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मेरा घर पर आना - HINDI

2011-05-03T14:29:00.000-05:00

मेरा घर पर आना

17601 मार्श लेन, Dallas, TX, 75287, यूएसए

HINDI

अधिनियमों 2:42 "और वे सिद्धांत है प्रेरित करना जारी रखा में लगातार, और फैलोशिप में, और रोटी तोड़ने का में, और. प्रार्थना में" (अधिनियमों 02:47) "और प्रभु दैनिक जोड़ा चर्च जैसे बचाया जाना चाहिए ".

प्रेरित है सिद्धांत "उन्हें शिक्षण तुम पालन आज्ञा सब बातें हैं जो मैं," (मैथ्यू 28:20) "इसलिए जाओ तुम और जातियों को पढ़ाने के सभी बपतिस्मा पिता का नाम उन में, और पुत्र के, भूत और पवित्रा की; "

फैलोशिप ". लिए हर सुसमाचार उपदेश प्राणी" (16:15-16 मार्क)

रोटी के तोड़कर "यह मेरे स्मरण के लिये करते हैं" (1 कुरिन्थियों 11:24,25 च, 26:26 मैथ्यू, 14:22 मार्क)

प्रार्थना है "(प्रार्थना करने के लिए हमें सिखा" (ल्यूक 11:1-4)

दुनिया भाषाओं के लिए, खोज वेब:

COME OVER TO MY HOUSE

2011-04-29T18:05:00.001-05:00

17601 Marsh Lane, Dallas, TX

Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine, and in fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

(Acts 2:47) “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Apostle’s Doctrine “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you;” (Matthew 28:20) “Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;”

Fellowship “Preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15-16)

Breaking of bread “this do in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24,25f, Matthew 26:26, Mark 14:22)

Prayers “(Teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1-4)

2011-04-02T13:12:00.003-05:00

COME OVER TO MY HOUSE

17601 Marsh Lane, Dallas, TX (972) 245-8822

www.vvcc.org

Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine, and in fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:47) “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Apostle’s Doctrine “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you;”

(Matthew 28:20) “Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;”

Fellowship “Preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15-16)

Breaking of bread “this do in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24,25f, Matthew 26:26, Mark 14:22)

Prayers “(Teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1-4)

Christians, "And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (Acts 11:26)

0 comments:

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

2011-03-26T14:15:00.001-05:00

Arranged in the very words of Inspired men, by J.D. Phillips

1. BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:30,31). Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6). He that believeth not shall be damned (Mark 16:16). If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins (John 8:24). Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone (James 2:17).

2. REPENT Every one of you (Acts 2:38). Except ye repent ye shall perish (Luke 13:3,5). God. Now commandeth all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). Then hath God granted repentance unto life (Acts 11:18).

3. CONFESSION is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10). If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9). Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess before my father which is in heaven (Matthew 10:32). Thou art the Christ (Matthew 16:16). "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." (Acts 8:37).

4. BAPTISM doth also now save us (1 Peter 3:21). He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved (Mark 16:16). Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5). He saved us, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). Be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Be baptized, and wash away your sins (Acts 22:16). Baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). Baptized into his death (Romans 6:3). If any man be in Christ he is a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17).

WE SHOULD LIVE soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God our Saviour Jesus Christ who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto him a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:12-14).

YOU ... KEEP the ORDINANCES as I have delivered them unto you (1 Corinthians 11:2).

THE GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen (Revelation 22:21).
Blessed are they who do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (Revelation 22:14).Labels: English Salvation Tracts

THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER!

2010-12-22T15:04:00.000-06:00

A few days ago, time turned back when we celebrated Christmas with two of our little great grandsons. In preparation, we had tried to select gifts that we knew they would enjoy, limited of course by our pocketbooks. But, time backed up when they started to open them. Jevan, the 3 year old, struggled with the wrappings at times, but he got more excited with each gift he opened. The magic slate with it’s marker that writes only on it, was an instant hit, but the minature basket ball and basket from his aunt and uncle just cried to be tried out, then came our second gift, a miniature baseball and foam covered bat! He just could not wait to get out doors where, as we left his coach mother, was pitching him the ball Softball style. Baby Carter was not quite so excited, but excitement is catching and he played the Teddy we gave him that sang “Jesus Loves Me” over and over. Christmas is for children.

But our heavenly Father is even now preparing us for that best Christmas ever. Cost is not a factor, God can go beyond our wildest dreams for that time. Can you picture Christmas combined with the wedding feast of God’s only begotten Son? That is what lies ahead for the bride and groom; the church and Christ Jesus. Words can not do it justice, but He has sent out the invitations with just a glimpse of what to expect. All the angels and heavenly being shall be there. The heavenly choirs and music will be spectacular. Not a thing will go wrong. Listen:

Revelation 21:1-

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26 And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

APOCALIPSIS

2010-11-07T15:16:00.000-06:00

Apocalipsis 13: 15-18 (Reina-Valera 1960)

16 Y hacía que a todos, pequeños y grandes, ricos y pobres, libres y esclavos, se les pusiese una marca en la mano derecha, o en la frente;
    17 y que ninguno pudiese comprar ni vender, sino el que tuviese la marca o el nombre de la bestia, o el número de su nombre.
    18 Aquí hay sabiduría. El que tiene entendimiento, cuente el número de la bestia, pues es número de hombre. Y su número es seiscientos sesenta y seis.

Apocalipsis 14:9-14 (Reina-Valera 1960)

9 Y el tercer ángel los siguió, diciendo a gran voz: Si alguno adora a la bestia y a su imagen, y recibe la marca en su frente o en su mano,
    10 él también beberá del vino de la ira de Dios, que ha sido vaciado puro en el cáliz de su ira;<""""><>(D) y será atormentado con fuego y azufre<""""><>(E) delante de los santos ángeles y del Cordero;
    11 y el humo de su tormento sube por los siglos de los siglos.<""""><>(F) Y no tienen reposo de día ni de noche los que adoran a la bestia y a su imagen, ni nadie que reciba la marca de su nombre.
    12 Aquí está la paciencia de los santos, los que guardan los mandamientos de Dios y la fe de Jesús.
    13 Oí una voz que desde el cielo me decía: Escribe: Bienaventurados de aquí en adelante los muertos que mueren en el Señor. Sí, dice el Espíritu, descansarán de sus trabajos, porque sus obras con ellos siguen.

WHAT'S GOLDING YOU BACK?

2010-10-08T16:37:00.000-05:00

Newsletter 211 September 19, 2010

WHAT HOLDS YOU BACK?
The apostle Paul called it a “thorn in the flesh. Shaka Zulu, the famous warrior king of the Zulu tribes of South Africa, is said to have trained his warriors to run across beds of thorns, some of them three inches long and very painful to tread upon. They had to toughen their feet, and ignore the pain completely. Through, this kind of training, and many similar requirements, the Zulu tribe became feared by all, and their power supreme in the land. They absorbed many smaller tribes, who were given the choice, “Become Zulus or die.” Many of his enemies were impaled on posts leading into his compounds. Over the years since, Zululand is still known for internal faction fights between these splinter groups. Burning thatch roofed huts, with their occupants inside, are not at all an uncommon sight. White travelers have learned to avoid those areas completely, even if travelling across them might save up to a hundred miles on your trip. Experience has also taught us, however, that a converted Zulu, can also become a powerful worker for the Lord Just as Paul was after be believed and was baptized

2 Corinthians 12:7-13 (King James Version)

PAUL’S “THORN IN THE FLESH”

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (2 Corinthians 12:1, Numbers 33:55, Ezekiel 28:24, Hosea 2:6, Job 2:6, Matthew 4:10, 1 Corinthians 5:5)
Many believe that Paul’s Thorn was that his eyes never totally recovered from his encounter with the Lord on his way to Damascus to persecute believers there as he had done in Jerusalem. He credited this to Satan, who never permitted him to forget what he had given up for Christ’s sake. In the hands of Satan, he had been bound for power, in the Sanhedrin with all its material side benefits.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. (Matthew 26:44)

GOD’S ANSWER TO HIS PETITIONS FOR HEALING

Think of it. Here was a man who healed others, but was helpless to heal himself. He had prayed for healing three times, but, as often: God did not heal him. He gave him strength to work in spite of it.
God often used persons with infirmities to do His work, because then the glory goes to the message and not the messenger.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (1 Corinthians 2:5, Ephesians 3:16, Philippians 4:13, 1 Corinthians 2:3, 2 Corinthians 12:5)

GOD GIVES ALL THE POWER TO DO WHAT HE WANTS US TO DO FOR HIM

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (Romans 5:3, Romans 8:35, 2 Corinthians 6:4, 2 Thessalonians 1:4, 2 Timothy 3:11, 2 Corinthians 5:15, 2 Corinthians 5:20, 2 Corinthians 13:4)
11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. (2 Corinthians 5:13, 2 Corinthians 11:16, 2 Corinthians 12:6, 1 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Corinthians 11:5, 1 Corinthians 3:7, 1 Corinthians 13:2, 1 Corinthians 15:9)
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. (John 4:48, Romans 15:191 Corinthians 9:1)
In order not to offend anyone, I will use myself as an example. After I left university and enlisted in the Navy, I had made good marks in the classification tests, was barely six feet tall, and knew how to march so I was placed as a squad leader during boot camp. After that I was placed on my first ship, and put to work as a radio operator. We had voice radio only, but it became apparent that I did not have a good voice for radio, so I ended up, on another ship, as a radar man. No real problems with that..
Years later, as a civilian, I enrolled in what is now, Lincoln Christian University, where again it was found that my voice and personality did not make for a good preacher. It was suggested that I become a writer instead.
As a missionary in Africa, I found that the books that I wrote, and later printed myself, and then in many languages, reached out to all Africa and to many, (hundreds of thousands actually). God changed me, but I still have the same weaknesses. I need an amplifier to teach a class of more than a few persons, still one of our best black ministers once introduced me as the missionary with a loud voice, he “heard me when I was in South West Africa.” That was by means of the printed page, however. All praise to God, He could use even me! He just guided me to the right medium; one that I use to this day. He even gave me a reward to encourage me. On my wall hangs a plaque announcing that I was awarded the Restoration Award for 1970 in the field of Missions as an alumnus of Lincoln Christian Seminary. Now, in retirement, a whole new media has opened to me. I “blog” His truths.

HOW IS HE USING YOU?

Be certain, he can.
13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. (1 Corinthians 9:12, 1 Corinthians 9:18, 2 Corinthians 11:9, 2 Corinthians 12:14, 2 Corinthians 11:7)
__________

I RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
SEPTEMBER

19th. Sunday – Isaiah 45, 46, 47, Galatians 4:1-16, Psalm 108:6-13
20th. Monday – Isaiah 48, 49, 50, Galatians 4:17-31, Psalm 109:1-15
21st. Tuesday – Isaiah 51, 52, 53, Galatians 5, Proverbs 23:10-18
22nd. Wednesday – Isaiah 54, 55, 56, Galatians 6, Psalm 109:16-31
23rd. Thursday – Isaiah 57, 58, 59, Ephesians 1, Psalm 110
24th. Friday - Isaiah 60, 61, 62, Ephesians 2, Psalm 111
25th. Saturday – Isaiah 63, 64, Ephesians 3, Proverbs 23:19-27
__________

OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 707 titles)

http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 4 published books & more to come
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought for any money.

__________

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

”Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.”

Titus 3:1

__________

Corporate wisdom

"As of tomorrow, employees will only be able to access the building using individual security cards. Pictures will be taken next Wednesday, and employees will receive their cards in two weeks."
(Microsoft Corp. in Redmond WA )

What I need is an exact list of specific unknown problems we might encounter."
(Lykes Lines Shipping)

"E-mail is not to be used to pass on information or data. It should be used only for company business."
(Accounting manager, Electric Boat Company)

"This project is so important we can't let things that are more important interfere with it."
(Advertising/Marketing manager, United Parcel Service)

"Doing it right is no excuse for not meeting the schedule."
(Plant Manager, Delco Corporation)

"No one will believe you solved this problem in one day! We've been working on it for months. Now go act busy for a few weeks and I'll let you know when it's time to tell them."
(R&D supervisor, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing/3M Corp.)

Quote from the Boss: "Teamwork is a lot of people doing what I say."
(Marketing executive, Citrix Corporation)

My sister passed away and her funeral was scheduled for Monday. When I told my Boss, he said she died on purpose so that I would have to miss work on the busiest day of the year. He then asked if we could change her burial to Friday. He said, "That would be better for me."
(Shipping executive, FTD Florists)

"We know that communication is a problem, but the company is not going to discuss it with the employees."
(Switching supervisor, AT&T Long Lines Division)

A pick pocket was up in court for a series of petty crimes. The judge said "Mr. Banks you are hereby fined $100." The lawyer stood up and said "Thanks, my lord, however my client only has $75 on him at this time, but if you'd allow him a few minutes in the crowd. . ."

ORDER A BOOK FOR A \GIFT

2010-09-06T10:31:00.008-05:00

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Bob & Phyllis

THE GUATEMALA SERIES OF MISSIONARY NOVELS*

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phyllistheauthor@blogspot.com

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Biography

"SOME OF GOD'S CHILDREN"
Soft cover, from author only, soft cover $19.99
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"THE CALL TO AFRICA"
ISBN 978-1-60647-569-0, soft cover $19.99

Historical Fiction

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HANDY LITTLE CHART

2010-08-03T18:27:00.000-05:00

- GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER:YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES

You say: 'It's impossible' God says: All things are possible ( Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired' God says: I will give you rest ( Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me' God says: I love you ( John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on' God says: My grace is sufficient(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out' God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it' God says: You can do all things ( Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able' God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say:'It's not worth it'God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself' God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage' God says: I will supply all your needs ( Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid' God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear ( II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated' God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough' God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone' God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

WORTHY OF THE DEATH SENTENCE

2010-07-12T09:39:00.001-05:00

(Romans 1:32)

Regardless of what the media, the world, and some “churches”, seem to consider acceptable and even desirable, there can be no question about how God regards them. They were not acceptable under the Old Covenant, they are not acceptable under the New Covenant, and they will not be tolerated in Heaven. Hover your computer cursor over the references in blue, revealing their content, and this will become undeniably evident. God does not tolerate such actions, ever. He considers them worthy of the death sentence, and if the courts of the land ignore this, He will so judge at the final judgment when He sits in judgment over both the participants and those who tolerate and even encourage their lifestyle.

Romans 1:26-32 (King James Version)

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: (Romans 1:24, 1 Thessalonians 4:5, Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3-5, 1 Timothy 1:9-10, Jude 7)

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Galatians 6:7-8)

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (Romans 1:24, Jeremiah 6:30)

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, (2 Corinthians 12:20)

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (Psalm 5:6, 2 Timothy 3:2)

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: (2 Timothy 3:3)

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 6:21, Luke 11:48, Acts 8:1, Acts 22:20, Romans 2:15)

THE WOMAN AT THE WELL

2010-05-04T14:08:00.000-05:00

Bob Mills

John 4:27-42 (King James Version)

JESUS TALKED WITH EVEN A CASUAL MEETING.

27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? (John 4:8)

28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,

29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? (John 4:17, Matthew 12:23, John 7:26, 31)

30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. (Matthew 23:7, Matthew 26:25, Matthew 26:49, Mark 9:5, Mark 11:21Mark 14:45, John 1:38, John 1:49, John 3:2, John 3:26, John 6:25, John 9:2, John 11:8)

MORE IMPORTANT THAN FOOD

32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? (Luke 6:13-16, John 1:40-49, John 2:2)

34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (John 5:30, John 6:38, John 5:36, John 6:38, John 5:36, John 17:4, John 19:28, John 19:30)

THE TIME IS NOW

35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. (Matthew 9:37, Matthew 9:38, Luke 10:2)

36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. (Proverbs 11:18, 1 Corinthians 9:17, Romans 1:13, Matthew 19:29, John 3:36, John 4:14, John 5:24, Romans 2:7, Romans 6:23)

A DIVISION OF LABOR ACCORDING TO TALENTS

37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. (Job 31:8, Mark 6:15)

38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. (John 4:5)

ALL NON-BELIEVERS ARE PROSPECTS

39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. (John 4:29)

40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

41 And many more believed because of his own word;

EXPECT RESPONSES

42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (Matthew 1:21, Luke 2:11, John 1:29, Acts 5:31, Acts 13:23, 1 Timothy 4:10, 1 John 4:14)

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD

2010-04-23T14:52:00.000-05:00

Newsletter 188 - April 10, 2010

Bob Mills

I don’t remember where I read it first, but the quotation went somewhat like this. “Show me a man’s check stubs and I will tell you how seriously he takes the Lord’s work.” I know it did not come from me first, but it is very true. I make a spread sheet of all my banking and it reveals a lot; the source of all my income, and where it is spent. If one were to add a log of every day’s activities, even more would be revealed. Our lives are open books, nothing is hidden from God. Jesus knew Judas Iscariot was a thief, right down to the last penny. He knew Judas had arranged to betray him, and how much he had been promised. He knows exactly everything about every one of us, and he still loves us. He loves the most vile sinner, for he knows what he is capable of being, and doing. He knows why he made them as they are.

His disciples represented a cross section of mankind. There was a thief, there was a tax collector, there was one so unstable that he was called a little pebble stone, one was a doubter. Each has his own weaknesses, but it is not what they were, it is what they became that counts. Jesus also knew that.

WE WORRY INSTEAD OF TRUSTING HIM

Luke 12:22-34 (King James Version)

22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. (Luke 12:22-31, Matthew 6:25-33)

23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

GOD WILL CARE FOR HIS OWN

24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? (Job 38:41, Luke 12:18)

25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? (Psalm 39:5)

26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? (1 Kings 10:4-7, 2 Chronicles 9:3-6)

27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? (Matthew 6:30)

JESUS THE SEVENTY OUT ON FAITH

29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. (Matthew 6:31)

30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM

31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Matthew 14:27John 21:15-17, Ephesians 5:9)

33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. (Matthew 19:21, Luke 11:41, Luke 18:22, Matthew 6:20, Luke 12:21)

34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:21)

It is natural for anyone to feel uneasy when he lacks a sense of security. Jesus is pleased when we place our trust in him.

This a lesson that I have difficulties with, so you can imagine how uneasy I was recently when bringing my spread sheet up to date I saw that it had dropped to a very uncomfortable low balance. God was showing me that He cares and will provide. Surely enough a few days later it was restored to a much more acceptable balance. God sees, and he cares when we trust Him.

_________

THE TEMPTATIONS OF JESUS

2010-04-23T14:48:00.001-05:00

Newsletter 186 - March 26, 2010

Bob Mills

Luke 4:1-13
(King James Version)

Some use James 1:13 as a “proof text,” saying that Jesus could not be tempted because he is the Son of God and part of God, ignoring that this is a part of his sacrifice when he came to earth to be born of Mary and take on a human body. The only way to provide an acceptable sacrificial death was that he must use his own sinless body for that that final blood sacrifice.

This is affirmed by Hebrews 4:15. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Having a human body, he could be tempted, but did not sin. This period of temptation continued for forty long days during which he had no food. That, in itself, would weaken most men to death. His body would have been crying for food when Satan suggested that he use his power to turn the stones, scattered everywhere, into bread. He never used his powers for his own benefit to gain an easy life. He came to be a sacrifice.

THESE WERE REAL TEMPTATIONS IN EVERY WAY

And without doubt there were more than these listed in our text and continuing on even through the crucifixion. Remember his agony as he prayed in Gethsemane just before his arrest; recall how he ended with the words, “Not my will but thine be done.“. (Luke 22:42). Then he was taunted on the cross, “If he is the Son of God, let him come down.“ He even refused a little wine to relieve his agony and thirst.

Luke 4

1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, (Luke 4:1-13, Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 3:3)

TO USE HIS POWERS FOR HIMSELF

2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. (Exodus 34:28, 1 Kings 19:6)

3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. (Deuteronomy 8:3)

TO COMPROMISE HIS PURPOSE

5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. (Matthew 4:8-19, Matthew 24:14)

6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. (1 John 5:19)

7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Deuteronomy 6:13, Deuteronomy 10:20, Matthew 4:10)

TO GAIN INSTANT POPULARITY

9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: (Matthew 4:5-7)

10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: (Psalm 91:11)

11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:12)

12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (Deuteronomy 6:16)

13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season

SATAN LEFT FOR A SEASON
_________

“YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUESTED”

2010-04-14T15:21:00.001-05:00

Bob Mills

Our first passage to Africa was made on a passenger liner which also carried cargo. There were only about seventy passengers which assured that we got great service since they had space for at least twice that many. We also were allowed unlimited baggage and a very cheap rate on our automobile. Soon after we sailed, we received an beautiful invitation to the captain’s “Cocktail Party.” Having two small children, one of them very ill, and not being interested in such an evening, we chose to ignore it. When the time arrived, there was a discreet knock at our door. One of the officers had been sent to see why we had not appeared. I had not realized that no one ever ignored what was considered to be a “command appearance.”

Later, Phyllis told me of the times that her family had been invited to such affairs by the Colonel in charge of the city of Batang, China. There, it was considered unacceptable to go on the first invitation. There would be a second, and even a third. Then it was time to go, and it was a required appearance.

And later I was sent a gold printed invitation to the State President’s reception on the occasion of the opening of the Afrikaans Language Museum in Bloemfontein, South Africa. I was included because of my publication of Bible study booklets in that language. That was another occasion we did not accept, largely since I had set the type totally from translations others had made. I, at that time, neither understood or spoke Afrikaans at all.

The host in Jesus’ parable here is God Himself, and the feast is probably the wedding feast of His Son, Jesus, and his bride, the church. That feast is still to take place, of course. And it is one we do not want to miss. It too is a command appearance, and God has provided proper attire. We know that because another parable tells us of a man who attempted to enter in, not wearing the proper garments. In other words, he tried to “crash the gate”, without repentance, confession, and baptism. It is obedience to these commands that prepares one. In still another, Jesus compares this to being like the thief who tries to climb into the sheep kraal over the side and not by the entrance he has prepared. There is only one entrance, and that the one of Acts 2:38., and Acts 8:23-39. The apostle Peter was the man with the key that opens the door..

Luke 14:15-24 (King James Version)

15 And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. (Revelation 19:9, Matthew 8:12)

16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: (Matthew 22:2-14, Luke 14:16-24)

17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

BOUGHT A PIECE OF LAND

Who would buy land, sight unseen?

18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

EXCUSE OF THE OXEN

This would be the equivalent of buying a major farm tractor without starting its motor.

19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

MARRIED A WIFE

A newly married man was exempted from the military, but not from a wedding!

20 And another said, I have married a wife, therefore I cannot come. (Deuteronomy 24:5, 1 Corinthians 7:33)

THE JEWS HAD BEEN THE INVITED, BUT NOW EVERYONE

21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

SEARCH THE WORLD. THE ORIGINAL GUEST LIST IS SCRAPPED!

24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

GO YE UNTO ALL THE WORLD. (Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 28:19-20)

SOW THE WORD OF GOD

2010-04-02T11:25:00.003-05:00

Bob Mills

This scripture separates itself into two separate portions. We shall treat it in the same way. The first portion is the parable as Jesus taught it to the large crowd of people who were following him from the cities through which he had traveled and preached. (Luke 8:4-8)

As was the custom of teachers of his day, he taught them with both words amd deeds. What he said was reinforced by what he actually did. But there was a crowd, sometimes a very large crowd, of those who came and went. They were attracted by his miracles, and by his preaching, but they varied much in the intensity of their faith. For some, it was more curiosity, than faith. With others it was more political than a way of life. They sought an earthly king to deliver them from the despised Romans. These were not the characteristics of a true disciple.
To these Jesus used many parables.

THE PARABLE MESSAGE

Luke 8:4-15 (King James Version)

4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable (Luke 8:4-8, Matthew 13:2-9, Mark 4:1-9)

5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 11:15, Mark 7:16, Luke 14:35, Revelation 2:7)

THE PARABLE EXPLAINED

9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? (Luke 8:9-15, Matthew 19:13-23, Mark 4:10-20)

10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. (Matthew 13:11, Isaiah 6:9, Matthew 13:14, Acts 28:26)

Jesus made it clear that he was not here to provide what the

masses were seeking.

He was not seeking a political agenda.

Neither was he entertaining the curious.

Nor was it, his primary purpose to perform miracles. Yes, he performed miracles, but their purpose was to establish without question that he was the Son of God and the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Covenant, which they all knew,

11 Now the parable is this: (1 Peter 1:23)

THE SEED

The seed is the word of God.

12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

The message is preached to all, “all the world“: ( Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19-20) All will hear, but many will not believe. Mark tells us that they judge themselves. (Mark 16:16) They do not believe. They, shall be damned.

ROCK

13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

These represent those who are attracted by the wrong reasons. They like the excitement,. They like the novelty of the music, perhaps much like the music of the world they knew and perhaps still listen to. They are attracted by the crowds, like those who followed Jesus but departed when they discovered that His purpose was not their purpose.

THORNS.

14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

These are those who follow the masses and respond in droves, only their faith is not strong enough to sustain them when the going gets tough. Satan will see that it does just that, the sooner the better as far as he is concerned.

GOOD GROUND

15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

These are the faithful who have loved the Word of God and prepared and maintained their Spiritual relationship with God through His Word and prayer.

Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to tend and care for it. Let us make our hearts a well cared for garden, tending and caring for it. Know that the Word will fall on many deaf ears, but know that some will respond and flourish. That is our purpose in this life.
_________

THE TEMPTATIONS OF JESUS

2010-03-20T13:17:00.000-05:00

Luke 4:1-13
(King James Version)

Some use James 1:13 as a “proof text,” saying that Jesus could not be tempted because he is the Son of God and part of God, ignoring that this is a part of his sacrifice when he came to earth to be born of Mary and take on a human body. The only way to provide an acceptable sacrificial death was that he must use his own sinless body for that that final blood sacrifice.

This is affirmed by Hebrews 4:15. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Having a human body, he could, but did not sin. This period of temptation continued for forty long days during which he had no food. That, in itself, would weaken most men to death. His body would have been crying for food when Satan suggested that he use his power to turn the stones scattered everywhere to bread. He never used his powers for his own benefit to gain an easy life. He came to be a sacrifice.

THESE WERE REAL TEMPTATIONS IN EVERY WAY

And without doubt there were more than these listed in in text and even through the crucifixion. Remember his agony as he prayed just before his arrest, and recall how he ended with the words, “Not my will but thine, be done.“ in Gethsemane. (Luke 22:42). When he was taunted on the cross “If he is the Son of God, let him come down.“ He even refused a little wine to relieve his agony.

Luke 4

1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, (Luke 4:1-13, Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 3:3)

TO USE HIS POWERS FOR HIMSELF

2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. (Exodus 34:28, 1 Kings 19:6)

3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. (Deuteronomy 8:3)

TO COMPROMISE HIS PURPOSE

5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. (Matthew 4:8-19, Matthew 24:14)

6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. (1 John 5:19)

7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Deuteronomy 6:13, Deuteronomy 10:20, Matthew 4:10)

TO GAIN INSTANT POPULARITY

9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: (Matthew 4:5-7)

10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: (Psalm 91:11)

11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:12)

12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (Deuteronomy 6:16)

13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season

SATAN LEFT FOR A SEASON

JESUS WAS BAPTIZED. WHY?

2010-03-17T14:38:00.000-05:00

Bob Mills

God considered that the baptism of His Son was so important to his ministry that it is recorded in each of the four gospels. (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 2 9-11, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:32-34) Each of these texts is short but to the point, and they reveal much. Both Matthew and Luke make a point that he was praying at this time. The language used, the context, and the blessing of both of the other two of the trinity, and the faith and obedience of the candidate all highlight its importance.

JESUS WAS A MATURE MAN

What little we know about the child Jesus were those events that were foretold by the prophets. When the time was right, each of those events came to be and was recorded. His birth; the visit of the magi; the flight to Egypt; his presentation in the temple; these were all prophecy fulfilled. We know that he was blessed of his Father. Now he takes the next step, a mature man, age thirty, ready to start showing in word and deed why He had come.

His ministry need an act of dedication. The time was right.

HE SOUGHT OUT JOHN

Jesus was from Galilee, but he made the long walk to find John, who was baptizing people in the vicinity of Jericho. John had been sent of God to be a forerunner who would prepare the way for Jesus’ This tells us that Jesus was old enough to make his own decisions. As a lad he had been obedient to Mary and Joseph, but this marks the beginning of his adult ministry. Baptism is not for infants. It requires forethought, belief, and repentance. In Jesus’ case, there was no repentance, for here was no sin to forgive, but there was obedience to his heavenly father. The time was ripe, His work was to begin. The Holy Spirit blessed his action, by descending as a dove upon him, and His Father spoke from heaven giving His blessing orally for all to hear. “Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” What had he done? He was making a new beginning. What is baptism? It marks the death of the old man, and the new birth and beginning of a new life, an eternal life. Both Christ’s burial and resurrection would be shown in baptism, a burial in water, and a new life.

