role in the Bible. Read the Psalms. Charles Williams wrote: "But then poetry can do something that philosophy can not. For poetry, like faith, can look at the back as well as the front of Reason; it can survey Reason all around." "Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation." (Psalm 111:1) "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7)
HE IS ALIVE!
HE IS ALIVE!!!
We celebrate This Every Sunday
In The Lord’s Supper!
"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" 1 Cor 10:16; Eph. 5:30
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:16-17 compare Rev. 5:5-14.
"For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:3-4 compare John 8:28; 12:32-33.
JESUS IS ALIVE!
John wrote: All this happened!
We were there and we saw it! [1 John 1:1-4]
We know it’s the truth, nothing but the truth.
Jesus is back from the dead,
just like He said He would be.
And every time we eat the Lord’s Supper
we remember the death He died, and
that He Is Alive Forevermore!
So now I'm spending time with the Savior.
I'm desperate to experience the Power
that brought Him back from death.
I want to KNOW HIM! [Phil. 3:7-11]
Forgotten Miracles Concerning Jesus
"to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3
To the women: "And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him." Matt 28:9
To the disciples. "Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." Luke 24:44-45
"Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen."
Mark 16:14
"After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep." 1 Cor 15:6; Acts 10:40-48.
1. Why did Jesus stay on earth 40 days before ascending back to heaven?
a) to show that He really was ALIVE!
"Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." Luke 24:39
b) to remind them of the Old Testament prophecies.
"And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." Luke 24:41-45
c) to emphasize discipleship.
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Matt 18:20 [Note Jesus is now outside of Time and can be everywhere at once.]
"Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." 1 Cor 12:13,27.
d) to prove He had not rejected them for their failure. They must have felt shame and fear because they had abandoned the Lord at His crucifixion. Jesus needed to encourage them.
Peter had denied his Lord. He was forgiven, but could he ever be used again? YES! See John 21:1-19. Jesus was making sure Peter knew that he had been restored. [compare Matt. 18:22; Luke 17:3-4.]
2. Silent Sermon Preached By Christ On The Cross
The sermon of silence Jesus preached during His last hours on earth was the most powerful message of His ministry. "The cross stands for a deep-sacrifice. It was the greatest lesson of Jesus, and He died teaching it."
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:14-15
We celebrate This Every Sunday
In The Lord’s Supper!
"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" 1 Cor 10:16; Eph. 5:30
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:16-17 compare Rev. 5:5-14.
"For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:3-4 compare John 8:28; 12:32-33.
JESUS IS ALIVE!
John wrote: All this happened!
We were there and we saw it! [1 John 1:1-4]
We know it’s the truth, nothing but the truth.
Jesus is back from the dead,
just like He said He would be.
And every time we eat the Lord’s Supper
we remember the death He died, and
that He Is Alive Forevermore!
So now I'm spending time with the Savior.
I'm desperate to experience the Power
that brought Him back from death.
I want to KNOW HIM! [Phil. 3:7-11]
Forgotten Miracles Concerning Jesus
"to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3
To the women: "And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him." Matt 28:9
To the disciples. "Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." Luke 24:44-45
"Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen."
Mark 16:14
"After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep." 1 Cor 15:6; Acts 10:40-48.
1. Why did Jesus stay on earth 40 days before ascending back to heaven?
a) to show that He really was ALIVE!
"Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." Luke 24:39
b) to remind them of the Old Testament prophecies.
"And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." Luke 24:41-45
c) to emphasize discipleship.
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Matt 18:20 [Note Jesus is now outside of Time and can be everywhere at once.]
"Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." 1 Cor 12:13,27.
d) to prove He had not rejected them for their failure. They must have felt shame and fear because they had abandoned the Lord at His crucifixion. Jesus needed to encourage them.
Peter had denied his Lord. He was forgiven, but could he ever be used again? YES! See John 21:1-19. Jesus was making sure Peter knew that he had been restored. [compare Matt. 18:22; Luke 17:3-4.]
