Podcast appearances and mentions of abraham gen

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2024 4:50

First, today on this beautiful Sunday here in North Carolina, I want to give a shoutout to all the awesome mothers out there. Happy Mother's Day! I have been blessed to have two of the greatest mothers in all the world in my life. My mother, Albertina Agnes Kozlovsky Grooms, was a Godly mother who loved and prayed for all her children and grandchildren and was a beautiful example of the Proverbs 31 wife and mother! She went to be with the Lord on October 11, 2018 at 90 years of age. We all dearly miss her and today we honor her memory! The other great mother, of course, is my wife, Edith Obenshain Grooms! She has also loved and blessed our five children and grandchildren with her prayers and sacrificial service and Godly example! The world is definitely a better place because of her! Happy Mothers Day!!!!! We all face difficult challenges in life and need encouragement and motivation to overcome and deal with them. Joshua is a great book to teach how we can by faith find our greatest encouragement from the Lord and experience and enjoy blessed and victorious lives despite our circumstances and problems. The last couple of days we learned how Joshua was encouraged by God because he had a definite calling and commission. He knew God placed him in his role of leadership and had given him specific instructions as to what His will and plan for his life was. Whenever we know that the Lord has called us and given us a commission, we can have confidence and courage to face whatever we must deal with. God gave Joshua a threefold task to perform and for each of those three tasks, God gave him three special promises. God promised He would enable Joshua to cross the river and claim the land (vv. 3-4). God promised Joshua that he would defeat the enemy (v. 5). And God promised Joshua that he would be to one to apportion the land to each tribe as its inheritance (v. 6). God didn't give Joshua explanations as to how He would accomplish these things, because God's people live on promises and not on explanations. When you trust God's promises and step out by faith (v. 3), you can be sure that the Lord will give you the directions you need when you need them. First, God promised Joshua that Israel would enter the land (vv. 3-4). Over the centuries God had reaffirmed this promise, from His first words to Abraham (Gen. 12) to His last words to Moses (Deut. 34:4). God would take them over the Jordan and into enemy territory. He then would enable them to claim for themselves the land that He had promised them. There would be no repetition of the fear and unbelief that had brought the nation into defeat at Kadesh Barnea (Num. 13). God had already given them the land; it was their responsibility now to step out by faith and claim it (Josh 1:3; see Gen. 13:14-18). The same promise of victory that God had given to Moses (Num. 11:22-25), He reaffirmed to Joshua; and He carefully defined the borders of the land. The lesson for God's people today is clear: God has given us all spiritual blessings...in Christ" (Eph. 1:3), and we must step out by faith and claim them. He has set before His church an open door that nobody can close (Rev. 3:8), and we must walk through that door by faith and claim new territory for the Lord. It is impossible to stand still in Christian life and service; for when you stand still, you immediately start going backward. "Let us go on!" is God's challenge to His church (Heb. 6:1), and that means moving ahead into new territory. The Bible is a Book of Promises! May the Lord give us grace to believe and by faith claim them for our lives and families today! God bless!

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Joshua 1:1-6 - A New Land

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Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2024 5:02