THE WORD “BAPTIZE” IS NOT AN ENGLISH WORD

It is a letter for letter copy of the Greek word to indicate a “washing by immersing in water,” Thus Jesus went to John because he was baptizing because there was much water at that place. Colossians 3:12, “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” Or, Acts 8:38-39 , John 3:5.

Luke 3:21-22 (King James Version)

21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

JESUS WAS SETTING THE EXAMPLE FOR US

He was obeying His Father and beginning his ministry. That is why he came. Let us begin and lead lives of repentance and obedience to Jesus who commanded, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16. Jesus had no sins to be forgiven, but everyone else does. That is why Peter, on Pentecost preached saying, “”Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

We will never enter into his Heaven with our sins, or without the Spirit of God. Those sins need to be removed though repentance and baptism, and the Spirit gained as His gift. That is the time we become clean again, and to receive the ability to remain that way through the presence of the Spirit within us.
_________

LIKEWISE ALSO SAID THEY ALL

2010-03-08T18:33:00.003-06:00

Bob Mills

Simon, later known as Peter, was well known for speaking before he thought. That is where the saying “impetuous Peter” came from. Sometimes what he said was good, for example when he spoke up quickly saying what was in his heart, “Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68), but this time he was different, he said, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I,“ (Mark 14:29) He spoke too quickly, but he wasn’t alone, ”likewise also said they all.” (Mark 14:31)

Mark 14:27-31 (King James Version)

27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. (Zechariah 13:7)

28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. (Matthew 28:16)

29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.

30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Matthew 26:34, Mark 14:68, Mark 14:72, John 13:38)

31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all

...........................................................................

When Jesus was taken by the soldiers and the mob sent by the priests, the apostles all fled, all but Peter and John it is apparent. John was well known in Jerusalem, and was able to become our eye-witness of all that happened, but Peter stayed among those in the courtyard

Mark 14:66-72

66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:

67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. (Mark 14:54, Mark 1:24)

68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. (Mark 14:54)

69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.

70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. (Mark 14:68, Matthew 26:73, Luke 22:59)

71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.

72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept (Mark 14:30, Mark 14:68)

Peter made mistake after mistake. He tried to hide his involvement. He followed at a distance. He mingled with non-believers in the fringes of the crowd of onlookers. And when he was questioned, he lapsed into his old language of an angry fisherman. When he realized what he had said, and done, he repented immediately with tears, and then he became an example for us.

Let us be like Peter in this. When we realize we have sinned, let us repent with tears, and return to our Lord. This same Peter had summed it up for us all with his earlier words, “Thou art the Christ.” and “where shall we go.” There is no one else, no other authority, and we can trust no other example. We too are surrounded by non-believers. Let us walk by the Light of His Word. __________

WEALTH, SACRIFICE, AND REWARDS

2010-03-01T15:12:00.000-06:00

Bob Mills

THE RICH YOUNG RULER

The account of the rich young ruler just precedes our thought for today. By man’s judgment, he had lived an excellent life. He had not violated any of the commandments of God; he had accumulated great wealth, and we are told that Jesus loved him. Surely, he could have felt secure that he would have eternal life, but he lacked one thing. His wealth stood between him and the Lord, and he loved it too much. He knew in his heart that there was something lacking. That is why he asked the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?“ And he went away grieving. He wasn’t prepared to make that sacrifice.

ONE THING WAS LACKING

Mark 10:23-31 (King James Version)

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! (Matthew 19:23)

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! (Mark 1:27)

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (Matthew 19:24)

26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. (Matthew 4:20-22)

29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, (Matthew 6:33, Matthew 19:29, Luke 18:29)

30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. (Matthew 12:23)

31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. (Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16, Luke 13:30)

GOD WILL NOT BE IN DEBT TO YOU

The tithe is his, but give beyond that and he will bless you in another way. Leave your home and travel the earth for him and he will replace what you have left behind with something where you are, home, family, country, and the time comes, your heavenly home. No one can out give God, but neither can we rob him. (MalachI 3:10)

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THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME

2010-02-27T10:58:00.001-06:00

John 14:1-7

Bob Mills

When and where we happened to be born, our parents, our material wealth or lack of it, all make a difference where we live for our short stay here on earth. But no matter how long we may live, it's brevity is emphasized in scripture as being like a mist that passes away, or grass that withers and is burned. In reality, it is simply a time granted to us as a time to prepare for the reality of the endless time ahead. We have this time to prepare, not with material things, but Spiritually. I think of it as being something like the accommodation we used to use for our attendance at the African conferences. When the children were small, and where they were available, we sometimes hired small rondavel homes similar to those built by our African brothers. They consisted of a round wall enclosing a twelve foot circular room, and with a thatch, metal, or asbestos roof. The floor was concrete, and the only furniture consisted of one or two narrow cots, a table and 2 chairs. Clearly, they were meant to be very temporary and we used them only as a sleeping shelter. What did it matter? They were shelter for a few days. Thus it is that life here on earth, in comparison to life without end, eternity, without illness of any sort, in perfect surroundings, is of little real significance.
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Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you." He who created all the universe and everything in it, also said: "'Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." John 14:1-7

What is important is that we make ready by accepting Jesus at his word, and obeying him, our Lord, in repentance, baptism and a devoted life. He left several parables to emphasize these facts; also commands, (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16). The chief one being the parable of the foolish and wise bridesmaids as they waited for the groom to come for his bride and the wedding to begin. The wise prepared with extra oil for their lamps, and the foolish took only the oil that was in their tiny lamps. Their lamps ran dry as they waited, and they had to go in search for more oil, thus they found themselves locked out of the wedding which had already started before their return.

Have you made the proper preparations, or have you left that for the last minute? None of us can be certain when our groom, Christ, will come for his bride, the church. If we are not ready, the "mansions" of heaven will not be for us, only the weeping and gnashing of teeth of those who, not being dressed in the wedding garments provided by the host, are escorted out to the place that (Matthew 13:41-43, Revelation 19:20, Revelation:20:10) was really prepared for Satan and his demonic angels. There they will share with them.
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We are told that man can not comprehend, nor words describe what lies in store for his own, but the last two chapters in the Bible, makes an attempt. Read Revelation 21, and 22. You don't want to miss this!

WHO SHALL BE THE GREATEST?

2010-02-26T11:37:00.000-06:00

Mark 9:33-41
Matthew 18:1-5, Luke 9:46-50

Bob Mills

Our tour bus stopped near a present day Synagogue situated on a hill top overlooking the Sea of Galilee, Goland Heights on the far shore, and the harbor nearby. Several stone carvings lined the path, but the ruins of an ancient synagogue, which showed signs that it had once also been used as a church was more complete than most. Only a short stroll away were the ruins of a home, now protected by a modern museum that reminded me of a so called “flying saucer.” Our guide informed us that this ruin was the synagogue where Jesus had preached and then gone to the home of Peter nearby where he healed Peter’s mother-in-law. If that is so, the events of our text took place here. These ruins are in the right place, and fishing boats are nearby as well, but whether these are the actual remains would be difficult to prove. They are certainly very ancient.

I would estimate that this was about twenty five miles from Nazareth, which we had just visited. It was a short distance by bus, but Jesus and his apostles would have arrived walking. Apparently some of the men to the rear of the company, had been discussing, privately they thought, what positions they would each hold in Jesus’ kingdom.

Mark 9:33-41

33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? (Mark 9:33-37, Matthew 18:1-5, Luke 9:46-48, Mark 3:19)

34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. (Matthew 18:4, Mark 9:50, Luke 22:24)

35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. (Matthew 20:26, Matthew 23:11, Mark 10:43, Mark 10:44, Luke 22:26)

36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. (Matthew 10:40, Luke 10:16, John 13:20)

Knowing that they had been arguing about, Jesus went to the heart of the matter. They had been arguing as to of them was the greatest. He did not answer their disagreement, but, using a small child, because it was the home of Peter some assume that it may have been Peter’s son, he taught them a lesson in humility. Small children were often treated as a servant. Probably even household servants sent them for things they needed in their work. They take pride in being able to help.

38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. (Mark 9:38-40, Luke 9:49, Luke 9:50, Numbers 11:27-29)

39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

40 For he that is not against us is on our part. (Matthew 12:30, Luke 11:23)

41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. (Matthew 10:42)

John, perhaps trying to change the direction of the conversation, opened the door to another lesson they needed to learn. They need to realize that they were not the only servants of God. If the man was able to perform miracles in the name of Jesus, he had to be a follower of Jesus, not one of the twelve, but still a disciple. Like Elijah, who fled from the clutches of Jezebel, and who felt that he was the only faithful servant remaining, needed to be reminded that God has many faithful servants.

We do not have to be a leader in the faith to share what we know, and to do a kindness in his name. It may be a drink of water, convenient toilet facilities, or a cup of soup. Our Bible bookstore had such available just by the entrance. Christ served the needs of others and so can we. Let’s do it with a humble spirit, because we love HIM.

PARABLES ON HIS KINGDOM SEED

2010-02-16T08:58:00.000-06:00

Bob Mills

In my childhood, where it was possible, every house had a vegetable garden. The garden and the chicken pen were my responsibility. Most people did not run to the grocery store and buy what they wanted for the next meal. They went to the garden or to the basement for a jar of fruit or vegetables and to the chicken yard.

As soon as it was warm enough we planted rows of seeds. Then we watched for them to come up, and our annual battle to protect them from weeds and hungry insects and worms began. We may have lacked in variety, but we never really lacked food. We even had enough to share with less fortunate neighbors who did not have the space for their own garden,.

Jesus used the fruit trees, the vegetable gardens, the grape vines; the fish four of his twelve apostles caught in their in their nets, in his frequent parables. All his parables had a deeper meaning. These two, related by Mark, concerned the church, which we could compare to be the doorway to his eternal kingdom. It does not come without dedication of time, work, or responsibilities, but along the way we can share with others the Good News.

Mark 4:26-34 (King James Version)

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; (Mark 1:15)

27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. (Joel 3:13)

30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? (Matthew 13:31, Matthew 13:32, Luke 13:18, Luke 13:19, Matthew 13:24)

31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. (Matthew 13:32, Ezekiel 17:23, Psalm 104:12, Ezekiel 31:6, Daniel 4:12, 1 Corinthians 7:14)

33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Our faith is like the tiny seeds we placed I the prepared garden patch. During the long, hot, Summer. We harvested from those plants, but in the Fall we really gathered the most harvest. Thus is our life. We begin with a small seed of faith, throughout life we are blessed, but at the Fall of life, comes the real blessing. We have entered the door, been blessed by his church, and enter into eternity to the eternal home he has prepared for us.

BE MY VALENTINE

2010-02-09T15:41:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

When I say, “Be my valentine“, I am not necessarily thinking of hearts, chocolates, flowers, and gifts. They may be appropriate under the right circumstances. Nor am I thinking of one day of the year.

Putting aside my inherit aversion to public demonstrations of emotions, and the origins of Valentine’s day, I could hardly totally ignore it. Besides, there is a lot said in the Bible about love. I Corinthians 13: is called the “Love Chapter“; John is especially known for his often spoken admonitions that Christians should love one another, It has often been said that if the Bible says we should do something, then we should. We have no excuse not to. If it is also said that if there are three commands, God really means we should do it now, but what about this? I simply searched the words, “love one another” and my computer promptly showed, not one time, not three times, but 19 times! And that does not count other variations in wording. As Christians, we are to be known for our love for one another.

Paul wrote these beautiful words: (In current English, the word “charity” here should be translated “love”)

1 Corinthians 13:1-10

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (1 Corinthians 12:10, 2 Corinthians 12:4, Revelation 14:2, Psalm 150:5)

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (Matthew 7:22, Acts 13:1, 1 Corinthians 11:4, 1 Corinthians 13:8, 1 Corinthians 13:4:1, 1 Corinthians 14:39, 1 Corinthians 14:2, 1 Corinthians 15:51, Romans 15:14, 1 Corinthians 12:9, Matthew 17:20, Matthew 21:21, Mark 11:23)

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (Matthew 6:2)

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 17:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 1 Peter 4:8, Acts 7:9, 1 Corinthians 4:6)

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (1 Corinthians 10:24, Philippians 2:21, 2 Corinthians 5:19)

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (2 Thessalonians 2:12, 2 John 4,
3 John 3f)

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
(1 Corinthians 9:12)

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
(1 Corinthians 13:2, 1 Corinthians 13:1)

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

This describes true, meaningful Christian love, not to be confused with what currently is so often called love in song or print. I recently returned a film to our local library with a sticker label adhered suggesting that it be destroyed as it was pure garbage. It was not pornographic, but it had disgusting dialog and no story line or message at all. God wants our lives to be a message of love for Him to a world that surely needs it.

NOT EVEN THE ANGELS KNOW

2010-02-06T13:25:00.000-06:00

Bob Mills

I remember a time when I was a young child, it must have been my birthday as my aunts and uncles were in our home, and that happened only on very rare occasions, such as our birthdays. My mother was the only one in her family of six siblings who had any children at all, and in ours there were only two surviving brothers. Our minister had preached a sermon in which he set that day as the day the Lord would return. One aunt and uncle, who had not heard that sermon, had very different opinions. Of course, that was not the day. Neither were the days that have been set over the years by various zealous church leaders. I recall one congregation in Johannesburg, South Africa in which many members sold their belongings and gathered in their worship center almost constantly so they would be together and ready when He came. I don’t know why they sold everything. They certainly could not carry cash with them. None of these were right. Not even the angels know. (Matthew 24:36)

But, we can, and do, know that he is coming again. We know, because He has promised to return, and He keeps His promises. Matthew takes two whole chapters to record many of Christ’s parables on the subject. Hopefully, you will read them.

Matthew 24:34-39 King James Version

34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. (Matthew 10:23, Matthew 16:28, Matthew 23:36)

35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Matthew 5:18; Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33)

36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Mark 13:32, Acts 1:7)

37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 16:27, Matthew 24:3, Matthew 30:39, Genesis 6:5, Genesis t:6-23)

38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, (Matthew 22:10, Genesis 7:7)

39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 16:27, Matthew 24:3, Matthew 24:30, Matthew 24:37)

Some of these parables bear witness of the undeniable truth of the whole in that they were fulfilled, even in the life time of the hearers (Matthew 24:34), when Jerusalem was destroyed and the temple worship came to an abrupt end in the year 70 AD. You can be certain that when that happened, the Christians looked for the rest also to be soon. They missed the clear fact, that we are always to live in readiness. All that we see, all the material world we know, will be gone, to be replaced with something infinitely better and eternal.

“But of that day and hour knoweth no man,” (Matthew 24:36). Life continued as it always had. (Matthew 24:38)

However, it is just as certain to come even as the flood did come in the day of Noah. It came without warning and took away everyone and everything not in the safety of the ark. (Matthew 24:39).

THE TRANSFIGURATION

2010-02-06T13:17:00.000-06:00

Bob Mills

THE INNER CIRCLE

I don’t think there is any significance to the fact that they were all fishermen by trade, but Peter, James and John were often with Jesus when the other nine were not. James and John were brothers, but Andrew was the brother Peter and he was not part of this inner circle. These three were given and experience and information that Jesus told them not to share with the others until after the resurrection. This is the first of three things that stand out about this scripture. (Matthew 26:37, Mark 5:37, Mark 13:3)

MOSES, ELIJAH, JESUS

The second is the transfiguration itself and that Moses and Elijah returned and were talking with Jesus. Their faces shone “as the sun.” We have read of this before when Moses went up to the mountain and talked with God. After that occasion his face shone so brightly that the people were frightened and he wore a veil. This is the same light that Paul had been blinded for a time by and was an indication of the presence of God the Father. Here, Moses represented the Law, and Elijah the Prophets. Those two sources lead us to the Christ. (Luke 9:31)

GOD’S ENDORSEMENT

The third is the voice of God saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him.” God had spoken those same words, when John baptized Jesus. (Matthew 3:17) The inner circle, were being prepared ahead of time to use the Law and the Prophets to reveal the Divinity of Christ, God’s Son, and to preach His plan for the salvation of mankind. God was saying, “Listen to Him.” The Law and the Prophets were being fulfilled, now Christ’s message is what counts.

CHRIST THE MESSIAH

Peter had wanted to build shelters for Moses and Elijah, but, no, their work was completed, now it is Jesus we are to hear and follow.

Matthew 17:1-13 KJV

1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, (Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36, 2 Peter 1:17,18, Matthew 26:37, Mark 5:37, Mark 13:3)

2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. (Mark 9:5, Luke 9:11)

5 While he yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. (Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22, 2 Peter 1:17, Isaiah 42:1, Matthew 3:17, Matthew 12:18)

6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. (Matthew 14:27)

8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. (Matthew 17:9-13, Mark 9:9-11m Matthew 8:4, Matthew 8:20, Matthew 17:12, Matthew 17:27, Matthew 16:21)

10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? (Malachi 4:5, Matthew 11:14. Matthew 16:14)

11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. (Matthew 8:20, Matthew 17:9, Matthew 17:22)

13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke unto them of John the Baptist.

DON'T EXPECT ALL HONEY AND FLOWERS

2010-02-06T13:14:00.001-06:00

B. Mills

The world wood it’s heroes with sweetness and flowers. Miss America gets praise, a giant spray of roses, a tiara, and financial awards. The talented, successful, sportsman may be offered a ridiculously high salary, but if he fails to produce, he will be fired and dropped like a hot brick. That is the way of the world. It is the way Satan works. Offer tremendous rewards, with meaningless promises. Remember, Satan is a liar who lures and holds prisoner his victims with meaningless promises. In a recent awards television show, one of the recipients made a point to deny God and that He had anything to do with it. Ignorantly denying God, she was giving credit to Satan, I wonder how soon she will find herself dropped. Perhaps not. Remember how Satan tempted Jesus, our lord, who created this world, with the promise that if he, Jesus, would just bow in worship of him, he, would give it all to him. It was a meaningless promise with nothing to gain, and all to lose, and Jesus’ response was, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” (Matthew 4: 10)

The new Christian is as helpless as a little lamb before a wolf. Even a mature sheep has no defense on his own. The sheep needs a shepherd with a weapon. As Satan departed from Jesus, he in turn, has no answer to the wise use of scripture.

We read nothing about Jesus being tempted before his baptism and the beginning of his ministry for the whole time of his ministries, Satan was never very far away. His betrayer, Judas, was among his own apostles, and the priests, were watching his every move. Even Peter stumbled, and Thomas doubted.

The same is true of all Christians. There are “thorns in the flesh” in every congregation, perhaps well meaning, but misguided individuals. For every genuinely Christian thing that we do, Satan has a counterfeit, a counterfeit Bible, counterfeit churches, a twisted cross, a false gospel, greedy, misdirected evangelists. As time passes, these things qill grow worse, for Satan and his demons know that their time is drawing ever nearer.

But Christians need not be helpless. Jesus said, “I came to bring a sword.” Why, because his followers need to make use of it, the Bible, to respond to Satan. He showed us how, and Satan left him for the time.

Matthew 10:16-22 (King James Version)

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Luke 10:3, Genesis 3:1, Matthew 24:25, Romans 16:19, Hosea 7:11)

17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; (Matthew 5:22, Matthew 23:34, Mark 13:9, Luke 12:11, Acts 5:40, Acts 22:19, Acts 26:11)

18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

THE GRAND CLIMAX OF ALL TIME

2010-02-06T13:03:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

Revelation 20:11-15 (King James Version)

ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

THE HOLY CITY

Revelation 21:1-4

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:22-27

22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

THE GOOD AND THE BAD SEED

2010-02-06T12:56:00.000-06:00

B Mills

It is an obvious fact that there are misinformed individuals who believe that they can live a “good life” and attain heaven without a formal relationship with the Lord’s church. They have never repented of their old way of life, have not confessed the divinity of Christ before others, nor have they been obedient to the Lord in Christian baptism. So, they blend with the saints in the activities of the church and from all outward appearances, are Christians. Jesus, in this parable, and his half brother James in his book, both call our attention to the fact that that this is not an acceptable relationship. God looks at the heart, not the outward appearances. At “harvest time” they will be separated from the true. Yes, there are hypocrites in every congregation of the church flock, and they are not easy to see in this life. They are intermingled with the true and faithful, but Jesus tells us how to deal with them without uprooting the true and faithful in the process.

Matthew 13:24-30

24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field (Matthew 13:31, Matthew 13:33, Matthew 13:45, Matthew 13:47, Matthew 18:23, Matthew 21:1, Matthew 22:2, Matthew 13:1, Mark 4:26-30, Luke 13:18, Luke 12:20)

25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matthew 3:12)

Matthew 13:36-40

36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. (Matthew 13:1, Matthew 15:15)

37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; (Matthew 8:20)

38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; (Matthew 8:12, John 8:44, Acts 13:10, 1 John 3:qo, Matthew 5:37)

39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (Matthew 12:32, Matthew 13:22, Matthew 13:40, Matthew 12:49, Matthew 24:3, Matthew 28:20, 1 Corinthians 10:11, Hebrews 9:26)

40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. (Matthew 12:32, Matthew 13:22, Matthew 13:39, Matthew 13:40, Matthew 24:3, Matthew 28:20, 1 Corinthians 10:11, Hebrews 9:26)

The tares in this parable probably refer to darnel, a weed which can hardly be distinguished from wheat until harvest time when it remains green and will have a different seed head from wheat. At that time, it is easy to separate the two.

Many have been quick to point out that there are hypocrites in the church. That is true, but it is God’s problem, not ours. The purpose of the church is to save souls so it is up to us to, set an example, to teach, and to lead them to salvation in the Lord. Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38,39, Acts 8:36-38)

BUILD YOUR LIFE ON A FIRM FOUNDATION

2010-02-06T12:49:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

Both parables deal with life and upon what foundation we build. Good works, done for the wrong motive, will earn nothing more than, perhaps the honor of our fellow men. They mean nothing unless we are first, good servants of our Lord. That is why Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-3) were punished with death when they lied to the apostles, to the church, and to the Lord by keeping a portion of the money from the sale of some of their property and then claiming that they had given all. Selling the land and giving the money to the Lord was not wrong, but doing it for the purpose of honor, was. Barnabas had given out of a pure heart, but they had not. Not all good deeds are rewarded. God knows the reason for them, and will reward accordingly, but salvation is not a reward. It is only by God’s grace through the death of his Son, to whom we become bond servants that we have been bought from servitude to Satan, who uses us, to service to God who loves us. This requires us to serve because we love Him. It can’t be bought, for we really have nothing that is all our own with which to buy. Some things are really not for sale.

Matthew 7:21-27 King James Version

(Luke 6:46)

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (James 1:22-25, James 2:26, Luke 6:46)

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (Matthew 25:11, Luke 13:25, Matthew 10:15)

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Psalm 6:6, Matthew 25:41, Luke 13:27)

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24, Luke 6:47-49, Matthew 16:18, James 1:22-25)

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it

What is the difference between “rock” and “sand”? Both are composed of the same basic material. Like “good works,” God expects a Christian to do them, but for the right reason. The words he used makes this obvious. The rock is the solid underlying rock or perhaps a massive outcropping slab of stone. Massive structures extend deep down to reach for such a foundation.

I once lived in a house that was built on, not in, such an outcropping. It appeared to be very solid, but deep beneath, there were old abandoned and sealed up gold mines. Late one night, there was a rock-fall in one of those tunnels, and it sounded like an explosion inside the house. The next morning I examined the lowest floor where I found a crack from the floor to the ceiling. Near by, I also have seen huge cracks in the walls of beautiful houses which have been built on shifting sand. The building codes of that city are now very strict!

The Christian has the best life-foundation, ever available, Jesus Christ, God’s Son. There are no hidden flaws, there is strength, and stability, no matter what Satan may hurl at us. Serve him with a pure heart.

THE BIRTH OF THE CHRIST CHILD

2010-02-06T12:46:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

Luke 2:1-20

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Matthew 2:1-11

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

THE SCROLL OPENED BY CHRIST JESUS

2010-02-06T12:41:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

Realizing one can do little more than introduce the book of Revelation in the four weekly studies of December, last week I briefly introduced up to the letters to the seven churches of Asia. An earlier study already published, based on Revelation 3:14:22, asks the question, “Is This the Church of Today?” That was study #99. Whether the seven churches represent the condition of the church during seven chronological periods of time, or simply mean to cover a full spectrum of possible faults they represent, really makes little difference. They are there to serve as a warning or encouragement depending on the local congregation from that time onward.

Today, we are blessed to see a glimpse of Heaven through John’s eyes. This vision brings us through the turmoil leading up to the judgment. It opens before the very throne of God, where there clearly is no one worthy who open the scroll and reveal its message, until the very Son of God steps forward and does so.

Revelation 5:5-10 (King James Version)

5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
(Genesis 49:9, Hebrews 7:14, Isaiah 11:1, Isaiah 11:10, Romans 15:12, Revelation 22:16)

6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. (Revelation 4:4, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 5:14, John 1:29, Revelation 5:12, Revelation 13:8, Daniel 8:3, Zechariah 4:9, Revelation 1:4)

7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. (Revelation 5:1)

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of incense, which are the prayers of saints. (Revelation 4:6, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:11, Revelation 5:14, Revelation 4:4, Revelation 5:14, Revelation 4:10, John 1:29, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:12, Revelation 13:8, Revelation 14:2, Revelation 15:2, Revelation 15:7, Psalm 141:2, Revelation 8:3)

9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Psalm 33:3, Psalm 40:3, Psalm 98:1, Psalm 149:1, Isaiah 42:10, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 15:3, Revelation 4:11, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:12, Revelation 13:8, 1 Corinthians 6:20, Revelation 14:3, Daniel 3:4, Daniel 5:19, Revelation 7:9, Revelation 10:11, Revelation 11:9, Revelation 13:7, Revelation 14:6, Revelation 17:15)

10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 1:6, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 20:4)

Only Christ Jesus is worthy to break the seals and reveal what lay ahead, for only by his sacrificial death can anyone be saved, for “all have sinned and fallen short.” (Romans 3:23) Underlying the message of all the lambs that had been sacrificed since the law was delivered to Moses and the Tabernacle of the wilderness wanderings, and ultimately of the Temple in Jerusalem were dedicated, was the fact that Christ Jesus would be the final sacrificial lamb. Only through Him, can any man be saved. As he said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” (John 14:6) Being a scroll, it was sealed at seven intervals. These are opened one by one, leading up to the judgment and the glory of Heaven, prepare and reserved for the Saints, the family of God.

UNDERSTANDING THE FUTURE

2010-02-06T12:37:00.002-06:00

B. Mills

As I was reading the scripture from Daniel 2, concerning the dream of Nebuchadnezzar and then the vision of John, on Patmos, recorded here, It seemed more than coincidence that they were both about the same era. Both of them contain a panoramic view of the latter days. They both end with the second coming of Christ. Daniel explains it starting with Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the beginning of the period, while John is writing from the end of the same period of time, but relating it from the viewpoint of the church.

Revelation is the only book of the Bible which promises so great blessings upon those who read it. It is prophetic, written to a people who hunger to know what is to come to be. It promises great punishment for those who meddle with its content, who add to or remove portions; yet, so few people have really read it. Why? Yes, it is sometimes difficult to completely understand, but so was Daniel to those who read it then.

God used the seven churches of Asia as an example. There were seven postal districts in this which is the same as Turkey, today. Verse one tells us that this is shortly to come to pass. Since it is a panoramic view, he means to begin to unfold. They would roll the scroll they were reading, as we pan with a camera today. They show the presence of the Holy Spirit in the church throughout, no doubt using the Menorah, which has seven lamps even as did the candle stand in the tabernacle. It has been used by the Jewish nation throughout the same time span of history.. Seven is a symbol of completeness. We see that figure throughout the Bible. The light represents the presence of God, as in the Shekinah cloud of light. We read of it at the dedication of the Tabernacle, and of the Temple. We see it on the mount when Moses received the law, it was in the cloud that led them in the wilderness wanderings. God was with them, even when they sinned and had to be punished.

Revelation 1:1-8

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

3 Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

7 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.

8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

This message came to Jesus, who was, who is, and who is to come. John told us in the Gospel of John, 1:1-3. That he was in the beginning with God, and he made all things. He created all things, he came to earth from His Father, John 3:16-17, and he is coming back for His church when he will separate the good from the bad. When he used the Alpha and the Omega, he used the Greek alphabet one unit in full from A to Z.

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD

2010-02-06T12:34:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

Psalm 106: 1-3

1 Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?

3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.

Let us praise God for it is he who provides for His own.