2. Silent Sermon Preached By Christ On The Cross
The sermon of silence Jesus preached during His last hours on earth was the most powerful message of His ministry. "The cross stands for a deep-sacrifice. It was the greatest lesson of Jesus, and He died teaching it."
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:14-15
BY THY FAITH COMMAND THOU ME
BY THY FAITH COMMAND THOU ME Eph. 3:20 (MsgB) "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us." Petersen's Version
Did you know that your life will always go in the direction of your most prominent thoughts? In order to follow God’s plan, you have to think God’s thoughts for your life, which will encourage you and build you up.
God says: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you." Jeremiah 29:11-12; Isaiah 55:9
1. We walk by faith. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).
a) Satan works to discourage us. We focus only on the bad things which overwhelm us at times. Yet James teaches us: "Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. " James 4:2-3
I think MacKnight gives the key to this by viewing James as a unity. He says: "Next he told them, they never could succeed in converting the heathens, and destroying idolatry, because they did not use the methods proper for these ends [results]. They neither prayed to God for assistance and success, nor exercised meekness towards those whom they wished to convert."
The Jews still expected an earthly version of Messiah’s Kingdom, and they thought it would come by converting Gentiles to Judaism. Even many Christian Jews still thought this, and they expected to be able to live their lives wallowing in sensual pleasure when Messiah’s Kingdom came! The paradox is their mixed attitude, wanting to bring the Gentiles to Christ, but also to the Law of Moses (and their traditions). Rather than asking God’s guidance, they used ranting and raving, quarreling and fighting, to try to make converts, and were ready to kill when they failed to succeed!
2. "By thy faith command thou Me" is a Bible principle. God listens to His children. He sometimes gives, and sometimes withholds. Because He has given us free will, He will respect the choices we make even when they are not wise choices.
a) "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." James 3:16
b) "And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief." Matthew 13:58
So they rejected His claims without closely studying them. Miracles would not impress these people, because they had already decided not to believe.
c) "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." Mark 9:24
d) "Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour." Matthew 15:28
e) "Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you." Matthew 9:29
3. Satan asks to sift us.
"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:31-32; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6
a) It will happen again and again. The church at Ephesus "lost their first love" [of JESUS] and their "candlestick" was removed. But GOD continues to raise up new men & women who love Him and praise Him. Each one of us is "challenged" by the events of life. Yet we repent and claim the FINISHED WORK OF CHRIST JESUS. What a wonderful GOD we have! We love HIM because He first loved us!
b) "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor 13:13
"Charity, or love, is connected specially with the Holy Spirit, who is the bond of the loving union between the brethren (Romans 15:30; Col 1:8). Faith is towards God. Hope is in behalf of ourselves." —Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Father in heaven, today I choose to believe that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I trust that You have a good plan for me and that You are leading and guiding my every step. Help me stand strong in You, today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Did you know that your life will always go in the direction of your most prominent thoughts? In order to follow God’s plan, you have to think God’s thoughts for your life, which will encourage you and build you up.
God says: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you." Jeremiah 29:11-12; Isaiah 55:9
1. We walk by faith. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).
a) Satan works to discourage us. We focus only on the bad things which overwhelm us at times. Yet James teaches us: "Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. " James 4:2-3
I think MacKnight gives the key to this by viewing James as a unity. He says: "Next he told them, they never could succeed in converting the heathens, and destroying idolatry, because they did not use the methods proper for these ends [results]. They neither prayed to God for assistance and success, nor exercised meekness towards those whom they wished to convert."
The Jews still expected an earthly version of Messiah’s Kingdom, and they thought it would come by converting Gentiles to Judaism. Even many Christian Jews still thought this, and they expected to be able to live their lives wallowing in sensual pleasure when Messiah’s Kingdom came! The paradox is their mixed attitude, wanting to bring the Gentiles to Christ, but also to the Law of Moses (and their traditions). Rather than asking God’s guidance, they used ranting and raving, quarreling and fighting, to try to make converts, and were ready to kill when they failed to succeed!
