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)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
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
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
TEN COMMANDMENTS
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
R.D.Ice
"We are not under the Ten Commandments." Obedience to law is not a basis for salvation (Gal. 2:20-21; 3:10-14,21-22). Paul said: "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." Being "right with God" is a matter of faith in Jesus and His perfect work - His Doing & Dying & Rising Again (Phil. 3:7-12; Hebrews 8:12-13; 1 John 3:22-24).
(But, many people think the Ten Commandments represent GOD. Therefore some post them in their yards. The ACLU oppose them as "Christian." The Ten Commandments demand moral living. Therefore many good and honest people raise up the Ten Commandments.)
Jesus restated the Ten Commandments and changed "thou shalt not" into "thou shall." Jesus said: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill ("to make their teachings come true"). Matt. 5:16-17; 1 Peter 2:12. Law serves as a "friendly guide" to help us "walk in newness of life" because we have been saved by faith in Christ. Compare Romans 12:1-2; James 1:17-27.
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
Jesus said: "The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." Mark 12:29-30; Deuteronomy 6:4-5
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
Paul said: "...and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man - and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things." Romans 1:23; Deuteronomy 4:15-19
Jesus said: "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve." Matt. 4:10
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Jesus said: "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord. But I say to you, do not swear at all: . . But let your Yes be Yes, and your No, No. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." Matt. 5:33-37; Leviticus 19:12
4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
The Sabbath was a special reminder to Israel (Deuteronomy 5:15). The Christian's Sabbath will come in Eternity (Hebrews 4:4-11).
Jesus said: "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath." Mark 2:27-28
5. Honor thy father and thy mother.
Jesus said: "For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother..." Mark 7:10-13
Paul said: "Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." Eph. 6:2-3
6. Thou shalt not kill. ["murder"]
Jesus said: "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of judgment. . . First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Matt. 5:21-24
John said: "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death." 1 John 3:14
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Jesus said: "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Matt. 19:5-6; Hebrews 13:4
8. Thou shalt not steal.
Paul said: "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need." Eph. 4:28
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness.
Paul said: "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..." Col. 3:9-10
10. Thou shalt not covet.
Jesus said: "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Luke 12:15
Paul said: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:10
"God has overlooked the times when people did not know Him, but now He commands all of them everywhere to turn away (repent) from their evil ways. For He has fixed a Day in which He will judge the whole world with justice by means of a Man He has chosen. He has given proof of this by raising that Man from death." Acts 17:29-31
O U R F A T H E R
R.D.Ice
To show us how to pray, Jesus gave His disciples the "model prayer" which many call the Lord's Prayer. This is not a formal prayer to be said always. John the Baptist taught his disciples to pray. Jesus gave this as a guide to the right way to pray.
We do not need to try to overwhelm God with our prayers. He already knows what we will say, and He hears His own people (Matt. 6:7-8). Yet God wants His people to come to His Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16) and lift their prayers to Him.
Our Father.
a. relationship. God is our Father. 2 Cor. 6:18
b. we are His children. 1 John 3:1-3
In heaven.
a. God is outside our world of time. Acts 7:48-50;
1 Kings 8:27 "But will God indeed dwell on the
earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of
heavens cannot contain You. How much less
this temple which I have built!"
Your Name.
a. glorify Your Name. Rev. 15:3-4 "Great and
marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty
Just and true are Your ways, O King of the
saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and
glorify Your name? For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before
You, For Your judgments have been manifested."
Your kingdom come.
a. kingdom is loyalties and relationship. Col. 1:13
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness
and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of
His love."
2 Peter 1:11 "For so an entrance will be
supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting
kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Your will be done.
a. Jesus prayed: "O My Father, if this cup cannot
pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will
be done." Matt. 26:42
b. on earth as it is in heaven. Psalm 103:19 "The
Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His
kingdom rules over all."
Our daily bread.
a. feed me. Proverbs 30:8 "Remove falsehood and
lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor
riches - Feed me with the food You prescribe
for me."
Forgive us.
a. cleanse us from sin. 1 Cor. 6:11 "And such were
some of you. But you were washed, but you were
sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the
Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."
b. I will remember no more. Hebrews 8:12 "For I
will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their
lawless deeds I will remember no more."
c. as we forgive others. Matt. 6:14 "For if you
forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father
will also forgive you."
Deliver us from evil.
a. from the evil one. John 17:15 "I do not pray that
You should take them out of the world, but that
You should keep them from the evil one."
b. from temptation. 1 Cor. 10:13 "but God is
faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted
beyond what you are able, but with the temptation
will also make the way of escape, that you will be
able to bear it."