Thanks giving is a harvest time festival pf American origin, but also celebrated in other lands as well, though not necessarily on the same date, nor as a national holiday. Traditionally, it is a time of homecoming.

However, as children of God, we have so very much to be thankful for. First, we need to be thankful every day that He loves us so much that He was willing to give us His Son as a sacrifice for our sins so that we can be with Him forever. He did not have to do that, but he did it anyway! John 3:16 assures us of that fact. ”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.” Believers need not perish! If they accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ, they will realize also that all power has been given unto him, both in Heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18. And they will hasten to accept that this includes all of us. His command, “Go ye unto all the world, and preach the gospel to every nation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16. That command is an edict of an absolute Monarch. No greater power exists.

We can be thankful that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us in his father’s house. We don’t know what it will be like, but rest assured, it will make anything available here seem insignificant. It is there waiting his sending for us.

We can be thankful for his concern that, as his servants, we have all our needs, even here, are assured. Our food, our clothing, our shelter, are provided, even as he provides for the animals, the flowers of the fields, and the birds of the air, we can be sure that he will care for us as well. That assurance is for his servants, not everyone, everywhere. This is the time that has been set aside for us to give thanks, and to pray for one another and for our leaders and land.

THE RACE OF FAITH

2010-02-06T12:22:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

Even though the author, probably Paul, is talking about faith, and not a marathon, he has chosen to use a marathon type race to represent the Christian’s life from beginning to end.

We have all witnessed, on television if not live, triathlon or marathon races. The Greek culture, under which the writer of Hebrews lived, placed great emphasis on this type of sporting events. They still attract thousands of both participants, and also exuberant fans. The annual marathon in South Africa draws people from all over the world every year and most of the day the race is about all that there is to watch on television. I always found it fascinating to see the escorting motorcycles, each with a cameraman sitting backwards with his camera balanced in his hands so that he can keep it focused on the lead runners. He does not want the watchers of his channel to miss a single thing. His pictures will be sent by satellite around the world.. To win a gold or bronze metal is indeed a great honor.

Like the crowds which line the marathon route, and those watching television, the book of Hebrews likens every Christian life to that of the runner in the marathon. All are surrounded by a great crowd of witnesses. “we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses.” We need to be aware that nothing we do in life is unobserved. We are an open book. This is made clear when Jesus says, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth” Luke 15:7; the same is repeated in Luke 15:10 “Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Following this, he tells us the beautiful story of the loving father (God) over his prodigal son who repented and returned home. Certainly God and the angels are aware of all if they rejoice and throw a party over even one person who repents! Imagine their joy when three thousand repented and were baptized on that fist Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ, when the church came into being!

“Let us lay aside every sin” as did they.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (King James Version)

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (Romans 13:12, Ephesians 4:22, 1 Corinthians 9:24, Galatians 2:2, Hebrews 10:16

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 2:20, Philippians 2:8, Hebrews 2:9, 1 Corinthians 1:18, I Corinthians 1:23, Hebrews 13:13, Hebrews 1:3)

One watches the struggles of the mass of the runners. Some will give up. How we wept when some struggled and then gave up in the marathon. We suffer with them, but then we watch as runner after runner, takes the hand of a weaker partner in his group, and encourages them to keep trying. You can feel his concern. Oh that all Christians had that same concern to assist and encourage, even if it means that it is harder in that they may lose their front runner position. In the run of faith, one does not lose because of helping one another. He gains, for the point is to finish and to be able to say with Paul on that great day: (2 Timothy 4:7-8) “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

What a glorious day that will be when the church is all united as one. Our savior died for each one of us, that we might have life with Him.

THE AMAZING SWORD OF FAITH

2010-02-06T12:18:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

I have a healthy respect for really sharp steel. Just researching and reading about the various types of swords gave me cold chills. It brought back the memory of the time that I was trimming stationery that I had printed on a type of rippled paper, and I pulled the stack from the paper guillotine forgetting that the stack was no longer compressed. The blade sliced through a finger nail and the end of my finger like hot butter. The memory of that cut has stayed with me so that when I had to remove that long blade and replace it with a previously sharpened blade was always very carefully done. Those words, “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword” have a intensely powerful meaning to me. That blade had only one edge, but two edges in the hands of an expert; devastating. I would be afraid to handle it, even by a safe handle.

Hebrews 4:12-16 (King James Version)

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Jeremiah 23:29, Ephesians 5:26, Hebrews 6:5, 2 Peter 1:23, Acts 7:38, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Ephesians 6:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, John 12:48, 1 Corinthians 13:44)

13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (2 Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 33:13-15, Job 26:6)

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (Hebrews 2:17, Ephesians 4:10, Hebrews 8:20, Hebrews 8:1, Hebrews 9:24, Matthew 4:3, Hebrews 1:2, Hebrews 6:6, Hebrews 7:3, Hebrews 10:29, Hebrews 3:1)

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 2:17, Hebrew 2:18, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 7:26)

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 7:19, Hebrews 3:6)

A missionary preacher friend of mine once used this first verse in a sermon, and without thinking, started to explain the difference between the soul and spirit, and how they could be separated. He immediately realized that he was in trouble. In other places they are sometimes treated as synonyms and are used interchangeably. There are things which would be totally impossible to man, but are totally possible for God. What we can not do with the very best of our tool, in this case swords, God can do without any such tools at all. He is comparing the Word with a sword of faith, not just an ordinary sword, but a double edged sword! He has provided with someth8ng that we must not take for granted.

It can separate those fleeting thoughts we all occasionally have, from the well thought out plots of the professional thief. Nothing is hidden from God.

The King James Version says, “open … to the eyes of him”. This is the only place that this particular word in the Greek, is used. It pertains to baring the neck as for the sword, . We will not only be judged by the Word, but by the Word in the hands of God from whom nothing is hidden. The person who knows the Word, but has rejected it, is without hope.

Our high priest is not a mere man here on earth, He is one who arose from the dead and after a period of teaching commissioned his ambassadors to mankind and ascended back to be with God where he is even now preparing a place for his own. We have one who understands. He came to live among us as a man, but arose from the grave, restored to his heavenly body. He knows, he was one of us. He understands all our weaknesses.

He is coming again; perhaps very soon. We are even today living the same problems of the final Laodicean church, rich but spiritually lukewarm, miserable, poor, blind and naked in his sight. (Revelation 4:17-18) , but still he loves us. (Revelation 4:19-20)

GOD GAVE YOU A MIND -, USE IT!

2010-02-06T09:20:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

“Think on these things” and “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether these things were so,” (Acts 17:11) come to mind when we read our text for today. God gave us a mind, and he has every desire that we make use of it to determine if what we hear is really in His Word. Just because something is published on line, or printed in a book or leaflet, or we hear it from our Bible teacher, or from the pulpit, does not mean that it is accurate. Take notes if your memory is not so reliable; look it up in your Bible, and check it in its context. Read more than just the one verse. The Bereans were thinking about what they were being taught, and they are remembered for that yet today. They were wise. Those two immaculately dressed young men at your door, may be the bearers of a false doctrine, as may be the two witnesses at your door on a Sunday morning. Try the spirit that sent them with the Word. Ask them if they believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and see how quickly they either answer saying “a son of a god” or suddenly remember that they are late for an appointment elsewhere.

JOHN, THE BELOVED APOSTLE WROTE:

1 John 4:1-6 (King James Version)

1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (3 John11, Jeremiah 29:8, 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:20.2 Thessalonians 2:2, Jeremiah 14:14, 2 Peter 2:1, 1 John 2:18)

2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (1 Corinthians 12:3, 1 John 2:23, John 1:14, 1 John 1:2)

3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 2:22, 2 John 7, 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-7, 1 John 2:18)

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:13, Romans 8:31, 1 John 3:20, John 12:31)

5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (John 15:19, John 17:14, John 17:16)

6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. (John 8:23, 1 John 4:4, John 8:47, John 10:3, John 18:37, 1 Corinthians 14:37, John 14:17, 1 Timothy 4:1)

JOHN GIVES US TWO RULES TO USE AS A TEST

Just as all the world is either “saved” or “lost,” all are either still sinners, and therefore can not enter Heaven, or their sins are forgiven, and they can look forward to being in Heaven for ever. There are also teachers inspired by the Spirit of God, and there are those who are inspired by the Demonic spirit of Satan.

THE SPIRIT OF GOD

1. “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:” (1 John 4:2)

TEST THE SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST

2. “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (1 John 4:3)

“Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” (1 John 4:6).

HOW WE OUGHT TO PRAY

2010-02-06T09:10:00.002-06:00

B. Mills

Judging strictly by the title, you might expect this to be the answer to the apostle’s question to Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” But, it is not.

It is God speaking through Paul, a letter from prison to his beloved brothers to encourage them in the times of stress they were, and would continue to experience. The answer to their needs is prayer.

Like all mankind, their master had once been of the world, worldly. In other words, they were under Satan. We are all under someone, and Paul is reminding them that some of them had been in slavery to sin. Then it was their Roman conquerors, but today it may be alcohol, drugs, prescribed or other. It may be greed, anger, or pleasure. There are so many fronts, but back of them all hovers the ruler of this world, Satan. Remember that Satan said to Jesus, I will give you the world if you will just worship me. That was, of course, an empty promise if there ever was one. If Jesus had fallen for that, he would have just been falling under Satan’s power and have accomplished nothing at all.

The alternate is to make Christ our master, and thus be born into the family of God. We are still answerable to someone, but this is one who so loved us that He sent His own son to offer us salvation through his own life blood. He alone is completely just. John 3:16-17.
The master of all Christians is Jesus Christ. There are only two masters, one totally good, and one totally evil.

Colossians 4:1-6 (King James Version)

1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. (Ephesians 6:9)

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Acts 1:14, Ephesians 6:18, Romans 12:12, 1 Timothy 5:17, Luke 11:5-10, Luke 18:1-8, Matthew 26:41, Mark 14:38, Luke 21:36)

3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: (Ephesians 6:19, Acts 14:27, 2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 3:3-4, Ephesians 6:19, Ephesians 6:20, 1 Corinthians 16:8-9, 2 Corinthians 2:12)

4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:20)

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. (Ephesians 5:15, Mark 4:11, Ephesians 5:16, Ephesians 5:15-16)

6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (Ephesians 4:29, Mark 9:50, 1 Peter 3:15)

But, what does God expect of his servants? Most of all, he wants us to keep in contact. He wants to hear the voice of his children. He wants us to read his letters to us over and over again. He wants us to be someone he can look to with pride. He wants us to meet with him around his table every week. If we are not there, it will grieve him. Remember that David had a place at Saul’s table, and when he was not there, Saul knew it. God knows it, and is grieved when we are not there. Jesus, who is even now at God’s right hand, promised, “I go to prepare a place for you.” He is making ready a very special place where all his children can be near him forever.

Until the time comes when he returns for us, let us be joyfully praising him with thanksgiving in our hearts and on our lips. Let us give thanks for our leaders to whom he has given authority over us.

Let us pray that we may speak as we ought to speak, and able to answer the questions, of those about us. His word tells us how, and His holy spirit is here to act as our individual personal We are promised this gift at the time of our baptism, not before, and if we are not baptized, we shall not receive it. Acts 2:38. “…and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” God keeps His promises.

THINK ON THESE THINGS

2010-02-06T09:05:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

“The Lord is at hand.”

John ends his book of Revelation with the words, ”Come, Lord Jesus.” and Paul wrote to the Philippians, “The Lord is at hand.“ If they, and those whom they taught, were looking for and urging for Christ to return, how much more ought we to be doing the same? This portion of Paul’s letter, urges us to fill our minds with that which is pleasing to the Lord. Let us make preparation for His return and be eager for His triumphant arrival.

His entry into Jerusalem through the gate called Beautiful was a prophecy in action picturing His return through that same gate yet to come. That portion of the eastern wall of Jerusalem, a wall that has not been rebuilt on a different foundation as many of the others have, still remains today. During their occupation of Jerusalem, that gate was sealed and to keep Jews out, an Islam cemetery now totally blocks the approach to it from the Mount of Olives direction, and from the inside of the wall the public is also kept at bay. But, we read in Revelation that the Lord will enter the city from that direction, and through that gate when he comes. Blocking it off has actually preserved it in anticipation of that time.

Philippians 4:4-9 (King James Version)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 3:1, Psalm 119:151)

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (1 Corinthians 16:22, Hebrews 10:37, James 5:8)

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Matthew 6:25, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Timothy 2:1, 1 Timothy 5:5, Psalm 1:2)

7 And the peace of God, (Romans 8:28) which passeth all understanding, (Isaiah 26:3, John 16:33) shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Isaiah 26:3, John 14:22, Philippians 4:9, Colossians 3:15, 1 Peter 1:5, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 1:1, Philippians 4:19)

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, (2 Timothy 2:25) whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Romans 14:18, 1 Peter 2:12)

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 3:17, Romans 15:33)

Christians have every reason to live a life filled with praise and rejoicing. New Christians have just begun to make their preparations for the coming of their king. The burden of sin is gone. The King is coming. But make note that he is coming as king, not someone one chosen by popular demand. Left to a ballot, He would not be chosen. By far, the majority of people have chosen the world and its ways. He has been the king all the time; Scripture says, “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” We can have no needs that he is not able to grant.

Let us just let our prayers and concerns be directed in praise to Him, with thanksgiving that our deliverer has come. In His wisdom, He will add those things he knows that we need. When Solomon pleased God by asking only for wisdom, God gave far more than that. He has come to bring peace, not only peace to the world, but peace to troubled minds. This is a peace that the world can’t even understand let alone ask for.

FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP

2010-02-06T09:01:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

All Christians, whether we realized it or not, are given a stewardship. We have been entrusted with certain abilities and made responsible for their use. This is the meaning of the parable of the ruler who entrusted his belongings into the care to his servants and who then went or a long trip expecting them to care for his business. Each had been entrusted with money in proportion to their abilities. When the time of accounting came, he found that the first thre2 had invested wisely, but that the fourth, of whom he had expected the least, had simply hidden the money and gained nothing. His master was greatly displeased.

I remember, as a small boy, I was often sent to feed the chickens and gather the eggs As the sun set, I was also sent to close and secure the hen house, and early in the morning to open the door and let them out again. My brother, who was five years older than I, tended the animals in the barn, and milked the cows. Our responsibilities matched our capabilities. I also worked the garden, while my brother went to the fields.

Our Lord does not have the same tasks for us to do, but He has set a stewardship for each of us, and He does expect a willing and happy response to His trust.

Philippians 2:12-18 (King James Version)

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; (Philippians 1:5,-6, Philippians 4:15, Hebrews 5:9, 2 Corinthians 7:15)

13 For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Romans 12:3, 1 Corinthians 12:6, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Hebrews13:21, Ephesians 1:5)

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: (1 Corinthians 10:10, 1 Peter 4:9)

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (Luke 1:5, Philippians 3:6, Mark 5:45, Ephesians 5:1, Deuteronomy 32:5, Acts 2:40, Matthew 5:14-16)

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. (Philippians 1:6, Galatians 2:2, Isaiah 49:4, Galatians 4:11, 1 Timothy 3:5)

17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. (2 Corinthians 12:15, 2 Timothy 4:6, Numbers 28:6-7, Romans 15:16)

18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

THE WISE MAN WALKS CAREFULLY

2010-02-06T08:57:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

Paul is writing for Christians, and this portion of his letter includes several ways in which he speaks of the total difference between God’s ways and the ways of the world. He called it walking wisely.

I remember a visit to a sister in law’s home in Arkansas. Our visit was forcibly extended by a severe ice storm. Her son, made his way down the hill from his home to hers falling a number of times in that short walk. Knowing he was very handy with tools, I suggested that he take two boards the size of his feet and put short nails in them to serve as cleats before he tried that again. The next time he came, he had done that and fastened them to an old pair of shoes with tape. He did not slip at all. That is how God wants us to walk, with care, don’t take chances. Prepare yourself for those perils to your Spiritual life that will certainly come to us all.

Ephesians 5:15-21 (King James Version)

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (Ephesians 5:2, Colossians 4:5)

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Colossians 4:5, Galatians 1:4, Ephesians 6:13)

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Romans 12:2, Colossians 1:9, 1 Timothy 4:3)

18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23-31f, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 5:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:7, Titus 1:6, 1 Peter 4:4, Luke 1:15)

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Acts 16:25, Revelation 5:9, 1 Corinthians 14:15)

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Romans 1:8, Ephesians 5:4, Colossians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 15:24)

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (Galatians 5:13, Philippians 2:3, 1 Peter 5:5, 2 Corinthians 5:11)

Paul covers the works of the flesh in another letter, Galatians, 5:16-26. That letter identifies and contrasts the works of the world, with the works of the Spirit. (The works of the world - Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:19, Galatians 5:20-21) (The works of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22, Galatians 5:23) I have listed the verses separately because the automatic search will not open several verses at a time if you are reading from a computer monitor. The people at Ephesus would have had access to the circular letter sent to all the churches in Galatia. This one only singles out the excess of wine. That was probably because this was a major feature of the pagan religions of Ephesus. Particular attention was needed.

ONE SPIRIT - DIFFERENT GIFTS

2010-02-06T08:50:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

WE ARE ALL DISCIPLES

That is, we are all students, learners that we might strengthen our faith. The time is coming, and in fact now is that we are going to be tested. A brother recently passed along the caution that he along with others had been teaching a class in a prison for the past eight years with no problems at all. But on their latest visit a number of men came and politely asked to join the group. However, as soon as they started to pray, this entire group began to take over and to disrupt their study. They were determined to get the class removed and the believers scattered. Satan wants to destroy faith in God. In this case, replace Him with Allah. Faith comes of hearing and obeying the Word of God. Jesus is Lord. We may be much nearer the events of Revelation 13:16, Revelation 14:11 than we ever anticipated. We need to discipline ourselves as never before.

Leaders - (verse 11)

Apostles - For three years, Jesus trained the twelve, we know as apostles. They were to bring into being, his church, and spread the Gospel throughout their lives, recording all that we need to know. They were blessed with the gift to perform miracles, proof of God’s blessing, since they could not, as we do, refer to chapter and verse of the Bible. All of them with the exception of John, died as martyrs for their faith. John, whom Jesus loved, died as an old man. His life had been a life of persecution, but not martyrdom. When the Word was available, this gift as no longer needed. The Word was proof enough.

Prophets - While the written word was being established, God spoke through prophets. In a sense, He still does today. The faithful steward passes on the word from pulpit or tree. I feel blessed to have preached in the same places that Livingstone preached, even under the same tree.

Evangelists - And evangelist, and we are all to be this, spreads the word “as we go.”

Pastors and teachers - This is the work of the elder, a man “able to teach,” and to shepherd the flock of the church, ever watchful of the wayward sheep who is prone to stray.

Ephesians 4:11-16 (King James Version)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some,

WHY? (verse 2)

To bring to perfection of the saints, and build up the Body, the church.

TO MAKE FIRM (verse 14)

pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:, Acts 13:1, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Acts 21:8, Acts 13:1)

12 For the perfecting of the saints, (holy ones) for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (2 Corinthians 13:9, 1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 1:23)

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge (true knowledge) of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure (literally, of the fullness) of the stature of the fullness of Christ: (Ephesians 4:3, Ephesians 4:5, John 6:69, Ephesians 1:17, Philippians 3:10, 1 Corinthians 14:20, Colossians 1:28, Hebrews 5:14, John 1:16, Ephesians 1:23)

14 That we henceforth be (no longer be) no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (1 Corinthians 14:20, James 1:6, Jude 12, 1 Corinthians 3:19, 2 Corinthians 4:2, 2 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 6:11)

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 2:21, Ephesians 1:22)

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Romans 12:4, Galatians 2:19, Ephesians 1:4)

HOW? (verse 15)

Speak “the truth in love.”

LOST FROM THE FAITH

2010-02-06T08:42:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

All my life, I have found my way by looking at landmarks, streets, trees, buildings, or other fairly stable things. This makes it very difficult for me to tell someone else how to find a certain destination, or even for me to find my way back there after a few years. My ”landmarks” may have been removed or changed. A few months ago, we moved to the apartment where we now live. The complex is composed of four four-storied inter-leading buildings around an enclosed garden. Because each floor and all the passage ways are almost identical, I still occasionally find myself going the opposite direction from my planned destination or using an exit to find the car only to discover that the car is nowhere in sight.

Paul in writing to the churches of Galatia, the letter is meant to be shared, realized that some of them were in danger of wandering from the faith. They had listened to false teachers, and forgotten the truths of the Gospel. They were not keeping in mind the foundation facts that he and others had taught them. Listen to what he says.

Galatians 1:6-10 (King James Version)

6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (2 Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 1:7, Galatians 1:11, Galatians 2:2, Galatians 2:7, Galatians 5:14, 1 Timothy 1:3)

7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (Acts 15:24, Galatians 5:10)

8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (2 Corinthians 11:14, Romans 9:3)

9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Acts 18:23, Romans 16:17, Romans 9:3)

10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:33, 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Romans 1:1, Philippians 1:1)

After Paul had converted them, fanatical false teachers had come to the churches and had taught them that they could not be Christians unless they had first become Jews, then accepted Christ and that they must reverence and worship angels. These were converts who came directly from Gentile paganism to become Christians. They knew nothing of these strange doctrines and were confused and in danger of wandering from the faith. We learn from these verses.

First, Paul is shocked that they, so soon, had listened to teachers who taught a new and different gospel that is not taught in the Bible. We should not be surprised at this for this is the same method used to establish religious cults yet today. A cult is formed when men establish a church that puts more emphasis on a man’s teaching than on God’s Word. Such groups gather around a man or woman and listen to them instead of studying the word of God. Because he would encounter such teachers, Paul, in another text cautions Timothy, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Paul is saying, avoid such teachers, even if you know that they are angels. A third of the angels of heaven followed Satan and became fallen angels. We know them as “demons” and their destination, along with Satan, and those who have been deceived by them, is to be cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 12:7-8, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20:10)

THANKS TO GOD, YOU CAN START OVER!

2010-02-06T08:35:00.002-06:00

B. Mills

We have all known, probably many times, wished that we could start over. We often know exactly where we got off the track, but, unfortunately, what has been done is history and there is no way that we can change it.

However, God has made a way that we can start life over again. The Bible calls it being born again. Jesus told Nicodemus, a religious leader of the Jews, John 3:5; also John 3:6-7, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” This must have been a shock to Nicodemus, who was a leader among his own people. He was confident, as are many today, that he was right with God, but in reality, he did not even know about the Holy Spirit, and he had never been immersed in water for the forgiveness of his sins. His parallel, would be a minister today who quotes John 3:16, another part of the same conversation a few verses further on. The “believes,” there means to believe with action. We are told elsewhere that even the demons believe, and they tremble, but they do not repent, and do not obey the command of Jesus to “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). Their destination is to be cast into Hell. Hell is God’s way of dealing with Satan and his demons, fallen angels. Mankind is a higher creation than angels, and heaven is made for people to be with God for ever. If, they do not go there is because of neglect and disobedience to Christ, to whom was given “All power in Heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18.

Paul assures us that God, who loves his creation, man, has made a way through Jesus for our preparation to live with Him. The answer is to be “in Christ.”

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (King James Version)

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (Romans 16:7, John 3:3, Romans 6:4, Galatians 6:15, Isaiah 43:18+, Isaiah 65:17, Ephesians 4:24, Revelation 21:4+)

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (1 Corinthians 11:12, Romans 5:10, Colossians 1:20, 1 Corinthians 3:5)

19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (Colossians 2:9, Romans 4:8, 1 Corinthians 13:5)

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (Malachi 2:7, Ephesians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 6:1, Romans 5:10, Colossians 1:20)

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (Acts 3:14, Hebrews 4:15)

God provided this means of access to Himself through Jesus Christ. His love is that great, but, as he pointed out to Nicodemus, we must be born again of water and the Spirit. Our faith must result in an obedient response.

Let us give praise to God. We can start over, we can be born again and make a complete change in our lives. That is God’s purpose for His church. It began with Peter preaching a salvation sermon answering their question, :”Men and brethren, what shall we do?” with Acts 2:38-39, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

SPREAD THE WORD

2010-02-06T08:30:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

This letter was probably the last letter written by Paul. He is doing what I did when I knew that it was out of my hands, it was time to retire. He was thinking of the church and its future leadership. Various of the others had forsaken him. Timothy needed encouragement, not teaching further. In a sense, we are in the same position of this young, probably in his thirties preacher of the gospel.

Time is running out for us, and perhaps for the whole church as we know it. Paul “charges” us, a military command term, before both God and His Son Jesus Christ, to spread the word. A picture comes to mind, my being of a farm origin, a great pile of fertilizer is stacked in one corner of the barnyard, fresh from the stalls. It is too strong to just dump on the garden and truck patch, but it needs to be spread over them and allowed to leach until time to plow the field and prepare them for planting. Paul says to Timothy, I command you before God and Christ who will reward you accordingly, along with the living and the deceased, when He returns, Preach the word. This particular message is to Timothy, but it applies equally to all Believers. We are all under the command of Jesus Christ in whom rests all power, both in heaven and on earth, and who commands, “As you go, teach.”

2 Timothy 4:1-5 (King James Version)

1 I charge ( 1 Timothy 1:18, 1 Timothy 5:21) thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Corinthians 2:17) who shall judge (John 5:22) the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; ( 1Timothy 5:21, 2 Timothy 2:14, Acts 10:42, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, 2 Timothy 1:10, 2 Timothy 4:8)

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. ( Galatians 6:6, Colossians 4:3, 1 Timothy 1:6, 1 Timothy 5:20, Titus 1:13, Titus 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:10)

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (2 Timothy 3:1, 1 Timothy 1:10, 2 Timothy 1:13)

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Thessalonians 2:11, Titus 1:14, 1 Timothy 1:4)

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (1 Peter 1:13, 2 Timothy 1:8, Acts 21:8, Ephesians 4:12, Colossians 4:17)

Verse two calls to our attention that there are no good and bad times; we are always on duty, depending on the case at hand we are to be ready to share the word. What is the word? John calls Christ, ’the Word,” (John 1:1-) And Phillip was ready to start where he was and teach the Ethiopian, Christ. (Acts 8:35) Without question, he took that prophecy he had been puzzling over, and show by the prophets and the Lord that this Jesus Christ was the Messiah. There is undeniable evidence in the Bible that God sent His Son to redeem lost souls, and that we who believe that, repent of our sins, and are obedient to His command to be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins, are saved and He adds us to His church. (Acts 2:38)

That is not be end; it is the beginning. In the likeness of His death, burial and resurrection, we too have died to sin, been buried in baptism, and arise, a new person, born of water and the Spirit. (John 3:5-6)

EXPECT PERILOUS TIMES AHEAD

2010-02-06T08:24:00.000-06:00

B. Mills

Our Lord warned that even as people rejected him, they will also reject those who believe in him and follow him. However, that rejection and persecution for his sake, will not go unnoticed by the Lord. Those who have lost their lives for his sake will have the front row, box seats of honor in his kingdom, at the very foot of the throne. (Revelation 6:9-10)

We are even now in the “last days” that period of time known as the “Church Age,” between the establishment of the church until Christ’s second coming. That means that we are living in the “last days,” perhaps even nearing the time of his return.

Interestingly, note that the same word that is translated “perilous” here is used in Matthew 8:28 to describe the demoniac who was possessed of many demons. The same demons which Jesus permitted to enter the herd of swine, which then ran into the sea and were destroyed. The description of mankind described by Paul picture a world rapidly becoming so polarized that it is no longer possible for the church to survive in it. That was the world just before the great flood which destroyed all that was not safe in the ark. Noah’s ark is a symbol of the church. As the ark saved Noah’s family, the church will save God’s family. Remember, it is often the darkest just before dawn, but shortly the light of the sun drives all that darkness away. When the world becomes totally uninhabitable by God’s people, He will put them in the place that he has prepared for them.

2 Timothy 3:1-7 (King James Version)

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (1 Timothy 4:1)
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (Philippians 2:21, Luke 16:14, 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Timothy 6:10, Romans 1:30, 2 Peter 2:10-12, Luke 6:35, 1 Timothy 1:9)
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (Romans 1:311 Timothy 3:11, Titus 1:8)
4 Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (Acts 7:52, Acts 19:36, 1 Timothy 3:6, Philippians 3:19)
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (1 Timothy 4:7, 1 Timothy 5:8, Matthew 7:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:6)
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (Jude 4, 1 Timothy 5:6, Titus 3:3)
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 2:25)

Make particular note that the church by that time still has a “form of godliness,” but that it denies the ”power” of God. That would be the deity of God and His Son, the natural conclusion of the theory of evolution and materialism. Verse six is therefore to be anticipated.