Not only did the nation of Israel get a new leader but they were given a new land! The is land is often called their inheritance because it was a land promised to their forefathers! This is a great picture of the fact that as believers we have a new inheritance in Christ. Our Christian experience on earth should be by faith claiming the reality of our inheritance in Christ and living in victory every day! In Ephesians 1:11-14, Paul talked about our inheritance: “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” The word "land" is found eighty-seven times in the Book of Joshua because this book is the record of Israel's entering, conquering, and claiming the Promised Land. God promised to give the land to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-7; 13:15-17; 15:7,18; 17:8; 24:7), and He reaffirmed the promise to Isaac (26:1-5), Jacob (28:4, 13, 15; 35:12), and their descendants (50:24). The Exodus narrative gives many reaffirmations of the promise (Exodus 3:8,17; 6:4, 8; 12:25; 13:5,11;16:35; 23:20-33; 33:1-3; 34:10-16), and these are repeated in Leviticus (14:34; 18:3; 19:23; 20:22-24; 23:10; 25:2, 38) and Numbers (11:12; 15:2, 18; 16:13-14; 20:12, 24; 27:12; 33:53; 34:2, 12). In Moses' "farewell speech" in the Book of Deuteronomy, he frequently mentioned the land and the nation's responsibility to possess it. The word "land" is found nearly 200 times in Deuteronomy and the word "possess" over 50 times. Israel owned the land because of God's gracious covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1-5), but their enjoyment of the land depended on their faithful obedience to God. (See Lev. 26 and Deut. 28-30.) As long as the Jews obeyed God's law, He blessed them, and they prospered in the land. God called the Promised Land "a good land" (Deut. 8:7-10) and contrasted it with the monotony and barrenness of Egypt (Deut. 11:8-14). It was to be Israel's place of rest, her inheritance, and the dwelling place of God (Deut. 12:9,11). After enduring slavery in Egypt and misery in the wilderness, the Jews would finally find rest in their Promised Land (Josh. 1:13, 15; 11:23; 21:44; 22:4; 23:1). This concept of "rest" will show up again in Psalm 95:11 and Hebrews 4 as an illustration of the victory Christians can have if they give their all to the Lord. We have a promised inheritance in Christ which is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit in us. Today, are you enjoying and experiencing rest and victory in Jesus? God bless!

At Various Times and in Various Ways

Hope Church Johnson City

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 37:46

Hebrews 1:1-2 (NKJV)Dispensation:Periods of time in which God deals with humanity in different forms.Ephesians 1:3-10Dispensation 1: Innocence: Between the Creation and the Fall of Man in the GardenGenesis 1 - Genesis 3Gen 2:15-17Gen 3:6-19Dispensation 2) Conscience: Between the Fall and the Flood (Gen 4-8)Genesis 6:5-8Genesis 5:21-24Dispensation 3) Human Government … From the Flood to Abraham (Gen 9-11)Genesis 9:1, 7Genesis 10:32Genesis 11:1-4Dispensation 4) Promise: From Abraham to Moses (Genesis 12 - Exodus 11)Genesis 22:15-18Dispensation 5) Law: From Moses to Jesus (Exodus 12 - Acts 1)Matthew 21:42-46Luke 7:1-10Dispensation 6: Grace: From Pentecost to the Rapture—the Church Age (Acts 2 - Rev 3)Romans 3:21-24Hebrews 1:1-4Dispensation 7: The Kingdom: The 1000 Year Reign of Christ that begins with the 2nd ComingZechariah 14:8-9Isaiah 11:6-10Matthew 15:21-28Revelation 20:1-8

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Psalm 146:1-6 - Put Your Trust in the LORD!

god jesus christ father lord israel psalm praise hebrews psalms hebrew jehovah num trust in the lord psalm 146 put your trust jehovah god abraham gen