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
a. You, Jesus, are worthy! Rev. 5:9 "You are
worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals;
For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God
by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue
and nation, And have made us kings and priests
to our God; And we shall reign on the earth."
b. Compare David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13
"Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father,
forever and ever. Yours, O God, is the greatness,
The power and the glory, The victory and the
majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth
is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, And
You are exalted as head over all. Both riches
and honor come from You, And You reign
over all. In Your hand is power and might;
In Your hand it is to make great and to give
strength to all. Now therefore, our God, We
thank You And praise Your glorious name."
R.D.Ice
"We are not under the Ten Commandments." Obedience to law is not a basis for salvation (Gal. 2:20-21; 3:10-14,21-22). Paul said: "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." Being "right with God" is a matter of faith in Jesus and His perfect work - His Doing & Dying & Rising Again (Phil. 3:7-12; Hebrews 8:12-13; 1 John 3:22-24).
(But, many people think the Ten Commandments represent GOD. Therefore some post them in their yards. The ACLU oppose them as "Christian." The Ten Commandments demand moral living. Therefore many good and honest people raise up the Ten Commandments.)
Jesus restated the Ten Commandments and changed "thou shalt not" into "thou shall." Jesus said: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill ("to make their teachings come true"). Matt. 5:16-17; 1 Peter 2:12. Law serves as a "friendly guide" to help us "walk in newness of life" because we have been saved by faith in Christ. Compare Romans 12:1-2; James 1:17-27.
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
Jesus said: "The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." Mark 12:29-30; Deuteronomy 6:4-5
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
Paul said: "...and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man - and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things." Romans 1:23; Deuteronomy 4:15-19
Jesus said: "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve." Matt. 4:10
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Jesus said: "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord. But I say to you, do not swear at all: . . But let your Yes be Yes, and your No, No. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." Matt. 5:33-37; Leviticus 19:12
4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
The Sabbath was a special reminder to Israel (Deuteronomy 5:15). The Christian's Sabbath will come in Eternity (Hebrews 4:4-11).
Jesus said: "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath." Mark 2:27-28
5. Honor thy father and thy mother.
Jesus said: "For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother..." Mark 7:10-13
Paul said: "Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." Eph. 6:2-3
6. Thou shalt not kill. ["murder"]
Jesus said: "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of judgment. . . First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Matt. 5:21-24
John said: "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death." 1 John 3:14
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Jesus said: "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Matt. 19:5-6; Hebrews 13:4
8. Thou shalt not steal.
Paul said: "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need." Eph. 4:28
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness.
Paul said: "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..." Col. 3:9-10
10. Thou shalt not covet.
Jesus said: "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Luke 12:15
Paul said: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:10
"God has overlooked the times when people did not know Him, but now He commands all of them everywhere to turn away (repent) from their evil ways. For He has fixed a Day in which He will judge the whole world with justice by means of a Man He has chosen. He has given proof of this by raising that Man from death." Acts 17:29-31
O U R F A T H E R
R.D.Ice
To show us how to pray, Jesus gave His disciples the "model prayer" which many call the Lord's Prayer. This is not a formal prayer to be said always. John the Baptist taught his disciples to pray. Jesus gave this as a guide to the right way to pray.
We do not need to try to overwhelm God with our prayers. He already knows what we will say, and He hears His own people (Matt. 6:7-8). Yet God wants His people to come to His Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16) and lift their prayers to Him.
Our Father.
a. relationship. God is our Father. 2 Cor. 6:18
b. we are His children. 1 John 3:1-3
In heaven.
a. God is outside our world of time. Acts 7:48-50;
1 Kings 8:27 "But will God indeed dwell on the
earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of
heavens cannot contain You. How much less
this temple which I have built!"
Your Name.
a. glorify Your Name. Rev. 15:3-4 "Great and
marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty
Just and true are Your ways, O King of the
saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and
glorify Your name? For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before
You, For Your judgments have been manifested."
Your kingdom come.
a. kingdom is loyalties and relationship. Col. 1:13
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness
and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of
His love."
2 Peter 1:11 "For so an entrance will be
supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting
kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Your will be done.
a. Jesus prayed: "O My Father, if this cup cannot
pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will
be done." Matt. 26:42
b. on earth as it is in heaven. Psalm 103:19 "The
Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His
kingdom rules over all."
Our daily bread.
a. feed me. Proverbs 30:8 "Remove falsehood and
lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor
riches - Feed me with the food You prescribe
for me."