And verse seven clearly describes most modern day churches. Ever learning, many studies, but not the Word. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, but shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness and their word will eat as doth canker:” (2 Timothy 2:15-17a)

THE MEMORIAL COMMUNION SERVICE

2010-02-06T08:15:00.000-06:00

B. MILLS

It does not really make any difference to us, as we accept the entire Bible to be of God through the pens of inspired men, but some think that 1 Corinthians was written before any of the four Gospels. If that is true, then this account of its institution is probably the first to be committed to writing, and either way, it is in the very words of the Lord on the very day of his arrest leading to his crucifixion and death. This makes it an “Ordinance” of God. There are two, and possibly three, ordinances or commands of the Lord for the Church era. They are Baptism, the Communion service, and possibly the Lord’s Day, which we call Sunday and is a day set aside for Him. The Sabbath was a day of rest, and happened to be the seventh day, the day on which God rested after the creation of all things. That was made a day of worship under the Law of Moses and continued until that law was fulfilled and the era of the church began.

Unfortunately, the church in Corinth had linked it to their weekly Love Feast , mentioned in Jude 12,which took place at the close of their worship. Jesus had used the emblems of the Passover feast, the bread and the wine. The Corinthian wealthy had taken those, added gluttony, selfishness, and drunken revelries misusing them. Paul spares no words in expressing his horror at what they were doing in the first portion of the text.

1 Corinthians 11:17-26 (King James Version)

17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. (1 Corinthians 11:2, 1 Corinthians 11:22)

18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. (1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 1:33)

19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. (Matthew 18:7, Luke 17:1, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Peter 2:1, 1 John 2:19, Deuteronomy 13:3)

20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.

21 For in eating every one takes before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. (Jude 12)

22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. (1 Corinthians 10:32, James 2:6, 1 Corinthians 11:2, 1 Corinthians 11:17)

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: (1 Corinthians 15:3, Galatians 1:12, Colossians 3:24, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:17-20, 1 Corinthians 10:16)

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, quoting directly the Lord’s words reminding them of it’s institution. Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 10:16, Exodus 24:6-8, Luke 22:20, 2 Corinthians 3:6)

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he comes. (John 21:22, 1 Corinthians 4:5)

The frequency if this observance is not directly referred to here, though many assume that the ”breaking of bread“ in Acts 2:42. That is used in connection with “steadfastly.” A far more explicit reference linked with the Lord’s Day is given in Acts 20:7. They came together to “break bread.” This was their custom, and Paul waited five days knowing they would gather for this time of worship on the first day of the week.

THE MAN GOD CALLS WISE

2010-02-06T08:08:00.000-06:00

B Mills

The church in the city of Corinth was made up largely of men and women who had once been worshippers in the pagan rituals of the temple at the heart of that city. Consequentially, Paul’s letter is to appeal to them that they not be drawn back into former habits. We face the same temptations today in the modern church. No, we are probably not tempted to bow down to lifeless idols, but we face the same temptation to return to the old ways of the world with the friends we had before. His first words calls them “wise men.” It is indeed a wise man who seeks the word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit when such temptations come, and they are certain to come. Scripture points out, “The fool has said in his heart, There is no God.” The book of Proverbs, has many such guides, if we just read them. Many are from the words of Solomon.

1 Corinthians 10:15-22 (King James Version)

15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

16 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?

17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

What is he talking about when he speaks of “the cup of blessing?” That is the name of the third cup used at the Passover feast, and would also be the cup that Jesus used when he instituted the memorial Feast that he instructed we were to observe until he returns. Paul speaks further of this later in this letter, (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), so I will also leave that for a later study. The blessing now refers to the blessing all Christians receive through his death on the cross and the shedding of his blood in the final blood sacrifice for the sins of all. Verse 16 likens the bread to his broken body and the fruit of the vine to his shed blood through which we commune with him. Because of this, this avenue of worship is called the “Communion Service,“ and it is the heart of, and the reason for, our assembly together to worship him every Sunday.

Paul, because of the problem of believers turning back to their old ways, points out that the sacrifices in the pagan temples were actually sacrifices to devils, and that Christians can not worship both God and devils. That same fact is true today. Satan has all who do not accept and follow God. Because they have sinned and the fact that sin and God are incompatible, they are lost. Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved. He assured us, “I am the way, No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

AANGENAME ONS ANGRY GOD

2009-11-06T14:51:00.003-06:00

Afrikaans

Robert Mills
Reg vanaf die eerste vers, Esegiël vertel ons, in God se eie woorde, dat, selfs al is hulle gerig was om sy uitverkore volk, met wie hy lief duur, en deur wie hy later sou gestuur Sy eniggebore Seun, het hulle gesondig het en sou gestraf word .(Johannes 3:16-17) Die straf vir die sonde was, van die begin af, die dood, dit is "skeiding van God." Adam en Eva sou geleef het vir ewig moes hulle geëet van die boom van die lewe, in plaas van die verbode boom van die kennis van goed en kwaad, 'n pragtige boom wat gegroei het in die middel van Eden. (Genesis 3:2) As gevolg van hulle sonde, het hulle verban is uit Eden, en die "Boom van die lewe," wat sal floreer in die nuwe Jerusalem. (Openbaring 21:2)

In die tyd van Noag het God kwaad was op die sonde van die hele mensdom en vernietig alles behalwe 'n gesin in die groot vloed. In hul woestyn omzwervingen, Israel gesondig het, herhaaldelik en al die generasie wat het van Egipte nie, maar 'n paar, het nooit geleef het om selfs sien die beloofde land. Dat die nuwe generasie grievously weer gesondig het, en God het deur Esegiël hierdie woorde aan sy woede te kenne gee en wat sou gebeur as gevolg van dat. God en sonde is heeltemal in stryd. So, Hy het Sy Seun gestuur het om 'n finale opoffering om voor te berei' n volk wat kan hemel betree en te wees met Hom vir ewig.

As gevolg van Golgota, die Apostel Petrus in staat was om te antwoord die sondaar se huil, op die besef van hulle skuld, "Broeders, wat moet ons doen?" (Handelinge 2:37) Die antwoord op daardie vraag vir almal sondaars is nog steeds dieselfde Petrus gegee het. "Bekeer julle en word gedoop, elkeen van julle in die naam van Jesus Christus tot vergewing van sondes, en julle sal die gawe van die Heilige Gees."(Handelinge 2:38) En ons vertel word in Handelinge2:47, "die Here bygevoeg word aan die kerk daagliks, soos moet gestoor word. 'N Beter vertaling lui, was "gered word."

Esegiël 7: 1-27 (King James Version)

1 Verder het die woord van die HERE tot my gekom en gesê:

2 Ook, Seun van die mens, so sê die Here HERE tot die land van Israel; 'n einde, die einde het gekom oor die vier hoeke van die land.

3 Nou is die einde oor jou kom, en ek sal stuur my toorn op jou, en sal jou oordeel volgens jou weë, en sal vergelde op jou is al jou gruwels.

4 En mine eye shall not spare thee, of sal ek jammer, maar Ek sal jou weë oor jou beloning, en jou gruwels sal in jou midde, en julle sal weet dat Ek die HERE is.

5 So sê die Here HERE, An evil, an only evil, behold, gekom het.

6 'n einde het gekom, die einde kom, is: dit watcheth vir jou;, behold, it is come.

7 Die oggend is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in die land: die tyd kom, die dag van die nood is naby, en nie die klinkende weer van die berge.

8 Nou sal Ek binnekort my grimmigheid uitgiet op jou, en vervul my toorn teen jou, en Ek sal jou oordeel volgens jou weë, en sal jou beloon vir al jou gruwels.

9 En my oog sal nie spaar, of sal ek jammer: ek sal jou beloon volgens jou weë, en jou gruwels wat in die midde van jou is, en julle sal weet dat Ek die HERE is wat slaan.

10 Kyk, die dag, kyk, dit kom, is: die oggend is 'uitgegaan, die roede het geblom, trots het hoof knoppie.

11 Geweld is opgestaan het in 'n roede van goddeloosheid: nie een van hulle sal bly, of van hulle menigte of van enige van hulle se: nie, en sal daar geween wees vir hulle.

12 Die tyd het gekom, die dag draweth naby: laat die koper nie bly wees, en ook nie die verkoper mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.

13 Want die verkoper sal terugkeer na wat verkoop word nie, hoewel hulle was nog in die lewe: vir die visie is die hele skare daarvan, wat sal nie terug te raak; nie, en sal enige versterk homself in die ongeregtigheid van sy lewe.

14 Hulle het die ramshoring geblaas, selfs al maak alles klaar, maar niemand gaan hy na die geveg, want my toorn is op die hele menigte daarvan.

15 Die swaard is sonder, en die pes en die hongersnood binne: hy wat in die veld sterwe, met die swaard, en hy het dit is in die stad, hongersnood en pes sal hom verteer;.

16 Maar hulle dat van hulle ontsnap sal ontsnap, en dit word op die berge soos duiwe van die dale, almal van hulle rou elkeen vir sy ongeregtigheid.

17 Al die hande sal slap word, en al die knieë sal swak wees soos water.

18 Hulle sal ook gord hulleself met 'n roukleed, en verskrikking sal hulle oordek; en skaamte sal op al die gesigte, en kaalheid op al hulle hoofde.

19 Hulle sal cast hulle silwer in die strate, en hulle goud sal verwyder word: hulle silwer en hul goud sal nie in staat wees om hulle te verlos in die dag van die toorn van die HERE: hulle sal hulle siele te voldoen nie, en vul hul ingewande : want dit is die struikelblok van hulle ongeregtigheid.

20 Soos vir die skoonheid van sy sieraad, hy het dit neergesit in die majesteit, maar hulle het die beelde van hul gruwels en het hul verfoeisels daarin: therefore have I set it far from them.

21 En Ek sal dit in die hande van die vreemdelinge vir 'n prooi, en aan die goddelose van die aarde vir' n buit, en hulle sal besoedel nie.

22 my gesig sal ek sy beurt ook van hulle, en hulle sal my geheime plek besoedel, want die rowers tree in dit, en dit verontreinig.

23 Maak 'n ketting, want die land is vol van bloedige misdade, en die stad is vol geweld.

24 Daarom sal Ek bring die ergste van die nasies, en hulle sal hul huise in besit: "Ek sal ook die praal van die sterk te maak om op te hou, en hulle heilige plekke, word verontreinig.

25 Destruction cometh; en hulle sal soek na vrede, en daar sal wees nie.

26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, en gerug op gerug word, dan sal hulle 'n visie van die profeet te soek nie, maar die wet sal omkom van die priester, en die raad van die oudstes.

27 Die koning sal rou, en die vors sal met verwoesting beklee word, en die hande van die mense van die land sal nie ontsteld word nie, sal ek vir hulle nadat hulle weg, en volgens hulle woestyne, sal Ek oordeel hulle, en hulle sal weet dat Ek die HERE is.

Ons het gekom volle siklus. Die toestand van die wêreld van vandag is terug vir die staat wat gevra het Noag, en die profete van oud tot hulle baie lewens uitroep God se waarskuwings te gee. Ons het dieselfde boodskap vandag. Ons Here, Here van die Here, het gesê: "En kyk, Ek kom gou, en my loon is by My, om elkeen te vergeld soos sy werk sal wees. Ek is die Alfa en die Oméga, die begin en die einde, die eerste en die laaste."(Openbaring 22:12: 13) In die sluitingsdatum, het hy bygevoeg," Ek kom gou." (Openbaring 22:20) Mei al Sy kinders antwoord die gebed, "Amen, ja kom, Here Jesus."(Openbaring 22:20)

Bob

*Computer Translated

PLEASING OUR ANGRY GOD

2009-11-06T11:01:00.004-06:00

Right from the first verse, Ezekiel tells us, in God’s own words, that even though they were directed to his chosen people, whom he loved dearly, and through whom he would later sent His only begotten Son, they had sinned and would be punished. (John 3:16-17) The punishment for sin has been, from the beginning, death, that is “separation from God.” Adam and Eve would have lived for ever had they eaten of the tree of Life, instead of the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil, a beautiful tree that grew in the midst of Eden. (Genesis 3:2) Because of their sin, they were banished from Eden, and the “Tree of Life,” which shall flourish in the new Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:2)

At the time of Noah, God was angered at the sin of all mankind and destroyed all but one family in the great flood. In their wilderness wanderings, Israel sinned repeatedly and all the generation that departed from Egypt, but a few, never lived to even see the promised land. That new generation grievously sinned again, and God spoke through Ezekiel these words to express His anger and what would happen because of that. God and sin are totally incompatible. Thus, He sent His Son to become a final sacrifice to prepare a people who could enter Heaven and be with Him for ever.

Because of Calvary, the Apostle Peter was able to answer the sinner‘s cry, on realizing their guilt, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) The answer to that question for all sinners is still the same Peter gave. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38) And, we are told in Acts 2:47, “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. A better translation reads, “were being saved.”

Ezekiel 7: 1-27 (King James Version)

1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2 Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.

4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

5 Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come.

6 An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come.

7 The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains.

8 Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations.

9 And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth.

10 Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.

11 Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness: none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of any of their's: neither shall there be wailing for them.

12 The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.

13 For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life.

14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.

15 The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.

16 But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.

17 All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water.

18 They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads.

19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.

20 As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.

21 And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it.

22 My face will I turn also from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for the robbers shall enter into it, and defile it.

23 Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.

24 Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled.

25 Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none.

26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.

27 The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

We have come full cycle. The condition of world today is back to the state that prompted Noah, and the prophets of old to give their very lives crying out God’s warnings. We have the same message today. Our Lord, Lord of Lords, has said, “And, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Revelation 22:12:13) In closing, he added, “Surely I come quickly.” (Revelation 22:20) May all His children reply the prayer, “Amen, Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)

Bob

FELLOWSHIP IN THE FAMILY OF GOD

2009-10-27T13:01:00.001-05:00

Without doubt, the Gospel book which bears his name and these three short letters were all written by the apostle John, though he never lays claim to any of them. One of the inner circle of three, who were so often with Jesus, John is singled out as being the one Jesus loved, and that love shows in his writings. Jesus taught that love should be the mark that distinguishes Christians from non-believers. John is the one Apostle that shows that fruit of the Spirit the most strongly.

Just as there was an “inner circle” among the apostles, those closest to Jesus, there are those who are the core of every local assembly of Christians today. Scripture sometimes speaks of them as being “pillars” of the church, often the elders and leaders. This strong fellowship identifies the family of God, His church. Of such, comes the “Light of the world.” God is light, and his family show that they are of God even as Moses physically showed that he had been in the presence of God and wore a veil over his face after he came down from the mountain carrying the law of God literally carved in stone by God himself.

That light was shown physically when God first entered into, first the tabernacle, and later the temple, and alter when Saul was blinded by the light on the road to Damascus. That light is shown through Christians as they destroy the darkness of sin throughout the world both by word and deed.

1 John 1:5-2:2 (King James Version)

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (John 1:19, 1 John 3:11, 1 Timothy 6:16, James 1:17)

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (John 8:12, 1 John 2:11, John 8:55, 1 John 2:4, 1 John 4:20, John 3:21)

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (Isaiah 2:5, 1 Timothy 6:16, Titus 2:14)

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (Job 15:14, Proverbs 20:9, Romans 3:10, James 3:2, John 8:44, 1 John 2:4)

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (Psalm 3:25, Proverbs 28:13, Titus 2:14)

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (Job 15:14, John 3:33, 1 John 5:10, 1 John 2:14)

1 John 2

1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (John 13:33, Galatians 4:19, 1 John 2:12, 1 John 2:28, 1 John 3:7, 1 John 3:18, 1 John 4:4, 1 John 5:21, 1 John 1:4, Romans 8:34, 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 9:24, John 14:16)

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (Romans 3:15, Hebrews 2:17, 1 John 4:10, John 4:42, John 11:51, 1 John 4:14)

Where there is the love of God, the word of God

NEVER OUT OF TOUCH

2009-03-05T11:03:00.005-06:00

Ephesians 3:14-21 (King James Version)

It is really a disturbing feeling to be traveling on a six lane freeway and suddenly have the engine of the car accelerate at the same time the vehicle slows to a stop! Thanks to God we happened to be in the outer lane and there was room to coast into a turn-off for a junction. Thanks also to the two young men who rushed to our assistance and helped this 81 year old man push the useless vehicle into a near by parking lot. Having a cell phone, we were able to phone for an AAA tow truck. I will return to that later, but it was reassuring that the owner had painted on the back of his cab in giant words, “DESERT STORM , JESUS SAVES.” Jesus not only saves, but he is never out of touch to his own. God was looking after us, and we were certainly, in a “storm,” symbolically speaking.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul assures his brothers and sisters:

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (1 John 3:10)

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; (Romans 8:9, 1 Cor. 12:13) that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

God so loved us that he has provided for us thro his Son whom we “put on” or receive at the time of our Baptism, a means of reaching himself. (Matthew 22:37-39, 1 John 4:9-12, and 1 John 4:19-24)

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints (Romans 5:5, John 13:34-35) what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

This comes as a gift to all saints, that is all Christians. All who have put on Christ at their baptism, through faith.

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.

As we prepared to leave the parking lot, the driver entered the street address of our destination into his electronic navigator, which it interpreted as latitude and longitude. From there on he pretty much ignored the voice which gave definite and clear instructions. Every time we ignored an instruction, the navigator refigured and changed the directions to an alternate route. Christ gives us divine direction, but these reach us not only by latitude and longitude, but also depth, as he did Jonah in depth of the sea, under very uncomfortable conditions, but also by height, as he did Neil Armstrong as he stepped out onto the surface of the moon. Whether trapped a mile beneath the surface in the deepest mine, or in a space craft, God is there. His love reaches us, and we, need never be out of touch.

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

PROPHESIES FULFILLED

2009-01-10T09:32:00.000-06:00

I am introducing a series which naturally begins with his birth. Also, there so many prophecies that are fulfilled by these few facts. These link the two testaments and show its accuracy in every detail.

We know that the Gospel of Matthew was written with the Jewish nation in mind because of these many prophecies that had been made many years before. The non-Jewish world was not aware of these, but every person of Jewish descent was. They were a part of the fabric of their lives. It was through these prophecies that God prepared this nation for the coming of the Messiah.

Matthew 1:18-25 (King James Version)

18 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”

Matthew 2:24 tells us that all of this was foretold by the prophet.

Herod was troubled about this prophecy for he was king at that time. This same prophet had also told where the Messiah would be born. Bethlehem of Judah, just a few miles from his very throne! “And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a governor, that shall rule my people Israel.”

Herod being who he was, the Lord warned Joseph to take his family to Egypt to save him, and to fulfill the prophecy “Out of Egypt have I called my Son.” God had brought this family from Nazareth to Bethlehem, so that Jesus might be born there, and then instructed them to flee to Egypt so that, he could be called back to return to Nazareth that he might begin his ministry from Nazareth, “and he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.“ Matthew 2:23.

God still puts his servants where He plans to use them today.

In so doing, he saved Jesus from the destruction that Herod sent on the whole area of Ramah. “In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning. Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.” Matthew 2:18, a fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:15.

Before he began his ministry in Galilee, Jesus went to seek John the Baptist that he might be baptized by him. John was preaching there also in fulfillment of a prophesy from Isaiah, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him. And Lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Isaiah 11:2, 42:1.

In the first three chapters of Matthew, there are ten prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah, that are all fulfilled. And they came to be!

HOW WE OUGHT TO BE LIVING IN THE FAITH

2008-08-23T10:41:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4:4-13

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; (Don’t worry about anything.) but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

King James Version

The apostle Paul wrote these touching words to the church at Philippi. We know a number of things about this church which might not even have come to be had God not sent new instructions to him in a dream. Paul had been planning an evangelization trip to northern Galatia, but it seemed that nothing was working out and he had a vivid dream while he was still at Troas. In this dream, he saw a man from Philippi who beconed to him to come there. He wasted no time in making preparations and boarding a ship sailing there.

All who trace their origins to Europe should be thankful that he did, for this was the very first church to be planted in Europe. The first converts were Lydia and her staff followed a few days later by the Jailer and his household. From this small beginning grew a church which flourished; a church which apparently remembered Paul for the rest of his life, sending time and again to his aid when they had the opportunity. Note his words, “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.” In another Place Paul speaks of sending greetings to the church which met in Lydia’s home. These people cared, and shared that others also might be blessed.

Paul blesses them for their “moderation.” They were not carried away to extremes; not fanatical at one moment, and neglectful at others. In other words, they were not led by their emotions, but by the Spirit of God, who works from the heart to change the whole being. This whole portion of his letter is a praise and thanks giving for the genuine way in which they are showing the faith that dwells within them. This is what the Lord wants us all to be like.

These were not like the Corinthians who battled with many problems, and this letter is not at all like the letters that Paul wrote to them. We need both letters, one to encourage us in how we should live, and the other how not to live.

HOW TO SPOT A FALSE TEACHER.

2008-08-19T17:21:00.000-05:00

If one would serve the Lord, he must first know what His teachings are. A red letter New Testament makes this abundantly clear in that the words of Jesus are printed in red ink. This makes it impossible to miss his teachings. It was to these words, and of course the entire New Testament, that he was referring when he said, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19-20. Words to the same effect are also found in Mark 16:15,16.These were the closing words of Jesus‘ three year ministry. Three things stand out in this the “Great Commission.” They are, his followers teach, what they are to teach, and what to expect of those who believe what they have been taught. These all depend on the divinity of Jesus, that he is the Christ, the divine only begotten Son of God. Romans assures us that faith comes of hearing the Word of God, and when Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, Jesus pointed out that this knowledge came of God. So it does with all who confess this fact. Let us also keep in mind the thought, “No man cometh unto the Father but by me.”
Having said this, let us consider our teat for today.

2 John 1:9-11

9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Again three facts stand out in these verses, but not in the order that we want to consider them. Verse eleven tells us that any teacher who does not believe and teach these same, red letter, teachings of Christ, is evil and not to be listened to. In fact so much so, that we are instructed not to receive him into our house, or even bid him God’s speed. Why?, because his message is not of God, therefore it is evil. What is not of God is of this world, and Satan is the prince of this world. Recall that Satan offered Jesus the world, you might say, “on a platter” if he would just bow down and worship him. Again, recall that we read in Job, when God asked Satan where he had been, he replied that he had been walking back and forth on earth. He had been looking over his people like a farmer goes out and walks back and forth looking over the crop he has planted. Do we wonder that believers can never be completely at home on this earth?

A false teacher, does not believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. As soon as he says Jesus is a god, and believes that Jesus and Satan are brothers, we know that he is false. If a would be teacher comes to your door, before you welcome him or her, make sure that he or she believes that Jesus is the Son of God, and not a son of a god. That distinction is crucial and will cause the recruiters of two major cults suddenly remembering that they have another appointment and their quick departure. God’s messengers use God’s Word, not the writings of men, and they believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ His Son and are obeying Him in sharing that truth. It is the solid rock upon which the whole church is built.

WHOM SAY YE THAT I AM?

2008-08-08T14:00:00.000-05:00

Matthew 16:13-19

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Jesus was well aware that people had many different opinions as to who he was. Ask that question of the man on the street today, and you would also get a variety of answers. In fact you could ask that question of the men in the pulpits of America and you would still get a number of different answers. They would range from those who would say, “He never existed. It is all a fairy tale.”. To, “ He was a great teacher,” “He was the founder of a religion.” And a few, would perhaps answer, “He is the Son of God.” Yes, Jesus was aware of what they were saying then, as he is today. What he wanted was that his disciples would put into words, what they believed about him.

Peter spoke for them all when he said, “Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God.” Peter did not hesitate to speak on behalf of them all. He was a natural leader, even then. Unfortunately at that stage he was still very unstable in his own faith. Still, he knew what he believed and did not hesitate to put it into words. This was the same Peter who not many days afterwards would waver in faith to such an extent that on the night of Jesus’ betrayal he would deny, not once but three times in quick sequence, that he did not even knew Him. Realizing what he had done, he repented with bitter tears. If only men would follow that example, rather than covering up, or denying their weakness. This confession, one that Christians are all called upon to make not once but frequently, came of God the father and not of Peter himself. Faith comes of hearing the Word, and not of ourselves. God still speaks to us and brings a change of heart though his Word, the Bible. Many clergy, have many degrees after their names, but their knowledge has come from books of men, and not of the one Book of God. They know what men had concluded about the Bible, but not the Author back of the “scribe” He used to record the inspired, “God breathed” Word. Jesus said this came of God, the Father.

I would be error not to mention the wonderful line, “Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” He clearly points out that Peter is as a small pebble indeed, “petros,” and not the solid (rock-mass,) or “petra,” on which the church is firmly founded. The indestructible church, is founded on the fact of the divinity of Christ, the Son of God. Any group which denies the divinity of Christ, is not the indestructible church and body of Christ. This statement of the faith of Christians and a part of their conversion and witness, will prevail until he comes again to call them home.

IN THE LATTER TIMES

2008-07-31T14:52:00.000-05:00

Keeping in mind that the Apostle Paul when he spoke of the “latter times” meant the times from the beginning of the church until the Lord returns to judge the earth, we look at most of them as history today. We have the ability to look back over the recorded history of man and to see that what he said was true, and is even more so today. A news paper or news presentation on either radio or television is like reading the fulfillment of these words One can not deny that faith is under the attack of seducing spirits that speak lies as glibly, and perhaps more often than truth. In the book written to the Romans we are told that faith cometh of hearing and hearing of the Word of God. That being so, how many people bother to read for themselves from the Word. Most are content to permit someone else explain the Scriptures for them. The Ethiopian invited Philip to sit with him in his chariot and explain what he was reading, but how many people are willing to do that today?

I am a believer in blogging, but I must confess that as I read an exchange of comments in a blog recently, I was sickened at both the comments and the replies. Both were in error, neither turned to the Word of God the Father. The Christian’s marching orders are to “teach all nations whatsoever I have commanded you.” Don’t ignore the words, “whatsoever I have commanded you.” Paul refers back to this in verses six and seven below. Compressing the thought, a good teacher, knows the words “of faith and good doctrine,” refusing “old wives fables.” He is confident of his faith, because it is the result of his knowledge of the Word of God. He shares it, because that is what a Christian does.
Because he knows the Word, he recognizes and rejects false doctrines

1 Timothy 4:1-11

1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Paul points out that bodily exercise is good, but there is something that is far more important. At the age of eighty, my wife and I both try to go to the exercise room daily in our community where we use the stationary cycle for a simulated hilly five miles, and I set the machines for fifty pounds resistance and do about a dozen various arm, chest, and leg exercises. These take perhaps a half an hour, but the really important appointment, the one we start the day with, is our early morning walk in the open, topped off by our morning reading and devotional time with the Lord.

8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

11 These things command and teach.

(KJV)

EVEN OUR DOG KNOWS HOW TO PRAY

2008-07-28T16:09:00.000-05:00

She knows who loves her and cares for her.

Every domestic animal knows where to go to find food and water. It may be simply a time of the day. In the afternoon the cattle all start their way in from the pasture. It may be the sound of the refrigerator door opening, or the whirr of the can opener, but the cats are right there rubbing the leg of their benefactor. Peaches knew who loved her. They all came to their provider every day. Jesus said, “Pray without ceasing.*”

She knew exactly where to go.

to the right place, God said, “Go to your inner room, shut the door, and there pray to God alone.*” Too often we don’t shut out the things of the world. We leave the television and radio going, or perhaps those are off, they do have off buttons you know, but we don’t shut the world out of our minds, even in the content of the prayer itself. How many times has our prayer been mostly, “Please God.” How infrequently, “Praise be to you Father,” “Thank you God,” “Hallellujah,” “What would you have me do?”

She knew to catch and hold her god’s full attention. She would come, sit up “eye to eye” in front of him and then to put her paws together in a beseeching attitude, perhaps adding a little “yip” if she was not being noticed sufficiently. Too often we like Peter, as Jesus was facing his coming crucifixion, fall asleep. We have God’s attention, let us give Him ours.

* Please note, the scriptures are paraphrased.

THE CHURCH IN LAODICEA, IS IT TODAY’S CHURCH FORETOLD?

