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.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
UNDERSTANDING THE FUTURE
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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)
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!
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).
“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
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.
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.
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