Forgive us.
a. cleanse us from sin. 1 Cor. 6:11 "And such were
some of you. But you were washed, but you were
sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the
Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."
b. I will remember no more. Hebrews 8:12 "For I
will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their
lawless deeds I will remember no more."
c. as we forgive others. Matt. 6:14 "For if you
forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father
will also forgive you."
Deliver us from evil.
a. from the evil one. John 17:15 "I do not pray that
You should take them out of the world, but that
You should keep them from the evil one."
b. from temptation. 1 Cor. 10:13 "but God is
faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted
beyond what you are able, but with the temptation
will also make the way of escape, that you will be
able to bear it."
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
a. You, Jesus, are worthy! Rev. 5:9 "You are
worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals;
For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God
by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue
and nation, And have made us kings and priests
to our God; And we shall reign on the earth."
b. Compare David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13
"Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father,
forever and ever. Yours, O God, is the greatness,
The power and the glory, The victory and the
majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth
is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, And
You are exalted as head over all. Both riches
and honor come from You, And You reign
over all. In Your hand is power and might;
In Your hand it is to make great and to give
strength to all. Now therefore, our God, We
thank You And praise Your glorious name."
Monday, January 7, 2008
IMAGINARY LETTER TO PAUL
An imaginary letter to Paul. R.D.Ice
To Paul of Tarsus: since you have expressed a desire to join in our work here at Corinth, we felt it expedient to send you this questionnaire. Many have questioned your supposed apostleship, and we are sending this questionnaire as a means of assistance to us in checking your ideas, beliefs, teachings on subjects of importance to the worship and work of this church. Use additional sheets to answer those questions where more detail is needed.
1. Our chief elder, Eleazar of Jerusalem, read your recent letter to us. He saw that you had quoted the Greek Septuagint Version Bible extensively, rather than the Authorized Hebrew Bible. Would you comment on this.
2. Eleazar also noted that you had quoted from heathen poets in your address to the Areopagus on Mars Hill; and again in your letter to Titus. Why would you quote a non-Jew?
3. As Eleazar pointed out, there is a long history of the Scribes studying and interpreting the Word of God. You seem to be diverging from this to follow some sort of "new wine" which Jesus is alleged to have taught. Would you comment on this.
4. When Peter stood up for the separation of holiness - Jews standing apart from Gentiles - you opposed him publicly. How do you justify what you did? And we notice you have abandoned your Jewish name, Saul, for a Gentile name, Paul.
5. Since we Jews have been accused of crucifying this Jesus, how can you justify your emphasis of the cross? Doesn't this insult us and remove the focus from the God of Bethel?
6. We hear you teach that Kosher living is an option, and that the Gentiles are not required to keep Kosher. How do you justify this? God gave specific rules about clean and unclean food.
7. We are troubled by your emphasis on the "Holy Spirit" and you say you "speak in tongues more than any of us." Would you explain.
8. Our chief elder, Eleazar, is living in a loving and holy relationship with his step-mother. This emphasizes great the love and tolerance of God. Why should this be a problem for you?
We await your response to these serious questions. If you do in fact come to Corinth we will expect you to come before our Leadership and answer these charges.
To Paul of Tarsus: since you have expressed a desire to join in our work here at Corinth, we felt it expedient to send you this questionnaire. Many have questioned your supposed apostleship, and we are sending this questionnaire as a means of assistance to us in checking your ideas, beliefs, teachings on subjects of importance to the worship and work of this church. Use additional sheets to answer those questions where more detail is needed.
1. Our chief elder, Eleazar of Jerusalem, read your recent letter to us. He saw that you had quoted the Greek Septuagint Version Bible extensively, rather than the Authorized Hebrew Bible. Would you comment on this.
2. Eleazar also noted that you had quoted from heathen poets in your address to the Areopagus on Mars Hill; and again in your letter to Titus. Why would you quote a non-Jew?
3. As Eleazar pointed out, there is a long history of the Scribes studying and interpreting the Word of God. You seem to be diverging from this to follow some sort of "new wine" which Jesus is alleged to have taught. Would you comment on this.
4. When Peter stood up for the separation of holiness - Jews standing apart from Gentiles - you opposed him publicly. How do you justify what you did? And we notice you have abandoned your Jewish name, Saul, for a Gentile name, Paul.
5. Since we Jews have been accused of crucifying this Jesus, how can you justify your emphasis of the cross? Doesn't this insult us and remove the focus from the God of Bethel?
6. We hear you teach that Kosher living is an option, and that the Gentiles are not required to keep Kosher. How do you justify this? God gave specific rules about clean and unclean food.