2008-07-18T10:42:00.000-05:00

Some people never read the book of Revelation, saying that it is too difficult, but there are portions that cannot be more clear. They are missing the blessing of God given through John who wrote:
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is the hand.” Revelation 1:3.
If you make a habit of following a “through the Bible in one year reading guide,” such as the one we include in our weekly mailings, you will read Revelation through every year, and you will be greatly blessed even if there are parts that it is best not to be dogmatic in your interpretion.
I used to have in my library a book written by the founder of a highly respected American Bible College. He felt that the letters to the seven churches of Asia were symbolic of the church universal’s condition in seven periods through the ages from Pentecost to the return of Christ. Whether or not that is the case may or may not be so, but two of the seven churches do stand out, and they are the final two in the series. The church at Philadelphia stands tall being the only one of the seven that has no negative criticism. The last one, Laodicea has grown cold and self satisfied. Even though it has some who are faithful. Let us look at it a little closer. If it represents the church at the time of the Lord’s second coming, studying it should tell us why he comes just then, assuming the order has been chronologically arranged. That may or may not be so. Even if it is not, the Laodicean church has much to teach us.
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou are neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wreched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich: and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:14-22.
Sadly, this text describes a lukewarm church which thinks herself blessed, rich, and very active, but is blind that so much of this activity is of the world, material, and not of God, spiritual. It is blind to its own nakedness, something like the emperor in the story of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” In five of the other churches, He calls for the church to repent, but notice that in this case repentance is directed to the individual members (any man). Because He loves, he does not give up on the individuals, but one gets the impression that He has given up on the church as a body and is determined to save from it the genuine, repentant individuals, whom He will bless with the invitation to sit with Him on his own throne.
How could the church go from the blessed Philadelphia church to this in so short a time? Through neglect of the Word, the source of faith, Neglect the Word and Prayer, and the fire of Faith goes out. The fire goes out, and the faith become lukewarm like the cup of coffee abandoned on the breakfast table. Faith comes of hearing the word, so don’t let anything come between you are your devotion time!

YOU ARE A TEACHER

2008-07-14T12:08:00.000-05:00

WHETHER YOU PLANNED TO BE, OR NOT

A paraphrased portion of the Great Commission, ”As you go, teach all nations,” comes to mind when we read today’s text, “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” Good teaching is always like a “two-way street.” The communication goes both ways. There can be a question plus an answer, or there can be a discussion of what has just been presented, but our text continues, “Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:6-10.

Our prayers are perfect examples of this as well. Returning to the illustration of the street that flows both ways with traffic, we pray toGod and he answers back tous. Any time that we teach another, there is that sort of exchange. The one whom we are teaching, probably also knows us and how well we are living up to what we teach. There is an old saying, “I cannot hear you, because your actions speak louder than your words.” God, knows us even better than we know ourselves. He has instructed, “As you go, teach.” He meant teach by what you say, but also by what you do. That kind of teaching cannot fail to make an impression.

Everyone is sowing something. Some are teaching a message of materialism. That is rampant today. A better address, a more impressive house, a bigger car, a swimming pool, and expensive clothing: these are all material things. One cannot take any of them with him to heaven. The museums of the world are filled with such things left behind by the wealthy of the world. That is what is meant when the text says, “he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.” Those things shall all be destroyed, when this world and all that it contains, is destroyed by fire.

In direct contrast, “he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Our Lord is even now putting the final touches on that new world, prepared for his family to occupy forever.

Whether we want to be or not, we are all teachers. This world’s teachers all teach a material god, but God has given a mandate that His teachers, all Christians, must teach a spiritual message. He and his will live eternally in a spiritual heaven.
He urges us on when we grow weary. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” What is this, “if we faint not?” Fainting is a physical thing. If you have ever watched a marathon with thousands of participants, you know that many hundreds never finish. Their physical bodies just cannot take the strain. He is saying in effect, Keep your mind on the goal; think on spiritual things. Don’t turn back to the old ways and old goals. The one who faints, is the one who turned back or dropped out of the race.

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

DRESSED FOR THE WEDDING FEAST

2008-07-08T09:40:00.000-05:00

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Revelation 21:1-4.

Having been a sailor at the end of World War II, there were a few times, times of great celebration, when we held “open house” and the public was invited aboard our ship, the flagship of the fleet. At such times, the Admiral was on board. We were always at the dock side when this happened, and everything had to be in perfect condition. The ship was dressed like a Christmas tree. Signal flags stretched the length of the ship from stem to stern. Actually, I do not recall having ever seen then at any other time. I was usually stationed in the CIC where it was our assignment to find and track any aircraft in the area on radar and pass along the bearing, altitude, and speed to our anti-aircraft gun emplacements.

How the new Jerusalem will be prepared “like a bride adorned for her husband” will appear, I do not know, but I picture every signal flag flying, perhaps surrounded by a gigantic rainbow. Light everywhere, not from lamps, but from God himself. I picture all that light reflecting off the precious jewels that make up the foundations of the new Jerusalem, and the gigantic pearls that form it‘s gates.. How can anyone not long to be there? Three places in chapter 22, John records the words of Jesus, “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”,“behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” and finally, “Surely I come quickly.” and then our prayer in response, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” It can not be too quick.

What a glorious time, what a magnificent sight, and to be a part of it all. “Come Lord Jesus!”

Since there will be no sadness, and no tears in heaven, I can only presume that all memories of earth, families and friends that we know here, will have to have been erased, and that we no longer think of those we know and love there as husband, wife, children, grandchildren, brothers or sisters. They will all have come to be fellow children of God, brothers and sisters in the Lord, and we will be so thrilled with what is there that the things of earth will just have faded away.

LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY

2008-07-07T13:59:00.000-05:00

The book of Luke gives us a shorter version of this prayer, Luke 11, often called “The Lord’s Prayer.” Luke also introduces it with the information that it was given at the request of one of the apostles, a fact that Matthew omits. Prayer is as essential to a Christian well being as breathing is to life itself.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Matthew 6:9-13:
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed by thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The apostles had often seen and heard the Lord pray, and they knew how important prayer was. They had seen the Pharisees praying on the street corners, and at the Synagogue and the Temple. Just as there was a difference in the teaching of Jesus, there was also a difference in his prayers.

When we follow his teaching on prayer, we do need to keep in mind some of the background circumstances. We need to remember that at the time of this instruction, Jesus and the apostles were living under the Old Covenant. Just as he gave them a few pointers, it is good that we note them as well. The exact wording of this prayer is perhas no longer appropriate for Christians. First he told them, don’t pray like the Pharisees. They prayed to be seen of men, on the street corner, in the temple, or in the Synagogue. He said, “they pray to be seen of men.” and that is exactly what they got. For the same reason, they also wore special garments which set themselves apart from others. I was once a guest in a worship service in which the minister led the services wearing what seemed to me, an amazing crocheted white robe worn over a white lining. He wore it with a clerical collar, and with shoes which had the appearance of being something to be worn in a factory. He certainly accomplished his purpose if it was that he might stand out as being different from other men. Secondly, Jesus told then to go to an inner room to pray. This is so that they could pray privately, without interruption, with the heavenly Father. Some of our African brethren take this so literally, that they close the doors so that no one can either enter or leave the room during the prayers. No matter how hot the sun may be and how low the unlined metal roof is, they also close any windows and pray long prayers, kneeling if there is room or standing if the room is heavily packed with people. Third, note that this is not a long prayer, there is no repetition, nor are there repeated phrases, such as "O,God" several times in a sentence. Jesus said not to use “vain repetitions.” Why not? Because our Father knows what we need. He knows and understands fully. We do not have to plead with him. It is the heathen man who thinks he must pray on and on like the pagan priests who spent the entire day praying, slashing themselves with knives, and shouting to their gods, whereas Elijah’s prayer was to the point, and confident. He knew God heard and would answer. God wants us to have that kind of faith and confidence in Him. Address your prayers simply to “Our Heavenly Father, in Jesus name.”

Here, because this was before Pentecost, and the church Kingdom had not yet come, the line “thy kingdom come” could be changed to praise for the church, and the fact that we now seek to do his will here as it is done in Heaven. And will be for ever. We should give thanks for our daily needs, food, clothing, and housing. We should be able to pray, “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, really meaning it,” keeping in mind that this demands a forgiving spirit. The requests of verse thirteen are as applicable to us as they were to those who lived under the Old Covenant.

It is personal. It is not lengthy. It is not obscure. It is not filled with repetition. Our personal prayers are between us and our Father. Our public prayers are on behalf of all present, therefore all must be able to say “Amen,” So be it.

DON’T INVITE DISASTER

2008-06-24T11:58:00.000-05:00

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark. And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:35-44.

The red lights flash, the bells clang, and the boom starts to lower. The wise man, not only obeys the law by stopping, but he also preserves himself and any others in his car from being destroyed by the passing train. We all know these warnings, anyone of which should be adequate to catch our attention and preserve our safety. Then, why is it that even with all these, plus the whistle of the train as well, do hundreds if not thousands die every year. They were warned, but they ignored the warning. In most cases they made a decision that they could beat the train across, for, after all it could be a very long train, and a long wait.

Jesus told the apostles, “If I go, I will come again.” There they were standing, mouths agape, staring up at the clouds where he had disappeared from their sight. It took two angels to break up their trance, and move them on to the task that Jesus had just assigned them. “Go ye unto all the world…” Jesus had returned to his Father, and to prepare a place for all who believe and obey that command. Jesus had not stated any date for his return. To have done so, would have seem to sanction doing nothing until one knew that the date was near. Instead he said, not even the angels know when, not even himself; only his Father. In effect he was saying to every generation that was to come, this is my command, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you,” Matthew 28:19-20. To this command, he adds the promise, and he keeps his promises, “and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

In other references, he gives a log list of things to expect before he comes, things which every generation since that time, have seen as reminders that he is returning, and it could possibly be at any time, for the entire period of history from his ascension back to Heaven to make the final preparations for his return, is spoken of as being “the latter days” or the “end times.” The ever increasing violence of those signs seems to indicate the nearness of the end. Read the statistics. Every record seems to be being broken. This is true of both mankind and of the created earth itself. Nevertheless life continues now as it did up until the day that Noah entered the ark and God “took them all away.” “Therefore be ye also ready” today. God was vague in details, because He wanted every generation to live in anticipation and preparedness that it would always be ready. Don’t invite disaster, make ready, “for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”

We have all read the signs at the rail way crossings. We have heard the bells ringing. We have seen the lights flashing. Now we see the final dropping of the boom, and hear the horn of the approaching train. Are we ready? We don’t know when our Lord is coming, but it would seem that only the event itself lies ahead!

WHEN GOD SAYS NO

2008-06-16T13:48:00.000-05:00

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not, ye kill, and desire to have, and can not obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, tat ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do you think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:1-6.

God is pictured in both the Old Testament and in the New as being a loving father figure. James, the half-brother of Jesus was well acquainted with both testaments, and knew of that relationship. He was well acquainted with the realities of life, and that sometimes even the most loving father, must discipline his sons and daughters. Much of what is wrong with the youth of today began with a lack of discipline in the early days at home. If no boundaries, and no rules have been set, can we be surprised that the adult has no self-control? But, I diverge.

God has set rules and boundaries, and God can, has, and will discipline. When God says, “No” in answer to our prayers, there is a reason, and that reason always seems to come back to ourselves. In this particular case, James points out that they are at war with one another, fighting with one another, and behind that are greed, envy, and worldliness. He sums it up with one word, lust! That is a nasty word and It is hard to believe that he could have called the church, the bride of Christ, an adulteress, but then the Children of Israel had often been unfaithful when they cast aside God for the gods of the people among whom they lived. This term was used of them, and it is also used in the New Testament of unfaithful Christians, who cast aside Christ, because of a love for the world. They worship the creation, and not the Creator. If that is true, how can they expect God to answer their prayers. I have known evangelists, God’s servants, who lusted after powerful cars; a Mercedes, a BMW, a Jaguar, a Citroen. In each case, God permitted them to have it for a short time, but each was a total disaster in the end. A lesson was learned. We learn to be humble, dependent upon him. He can and will provide for his own. “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.”

If he says, “Yes,” that is good. If he says, “Not now,” let us be patient and wait for his timing. But, if the says “No,” let us await his unquestionable leading. God knows the conclusion, even before we come up with our “bright ideas.” If he planted the idea there, then he will open the way, for his humble servant. The cycle returns to us. Our motivation makes all the difference.

Sometimes God says, “No,” and it is for own good. He who loves us, knows what is best.

ONE ANT TO ANOTHER

2008-06-06T11:21:00.000-05:00

DON’T LOOK NOW, BUT THERE IS SOMETHING OUT THERE LOOKING AT US.

Let me tell you the great news a lone ant carried back to the ant colony following his escape to the real world outside, and then he somehow made his way back in again. He had great news. “There is a great, wonderful, world out there. It has huge colonies of other ants of all kinds and colors. You can not imagine it!” That could be us. We could be that ant. There is a great, wonderful, world out there beyond our galaxy, a place that we can never understand or describe! To most of the world, it is a well kept secret, though it shouldn’t be. How could it be? How did it come about? The world asks those very questions. What is out there? Well, you and I know in part. We know because we have been told how it came about. We know the maker of it all.

We know Jesus. We can even quote one of the scriptures that tells us of his part in creating it. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” John, the apostle who was closest to Jesus told us these facts in the first three verses of his gospel account. Paul in Colossians also wrote, “By him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16,17.

But, let us go back a few thousand years, as we measure time, to the first verse of Genesis. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.“ How can it say, “in the beginning” when he existed before then? Simple, there was no such thing as time, for months, days, and years all came about as part of the creation.

I recently saw a picture taken by the Hubble Space Telescope of the Helix Nebula that looked shockingly like a gigantic eye peering back at the camera! Of course it was something else, not an eye at all. Still it's resemblance gained it the name "Eye of God." But there IS something out there. That something is intensely interested in all that happens here. We are like the ant in the ant colony, the galaxy of which we are but a tiny speck is like that colony. That something is God, without beginning, and without end, so powerful that he spoke, “And God said,” and all that we know and see about us came into being. God wanted us to know that, so He saw to it that Moses wrote of it the book of, beginnings, Genesis. He also wants us to know about Heaven, Hell, and the ending of this “ant colony” we call our galaxy. There is a whole world out there, one that will never end, a world grand beyond our ability to visualize it, one where His family will be blessed to go to, because all that is evil will have been separated and sent to the place especially prepared for Satan and his fallen angels. There are glimpses of this place in the accounts of the rich man and Lazarus, portions of the book of Revelation 21 and 22, and numerous other scattered scripture references. There is no reason to wonder; his creation speaks loudly, “Look at me and see God’s handwork.” We only have to open our eyes and our minds to see.

THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE.

2008-06-02T15:21:00.000-05:00

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understand, There is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, They are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; With their tongues they have used deceit; The poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

No, this is not the ravings of some present day preacher condemning today’s living generation. It is actually the apostle Paul, writing to the church in Rome. Romans 3:10-18. In the King James version of the Bible, it is also written all in capital letters, which I have not done. That would be unacceptable on the web today.

These words were, and are, spoken of all mankind, for “all have sinned and fallen short.” To most people, religion is the keeping of a set of laws. Remember what Jesus said to the rich young ruler who came to him and asked, What must I do to the saved? Remember that he said of the Law; I have kept all those from my youth up. The Word tells us that Jesus loved him, so that must have been a fairly accurate statement, but it wasn’t enough, was it? His wealth was the major obstacle. Everyone has a major obstacle that needs to be overcome. It effects not only the individual but all those who follow him. Anyone who has watched racing of nearly any type can recall occasions when a leader of the pack makes a mistake and there is a pile up. It is not only the leader that suffers, but what ever happened to him, also happens to many others as well. However, don’t despair, salvation is not earned by good works. We need to overcome whatever may be holding us back; not because of a law, but because we want to serve the Lord and we know it has to be removed before we can do so. In my own case, because of my military service, I could have used the G.I. Bill of rights to go back and complete the university training I had started. I had in fact, already recieved acceptance to return to the university. Had I done so, probably by now I would be more than financially secure for life but what about after that? That training could well have been my own downfall. Our Bible says, he that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin. There are times in all our lives, when, like a fork in the road, effect everything from there on, including the final destination we all want to reach, Heaven.

Paul was pointing out that there is not one person, no not one, who of himself is righteous. We all need help. We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We read in the book of Acts 2:38, that those who were obedient in baptism, received two things, the forgiveness of their past sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide them from returning to all those things of before ever again. When Jesus forgave the sins of any individual, he always instructed them to go and sin no more. Now, he has sent us the Spirit to guide and be with us, and help us to be living temples. The temple was the dwelling place of God. With the Holy Spirit to guide us, and the Lord within us, there is nothing He wants us to do for Him that we can not do. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God: being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 3:23-25.

HE CAME TO SAVE SINNERS

2008-05-27T13:51:00.000-05:00

“And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, the said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I WILL HAVE MERCY, AND NOT SACRIFICE: for I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:11-13. KJV

It is a fact that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s will, and that God loves everyone, John 3:16. Jesus came to fulfill his Father’s purpose. What he taught, and who he taught, was his Father’s will. It is the will of the Lord God that all have an opportunity to receive the forgiveness of sins. That is the background and reason for the great commission of Matthew 28:19.

But, he not only commanded us to go to all nations, but he set the example himself. Isaiah, prophesied, “And leaving Nazareth, he came down and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, and the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nepthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and the shadow of death light is sprung up.” Matthew 4:13-18. Where he went, and as he went, he spoke to the people. Recall, his conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well in Samaria. More than once he went to the aid of the Romans. The Pharisees hated both of these peoples and avoided all contact with them they could. Not once do we ever see him turning anyone away because they were sinners; not the woman taken in the act of adultery, not Matthew the tax collector, not Judas the betrayer. No sin was too evil for him to be filled with compassion for the sinner. Why was that? That was because sins do not come in degrees of evil in God‘s sight. All have sinned. There are no black lies and no little white lies. We are told that there will be no liars enter into heaven. As Paul said “of such were some of you.” There are no social drinkers, and no alcoholics, the statement is that there will be no drunkards, and probably none of us can be certain that we would not abuse that addiction, thus it is safer not to place that burden of decision upon ourselves. The same could be said of Marijuana, crack, painkillers, or whatever. I choose to under-medicate on any medication or perscription so long as it accomplishes the purpose.

But we are off the subject, Jesus did not avoid sinners, they were everywhere, and they needed him the most. Likewise, since all have sinned, and if they have not accepted the Lord and been obedient to him in repentance and baptism, they are our challenge. We rub shoulders with them every day. The vital words of the great commission are “as you go, teach.” It is part of living to go. Jesus asked the woman at the well for a drink of water. He was breaking several “No, No’s” in doing that. This was a woman, she was a woman of bad reputation, she was a Samaritan, and they were alone in a remote place. A present-day setting could be, a woman, a prostitute, a woman of a different race than our own, late at light on a dark street corner. Now Jesus would not have us deliberately put ourselves in such a setting, but what is he saying, is “As you go, teach, all nations whatsoever I have commanded you, baptizing,” and he set the example by doing what he asked that we do. Let us not be so concerned about whether they believe or not that we forget it is we who have been sent. We are just the messenger, the carrier of good news. He came to save sinners. Let us go for the same reason. Only we have the light that can take away the darkness.

YOU ARE A PERFECT FIT

2008-05-24T08:01:00.000-05:00

FOR THE JOB AHEaD

The first verse of this text was a favorite my mother often quoted, but I don’t recall her ever getting involved in a discussion of the rest of the text. Two of my uncles by marriage, often became engrossed in a heated “discussion” of the use of the word “predestinate” in the other portion. One was a firm believer in “predestination” while the other, as far as I could see, was so uninformed in scripture that his opinions could be ignored entirely. Mother used to say of the two of them that they would argue with a fence post. Let us hope that we can do a little better than that.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might, be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30.

You will recall that when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden, they ate of the forbidden fruit of the tree that was in the midst of the garden. Satan, the master of deceptions, used a half-truth. Hs said that they would be like God in that they would know good and evil, to deceive them. Adam had been created in the image of God, but was not aware, at this stage of good and evil. God, knowing what was best for them, had forbidden them to eat, or even touch the fruit of that particular tree. We all start out, like them, not knowing the difference between good and evil. Satan used that half-truth to lead Eve, probably the most easily deceived of the two, to just taste that fruit. That was the first sin, disobedience. With the “Pandora’s box” opened; all the rest followed in quick order. Man is not like the animals. They have no knowledge of good or evil. Man was created to use his brain to logically plan and make decisions. He is not a robot, mindlessly going through life. He is, like God, able to think and come to conclusions.

Now what about the predestination side of the text? The choice of two phrases, “according to his purpose” and “whom he did foreknow” need to be considered here. God has a purpose for every person on this earth. Noah was born and used of God to save a new start for mankind following the flood. Moses was born and preserved that he might lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt to the land of promise. Elijah was sent to be the major prophet to announce the Messiah to come. John to be his forerunner, and to introduce him. These are but a few examples, We could go on to Peter, the leader of the apostles, and Paul the evangelist to the Gentile world.

As God sent each of these, He also sent us, even the unborn who have been slaughtered without a chance to be used. They had been unable to fulfill their purpose; perhaps that is the reason the world is in such a state today. Those who succeed, he calls, he justifies, and he will glorify in time to come. We have been assured that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” He knew them from the beginning. He knows them now, and he will reward them when the time is right.

God has chosen each of us for a purpose. Even as Jesus repeatedly assured his apostles, “It is not yet my time,” when the time came he sent Judas to go do his task. Judas was to be the betrayer, just as John the Baptist was to be the forerunner, and Peter to preach at Pentecost. Each to his own task, for good or bad. And that includes all of us as well.

ASK, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU.

2008-05-10T11:22:00.000-05:00

“Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there among you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, How much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good gifts to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:7-12.

I once knew an evangelist who applied the first portion of this parable as the basis for his prayers that God would provide him with a Mercedes sedan. Now, I am sure that he was thinking a new one as he prayed. God permitted him to have what he asked for, but it was an older one and it was unreliable, a veritable “thorn in the flesh.” Sometimes our Lord permits is to have what we have asked for, in order to teach us a lesson about prayer. He wants us to come to him to ask for what we really need to do his work better, not what we want, perhaps for a questionable motive. Like Ananias and Saphira, we can do the right thing for the wrong motive. I also remember another evangelist, who asked for a BMW. God also allowed him to have it, much to his regrets.

On the other hand, I myself once prayed earnestly for a particular church building, that was up for sale, even though I had no money available at all. God answered that prayer and set in motion the means to provide it. It was a great blessing both to us and to the work that we were doing for Him at the time. It provided a debt free, house of worship, a Bible Bookstore, an apartment for ourselves, guest rooms for visitors, and space for our printing and publishing work. Where we had been working had been frequently burgled, but this replacement was never invaded, though not that they did not try. Our very presence on the property, saved the day, probably also with the protection of our guardian angels for I really do not see myself as being responsible for the two van loads of would be thieves who fled the scene one dark night. They never returned. That could have resulted in a tragic end to our very lives.

I like the second part of the parable. Jesus pointed out that we know how to give what our children need. Sometimes, in fact, we are too generous to their loss. How many times has an only son, or a youngest son, been given everything he wanted to the extent that he never learned to work and accept responsibility for his own family? God knows how to give “good gifts” to those who ask of Him. But, He also knows when it it not for our own good that he give it, then or even at all.

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” What a wonderful note on which to end this parable. Like beautiful music, we have all listened to a magnificent musical presentation, which comes to a perfect close leaving us with a memory that will stay with us, perhaps for life. Let s keep this thought ever before us. “Do ye even so to them.”

When you go to God in prayer, pray, not for yourself alone, but pray that the answer to your prayer may be a blessing to others. After all we are here, not for our own blessing, but that we might be a blessing to others. Jesus also said, “Go ye to all the nations.”

BAIE WONINGS - Johannes 14:1-7

2008-04-26T17:00:00.000-05:00

Afrikaans

1. Laat julle hart nie ontsteld word nie; glo in God, glo in My.

2. In die huis van my Vader is daar baie wonings; as dit nie so was nie, sou Ek dit vir julle gesê het. Ek gaan om vir julle plek te berei.

3. En as Ek gegaan en vir julle plek berei het, kom Ek weer en sal julle na My toe neem, sodat julle ook kan wees waar Ek is.

4. En waar Ek heengaan, weey julle en die weg ken julle.

5. Thomas sê vir hom: Here. Ons weet nie waar U gaan nie, en hoe kan ons die weg ken?

6. Jesus antwoord hom: Ek is die weg en die waarheid en die lewe; niemand kom na die Vader behalwe deur My nie.

7. As julle My geken het, sou julle my Vader ook geken het, en van nou af ken julle Hom en het julle Hom gesien.

WAT MOET EK DOEN OM GERED TE WORD?

2008-04-26T16:54:00.000-05:00

1771 - Afrikaans

J.D. Phillips

Voorberei in die presiese woorde van gei½spireerde mense.

1. GLO in die Here Jesus en jy sal gered word (Handelinge 16:30,31). En sonder geloof is dit onmoontlik om God te behaag; want hy wat tot God gaan, moet glo dat Hy is en ½ beloner is van die wat Hom soek (Hebreërs 1:6). Hy wat die glo nie, sal veroordeel word (Markus 16:16). As julle nie glo dat dit Ek is nie, sal julle in jul sondes sterwe (Johannes 8:24). Geloof, as dit geen werke het nie, is in sigself dood (Jakobus 2:17).

2. BEKEER ... elkeen van julle (Handelinge 2:38). As julle jul nie bekeer nie, sal julle almal net so omkom (Lukas 13:3,5). God ... verkondig nou aan al die mense oral dat hulle hul moet bekeer (Handelinge 17:30). So het God dan ook aan die heidene die bekering tot die lewe geskenk (Handelinge 11:18).

3. Met die mond BELY ons tot redding (Romeine 10:10). As jy met jou mond die Here Jesus bely en met jou hart glo dat God Hom uit die dode opgewek het, sal jy gered word (Romeine 10:9). Elkeen dan wat My sal bely voor die mense, hom sal Ek ook bely voor my Vader wat in die hemele is (Mattheus 10:32). U is die Christus (Matthéüs 16:6). Ek glo dat Jesus Christus die Seun van God is (Handelinge 8:37).

4. Die DOOP, ons nou ook red (1 Petrus 3:21). Hy wat glo en hom laat doop, sal gered word (Markus 16:16). As iemand nie gebore word uit water en Gees nie, kan hy in die koninkryk van God nie ingaan nie (Johannes 3:5). Na sy barmhartigheid het Hy ons gered deur die bad van die wedergeboorte en die vernuwing deur die Heilige Gees (Titus 3:5). Bekeer julle, en laat elkeen van julle gedoop word in die Naam van Jesus Christus tot vergewing van sondes (Handelinge 2:38). Laat jou doop en jou sondes afwas (Handelinge 22:16). Want julle almal wat in Christus gedoop is, het julle Christus beklee (Galasiers 3:27). Of weet julle nie dat ons almal wat in Christus gedoop is, in sy dood gedoop is niw? (Romeine 6:3). As iemand in Christus is, is hy ½ nuwe skepsel (2 Korinthiërs 5:17).

En leer ons om ... ingetoë en regverdig en vroom in die teenwoordige wêreld te lewe, terwyl ons die salige hoop en die verskyning van die heerlikheid verwag van die grote God en ons Verlosser Jesus Christus, wat Homself vir ons gegee het om ons te verlos van alle ongeregtigheid en vir Homself ½ volk as sy eiendom te reinig, ywerig in goeie werke (Titus 2:12-14).

En ek prys julle, broeders, dat julle ... aan die leringe vashpu soos ek dit aan julle oorgelewer het (1 Korinthiërs 11:2).

DIE GENADE van onse Here Jesus Christus sy met julle almal! Amen (Openbaring 22:21).

Salig is die wat sy gebooie doen, sodat hulle reg kan hê op die boom van die lewe en ingaan deur die poorte in die stad (Openbaring 22:14).

Moenie agtergelaat word met die koms van die Here nie!

KOM, HERE JESUS!

2008-04-26T16:51:00.000-05:00

1061 Afrikaans

Openbaring 22:20

1933 -Bybel

"En as hierdie dinge begin gebeur, kyk dan na bo en hef julle hoofde op, omdat julle verlossing naby is." - Lukas 21:28

KOM, HERE JESUS!

Christus:

"En as Ek gegaan en vir julle plek berei het, kom Ek weer en sal julle na My toe neem, sodat julle ook kan wees waar Ek is." - Johannes 14:3

Engel:

Hierdie Jesus wat van julle opgeneem is in die hemel, sal net so kom soos julle Hom na die hemel sien wegvaar het." - Handelinge 1:11

Apostel Paulos:

"Want die Here self sal van die hemel neerdaal met 'n geroep, met die stem van 'n aartsengel en met geklank van die basuin van God; en die wat in Christus gesterf het, sal eerste opstaan. Daarna sal ons wat in die lewe oorbly,saam met hulle in wolke weggevoer word die Here tegemoet in die lug; en so sal ons altyd by die Here wees." - 1 Thessalonicense 4:16,17

KOM, HERE JESUS!