2. "By thy faith command thou Me" is a Bible principle. God listens to His children. He sometimes gives, and sometimes withholds. Because He has given us free will, He will respect the choices we make even when they are not wise choices.
a) "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." James 3:16
b) "And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief." Matthew 13:58
So they rejected His claims without closely studying them. Miracles would not impress these people, because they had already decided not to believe.
c) "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." Mark 9:24
d) "Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour." Matthew 15:28
e) "Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you." Matthew 9:29
3. Satan asks to sift us.
"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:31-32; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6
a) It will happen again and again. The church at Ephesus "lost their first love" [of JESUS] and their "candlestick" was removed. But GOD continues to raise up new men & women who love Him and praise Him. Each one of us is "challenged" by the events of life. Yet we repent and claim the FINISHED WORK OF CHRIST JESUS. What a wonderful GOD we have! We love HIM because He first loved us!
b) "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor 13:13
"Charity, or love, is connected specially with the Holy Spirit, who is the bond of the loving union between the brethren (Romans 15:30; Col 1:8). Faith is towards God. Hope is in behalf of ourselves." —Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Father in heaven, today I choose to believe that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I trust that You have a good plan for me and that You are leading and guiding my every step. Help me stand strong in You, today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
STOP BY THE CHURCH
STOP BY THE CHURCH
Stop By The Church Sometime!
You ought to stop by the church sometime
Stop by the church sometime
Oh something may be said
To help you on your way
If you stop by the church sometime
Come out and sing a song
About what the Lord has done
Leave your burdens there
Every pain and care
Left behind, left behind
[from a song by Babbie Mason]
1. The Power of JESUS to Save.
The Bible says Jesus came so that the world through Him might be saved! I am not ashamed of the Gospel! There is POWER in the Blood! Jesus purged our sins! Jesus Saves!
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
"Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." Rev 12:10-11
2. Let's have CHURCH!
a) Unashamed! "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:16-17
b) With Power! "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Tim 1:7
c) Jesus-Worshipping! "And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Matt28:9
d) Sin-Busting! "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:12
e) Devil-Chasing! "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:7-8
f) Bible-Loving! "and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim 3:15
g) Saving! "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost." Matt 18:10-11
h) Renewing! Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalms 51:10
i) Praising! "So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them--walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God." Acts 3:8-9; Hebrews 13:15
j) With All The Joy The Holy Spirit Provides!" And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52
"were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost -- who not only raised them above shame and fear, as professed disciples of the Lord Jesus, but filled them with holy and elevated emotions."
—Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Stop By The Church Sometime!
You ought to stop by the church sometime
Stop by the church sometime
Oh something may be said
To help you on your way
If you stop by the church sometime
Come out and sing a song
About what the Lord has done
Leave your burdens there
Every pain and care
Left behind, left behind
[from a song by Babbie Mason]
1. The Power of JESUS to Save.
The Bible says Jesus came so that the world through Him might be saved! I am not ashamed of the Gospel! There is POWER in the Blood! Jesus purged our sins! Jesus Saves!
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
"Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." Rev 12:10-11
2. Let's have CHURCH!
a) Unashamed! "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:16-17
b) With Power! "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Tim 1:7
c) Jesus-Worshipping! "And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Matt28:9
d) Sin-Busting! "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:12
e) Devil-Chasing! "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:7-8
f) Bible-Loving! "and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim 3:15
g) Saving! "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost." Matt 18:10-11
h) Renewing! Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalms 51:10
i) Praising! "So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them--walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God." Acts 3:8-9; Hebrews 13:15
j) With All The Joy The Holy Spirit Provides!" And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52
"were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost -- who not only raised them above shame and fear, as professed disciples of the Lord Jesus, but filled them with holy and elevated emotions."
—Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
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