7. We are troubled by your emphasis on the "Holy Spirit" and you say you "speak in tongues more than any of us." Would you explain.
8. Our chief elder, Eleazar, is living in a loving and holy relationship with his step-mother. This emphasizes great the love and tolerance of God. Why should this be a problem for you?
We await your response to these serious questions. If you do in fact come to Corinth we will expect you to come before our Leadership and answer these charges.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
THE CERTIFIED GOSPEL
The Gospel Paul Certified R.D.Ice
Early Christians used the Fish <")))>< IXTHYS as a symbol of the basic gospel message. Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Some still use this symbol today. [It's an acrostic.]
Peter writes in the context of assuring Christians of the hope we have, and of the dangers which face the church. "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;" 2 Peter 1:19 (NKJV) Petersen in the "Message Bible" words this: "We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard—God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts."
Peter refers to the Transfiguration and the things he and the others witnessed there. Jesus is the Eternal WORD who came in flesh & bone into our world to be the Lamb of God who takes away sin! This is the Good News of the Gospel of how God saves people for eternity!
For God So Loved The World!
First, a glimpse of heaven. [Luke 9:28-31]
Jesus on the mountain - transfigured!
His clothes are dazzling WHITE!
He's locked in discussion with the Big Two.
Moses (the Law), Elijah (the Prophets) -
the two witnesses who speak of Who He Is!
They are talking with Him about how
He will soon fulfill God's Purpose by dying.
The LAMB OF GOD who takes away SIN.
"And the Word was made 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. . . . No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." John 1:14,18
Paul preached the Certified Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man." Galatians 1:11
We can imagine Paul saying something like this. "The Judaizers say I preach a secondhand gospel, which I have distorted. Let me tell you this is not true! My gospel has no human origin! There is nothing secondhand about my gospel! It was Christ Himself who gave it to me."
Paul is probably thinking of Acts 26:14-19. "But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."
Paul is especially harsh with the Galatians, because the Circumcision Party (Judaizers) had persuaded some Gentiles to abandon Christ. [Paul said in irony: "I would they were even cut off (castrated) which trouble you." Galatians 5:12 ] "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" Galatians 3:1
Paul preached on Mars Hill that: "Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead." Acts 17:31
1. Faith in the Cross on Calvary
The acceptance and belief of Christ shedding His blood and dying for us to provide eternal salvation so that anyone who believes and accepts can be born again in Christ. Since salvation was made complete on the cross on Calvary, it is part of the foundation of the certified gospel faith.
"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" Hebrews 1:3
2. Faith in the Fullness of the Holy Spirit
It is the purpose and hope of the certified gospel doctrine to bring back the faith of the early church Christians, the faith which clearly reflected the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Compare Luke 11:13 "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"
1 John 5:7 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
Acts 19:2. "He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." Paul immediately questioned their baptism.
Note that we baptize in the NAME of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" Matthew 28:19
Note Paul's benediction. "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen." 2 Cor. 13:14 "The grace." This is Paul's most complete benediction. "Grace" is the undeserved salvation which comes through Christ-on-the-cross. "Love" is what God showed in acting through Christ while we were still enemies. "Fellowship" [koinonia - communion] is the joint sharing of the church in the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). A non-Spirit-filled-Christian would be a contradiction in terms. Titus 3:5 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." [Note the KJV uses Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit interchangeably. "Ghost" had the idea of "Guest."]
3. Faith in the Spreading of the Gospel to All the World
Those who are born again through the redemption of the cross of Jesus Christ and have received the fullness of the Holy Spirit, will naturally find their faith growing and filling them with a desire to speak to others about HIM. Our devotion to Christ burns like a fire in our hearts!
"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word." Acts 8:4
4. Faith in the Good God
Some like the Picketers believe that God hates the world. Yet John wrote: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:16-17
Certified gospel faith places absolute faith in a good God, the God who loves us, who not only provided the salvation for us, but continues to bless us. John wrote: "We love him, because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19
"Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him." Psalm 67:6-7
5. Faith in Christ Who Will Return
John wrote: "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen." Rev. 1:7
Certified gospel faith is faith which hopes for the New Heaven and the New Earth as stated in the Bible, and which allows the faithful to live in complete devotion to the Lord. Suffering Christian - be brave! Christ is Coming Again!