"En jy, Daniel, hou die woorde geheim en verseel die boek tot die tyd van die einde toe; baie sal dit deursoek, en die kennis sal vermeerder." - Daniel 12:4

"Want daar sal 'n tyd wees wanneer hulle die gesonde leer nie sal verdra nie, maar, omdat hulle in hul gehoor gestreel wil wees, vir hulle 'nn menigte leraars sal versamel volgens hulle eie begeerlikhede, en die oor sal afkeer van die waarheid en hulle sal wend tot fabels." - 2 Timotheus 4:3-5

"Want baie sal onder my Naam kom en se: Ek is die Christus! en hulle sal baie mense mislei. En julle sal hoor van oorloe en gerugte van oorloe. Pas op, moenie verskrik word nie, want alles moet plaasvind, maar dit is nog nie die einde nie. Want die een nasie sal teen die ander opstaan en die een koninkryk teen die ander; en daar sal hongersnode wees en pessiektes en aardbewings op verskillende plekke. Maar al hierdie dinge is 'n begin van die smarte. Dan sal hulle jul aan verdrukking oorgee en julle doodmaak; en julle sal deur al die nasies gehaat word ter wille van my Naam. En Dan sal baie tot struikel gebring word en mekaar verraai en mekaar haat. En baie valse profete sal opstaan en baie mense mislei. En omdat die ongeregtigheid vermeerder word, sal die liefde van die meeste verkoel. Maar wie volhard tot die einde toe, hy sal gered word. En hierdie evangelie van die koninkryk sal verkondig word in die hele wereld tot 'n getuienis vir al die nasies; en dan sal die einde kom." - Mattheus 24:5-14, (ook Markus 13:, Lukas 21:25-28)

"En as daardie dae nie verkort was nie, sou geen vlees gered word nie; maar ter wille van die uitverkorenes sal daardie dae verkort word. As iemand dan vir julle se: Kyk, hier is die Christus! of: Daar! - moet dit nie glo nie. Want daar sal valse christusse en valse profete opstaan, en hulle sal groot tekens en wonders doen om, as dit moontlik was, ook die uitverkorenes te mislei. Kyk, Ek het dit vir julle vooruit gese. As hulle dan vir julle se: Kyk, Hy is in die woesryn - moenie uitgaan nie; kyk, Hy is in die binnekamer - moet dit nie glo nie. Want soos die weerlig uit die ooste uitslaan en tot in die weste skyn, so sal ook die koms van die Seun van die mense wees. Want oral waar die dooie liggaam le, daar sal die aasvoels saamkom. En dadelik na die verdrukking van daardie dae sal die son verduister word, en die maan sal sy glans nie gee nie, en die sterre sal van die hemel val, en die kragte van die hemele sal geskud word. En dan sal die teken van die Seun van die mens in die kemel verskyn, en dan sal al die stamme van die aarde rou bedryf en die Seun van die mens sien kom op die wolke van die hemel met groot krag en heerlikheid. En Hy sal sy engele uitstuur met harde tompetgeluid, en hulle sal sy uitverkorenes versamel uit die vier windstreke, van die een einde van die hemele af tot die ander einde daarvan." - Mattheus 24:22-31

"Maar weet dit, dat daar in die laaste dae swaar tye sal kom. Want die mense sal liefhebbers van hulleself wees, geldgieriges, grootpraters, trotsaards, lasteraars, ongehoorsaam aan hulle ouers, ondankbaar, onheilig, sonder natuurlike liefde, onversoenlik, kwaadsprekers, bandeloos, wreed, sonder liefde vier die goeie, verraaiers, roekeloos, verwaand, meer liefhebbers van genot as liefhebbers van God; mense wat 'n gedaante van godsaligheid het, maar die krag daarvan verloen het. Keer jou ook van hierdie mense af. Want uit hulle is die wat in die huise insluip en arme vroue gevange neem wat met sondes belaai is en deur allerhande begeerlikhede gedryf word, wat altyd leer en nooit tot die kennis van die waarheid kan kom nie." - 2 Timotheus 3:1-7

"Daar aan die einde van die dae spotters sal kom wat volgens hulle eie begeerlikhede wandel en se: Waar us die belofte van sy wederkoms? ... Maar laat hierdie een ding julle nie ontgaan nie, geliefdes, dat een dag by die Here soos duisend jaar is en duisend jaar soos een dag. Die Here vertraag nie die belofte soos sommige dit vertraging ag nie, maar Hy is lankmoedig oor ons en will nie he dat sommige moet vergaan nie, maar dat almal tot bekering moet kom. Maar die dag van die Here sal kom soos 'n dief in die nag, waarin die hemele met gedruis sal verbygaan en die elemente sal brand en vergaan, en die aarde en die werke wat daarop is, sal verbrand. Terwyl al hierdie dinge dan vergaan, hoedanig moet julle nie wees in heilige wandel en godsvrug nie? - Julle wat die koms van die dag van God verwag en verhaas, waardeur die hemele deur vuur sal vergaan en die elemente sal brand en versmelt." - 2 Petrus 3:3-12

"Maar oor die tye en geleenthede, broeders, het julle nie nodig dat aan julle geskryf word nie; want julle weet self baie goed dat die dag van die Here kom soos 'n dief in die nag. Want wanneer hulle se: Vrede en veiligheid - dan oorval 'n skielike verderf hulle soos die barensnood 'n swanger vrou, en hulle sal sekerlik nie ontvlug nie. Maar julle, broeders, is nie in duisternis, dat die dag julle soos 'n dief sou oorval nie." - 1 Thessalonicense 5:1-4

"Laat niemand julle op enige manier mislei nie, want eers moet die afval kom en die mens van sonde geopenbaar word, die seun van die verderf, die teestander wat hom verhef bo al wat God genoem word of voorwerp van aanbidding is, sodat hy in die tempel van God as God sal sit en voorgee dat hy God is." - 2 Thessalonicense 2:3,4

"En ek het een van sy koppe gesien net of dit dodelik gewond was, en sy dodelike wond is genees. En die hele wereld het verwonderd agter die dier aan gegaan. En hulle het die draak aanbid wat die dier (duiwel) mag gegee het, en die dier aanbid en gese: Wie is aan die dier gelyk? Wie kan teen hom oorlog voer? En 'n mond is aan hom gegee wat groot woorde en godslasteringe uitspreek, en aan hom is mag gegee om dit twee-en-veertig maande lank te doen. En hy het sy mond oopgemaak on te laster teen God, om sy Naam en sy tabernakel en die wat in die hemel woon, te laster. Dit is ook aan hom gegee om oorlog te voer teen die heiliges en hulle te oorwin, en aan hom is mag gegee oor elke stam en taal en nasie. En al die bewoners van die aarde sal hom aanbid, almal wie se name nie van die grondlegging van die wereld af in die boek van die lewe van die Lam wat geslag is, geskrywe is nie." Openbaring 13:3-8

"En uit die aarde het ek 'n ander dier sien opkom, en hy het twee horings gehad net soos 'n lam (Kristus) en gepraat soos 'n draak. (duiwel) En hy oefen al die mag van die eerste dier uit voor sy oe, en hy maak dat die aarde en die wat daarop woon, die eerste dier aanbid, waarvan die dodelike wond genees is. Hy doen ook groot tekens, sodat hy selfs vuur uit die hemel laat neerdaal op die aarde voor die oe van die mense. En hy verlei die bewoners van die aarde deur die tekens wat hom gegee is om voor die oe van die dier te doen, deur aan die bewoners van die aarde te se dat hulle 'n beeld moet maak vir die dier wat die swaardwond ontvang en lewendig geword het. En dit is hom gegee om 'n gees aan die diere se beeld te gee, sodat die dier se beeld ook sal praat en maak dat almal gedood word wat die dier se beeld nie aanbid nie. En hy maak dat aan almal, klein en groot, en die rykes en die armes, en die vrymense en die slawe 'n merk op hulle regterhand en op hulle voorhoofde gegee word; sodat niemand kan koop of verkoop nie, behalwe hy wat die merk of die naam van die dier of die getal van sy naam het. Hier kom die wysheid te pas. Wie die verstand het, laat hom die getal van die dier bereken, want dit is die getal van 'n mens; en sy getal is seshonderd-ses-en-sestig." (666) - Openbaring 13:11-18

"En ek het die dier en die konings van die aarde en hulle leers versameld gesien, om oorlog te voer teen Hom (DIE KONING VAN DIE KONINGS EN DIE HERE VAN DIE HERE) wat op die perd sit, en teen sy leer. En die dier is gevange geneem, en saam met hom die valse profeet wat die tekens in sy teenwoordigheid gedoeen het, Waarmee hy hulle verlei het wat die merk van die dier ontvang en sy beeld aanbid het. Lewend is die twee gewerp in die vuurpoel wat met swawel brand. En die ander is gedood met die swaard wat uit die mond gaan van Hom wat op die perd sit; en al die voels is versadig van hulle vlees." Openbaring 19:19-21

"Geliefdes, glo nie elke gees nie, maar stel die geeste op die proef of hulle uit God is, want baie valse profete het in die wereld uitgegaan. Hieraan ken julle die Gees van God: elke gees wat bely dat Jesus Christus in die vlees gekom het, is uit God; en elke gees wat nie bely dat Jesus Christus in die vlees gekom het nie, is nie uit God nie; en dit is die gees van die Antichris waarvan julle gehoor het dat hy kom, en hy is nou al in die wereld." - 1 Johannes 4:1-3

"Waak dan, omdat julle nie weet watter uur julle Here kom nie. ... Daarom moet julle ook gereed wees, want die Seun van die mens kom op 'n uur dat julle dit nie verwag nie." - Mattheus 24:42, 44

"Nie elkeen wat vir My se: Here, Here! sal ingaan in die koninkryk van die hemele nie, maar hy wat die wil doen van my Vader wat in die hemele is. Baie sal in daardie dag vir My se: Here, Here, het ons nie in u Naam geprofeteer en in u Naam duiwels uitgedrywe en in u Naam baie kragte gedoen nie? En dan sal Ek aan hulle se: Ek het julle nooit geken nie. Gaan weg van My, julle wat die ongeregtigheid werk!" - Mattheus 7:21-23

"En ek het die dode, klein en groot, voor God sien staan, en die boeke is geopen; en 'n ander boek, die boek van die lewe, is geopen. En die dode is geoordeel na wat in die boeke geskryf is, volgens hulle werke. En die see het die dode gegee wat daarin was, en die dood en die doderyk het die dode gegee wat daarin was; en hulle is geoordeel, elkeen volgens hulle werke. en die dood en die doderyk is in die poel van vuur gewerp. Dit is die tweede dood. En as dit bevind is dat iemand nie opgeskryf was in die boek van die lewe nie, is hy in die poel van vuur gewerp." - Revelation 20:12-15

INLEIDING

2008-04-26T16:46:00.000-05:00

0638 - Afrikaans

J. Conley

In die volgende studie, die skrifte in gebnrike sal beperk wees tot die wat gevind word beginnende in die boek van Handelinge en eindig in die boek van Judas. Die rede hiervoor is om vennrarring te vermy. Handelinge is 'n boek van geskiedenis. Dit hou senvoudig net rekord van gebeurtnisse soos dit plaasgevind en bevat geen figuudike taalgebruik. Die briewe vanaf Romeine tot Judas is briewe geskrywe aan verskillende gemeentes en individuele. Dit is praktiese instruksies vir daardie gemeentes en individu’s. Dit moet gelees en letterlik aanvaar word. Die briewe was geskrywe aan die mense in hul eie taal. Die doelwit was om die mense te leer in letterlike taal hoe orri God en Sy Seun te dien.

As iemand die Bybel lees moet hy weet dat geen skrif ooit `n ander gedeelte van die skrif betwis nie. In ander woorde, alle skrifte stem ooreen. Ook dat skrifte kan nie minder beteken as wat dit se nie, dit mag meer beteken in die lig van ander skrifte: In ander woorde, wanneer ons ander skrifte lees oor dieselfde onderwerp dan werp hulle lig op die moeilik verstane skrifgedeeltes. God wil nie die verwar nie. As die mens God se woord will aanvaar soos dit is en nie probeer om dit te verander nie sal daar geen verwarring wees nie.

ln doop en en die Heilige Gees bestaan daar baie verwarring. Die rede vir die verwarring is omdat die mens nie God se woord aanvaar soos dit is nie. Hulle probeer om dit te verander en bring sodoende verwarring.

DIE DOOP

Die woord doop in die Bybel beteken dompel. Sprinkeling kan in geen manier oorweeg word as doop in die Bybel. Sprinkeling vemietig die idea van die dood, begrafnis, en opstanding van die dode. In die studie wanneer ons praat van doop praat ons van onderdompeling. Wanneer 'n persoon gedoop is volgens die skrifte, plaas die persoon sy vertroue en die dood, begrafnis, en opstanding van Jesus. Ook die persoon wat gedoop woed geniet `n sterfte van sy sonde, `n begrafiis van die ou mens van sonde en `n opstanding tot in `n nuwe lewe in Christus. Alles hierdie is verlore in Sprinkeling.

NIE `N WERK

Doop in the Bybel word nooit as 'n "werk" genoem of as sodoende gedink nie. Die mens vandag noem dit `n "werk " in Kolossense 2: 12 lees ons.

"Dit het by die doop gebeur deurdat Julle toe saam met Hom begrawe is. Deur Julle verbondenheid met Hom is Julle ook saam met Hom opgewek, omdat Julle glo het in die krag van God wat Hom uit die dood opgewerk het."

Ook in Galasiérs 3:26_27

"Want Julle is almal kinders van God deur die geloof in Christus Jesus; want julle almal wat in Christus gedoop is, het Julle met Christus beklee." (1953 vertaling)

Doop is "Geloof in die werking van God." Doop is die geloof dat ons onsself beklee met die geregtigheid van Christus en word "Kinders Van God." Doop verseker nie redding. Dit is geloof in die dood, begrafnis, en obstanding wat in instaat is om te red.

NET EEN DOOP

Volgens Skrifte is daar net een doop vandag. Efesiërs 4:4_6 sê: "Daar is net een liggaam en net een Gees, soos daar net een hoop is waartoe God Julle geroep het. Daar is net een Here, een geloof, een doop, een God en Vader van almal: Hy wat oor almal is, deur almal werk en in almal woon."

Daar word van meer as een doop melding gemaak in die Bybel, soos die doop van luding, die doop van Johannes, en die doop van die Heilige Gees en vuur. Maar daar was net een doop staande toe Paulus die brief aan die Efesiërs skryf. (Die Heilige Gees doop sal later bespreek word in die Heilige Gees afdeling.) Christelike doop is die enigste doop wat beloftes inhou vir mense vandaag. Die beloftes is "Vergewing van sondes en gawe van die Heilige Gees." Handelinge 2:38.

DOOP VIR DIE VERGEWING VAN SONDE

Die doop water is nie dit wat red of sondes wegneem nie. Die bloed van Christus is die enigste ding wat sondes kan weg neem. Hoe die bloed van Christus en die doop gemeen het met mekaar sal later bespreek word.

Handelinge 2:38 sê: Toe antwoord Petrus hulle: "Bekeer julle en laat elkeen van julle gedoop word in die naam van Jesus Christus. Dan sal God, julÏe sondes vergewe, en sal julle die Heilige Gees as gawe ontvang."

Handelinge 22:16 sê: "En nou, waarom nog wag? Kom laat jou doop en jou sondes afwas nadat jy sy naam aangeroep het."

Hierdie skrifgedeeltes kan nie minder beteken as wat dit sê nie, maar, dit beteken meer in die lig van ander skrifte. Die skrif wat meer lig werp is die verse in Romeine 6:3_11 wat lees:

"Of weet julle nie dat ons almal wat in Christus Jesus gedoop is, in sy dood gedoop is nie? Deur die doop is ons immers saam met Hom is Sy dood. begrawe, sodat, soos Christus deur die heerlike magsdaad van die Vader uit die doop opgewek is, ons ook so in nuwe lewe kan lei.

"Aangesien ons met Hom een geword het in Sy dood, sal ons sekerlik ook met hom een wees in sy opstanding. Ons weet tog dat die sondige mens wat ons was, saam met Christus gekruisig is sodat ons sondige bestaan beeindig kon word. Ons is dus nie langer slawe van die sonde nie. Iemand wat gestert het, is immers vary van die mag van die sonde. Ons het saam met Christus gesterwe, daarom glo ons dat ons ook saam met Hom sal lewe. Ons weet dat Christus wat uit die dood opgewek is, nie weer kan sterwe nie; die dood het nie meer mag oor hom nie. Hy het gesterwe en is eens en vir altyd vir die sonde dood. Nou lewe hy, en hy lewe vir God. Julle moet dus altyd onthou dat julle vir die sonde dood is maar vir God lewe, omdat julle een is met Chnstus Jesus."

Wanner iemand skriftelik gedoop is, is hy "gedoop in Christus Jesus." Hy is "gedoop in sy dood." Jesus het sy bloed gestort in sy dood.

Johannes 19:33_3 sê:

"Toe hulle egter by Jesus kom en sien dat Hy al klaar dood is, het Hulle nie sy bene gebreek nie. Maar een van die soldate het met die spies in sy so gesteek, en daar het dadelik bloed en water uitgekom."

Die manier van Jesus se sterfte was die oorsaak van die bloed wat gestort het. In sy dood gee Jesus sy bloed. In die doop word ons "Gedoop in sy dood" waar Jesus sy bloed gestort het.

Die Bybel is baie duidelik om te së "Begrawe MET HOM deur díe doop." Dit is nie "soos Hy" dit is nie "as Hy" en dit is nie "vir Hom." Die Bybel se "met Hom." "Met" beteken saam of verenig. In vers 5 is dit die woord in gebruik. "Aangesien ons het Hom een geword het in sy dood" Tydens die doop laat ons Christus se dood die plek in neem van die dood wat ons so ontvang vir ons sonde, Romeine 6:23. Verenig in die dood waar sy bloed gevloei het, die bloed neem die sondes weg.

In die lig van Romeine 6:3_11 het Handelinge 2:38 en 22:16 meer betekenis. In Romeine 6:6 die ou sondige mens is "Gekruisig" of laat sterwe. Sonde kan nie die persoon wat gedoop is in Christus se dood beheer nie. Vers 7 sê daardie man is "vry van sonde." Die gedoopte persoon het sy sondes vergewe want Christus se dood het die plek ingeneem van die sondide mens. Die bloed van Jesus het die sondige mens gereinig.

Geeneen kan `n lewe begin alvorens sy sondes vergewe is nie. "Romeine 6:3_11 maak dit duidelik wanneer die dopeling opstaan uit die doopwater hy opstaan om in `n "Nuwe lewe te wandel." Die lewe wat die persoon lewe na die doop is `n lewe vir God. Tydens doop word `n persoon "lewend vir God in Christus Jesus." ook "as ons dan saam met Christis gestert het; glo ons dat ons ook saam met Hom sal lewe."

Kyk na Galasiërs 3:27 weer; "Want julle almal wat in Christus gedoop is, het julle met Christus beklee." Die persone wat "gedoop is in Christus" maak nie staat op hulle eie regverdigheid vir redding maar het hulle met Christus beklee. Christus het hulle regverdheid gewoord en hulle het hul beklee met Christus vir redding. Persone wat gedoop is plaas hulle "geloof in die werking van God wat Hom uit die dode opgewek het." Kolossense 2:12.

1 Petrus 3:2i sê; "Die doop red ons nou." Dit het niks te doen, om te was om die vuicheid van die liggaam te verwyder. Doop is `n "Bede tot God om `n goeie gewete _ deur die opstanding van Jesus Christus." Hoe kan enige persoon `n goeie gewete het as hy nog in sy sonde lewe? Doop maak ook ons gewete skoon want vergifnis van sonde kom tydens doop deur die dood, begrafnis, en opstanding van Jesus Christus.

DIE DIEF AAN DIE KRUIS

Die vraag ontstaan altyd. Wat van die dief aan die Kruis? Daar is geen rekord van hom dat hy gedoop was nie maar Jesus het hom gese dat hy sal saam met Hom in paradys wees Die antwoord tot die vraag word gevind in Hebreërs 9:15_17 wat sê:

"daarom is hy ook die MIDDELAAR VAN 'N NUWE VERBOND. Sy doop het plaasgefind om mense te verlos van die oortreding wat onder die eerste verbond begaan is, sodat die wat geroep is, die beloofde ewige erfenis kan ontvang. Dit is soos met `n testament: Daar moret eers bewys word dat die testamentmaker dood is, want 'n testament word alleen geldig by die dood van ‘n testamentmaker, dit word nooit van krag so lank as hy nog leef nie."

Die dief aan die kruis het nie gelewe onder die Nuwe Testament maar onder die Oue. Hy het gesterwe voor dat die Nuwe Testament in werking was. Hy het gesterwe onder die wet en nie onder genade. Toe die bloed van Jesus gevloei het en sy dood bevestig was. Het `n Nuwe Testament in werking getree. In die Nuwe Testament persone moet "bekeer en gedoop word in die Naam van Jesus Christus tot vergewing van sondes, en julle sal die gawe van die Heilige Gees ontvang."

DIE HEILIGE GEES

Die Nuwe Testament was die Helige Gees aan die mens gegee in drie verskillende maniere. (1) Direk vanaf die Hemel, Handelinge 2:1_5. (2) Hand oplegging van die Apostels, Handeling 8:17_18 and 19:&7. Een (3) tydens doop, Handelinge 2:38 and 19:2_5. Daar is `n spesifieke rede vir elkeen en `n definitiewe doel waarom die Heilige Gees gegee was ‘n verskillende maniere aan verskille persone.

DOOP IN DIE HEILIGE GEES

In Handelinge 1:1_5 belowe Jesus die Apostels dat hulle van die Hemel krag sal ontvang. Die Apostels moes in Jerusalem bly tot Hulle die krag ontvang het. Handelinge 1:5 sê; "Johannes het wel met water gedoop, maar julle sal binne `n paar dae met die Heilig Gees gedoop word."

Jesus het die Aposteis dit belowe en hulle is dit wat dit ontvang. het. In die laaste gedeelte van Handelinge, hoofstuk 1, het die gelowiges `n plaas vervanger gekies wat Judas se plek moes inneem saam met die twaalf. Die gekose een was Mattias "en was in getal met die elf "Apostels." Beginnende in hoofstuk twee "was hulle almal op een plek bymekaar." Dit is duidelik dat die bynaamwoord "hulle" verwys na die Apostels want dit is die naaste naamwoord vir die bynaamwoord om na te verwys.

Verder bewys is dat "Petrus, staan met die elf" nie die hondred en twintig, Handelinge 2:14.

Die rede is, die hondred en twintig het nie die doop van die Heilige Gees ontvang nie. Ook in Handelinge 2:43, "die Apostels het baie wonders en tekens gedoen," Die Apostels was die enigste wat wonderwerke gedoen het tot en by hoofstuk ses van Handelinge wanneer die "handoplegging" plaasvind. Alhoewel die Apostels alleenlik wonderwerke en tekens verrig het, het God nog altyd die Heilige Gees gegee aan die wat glo, Handelinge 2:38 en 5:32.

Die doop van die Heilige Gees het direk gekom vanaf die hemel met die geluid "soos van `n geweldige stormwind." "Hulle het iets soos vuur gesien wat in tonge verdeel en op elkeen van hulle gekom het." Hulle het in ander talle begin praat. Wat gebeur het toe die Heilige Gees gekom het, kon gesien en gehoor was. Handelinge 2:33 sê "Hy het die Heilige Gees wat belowe is, van die vader ontvang en uitgestort. Dit is wat Julle nou sien en hoor."

Die volgende rekord van die Heilige Gees se koms in soortgelykemanier is opgeteken in Handelinge 10:44_48. Dit het kom as bewys aan die Jode dat die heidene ook di Evangelie moet ontvang soos hulle. Ons weet dat dit is presies soos wat gebeur het in Handelinge 2 om dat in Handelinge 11:15. Petrus vertel die gebeurtenis aan die Jode en sê, "Skaars het ek begin praat, of die Heilige Gees kom op hulle net soos op ons in die begin." In die begin het die Heilige Gees direk gekom vanaf die Hemel, met die geluid soos van `n geweldige stormwind, hulle het iets soos vuur gesien wat in tonge verdeel en op elkeen van hulle kom sit het. Die voorval in Handelinge 10 is ten minste sewe jaar later as die voorval in Handelinge 2. Petrus het dit nie weer gesien na Pinksterdag, sewe jaar tevore, want hy se "die Heilige Gees het op hulle gekom net soos op ons in die begin." Die eerste Jode het die Heilige Gees ontvang op hierdie manier en so ook die eerste heidene. God is geen uitsoeker van persoon.

DIE HEILIGE GEES DEUR DIE HANDOPLEGGING VAN DIE APOSTELS

In die sesde hootstuk van Handelinge het die werk van prediking en die uitdeling van goedere te veel geword vir die Apostels.''Daarom was daar sewe manne gekies wat "vol was van die Heilíge Gees." Hulle was voor die Apostels geplaas. Die Apostels het "gebed en die hande opgelê." In Handelinge 6:8 ons lees dat Stefanus (een van die sewe) "het groot wonders en tekens onder die volk gedoen." In Handelinge 8:6 die mense van Samaria "het aandagtig na sy prediking geluister." (Ook een van die sewe.) "Toe die mense hoor wat hy verkondig en die wonders sien wat hy doen." Die wonderwerke is opgeteken in vers 7. In Handelinge 5:12 allenlik die Apostels het wonderwerke gedoen. Maar in hoofstuk 6, na die handoplegging van die Apostels het ander ook wonderwerke gedoen.

Alhoewel Filippus hierdie wonderwerke kan verrig was hy nie instaat om dit oordra na die Samaritane. Maar in Handelinge 8:14 toe die Apostels in Jerusalem hoor dat Samaria ook die Evangelie geglo het, het hulle die Apostels Petrus en Johannes gestuur wat daar "gaan bid het dat hulle die Heilige Gees mag ontvang, want die Gees het nog nie op een van hulle gekom nie; hulle was net in die naam van die Here Jesus gedoop. Die Apostels het hulle die hande opgelê, en hulle het die Heilige Gees ontvang." In Handelinge 8:18 "toe Simon sien dat die mense die Gees ontvang as díe Apostels die hande ople, het hy hulle geld aangebied."

In Handelinge 19:6_7 het Paulus hand opgelê vir "ongeveer twaalf" manne wat vorige dissipels was van Johannes en die Heilige Gees het op hulle gekom, en hulle het in tale gespreek en geprofeteer." Paulus bewys sy Apostelskap in 1 Korinthiërs 9:1_2.

VERDUIDELIKING

Waarom was die Heilige Gees gegee in hierdie twee rnanier? (1) Die doop van die Heilige Gees, en (2) Die Heilige Gees deur die handpleglegging van die Apostels. Albei het tekens en wonders bevat. Beide het die ontvanger in staat gestel om een of meer wonders te verrig, soos die spreek van tale. profesie of gesondmaking. Die antwoord is in 1 Korinthiërs 13:8_13. Wanneer `n persoon 1 Korinthiërs lees, moet hy onthou dat hoofstuk 12, 13, en 14 handel oor die gawes van die Heilige Gees. In 1 Korinthiërs 13:8 Paulus sê:

"Maar profesieë _ hulle sal tot gaan, of tale _ hulle sai ophou, of kennis - dit sal tot niet gaan."

Paulus vertel in verse 9 en 10 wanneer dit sal gebeur:

"Want ons ken ten dele en ons profeteer ten dele. Maar as die volmaakte gekom het, dan sal wat ten dele is, tot niet gaan."

Volmaak beteken net "Voltooi" of "heel" niks meer.

Die Bybel is volmaak of voftooi Johannes voltooi die boek van openbaring ongeveer 95 n.c. en geen boek was aygevoeg sedert daardie tyd. Die Bybel is volmaak. Dit het al die inligting wat ons nodig het om God te leer ken. Die "wet van die vryheid" of Bybel word volmaakte genoem in Jakobus 1 :25.

Alhoewel die Bybel vir ons voltooid is, het die Apostels en hulle dikekte leerlinge nie die Nuwe Testament gehad nie. Die kekens wat hulle ontvang het van die Heilige Gees moes dien as hulp totdat die "volmaakte" of "Nuwe Testament" voltooid was. Hierdië tekens as deel van die groet van `n baba gemeente tot ‘n volwassw een, 1 Korinthiërs 13:11.

Die Nuwe Testament, wanneer voltooid, sou die mens wys presies soos Hy is, 1 Korinthiërs 13:12 en Hebreërs 4:12_13. Met die voltooing van die Nuwe Testament die profesiee en kennis (inspirasie om skrifte te skryf) "sal tot niet gaan" en die "tale" sal ophou.

Dit is ook bewys in geskiedenis. Die kerkvaders (hierdie wat getuies was van die Apostels of wie vriende van iemand was) vertel dat die tekens en wonders of gehou het by die tweede eeu (150_200n.c.) Johannes was die laaste Apostel en het gesterf ongeveer 95_97 n.c. Op wie Johannes ook die hande gele het sal die laaste wees wat instaat sou wees om wonders te doen. Die wonderwerke was nie meer langer nodig. Die Nuwe Testament is voltooid (volmaakt). Die gemeente het vanaf `n pas gebore baba in Jerusalem of Pinksterdag tot `n werêld_wye liggaam gegroei, Kolossense 1:23.

Hierdie gawes van die Gees word ook in ander skrifte melding gemaak soos 1 Timoteüs 4:4 en 5:22. In 2 Timoteüs 1:6 herinner Paulus, Timotheüs "om die genadegawe van God aan te wakker wat in jou is deur die oplegging van my (Paulus en die Apostels) hande."

Wanneer Paulus geskrywe het aan die Korinthiërs, praat hy van die gawe van die Gees (wonders, tale ens.) Maar, wanneer hy skryf aan die Romeine, 'n gemeente wat nie gebegin is "deur 'n Apostels. Paulus maak geen melding van die gawes. Die Romeine het die Heilige Gees volgens Romeine 5:5, maar Paulus verlang om hulle te sien "om genadegawes aan Hulle oor te dra" om hulle te versterk" Romeine 1:1. Hulle het geen wonderwerkende gawes want geen apostel was daar om die hande op hulle te Iê nie.

DIE HEILIGE GEES GEGEE BY DIE DOOP

In Handelinge twee, die doop van die Heilege Gees kom net op die Apostels. Hulle het die kragtige werk van God verkondig. Petrus het opgestaan met die elf Apostels en die mense vertel van Jesus. Petrus het vertel van Christus se dood, begrafnis, en opstanding uit dode, en dat Jesus aan die regterkant van God was. Handelinge 2:37 sê:

"By die aanhoor hiervan is die mense diep getref en het hulle vir Petrus en die ander Apostels gevra: "Wat moet ons doen, broeders?"

Handelinge 2:38-39 gee die antwoord van Petrus.

Toe antwoord Petrus hulle "Bekeer julle en laat elk een van julle gedoop word in die Naam van Jesus Christus. Dan sal God julle sondes vergewe, en sal julle die Heilige Gees as gawe ontvang Wat God belowe het, is vir julle en vir julle kinders en vir almal wat daar ver is, vir almal wat die Here onse God na Hom toe sal roep."

Hierdie mense was vertel dat by die doop sal hulle vergifnis van sonde en die gawe (nie gawes) van die Heilige Gees ontvang. God gee die Heilige Gees aan die wat Hom gehoorsaam, Handelinge 5:32, maar tekens was alleenlik gegee aan die Apostels tot Handelinge 6 en vir diegene wat die Apostels hande oplê. In Handelinge 2:39 Petrus sê:

"want die belofte, is vir julle en vir julle kinders en vir almal wat ver is, vir almal wat die Here onse God na Hom sal roep." Die belofte is die vergifnis van sonde, en die gawe van die Heilíge Gees by die doop. Die belofte was vir die wat Petrus gehoor het, hulle kinders en die wat daar ver is. Alhowel ons daar "ver is", vanaf Pinksterdag of van om Jode te wees, die belofte is nog altyd ons sn. Ons belofte van God is dat ons sal ontvang "vergifnis van sonde en die gawe van die Heilig gees."

In Handelinge 19:1_7 het Paulus die dissipels van .Johannes vra, "Het julle die Heilige Gees ontvang toe julle belowig geword het?" Hulle het nooit gehoor dat die Heilige Gees gegee is nie. Toe vra Paulus "Watter soort doop het julle dan ontvang?" Hulle het nie die Heilige Gees ontvang nie wat hulle doop was verkeerd. Hierdie manne was net gedoop in Johannes se doop. Doop vir die vergewing van sondes en die gawe van die Heilig Gees was nog nie in werking. Na hulle gedoop was in die Naam van Jesus vir hierdie beloftes, het Paulus die hande op hulle gele en hulle was instaat om in tale te praat en te profeteer.

Handeling 8:4_25, Filippus het tekens en wonders gedoen en die mense het geglo en was gedoop in die naam van Jesus. Hulle het ook die belofte ontvang van Handelinge 2:38 (vergewing van sondes en die gawe van die Heilige Gees). In teendeel die mense van Samaria het geen uiterlike gawes gehad wat sigbaar was. Hulle het geen sigbare tekens gehad totdat die Apostels Petrus en Johannes hulle die hande kom oplê. Hulle bekering was van geen waarde as hulle nie die Heilige Gees gehad nie. Romeine 8:9 sê: "As iemand die Gees van Christus nie het nie, behoort hy nie aan Christus nie."

In die ander bekeringe van die boek van Handeling is `n opname gemaak dat die mense gedoop was. Voorbeelde is die ontmande Etiopier, Handelinge 8:26_40; Lydia en haar huis, Handelinge 16:11_16; bewaarder van Filippi, Handelínge 16:25-34. Almal hierdie was gedoop in geloof in die beloftes van Handelinge 2:38. As hulle niks van Christus is nie. Daar is geen rekord dat hulle die Heilige Gees op `n ander manier ontvang het nie. Daar is net een doop volgens Efesiërs 4:5. Daardie doop is onderdompeling in Christus se dood vir die vergifnis van sonde en om die Heilige Gees as gawe te ontvang.

DIE WERK VAN DIE HEILIGE GEES IN ONS LEWE VANDAG

Eerstens is die Heilige Gees "die waarborg dat ons ook verder sal ontvang wat God belowe het," Efesiërs 1:14. Hier maak Paulus dit duidelik dat God ons beseël met sy gees tot dat ons aankom in die hemel. Die gees is aan Christene gegee om hulle te wys Hom om te "lewe sodat hy kan verheerlik word." Die Christene is beseël met die Heilige Gees tot die verlossingsdag. Maar die Heilige Gees kan bedroef word as die Christen nie toelaat dat die Heilige Gees Hom lei; Efesiërs 4:30.

Ons benodig nie help van die Heilige Gees om die Woord van God te kan skryf, maar ons benodig Sy help om dit te vefstaan. God belowe ons dit in 1 Korinthiërs 2:10_13. Die Woord van God is die instrument wat die Heilige Gees gebruik om die mens te oortuig van sy sonde. Hebreërs 4:12_13. Die swaard van die Gees is die Woord van God, Efesiërs 6:17. As `n persoon toelaat dat die Heilige Gees hom lei dan doen hy nie meer die werk van die vlees soos geskrywe in Galasiërs 5:1 & 21. As die Heilige Gees in ons lewens is, sal Hy vrug voortbring. Sy vrug is: "Liefde, vreuge, vrede, geduki, vriendelikheid, goedhartigheid, getrouheid, nederigheid en selibeheersing.

Romeine 8:1_27 vrertel dit duidelik van die werk van die Gees om oheers oor die begeertes van die vlees. Dit vertel ook hoe die Gees ons help in ons swakhede in gebed deur bekend te maak ons "versugtinge wat níe met woorde gese kan word nie." (Hierdie is nie tale want dit kan nie met woorde Gese word nie.) Die Gees ondersoek ons harte en pleit volgens die wil van God vir die gelowiges.

Alle skrifte in gebruik is uit die Bybel Nuwe Vertaling. Waaraangedui met * uit die 1953 vertaling.

GOD SE WOORD VERTEL -

2008-04-26T16:40:00.000-05:00

0605 -Afrikaans

GOD SE WOORD VERTEL
DIE GELOWIGE HOE OM AFVALLIG WORD TE VERMY

G. Faull

Meeste van ons het daardies geken wat die naam van Christus "genoem het en weer terug geval het in die manier van lewe waarvan _ dan hulle gekom het. Satan is nie dood nie. Hy leef grootliks en hy verlei nog altyd met die lering van bedrog, die belofte van `n goeie tyd, of net die apatie om die lewe te leef soos dit kom. Ons, onsself mag ook al die wegdrywe van dinge wat ons ken ondervind het. Hoe kan ons dit voorkom? 'n Konsiderasie van hierdie feite van afvallig word kan ons help om aan die Here Jesus vas te hou.

MOONTLIKHEID

Erken die moontlikheid van afvallig word. Is dit nie ironies met daardies rondom ons wat terug gedraai het om te proef dit is moontlik om afvallig te word! Openbaarlik, om afvallig te word is nie net moontlik nie, maar dit kom dikwels voor. God se mense was gesê, "Neem jou net in ag en wees terdeë op jou hoede, dat jy die dinge nie vergeet wat jou oë gesien het nie, en dat hulle uit jou hart nie wyk al die dae van jou lewe nie; en jy moet dit aan jou kinders en kindskinders bekend maak." (Deut. 4:9)

Die sout kan sy smaak verloor. Die saad kan verstik word tussen: die dorings. Een kan sy hand aan die ploeg sit en terug kyk. Een kan skipbreuk van die geloof ly. Paulus het gese dat sommige weggedrai het na die Satan. Die liefde vir geld kan veroorsaak dat iemand afdwaal van die geloof. Daar is mense soos Demas wat die teenwoordige wereld lief gekry het. Ons moet oppas dat ons slegte harte ons nie weg neem van God nie. Ons kan verhard word deur die verleiding van sonde. Ons moet daarvoor vrees dat ons nie kort kom bv die beloofde rus.

`n Wortel van bitterheid kan opspring en ons besmet. Dit kan kom dat ons weer verwar word in die wêreld sodat ons einde erger word as die begin. Ons kan wegdraai van God se gebooie. Ons kan oortreë en nie in die lering van God by nie. Ons kan ons eerste liefde verlaat. Dit is moontlik om terug te draai soos die vark om weer in die modderpoel te gaan rond rol. Hierdie beskrywings is die beskrywings van die Skrifte. Om die moontlikheid van val te verloën is die hoogte van onkundigheid: "Daarom, wie meen dat hy staan, moet oppas dat hy nie val nie." (I Kor. 10:12)

VEROORSAAK

Oorweeg die veroorsaak van afvallig word. God se oorvloedige voorsienings kan veroorsaak dat iemand Hom vergeet. God moes Israel waarsku dat hulle Hom mag vergeet. Hy het hulle gesê: "Sodat julle nie miskien eet en versadig word nie en mooi huise bou en woon nie, en jou beeste en jou kleinvee vermeerder en jou silwer en goud vermeerder, ja alles wat jy het, vermeerder _ en jou hart hom dan verhef, dat jy die Here jou God mag vergeet wat jou uit Egipteland, uit die slawehuis, uitgelei het;" (Deut 8:12_14)

Wanneer iemand nie in teenspoed is nie, hy kan God maklik vergeet en dink dat wat hy het was gevra deur sy eie vindingrykheid. Soos Jesurun wat "vet geword het," baie verlaat die God wat hulle gemaak het. "Toe het Jesurun vet geword en agterop geskop _ jy het vet geword, dik geword, spekret geword _ en jy het God verwerp wat Hom gemaak het, en die steenrots van sy heil geminag." (Deut 32:15) Jesus het geleer dat terwille van ongeregtigheid, die liefde van baie sal koud word. (Matt 24:12) Hy het ons geleer dat die sorge en rykdom van hierdie wereld sal veroorsaak dat somige gelowiges verlore sal gaan. Hy het gesê dat beproewings en vervolging sal veroorsaak dat qelowiges afvailig word. `n Terug keer na daardie dinge wat ons lief het _ persone, plekke, of besittings _ kan veroorsaak dat ons kan terug draai. Onthou die vrou van Lot!

Ander verwerp die geestelike waarheid, verwysing na fisiese brood, en draai weg van Jesus. (Joh 6:66) Die liefde vir geld, populariteit, lntelleksie trots, sekssuele toestemming, eie_wil, en mismoedigheid kan veroorsaak dat andere terugval. Baie struikel oor die aksies, gesindheid en die arrogante van ander Christene. Baie val onder die kuislike hand van God. Gewoontes, vermaak, metgeselle, okkupasies, vooroordeel kan ons weg lei van God.

Dit is nie net as iets kwaad in homself het dan iei dit ons af na die pad van verderwing. Iemand kan terugdraai om sy vader te begrawe. Iemand kan betrokke wees in `n plaas wat hy verwerf. Iemand mag nog sy osse voer voed. Hierdie is nie kwaad nie. Hulle is juis die eksuuses wat mense gee om nie vir Jesus te kan volg nie, maar hulle kan ook redes wees vir afvallig word. As hulle jou hart wegdraai om die Here te volg, hulle word die redes dat jy sal uitlos dit wat Christus vir jou het.

Die pad is reguit en smal. Ons moet ons "des te meer beywer om ons roeping en verkiesing vas te maak." (2 Pet 1:10) Ons moet in ag neem

HOE OM DIE BYBEL TE STUDEER

2008-04-26T16:37:00.000-05:00

0607 - Afrikaans

Seth Wilson

"Hoe om te" kan verwys na programme, metode, en help, of na beginsels, ervare, en oefeninge deur wie dit reg gedoen word. Baie metodes is beskikbaar. Maar die doel bly dieselfde: om te verstaan. wat God ons offer en leer, en dit te gebruik om Hom tevrede te stel en te verheerlik. In hierdie boeke deel ons nie baie met metode nie, as met beginsels en oefeninge wat lei na korrek interpretasies en gebruik van die Bybel.

Hoe ook al, beginsels en reëls sal nie die werk vir jou doen nie. Hulle help as gids vir ons pogings. Hulle is gidslyne wat ons help van wegdwaling van die pad, waarin 'n ware kommunikasie is wat gemaak is in die vorm van menslike taal.

METODE OM MEE TE BEGIN

1. Stel 'n tyd vas vir studie; plaas dit in jou rooster waar dinge van minder belang dit nie aanhoulik volprop nie.

2. Berei 'n plek: dit help om gunstige toestande te hë en `n plek waar jou gewoonte van studie groei.

3. Kry `n paar gereedskap, verseker `n Bybel wat jy kan lees. `n Standhoudende vergelykings met verskillende vertallings kan van baie waarde wees. Woorde verandering help om die regte idee aan die gedagte te bring. Hulle ooreenstemming bewys wat duidelik en seker is in die teks. Kry `n Bybel wat in paragrawwe is. Vermy om net een vers te lees, gebruik dit asof dit `n paragraaf is.

As jy een soos hierdie gebruik, wees baie versigtig om te weet waar die regte paragraaf begin. Moenie elke vers lees as `n eenheid op sy eie gedagte nie. Lees al die sinwe, en lees hulle met hul konneksie met mekaar, in die aanhoudende lyn van die skrywer se gedagte. Jy sal ontdek dat baie verkeerde idees 'n gewoonte geword het, by die oefen om te probeer uitbrei en aanpas op die een vers, sorder om die skrywer se lyn te sien van sy gedagte, waarvan die een vers maar net 'n beperkte deel is van sy uitdrukking.

Bybel woordeboeke kan help, en by geleentheid kan hulle mislei. Verwysings boeke van mense is foutief. Bybel handboeke gee gewoonlik help en informasie omtrent elke boek van die Bybel, wat betekenis kan byvoeg by `n leser se belange en verstand.

4. Werk op 'n plan; stel 'n paar doele vas. Maak dit buigbaar.

5. Maak notas. Voorsien notaboekies of leêrs vir die maak, hou en gebruik van notas in ons studies.

6. Gee vastige aandag. Wees ywerig en hou aan.

7. Hersien en gebruik wat jy geleer het.

8. Vind en korrek jou foute soos wat jy meer leer.

9. Studeer saam as `n groep. Dit is baie hulpsaan om die Bybel met ander Christene te studeer. Ons verstaan dit eintelik beter om die ander te help, om dit in die taal van die skrywer te sien wat hy sê. Om belang te stel om anders te help verskaf `n goeie Christen motivering vir pogings en aanmoedigings, wanneer die werk verstom en verwaarloos mag lyk. God het ons bestem om sy lerings te leer en oefen in die gemeenskap met mekaar.

REGTE GESINDHEID EN DOEL

1. Verlang om te wil weet wat leer die Bybel.

2. Verwag om iets verstaandbaar te ontvang. Verwag om te leer en gebruik wat God ons gee. Gebruik jou intelligensie om elke waarheid te sien. Dan plaas tesame in jou gedagtes al die idees en feite, met verwagtinge en opbouing en vermeerder jou begrip.

3. Wees gewillig om dit te laat wees wat dit is en sê wat dit eintlik bedoel was om te sê. Jy kan op `n wyse manier ondersoek dat die Bybel God se Woord is, maar ons kan dit nie lees met die gedagte dat ons die waarheid van God's woord kan oordeel nie, om te verwerp wat ons nie te vore geken het nie. Ons kan nie God vertel wanneer Hy reg of vergeet is nie. Hy moet ons sê.

4. Het nederigheid en eerlikheid wat nie die Bybel voorskryf wat dit moet sê nie, of om sy bestemde mening te verdraai. Ons moet enige duidelik ons eie gedagte minder vertrou as wat ons enige duidelike boodskap van die Bybel minder vertrou.

5. Vind die feite voordat jy jou eie sienswysa vorm. Moenie eers jou sienswyse vorm dan kyk jy net vir die woorde en frasse wat lyk dit onderhou jou sienswyse.

6. Soek antwoorde vir vrae uit die Bybel homself, met eerlike lees.

Moenie tevrede wees met menslike tradisies, veral as dit ‘n swak onderhoud het met die teks waarmee jy dit aanheg.

7. Het `n vertroue dat dit waar is, dat dit onbestaanbaar en harmornes is, dat dit geneem was om verstaan te word, sodat ons geduldig aanhou lees in die hoop van om dit te verstaan en dit bymekaar te kry.

8. Erken dat dit 'n verbond is vir ons van God om te ontvang, om deur dit te lewe, en op dit te steun vir ons toekomstige erfenis.

9. Erken dat die skrywers van die Bybel het 'n betekenis in gedagte , wat ons nodig om dit te moet vind. Enige een het die reg om die skrywer se bestemde gedagte te vind, maar geen een het die reg om dit `n betekenis te gee wat verskillend is nie. Die oorspronklike betekenisse verander nie, alhoewel ons verstand van dit mag vermeerder, of die stroom gebruik van sy woorde en sinne mag verskillend wees. As die woorde waarby ons die Bybel vertaal het (of sy betekenisse uitdruk) verander in betekenis met die mense met wie ons praat, dan moet ons ander woorde kies om te gebruik in ons blootstelling, wat sal die oorspronklike betekenis van God se openbaring bewaar.

WAT IS DIE REGTE INTERPRETASIE?

Dit is wat die skrywer bedoel het om te sê. Ons doel is om die dinkende uitdrukkings te lees, as een wat, `n betekenis in gedagte het. Ten minste, in die eerste, ons moet nie dink aan ons verlange of wat die woord aan ons doen nie, maar liewer om `n goeie gebruik te maak van die skrywer se taal, waarin by ons waarheid en verstaand gee. Vertaling is nie `n uitwerking of verduideliking (sekerlik nie verandering) wat die skrywer gesê het nie; dit is om die boodskap aan ons te gee: Verdere ondersoek van die vak van die boodskap mag begeerbaar wees na ons dit gelees het; selfs dit mag ons help om seker te wees hoe goed ons dit gelees het. Maar die interpretasie, spreek streng, is eenvoudig om goed te lees wat hy geskryf het.

Baie van dit wat genoem was "interpretasie" van die Bybel is gebaseer op die probeer slag dat dit nie kan geneem word op die gesigs waarde, dat dit nie duidelik en gewoonlik uitdruk wat waar is nie of wat ons behoort te glo omtrent dit. Mense het probeer om agter sy woorde "betekenis te vind verskillend van dit wat uitgedruk is. Sommige van hierdie mense het sy vereiste verwerp as die bonatuurlike openbaring van God. Hulle vertaal 'n verklaring van feite nie as `n verslag van wat nie regverdig nie, geen ervarings nie, geen intelligensíe nie, nie eerlik nie. Probeer hard om nie van sy spore af te gaan nie. Hoe beter jy die leier ken en die grond wat hy bedek, hoe beter kan jy volg.

HULPSAME METODES EN OEFENINGE

1. Maak 'n voorlopige studie van die boek. Vind uit so goed as wat jy kan wie het dit geskryf? aan wie? wanneer? vir watter doel? om by watter situasie in te pas? onder watter situasie in te pas? Onder watter verbond of dispensasie of goddelike genade?

2: lees in `n vinige opname, `n vlugtigheid van die hele boek, om die sakke te vind waarmee gedeel word, die hele plan van die bedeking die hoof beklemtoning en sentraal van die heelal, en rigtings van die skrywer se doel.

3: Maak `n skets van die hoof seksies en lyne van ontwikkeling.

4. Lees `n seksie om die vrag te vind waarvoor dit bestem is om te antwoord. Skryf die vrag uit en kyk vir al die antwoorde wat jy kan vind. Neem kennis van enige woord, frasse, of idees wat moelik is om te verstaan, sodat jy dit kan opkyk in die verwysingsboeke en hulle oplet in jou verdere lees, of gesels dit met ander studente.

Onthou die leestekens en volg dis grammatieke struksies van die sinne. Nie woorde nie, rnaar sinne, is die ware eenheid Van die betekenis. Die betekenis en vors van `n woord is grootliks aangedaan by die konneksies wat dit het met ander woorde, deur die doel van die skrywer op die tyd, en die teenoorgestelde wat hy in gedagte het vir elke instansie. Woorde is die stene en planke waarvan `n huis van betekenís gebou is; grammar ís díe ontwerp waardeur dit bymekaar gesit is om `n huis te maak in plaas van `n hoop. Wat die skrywer dink oor dinge wat deur sy woorde ontwerp is word gewys in die grammar wat hy gebruik. Die struktuur van sy sinne wys ook hoe hy voel oor die dinge waarvan hy praat.

Kyk vir die manier waarin hy dink, die spesifieke gedeelte van gedagte wat hy in sienswyse het: Hou jou gedagtes in die raamwerk van die venster wat hy vir jou oopmaak met sy sinne rigting van gedagtes.

Een van die beste oefeninge om enige boek te studeer of seksie is om `n skets van dit te maak en skryf 'n verkorte frasse oor dis dinge wat hy meeste probeer om te se. Hou dan aan om die skets vermeerder em maak die frasse om alles te se wat hy se, met dieselfde beklemtoon en gebeur het nie maar as ‘n slim fabel, `n ware, betekenis waarvan besluit moet word op die basies van ons filosofie en werklikheid, nie in die nugter manier verklaring van die Bybel se skrywers. Hierdie soort van "vertalings" begin met die verwerping van die verslag en sy openlike mening, en probeer dit om iets te maak wáarvoor dit nooit bestem was om te wees nie.

Maar daar is anders wat glo dat die Bybel het `n bonatuurtike oorsprong en spesiale bedekte betekenisse verby wat openlik uitgedruk is in sy taal. Enige vertaling is onbetroubaar wat `n mening van buite af neem en dit in die gedeelte bring in plaas van om die skrywer se woorde te vind in sy boodskap.

HOE IDENTIFISEER ONS DIE SKRYWER SE IDEE?

Hy het dit vir ons uitgedruk in sy woorde, in die vorm van sy sinne (die manier hoe die woorde saam gevoeg is in verband met mekaar), en in die lyn van gedagte soos dit gevolg word in die ínhoud. Ons kan ons denkbeeld laat vermeerder met sy idees deur die omstandighede die presiesheid van sy situasie, en so vind ons sy doel vir skrywe. Ons kan die presiesheid van sy gedagte toets deur die vergelyking van paralelle gedeeltes, _ ander verklarings op dieselfde vak deur gelyke skrywer.

Die ware interpretasie is die een wat die skrywer pas, die lesers se oogmerk, die toespraak van die situasie, soos die woorde gebruik is die spraakkuns van sy sinne, die veroorsaak van sy gedagte, die teenstelling wat hy uitgedruk het of die begrepe, van die res van die Skrifte. As ons 'n betekenis vind wat goed pas en dit lyk so seker, as die enigste een wat kan pas op alle maniere, dan kry ons die gevoelens dat hierdie interpretasie nodig is, dit is die enigste een wat ons moet glo dit is waar. Enige interpretasie wat geheel en al nie nodig is nie, is baie twyfelagtig.

Interpretasie deur 'n streng lesing van die skrywer se sinne, is soos wat jy `n geestelike spel speel "wat die skrywer volg." As ons presies die pad volg wat hy geneem het, dan deel ons sy ondervinding daarin. As ons afgaan vanaf die pad wat hy vir ons gemerk het, dan breek ons die reëls van die spel, want deur dit te doen deel ons nie in sy ondervinding nie. Ons probeer om `n ander leier te word in plaas van ‘n na volger. As ons weggaan op ons eie gedagtes lyn in plaas van om hom te volg, dan skryf ons ons eie skrif in kompetisie met hom. Om sy woorde te gebruik vir ons gedagtes in plaas van te se sy betekenis is gedagte. Laat die Bybel die Bybel vertaal. Vermeerder jou verstand van `n woord deur al sy gebruike en betekenisse van die Bybel te onderhou; neem kennis van die verskille van geskeide gedeeltes, en moenie `n woord verwag wat elke keer dieselfde dinge meen nie. Voeg by jou begrip van een gedeeltes wat `n ander gedeeltes sê van dieselfde vak; maar wees ook,versigtig om een gedeelte te gebruik om ander mee te verwag, en dit dan weghou van die gedagte wat dit bestem was om te sê. Laat elke gedeelte se wat dit behoort om te sê en dan ons gedagtes vervul met die vak waarmee dit deel.

Hou aan om te oefen, om te groei, en versamel 'n ware kennis en verstand.

WAAROM VERSUIM U?

2008-04-26T14:26:00.000-05:00

0101 - Afrikaans

ANTWOORDE OP BESWARE TOT GELOWIGE DOOP

Gordon Bennett

Een van die eenvoudigste dinge wat Jesus betuig het was Sy will inverband gelowiges se doop. Hy het dit so belangrik beskou dat hyduidelik noem in die opdrag waarin Hy Sy dissipels beveel om dieevangelie te verkondig aan die wëreld. Die mag is vir een is diemag vir die ander. Hierdie is die Here se woorde soos aangeteken inMatt. 28:18_20. "En Jesus het nader gekom en met hulle gespreek engesê: Aan My is gegee alle mag in die hemel en op die aarde. Gaan danheen, maak dissipels van al die nasies, en doop hulle in die naam vandie Vader en die Seun en die Heilige Gees; en leer hulle om alles teonderhou wat ek julle beveel het. En kyk, ek ie met julle; all die daetot aan die voleinding van die wêreld."

Die apostels wie gehoor het die Here spreek hierdie woorde, en anderpersone wie deur hulle geleer was het die Here geglo deur Sy woord.Hulle het nie moeilikheid gevind om te verstaan wat die Here gemeen hetnie. Die boek van Handelinge verwys na die praktiese manier hulle diebetekenis van die opdrag vertaal het. Hulle het voort gegaan soosboodskapers van die kruis, en, wanneer siele na Christus gekeer het,hierdie boodskapers het gesorg dat die bekeerders gedoop was.

Daar is niks om aan te dui dat hulle in die vryheid met doop konklaar kom nie in enige geval. Ook nie in die spesiale omstandighede vanSaulus se bekering. (Hand. 9:1_22; Hand. 22:1_21) die doop was nieveronagsaam nie. En die Here antwoord hom; "Staan op en gaan na diestad, en dit sal jou gesê word wat jy moet doen." (Hand. 9:6).

Jesus kon daar en danself met Saulus gespreek het, maar Hy het nie. Daar was iets wat Jesusaan Saulus gesê het om te doen. Saulus was gelei na die stad vanDamaskus, en die Here het 'n seker dissipel genaam AnanNas gestuur wie aan Saulus gesê het, "En nou waarom versuimjy? Staan op, laat jou doop en jou sondes afwas; terwyl jy die naam vandie Here aanroep." (Handelinge 22:16).

Hoe het Saulus hierdie opdrag behandel? Hy "het opgestaan en wasgedoop." Hy het geen verskoning gehad om die doop te ontwyk nie. In elkgeval het hy nie 'n verskoning gesoek nie, maar het gesoek om die wilvan die Here te leer en te doen.

Dit is nie verbasend dat so baie mense wie getuig dat hulle die Herelief het verskoning soek om hulle self te weerhou van die dinge wat GodPaulus beveel het om te doen. Ek sal 'n paar van hierdie verskoningsopnoem en uitwys hoe eenvoudig dit in verband staan met God's woord.

(1) "Dit maak nie saak of ons gedoop is ot nk, dit maak geen verskilnie by ons nie."