"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13
"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." Rev. 22:12-13
I wrote in the BSNT: Rev. 22:20-21. "I am coming soon! Jesus answers the eager prayer of His Church [the messianic community]. The church of the first century ended each prayer with the words: "Come, Lord Jesus!" May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. John is jubilant as he gives this benediction! He has seen today and tomorrow in the vision, but most important, he has seen the day after tomorrow! He has seen the vision of God’s people in Eternity! So should we all see this! THE VISION OF THE AGES!
Early Christians used the Fish <")))>< IXTHYS as a symbol of the basic gospel message. Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Some still use this symbol today. [It's an acrostic.]
Peter writes in the context of assuring Christians of the hope we have, and of the dangers which face the church. "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;" 2 Peter 1:19 (NKJV) Petersen in the "Message Bible" words this: "We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard—God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts."
Peter refers to the Transfiguration and the things he and the others witnessed there. Jesus is the Eternal WORD who came in flesh & bone into our world to be the Lamb of God who takes away sin! This is the Good News of the Gospel of how God saves people for eternity!
For God So Loved The World!
First, a glimpse of heaven. [Luke 9:28-31]
Jesus on the mountain - transfigured!
His clothes are dazzling WHITE!
He's locked in discussion with the Big Two.
Moses (the Law), Elijah (the Prophets) -
the two witnesses who speak of Who He Is!
They are talking with Him about how
He will soon fulfill God's Purpose by dying.
The LAMB OF GOD who takes away SIN.
"And the Word was made 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. . . . No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." John 1:14,18
Paul preached the Certified Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man." Galatians 1:11
We can imagine Paul saying something like this. "The Judaizers say I preach a secondhand gospel, which I have distorted. Let me tell you this is not true! My gospel has no human origin! There is nothing secondhand about my gospel! It was Christ Himself who gave it to me."
Paul is probably thinking of Acts 26:14-19. "But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."
Paul is especially harsh with the Galatians, because the Circumcision Party (Judaizers) had persuaded some Gentiles to abandon Christ. [Paul said in irony: "I would they were even cut off (castrated) which trouble you." Galatians 5:12 ] "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" Galatians 3:1
Paul preached on Mars Hill that: "Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead." Acts 17:31
1. Faith in the Cross on Calvary
The acceptance and belief of Christ shedding His blood and dying for us to provide eternal salvation so that anyone who believes and accepts can be born again in Christ. Since salvation was made complete on the cross on Calvary, it is part of the foundation of the certified gospel faith.
"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" Hebrews 1:3
2. Faith in the Fullness of the Holy Spirit
It is the purpose and hope of the certified gospel doctrine to bring back the faith of the early church Christians, the faith which clearly reflected the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Compare Luke 11:13 "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"
1 John 5:7 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
Acts 19:2. "He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." Paul immediately questioned their baptism.
Note that we baptize in the NAME of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" Matthew 28:19
Note Paul's benediction. "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen." 2 Cor. 13:14 "The grace." This is Paul's most complete benediction. "Grace" is the undeserved salvation which comes through Christ-on-the-cross. "Love" is what God showed in acting through Christ while we were still enemies. "Fellowship" [koinonia - communion] is the joint sharing of the church in the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). A non-Spirit-filled-Christian would be a contradiction in terms. Titus 3:5 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." [Note the KJV uses Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit interchangeably. "Ghost" had the idea of "Guest."]
3. Faith in the Spreading of the Gospel to All the World
Those who are born again through the redemption of the cross of Jesus Christ and have received the fullness of the Holy Spirit, will naturally find their faith growing and filling them with a desire to speak to others about HIM. Our devotion to Christ burns like a fire in our hearts!
"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word." Acts 8:4
4. Faith in the Good God
Some like the Picketers believe that God hates the world. Yet John wrote: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:16-17
Certified gospel faith places absolute faith in a good God, the God who loves us, who not only provided the salvation for us, but continues to bless us. John wrote: "We love him, because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19
"Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him." Psalm 67:6-7
5. Faith in Christ Who Will Return
John wrote: "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen." Rev. 1:7
Certified gospel faith is faith which hopes for the New Heaven and the New Earth as stated in the Bible, and which allows the faithful to live in complete devotion to the Lord. Suffering Christian - be brave! Christ is Coming Again!
"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13
"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." Rev. 22:12-13
I wrote in the BSNT: Rev. 22:20-21. "I am coming soon! Jesus answers the eager prayer of His Church [the messianic community]. The church of the first century ended each prayer with the words: "Come, Lord Jesus!" May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. John is jubilant as he gives this benediction! He has seen today and tomorrow in the vision, but most important, he has seen the day after tomorrow! He has seen the vision of God’s people in Eternity! So should we all see this! THE VISION OF THE AGES!
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