Deur te sê dit maak nie saak of ons God gehoorsaam of nie, is omChristus se woord ongeldig, on betekenisvol. Dit bedoel dat Jesus mensevra om dinge te doen wat nie saak maak nie maar is onbruikbaar ofnutteloos. Dit maak saak by Christus, dit is waar om Hy dit beveel het.Om tesê dat "die doop nie saak maak nie" is om God se verstand tebeledig, en Sy mag in die wind slaan.

As Christen doop niesaak maak nie, waarom het Paulus twaalf manne van Efese wie gedoopwas volgens die betekening van Johannes se doop beveel het om weer tedoop?

(2) "Ek is gedoop met die Heilig Gees dus het ek nie water doopnodig nie."

Dit was die Heilige Gees deur Jesus wat die opdrag in verband diedoop gegee het. Van Jesus sê die woord: "God het nie die Heilige Geesby mate aan Hom gegee." Jesus het gesê: "Hierdie woorde wat Ek spreekis nie myne nie, maar die Vader sin wat my gestuur het. Dus sal dieHeilige Gees nie enig eimand lei om 'n belediging te gooi op water doop.

Cornelius (Handelinge 10) het die doop van die Heilige Gees ontvanghet; en dieselfde Heilige Gees het deur Petrus gespreek, en gesê:"Niemand kan tog die water weer, dat hierdie mense, wat net soos onsdie Heilige Gees ontvang het; nie gedoop word nie?

Hier weer het ons die Heilige Gees wat die doop beveel. Petrusverwys na die doop van die Heilige Gees as 'n rede vir water doop. Ditis die Vader se wil. Ons bid: "U wil geskied soos in die hemel netsoook op die aarde," en nog sê: "Ek het nie water doop nodig nie? WAAROMVERSUIM U?

(3) "Water kan nie my sondes afwas nie, so daar is geer kragdaarin."

Dit is waar, maar Ghristus het die reg om Sy eie uitdrukking testaaf. As ons moedswillig bedank om gedoop te word, hoe kan ons sê onssonde is afgewas? Ons moedswillige bedanking om Sy wil te doen issonde. "Hy wat weet om goed te doen en nie doen nie is sonde."

Die krag is nie in die water, maar die aksie van gehoorsaamheidwaarna Christus verlang. Dit was Jesus wat gesê het: "Hy wat my nielief het nie bewaar nie my gebooie nie."

(4) "Doop is net 'n vorm, en ons word nie denr vorm en seremoniesgered nie."

Dis waar lee vorms en seremonies van mense versinsels sal ‘n mensnie red nie. Dit is ook waar dat as ons glo aan ‘n skriftelike formsoos gelowiges se doop (in dompeling) as nie in Christus wat ditaanbeveeling nie, ons sal nie gered word nie.

"Ons is gered deur genade deur geloof," en geredde geloof worduitgedruk deur gehoorsaamheid aan die wil van God. "Ons is gered deurgeloof alleenlik, maar nie deur geloof wat alleen is nie." Netso is ookdie geloof, as dit geen werke het nie, in sigself dood: (Jak. 2:17 sienook vers 14). Dié geloof kan hom tog nie red nie? Die woord van Godleer duidelik dat Jesus "'n bewerker van ewige saligheid vir almal watHom gehoorsaam het." (Hebeërs 5:9).

Doop is die uiterlike uitdrukking van onse geloof in Christus, endie feite van die evangelie in verband sy dood, begrafnis enopstanding. Doop is die Goddelike vasgestelde daad, waarin ons bely datons Jesus aangetrek het, dat ons saam met Hom die sonde afgesterf heten opgestaan saam met Hom om in 'n nuwe lewe te wandel. "Omdat jullesaam met Hom begrawe is in die doop; waarin julle ook saam opgewek isdeur die geloof in die werking van God wat Hom uit die dode opgewekhet." (Kol. 2:12). Doop sonder geloof is van geen betekenis. Ditvoldoen aan die vereiste van God van 'n persoon wat gedoop is want ditis 'n uitdrukking van geloof.

(5) "Doop is maar net 'n opdrag."

Om so van die doop te praat is om Christus te beledig, en so woordoneer. Kan enige iets meer belangrik is vir 'n gelowige navolger vanChristus as die opdrag van die Here Jesus? Onthou, dit was "maar net 'nopdrag" van God wat Adam en Eva nie na geluister het nie, en die wêreldwas in sonde gedompel en die dood was die gevolg van daardieongehoorsaamheid. Het jy daarin gedink wat die moontlike gevolg van jouongehoorsaamheid aan die opdrag van Christus? WAAROM VERSUIM U?

(6) "Ek is al jare ‘n Christen, so ek het nie nodig om gedoop teword nie."

Jy is reeds die een wat veronderstel is om gedoop te word. As jy 'ngelowige is, dan is jy veronderstel om gedoop te word, want die doop isvir gelowiges. Die doop volg die aanneming van Christelike lering.Jesus het aan sy dissepels gesê om te "LEER" dan "DOOP".

(7) "Die sterwende dief aan die kruis was nooit gedoop, tog was hygered; daarom is dit nie nodig dat ek gedoop moet word nie."

Dit is blykbaar waar dat die dief nie gedoop was nie, maar ons moetonthou dat ons in die koninkryk van God kan klim op die rug van diesterwende dief nie. Hier is 'n paar dinge wat ek aan u wil verduidelik.

(a) Die sterweude dief kon nie gedoop word nie terwyl hy san diekruis gehang het.

Doop is onderdompeling. Om 'n persoon met water te besprinkel is 'nvervanger wat geen betekenis het en dit verklaar die woord van Godongeldig. Die Here vra nooit dat ons die onmoontlike moet doen, maarwanneer Hy vra om iets te doen, dan verwag Hy dat ons dit moet doen.

Die sterwende dief was verhinder deur omstandighede waardeur hy geenbeheer gehad het nie, van die plesier van die bevoorreg van gelowigesse doop.

(b) Die sterwende dief was nooit gevra om gedoop te word nie.

Daar is niks wat aandui dat die onderwerp ooit aan hom vertel was.As die doop nodig was, en die Here het hom gevra om sy liefde engetrouheid te bewys deur gedoop te word, dink jy dat die sterwende diefsou die Here geweier om hierdiedaad van onderdanigheid en toewyding.

(c) Die Groot Opdrag verenig die bevel vir die doop van almal watdissipels geword het (Matt. 28;19,20) was NIE GEGEE NA DIE DOOD ENOPWEKKING VAN JESUS.

Dit was na die dood van die dief aan die kruis, so dit was sekerliknie vir hom bedoel nie, maar dit kom jou toe. Dit kom almal toe wat dieevangelie hoor. As ons wil kom by die plek van redding en seëninge vanChristus, moet ons in sy weg kom, en dit is die weg van Sy wil.

Johannes se doop was voor die dood van Christus uitgeoefen, maar dithet 'n verskillende betekenis gehad as Christen doop. WAAROM VERSUIM U?

(8) "Ek voel u om gedoop te word nie."

Mekkien nie. Dit hang alles af van die kerk leier wat jy na volg.Baie van hulle is nie gedoop nie, want hulle verstaan die Here se wilin hierdie geval. Hulle het die verkeerde lering gevolg soos die vansuigeling besprinkeling:

As u leier Christus Jesus is, Hy het u leiding gegee in die gevaldeur die bevel te gee. Watter verdere leiding is noodsaaklik? DieHeilige Gees sal ons nooit 'n teenoorgestelde leiding gee as die vanChristus en sy in spirerende apostels nie.

Dit beteken die Heilige Gees woord gebruik om ons te wys en lei diewoord. Die swaard is die woord van God. Om deur die Heilige Gees geleite word beteken om die rigting wat die heilige gees aandui in die inspirende word te volg.

(9) "Ek was gedooptoe ek ‘n suigeling was, dus het ek nie nodig om gedoop te wod nie,"

As jy regtig gedoop was toe jy 'n suigeling was dit was nie Christendoop, want Christen doop is vir GELOWIGES _ nie babas. Daar is absoluutgeen Bybel magtiging vir baba doop nie. Inder waarheid dit watsuigeling doop genoem word is glad nie doop nie, maar die"besprinkeling" of "uitstort" van 'n paar druppels water op 'n kind.Dit is gedoen nos glo, met alle opregtheid by baie ywerige Christenemaar dit is nietemin, 'n mens gemaakte gewoonte; mens plaas vervangervir die wet wat Christus gestig het. 'N skriftelike doop vereis "baiewater" (John 3:23). Om in die water af te gaan, uit die water opklim(Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:9,10; Hand. 8:38_39). 'N begrafnis en opstaan (Kol.2:12; Rom. 6:4,5).

Moenie toe laat dat 'n mense plaasvervanger vir 'n Bybelse wetverhoed dat jy die vryheid geniet van respektering die Here se wil indie doop. Tot 'n kind wat oud genoeg is om te glo, en dat Jesus syverlosser is, 'n gepaste en selfstandige onderdaan vir gelowiges doop.Maar die doop van suigelinge, en die verandering van "doopgetuie" of"peetvaders"en "peetmoeders" is verkeerd want dit het die neiging omsiele weg te hou om die wil van die Here te doen in die geval om diedoop wat hy beveel. Dit is 'n ernstige ding om iets te vervang in dieplek van wat God wil hê.

"Ons moet God liewer gehoorsam as die mense." WAAROM VERUIM U?

Onthou dat tot Johannes se doop was so belangrik dat selfs Jesus hetdit bygewoon. Jou verlosser is 'n GEDOOPTE VERLOSSING. Die doop wat jouverlosser verlang wat jy moet waarneem moet sekerlik belangrik wees virjou. Hierdie gedagte alleenlik is voldoende om jou tot die plek tebring van SY wil.

Inder waarheid as Jesus nie gedoop was nie, sou Hy nie die verlosservan die wêreld wees nie. Het jy ooit daaraan gedink? Dit was meer as 'n"suiwer vorm" vir Jesus Christus. Meskien dink jy dus eerder 'nontstellende bewering. Geen doop _ geen verlosser. Ek sedit vir die volgende redes: -

(a) God was die skrywer van Johannes se doop. (Lukas 20:4; Johannes1:6,13)

Christus het geglo dat dit van God is, en dit sou sonde vir Hom weesom dit te ignoreer wat dit is Sy Vader se wil, in die lig van kenniswat Hy het. As Hy gesondig het, kon Hy nie sondaars gered het nie. VirChristus die doop was 'n daad van toewyding aan die wil van die Vader.God het die doop geseën en sy Seun gesalf met die Heilige Gees, en sytevredenheid in Hom uit gedruk. (Matt. 3:16,17; Mark 1:9_11; Lukas3:21_22). Die doop was die middel weg wat deur God gekies is deur wiedie messias bekend gestel word en geopenbaar word aan Israel. (John1:31 "Daarom het ek gekom en met water gedoop").

(b) Want dit was 'n belangrike daad tot die voltooing van diegeregtigheid.

"Laat dit nou toe, want so pas dit ons om, alle geregtigheid tevervul". (Matt. 3:15). Nou vergelyk hierdie bewering met Luk. 7:29,30:"En toe die hele volk en die tollenars dit hoor het hulle Godgeregverdig (Hoe?), deur hulle te laat doop met die doop van Johannes.Maar die Fariseërs en die wetgeleerdes het die raad van God aangaandehulle verwerp (Hoe?). deur hulle nie deur Hom te laat doop nie.

Toe Jesus gedoop was hei Hy God geregverdig. Die doop was 'n daadvan geregtigheid want dit het Jesus se aanneming van gie raad van Godbewys. Veronderstel Hy was nie gedoop nie, wat dan? Hulle wat die doopafgekeer het van Johannes het die raad van God aangaande hulle Verwerp.

As Johannes se doop so belangrik was in die dispensasie waarin Hygeleef het, is Christen doop soos beveel word deur Christus ook niebelangrik in hierdie Christen tydperk nie?

By 'n defenitiewe openbare daad verklaar Jesus aan watter kant Hywas. Hy was aan God se kant, want Hy het God se wil eerbiedig. Hy hetongeveer sestig myl gereis om gedoop te word, want hy het geweet hoebelangrik dit was om God se wil te doen.

Nou geliewe vriend, ek het daarna gesoek om die waarheid baieduidelik te maak, en die waarheid in liefde bekend te maak. Ek gee diesaak oor aan jou. Dit is by jou om te besluit. Natuurlik jy wil aanChristus se kant wees in alle dinge, wil jy nie? Dit is 'n vryheid, nienet 'n plig om sy geseënde wil te doen nie. Die doop is tussen diedinge wat ons moet doen, as ons Hom eerbiedig deur Hom in alle dinge tegehoorsaam. WAAROM VERSUIM U?

'n STUDIE IN CHRISTEN DOOP

2008-04-26T14:22:00.000-05:00

0096 - Afrikaans

Darrel D. Malcom

Die redding wat deur Jesus aan die mens gebied word is ontvang deurgeloof in Hom (Romeine 1:16; Hand. 16:30,3). Dit is nie iets wat onskan verwerf of verdien nie maar is beskikbaar gemaak tot ons deur dieliefde en genade van God (Efesiërs 2:8,9). Ons enigste hoop is om teherken dat ons sondaars is, en dat deur Sy volmaakte lewe, dood vir onssonde en opstanding krag, Jesus het gekom om ons middelpunt van reddingte wees. Ons word gered deur geloof in Hom alleenlik te hê.

Maar geloof nodig 'n soort uitdrukking. Veronderstel die huis waarinu woon slaan aan die brand, jy sal gou verantwoordelik optree. Netsoook wanneer iemand vertroue in Jesus Christus sit en Hom sy lewe aanneem het (Johannes 1:12; Openbaring 3:20) wat nuut geloof gevind het isveronderstel om 'n uitdrukking in aksie te hê.

In die Nuwe Testament leer ons dat die vroeë gelowiges hulle geloofin Jesus uitgedruk, he eerste in bekering (Hand. 2:38; 26:20), in 'nbegeerte om te verander van hul lewe en gewoontes deur God te behaag.Hulle het hul geloof uitgedruk in woorde van ope belydenis (Rom. 10:10;Matt. 10:32,33) voor beide ander gelowiges endie werêld. Baie gou hethul ook hierdie geloof in die doop uitgedruk. (Hand 2:41; 8:36_39;16:31_341.

Die Nuwe Testament spreek meer as 100 keer van doop. Enig een waternstig oor Christen gehoorsaamheid is dit is nodig om Christen doop teverstaan. Nie elke Nuwe Testament verwysing is in dierdie studieingesluit nie ('n goeie ooreenstemming sal dit alles geel, maar hierdieis voldoende vir 'n basiese verstand.

Die gedrukte verse kan beter vertaal word deur dit te studeer in dieverband (die verse wat vooraf gaan en volg) on seker te wees van dieoorspronklike betekenis. Die gedrukte teus is uit die NuweInternasionele vertaling. Hierdie studie soek om te leer wat voorafgaandeChristendoop, wat die vorm enbetekenis van rlie aksie van doop, en wat was die resultate vanChristen doop.

Nou asseblief biddend studeer, antwoord elke vraag tot jou eietevredenheid, laat toe dat God jou leer deur Sy woord.

Matt. 3:13_17. Toe het Jesus van Galiléa na die Jordaan, naJohannes gekom om deur hom gedoop te word. Maar Johannes het Homernstig teë gegaan en gesê: "Ek het nodig om deur U gedoop te word, enkom U na my toe?" Maar Jesus het geantwoord en vir hom gesê: "Laat ditnou toe, want só pas dit ons om alle geregtigheid te vervul." Daarnahet hy Hom toegelaat. En nadat Jesus gedoop was, het Hy dadelik uit diewater opgeklim, en meteens gaan die hemele vir Hom oop, en Hy sien dieGees van God soos 'n duif neerdaal en op Hom kom. En daar kom 'n stemuit die hemele wat sê: "Dit is my geliefde Seun in wie Ek ‘n welbehaehet." (Sien ook Markus 1:9_11; Lukas 3:21,32: Johannes 1:29_34).

Waarom het Jesus gesê Hy moes gedoopword?

Watter twee betekenis volle tekens gaan saam met die doop van Jesus?

Waarom dink jy dat Johannes in die Jordaan Rivier gedoop het? (SienJohannes 3:23).

Matthéüs 28:20. En Jesus het nader gekom en met hullegespreek en gesê: "Aan my is gegee alle mag in die hemel en op aarde.Gaan dan heen, maak dissipels van al die nasies, en doop hulle in dienaam van die vader en die Seun en die Heilige Gees; en leer hulle omalles te onderhou wat ek julle beveel het. En kyk, ek is met julle aldie dae tot aan die voleinding van die wêreld."

Onder wie se mag is die "groot opdrag" gegee?

Volgens hierdie vers, wat moet doop voorafgaan?

In wie se nam(e) moet die doop gedoen word?

Wat moet die doop van ‘n navolger volg?

Wat is die belofte vir iemand wat geglo en gedoop is?

Markus 16:15,16. En Hy het vir hulle gesê: "Gaan die helewêreld in en verkondig die evangelie aan die ganse mensdom. Hy wat gloen hom laat doop, sal gered word; maar hy wat nie glo nie, salveroordeel word."

Aan wie moet die evangelie boodskap verkondig word?

ln die orde van hierdie vers, wat moet die doop voorafgaan?

Watter waarskouwing is verbonde aan weiering om in Jesus te glo?

Wat is die belofte aan iemand wat beide geglo en gedoop is?

Hand. 2:36_41. (Petrus preek in gesê) "Laat dan die hele huisvan Israel sekerlik weet dat God Hom Here en Christus gemaak het,hierdie Jesus wat julle gekruisig het." Toe hulle dit hoor, is hullediep in die hart getref en het vir Petrus en die ander apostels gesê:"Wat moet ons doen broeders?" En Petrus sê vir hulle: "Bekeer julle, enlaat elkeen van julle gedoop word in die naam van Jesus Christus totvergewing van sondes, en julle sal die gawe van die Heilige Geesontvang. Want die belofte kom julle toe en julle kinders en almal watdaar ver is, die wat die Here onse God na Hom sal roep." En met baieander woorde het hy hulle besweer en vermaan en gesê: "Laat julle reduit hierdie verkeerde geslag." Die wat toe sy woord met blydskapaangeneem het, is gedoop; en daar is op die dag omtrent drie duisendsiele toegebring.

Wat moes die doop voorafgegaan het?

ln wie se naam moet hulle gedoop word?

Vir watter twee redes of versekerings was hulle beveel om gedoop teword?

Vir wie is die belofte gegee? Sluit dit jou ook in?

Hand. 8:5,12. (Sien Hand. 8:4_13). En Filippus het afgekom in'n stad van Samaria en Christus aan hulle verkondig maar toe hulleFilippus geglo het, wat die evangelie aangaande die koninkryk van Goden die naam van Jesus verkondig het, is hulle gedoop, manne sowel asvroue.

Wat was die boodskap wat aan die Samaritane gepreek was?

Na hulle die boodskap geglo het, wat die Samaritanse manne en vrouegedoen?

Hand. 8:34_39. (Sien Hand. 8:26_39). En die hofdienaarantwoord en sê vir Filippus: "Ek bid u, van wie sê die profeet dit, vanhomself of van iemand anders?" En Filippus het sy mond geopen en vanhierdie skrif af begin en die evangelie van Jesus aan hom verkondig enterwyl hulle voortreis op die pad, kom hulle by water, en diehofdienaar se vir hom: "Daar is water, wat verhinder my om gedoop teword?" Toe se Filippus: "As u glo met u hele hart, is dit geoorloof."En hy antwoord en sê: "Ek glo dat Jesus Christus die Seun van God is."En hy het beveel dat die wa moes stilhou; en hulle het altwee in diewater afgeklim, Filippus en die hofdienaar; en hy het hom gedoop. Entoe hulle uit die water opklim, het die Gees van die Here Filippusskielik weggevoer, en die hofdienaar het hom nie meer gesien nie, wanthy het sy weg met blydskap gereis.

Wat was die boodskap wat deur Pilippus gepreek was?

Hoe het die hofdienaar sy geloof in woorde uitgedruk?

Hoe het hy sy geloof in aksie uitgedruk?

Watter vorm van doop word in hierdie afdeling van skrif verduidelik?

Hoe het die hofdienaar gevoel na hy gedoop was?

Neem notisie dat die Gees aktief in hierdie ondervinding

(8:29), maar die gehoorsaamheid vsn die doop was "in water." Sienook Hand 10:44_48.

Hand. 16:29_34. (Sien ook Hand. 16:16-34). En toe hy liggevra het, spring hy na binne en val bewende voor Paulus en Silas neer.En hy het hulle nabuite gebring en gesê: "Menere wat moet ek doen omgered te word?" Toe sê hulle: "Glo in die Here Jesus Christus en jy salgered word, jy en jou huisgesin." En hulle het asn htim die woord vandie Here verkondig en aan almal wat in sy huis was. En in dieselfde uurvan die nag het hy hulle wonde gewas, en hy is onmiddellik gedoop, hyen al sy mense. Toe bring hy hulle in sy huis en sit hulle 'n maaltydvoor, en hy het hom verheug met sy hele huisgesin dat hy tot geloof inGod gekom het.

Wat het Paulus en Silas aan die tronkbewaarder vertel, to: hy gevrahet, "Wat moet ek doen om gered te word?"

Watter boodskap was aan die tronkbewaarder eh sy gesin gegee?

Hoe het die tronkbewaarder bekering gewys ('n verandering van harten handeling) teenoor Paulus en Silas?

Wat was die rede vir die blydskap van die tronk bewaarder en sygesin?

Hoe gou was die tronkbewarder en sy gesin gedoop na hulle geglo het?

Hand. 22:10,16. Vergelyk met Hand. 9:1_19; 22:1_16; 26:9_20(Paulus vra aan Jesus) "Wat moet ek doen Here? Het ek, gevra." (Ananiashet aan Paulus gesê) "En nou, waarom versuim jy? Staan op, laat, joudoop en jou sondes afwas, terwyl jy die naam van die Here aanroep."

Wat was aan Paulus gesê om te doen?

Wat was die gevolg deur gedoop te word?

Wat word bedoel "deur sy naam" aanroep?

Romeine 6:3_7. Of weet julle nie dat ons "lmal wat in Christus Jesus gedoop is,in sy dood gedoop is nie? Ons is dus saam met begrawe deur die doop indie dood, sodat netsoos Christus uit die dode opgewek is deur dieheerlikheid van die Vader, ons ook so in 'n nuwe lewe kan wandel. Wantas ons met Hom saamgegroei het deur die gelykvormigheid migheid aan sydood, sal ons dit tog ook wees deur die' aan sy opstanding, aangesienons dit weet datons oue mens saam gekruisig is so dat die liggaam vandie sonde tot niet gemaak sou word en ons nie meer die sonde sou diennie _ Want hy wat g_ esterf het is geregverdig van die sonde.

Neem in ag dat die doop is "in sy dood" waar Jesus sy bloed gestorthet. Vergelyk die met Johannes 19:34; Kol. 1: 19,20; 1 Pet. 1: 18, 19.

Hoe in die vorm van doop verduidelik ons 'n begrafnis en 'nopstanding?

Neem in ag hoe goed onderdompeling van n persoon in water nodigheidhê vir 'n gelykenis van die dood, begrafnis en opstanding hier beskryweword

Kan jy aan enige ander vorm dink of handeling wat die gelukenis voorsien?

Kol. 2:12,13. Omdat julle saam met Hom begrawe is in diedoop, waarin julle ook saam opgewek is deur die geloof in die werkingvan God wat Hom uit die dode opgewek het. En julle wat dood was deurdie misdade en die onbesnedenheid van julle vlees, het hy saam met Homlewend gemaak deur dat hy julle al die misdade vergeef het.

Watter vorm van doop druk dit die beste uit "begrawe met Hom" en"opgewek met Hom"?

Wat word van ons sonde wanneer ons "lewend met Christus"?

(Neem in ag dat in doop ons "begrawe en opgewek is met Hom"; drukuit wat gebecur met ons geestelik julle was "dood in julle sonde" en"God het julle lewend gemaak in Christus" :

Galasi*rs 3:27 (26_28)...Want julle almal wat in Christus gedoop is, het julle met Christusbeklee.

Wat is die belofte aan daardie "wie in Christus gedoop is"?

I Petrus 3:21. ...Waarvan die teë beeld die doop ons nou ookred, nie as 'n aflegging van die vuilheid van die vlees nie, maar as 'nbede tot God om 'n goeie gewete deur die opstanding van Jesus Christus.

Volgens hierdie versie, wat is die gevolg van doop?

Sou dit leer deur net hierdie vorm van doop te doen genoeg wees?Waarom of waarom nie?

As ons 'n skuldige gewete het om nie te doen wat ons behoort om tedoen, of om te doen wat ons weet is verkeerd, hoe sal ons ‘n "goeirgewete" hê? Hoe het dit betrekking tot dierdie versie?

HERDOOP: Hand. 19:3_5. (1_7) Em Hy vra hulle: "Met watterdoop is julle dan gedoop?" En hulle antwoord: "Met die doop vanJohannes". Daarop sê Paulus: "Johannes het met die doop van bekeringgedoop en aan die volk gesê dat hulle moes glo iri die een wat n'a homkom, dit is in Christus Jesus." En toe hulle dit hoor, is hulle gedoopin die naam van die Here Jesus.

Hierdie is die enigste geval van "herdoop" in die Nuwe Testament.Skynbaar was hierdie vorm van die vorige doop reg, maar dit was gedoenvir 'n verkeerde doel of betekenis.

Dui dit aan dat 'n persoon weer gedoop word as die vorm of rede hoehy gedoop was nie ooreen stem met die vereistes wat die skrifie aangeenie? Waarom of waarom nie?

NOG NERDER AANTEKENINGE:

Die Nuwe Testament was oorspronklik in Griekse taal geskryf. ‘Nstudie van die betekenis van woorde in die oorspronklike Grieks ishulpsaam om te verstaan wat Jesus en die apostels geleer het van diedoop.

Die Griekse woord vir "sprinkel" is ''rhantizo" (of 'n soort vormvan die werkwoord). Dit is gebruik in die Nuwe Testament vir sprinkelvan bloed en van as (Hebreërs 9:13,19, 20) maar nooit vlr doop.

Die Griekse woord vir "uitstort" is "cheo" (of n soort vorm van diewerkwoord). Dit is baie kere gebruik in die Nuwe Testament (Matt. 26:7_ salf; Lukas 10:34 _ oilie en wyn; Hand: 2:17,18 _ Die Gees; ens.)maar Nooit gebruik vir doop.

Die Griekse woord "baptisma" is die naamwoord vertaal "baptism" inonse Engelse vertalings. Dit beteken "die proses van oordompel,onderdompeling." Volgeris die Expository Woordeboek vanNuwe Testamentiese Woorde deur W.E. Vine. Die werkwoord vorm is"baptizo" wat van die Griekse. woord " bapto", beteken "om in te druk".W.E. Vine beskryf "baptizo"as "gebruik was tussen die Grieke on aan tedui die verkleurling van 'n kledingstuk. Seder dien Jesus en diedissipels het altyd die woord "onderdompel" of "indruk" gebruik wanneerhulle van doop, die vorm was verstaan deur die woord wat gebruik was indie oorspronklike taal.

'N patroon word gegee vir ons in die Nuwe Testament waarin elkepersoon wat in Jesus Christus geglo het as die Seun van God, hulle hethulle geloof uitgedruk in bekering of wegdraai van hul sonde (Hand.2:38; 26:20), deur openlik te bely hul geloof in Jesus Christus (Hand.8:37; Rom. 10:10), en in die aksie van Christen doop. Netsoos iemandbehoort die verlede af te sterf en om weergebore te word in JesusChristusr daar was die herinnering dat Jesus aan die kruis gesterf hetvir ons sonde, was begrawe in die graf, en opgestaan uit die dode. Dieaksie van Christen doop op sy beurt druk uitvoering tot die Jesus inbegeerte om te sterwe met Hom in sonde en in deling in opstanding uitdie water netsoos Jesus opgewek uit die dode. Die water was ook 'nherinnering van skoonmaak van waarna hulle gesoek het. Dit is die bloedvan Jesus Christus wat ons red van ons sonde (Mattheus 26:28) en na onsgedoop is in sy dood (Romeine 6:3) waar die bloed gestort het, doop iseen van die maniere hoe God die reinende bloed tot ons lewe toepas.

Hersien asseblief wat jy geleer he van hierdie skriflesings en kykof jy gedoop is soos die Newe Testament leer. Onthou dat Jesus onsbeveel het om te doop (Mattheus 28:19; Markus 16:16) en ook geleer het,as julle my lief het bewaar my gebooie (Johannes 14:15).