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 4:53

Put Your Trust in the LORD! Psalm 146:1-6 1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 2 While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. 3 Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. 4 His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish. 5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God, 6 Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, Psalm 146 is the first of the last five psalms of the book of Psalms that are called the “Hallelujah Psalms”. The very first verse uses the word “praise” four times. When we praise the LORD, we are acknowledging that He is worthy of our adoration, love, and worship. In verse 2, the psalmist declares that as long as he is alive and has “his being”, and breath in his body, he is going to praise the LORD! And so should we!!!! Now in verses 3-6, the psalmist is encouraging us that as long as we are alive, we should put our trust in Jehovah God! Far too often, we trust in "flesh and blood," ourselves and others, instead of trusting the Lord. We try to use our own strength and wisdom to accomplish His will (Psalms 118:5-9; 44:4-8). But my friend, we need to always remember, what nobody else can do, God can do for us and through us. These verses also suggest that the psalmist was concerned that Israel's leaders not enter into ungodly alliances, but that they turn to God for help. Beginning with Abraham (Gen. 12:10ff) and the exodus generation (Ex. 14:10-14; 16:1-3; Num. 14:1-10), the people of Israel turned to Egypt for help instead of trusting the Lord, and this was true even during the days of Isaiah (Isa. 31) and Jeremiah (Jer. 2:18; 37:1-10; 42-43). To trust in human wisdom and strength is to depend on that which cannot last, for all people die, and the brilliant ideas of one leader are replaced by the not-so-brilliant ideas of a new leader. In the Hebrew text, "man" is adam, which comes from the word adamah which means "earth." We came from the earth and return to the earth (v. 4; Gen. 3:19). "But will the Lord help me, as weak and failing as I am?" many believers might ask. Well, He is "the God of Jacob" (v. 5), a title used at least a dozen times in The Psalms. (See 20:1; 24:6; 46:7, 11.) Jacob was far from being perfect, yet God honored his faith and helped him in times of need. Jacob trusted God's promises, for his hope was in the Lord, but too often he depended on his own schemes to see him through. The beatitude in verse 5 is the last of twenty-five in the book of Psalms, starting with 1:1. But Jehovah is not only the God of Jacob, He is also the "God who made heaven and earth" (v. 6; Psalms 115:5; 121:2; 124:8; 134:3; Ezra 5:11) and has the power to act on behalf of His people. When we pray, we come to the throne of the universe to ask our Father for what we need. Israel knows Him as the God of the covenant. But today, believers and followers of Jesus know Him as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who initiated a new covenant by giving His life on the cross. His resurrection proves He is alive, and that Jehovah is a God who can be trusted to keep His Word. We have the “new covenant” promise that “if God be for us, who can be against us and if God spared not His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Finally, He is the God who "keeps truth or faith forever" (v. 6). Yes! You can always trust Him with everything because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). God bless!

Answered Prayer Glorifies the LORD

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Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 5:06

Psalm 138 is about what happens when God answers prayer! And saying that, I want to thank you all for your many prayers these past several weeks as we traveled both to India and Jordan. Truly God answered your prayers keeping us safe, healthy, giving us strength and endurance, and blessing us with very successful and exciting opportunities to minister. I got back to my home in Sneads Ferry NC Saturday afternoon and was able to get some wonderful rest in my own bed. Again, I can't thank you enough for your prayers and support which made it possible for me to be a part of two great ministry teams that were able to accomplish so much in so little time! Psalm 138 is the first of eight psalms attributed to David. They form a special collection just before the five "Hallelujah Psalms" that climax the book. The psalm probably grew out of the opposition of the neighboring nations when David became king of a united Israel (2 Sam. 5; 8:1-14). It was God's plan that David reign over Israel (v. 8), but the Jebusites, Philistines, and Moabites wanted a divided Israel with a weak leader. David knew God's will, prayed for God's help (v. 3), trusted God for victory (vv. 7-8), and defeated the enemy. The psalm does not mention the Lord until verse 4, but it is obvious that Jehovah is the object of David's prayers and praise. In this psalm we need to notice at least three things that happens when God answers prayer. First in verses 1-3, answered prayer glorifies God's name. "The gods" in verse 1 are the false gods of the nations that attacked David (Ps. 82:7). His victories over their armies were God's victories, and David wanted Jehovah to have the praise and glory (Jer. 50:1-2). The word translated "temple" means "sanctuary" and was applied to the tabernacle at Shiloh (see 1 Sam. 1:9; 3:3). In verse 2, the phrase, “For You have magnified Your word above all Your name”, seems to mean, "I trusted your promises and prayed, and the Lord answered above and beyond anything that He promised." It is another way of expressing Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us”. God answered David's prayer and this brought glory to His name. In verses 4-5, we see that answered prayer gives witness to the lost world around us. Jehovah is not only higher than the gods of the enemy, He is also greater than their rulers. David's victories proved that. However, there were Gentile kings who rejoiced that David had won the battles—rulers such as Hiram (2 Sam. 5:11) and Toi (2 Sam. 8:9). David prayed that the day would come when all the kings of the earth would hear God's Word and praise the Lord for His promises to Israel. Beginning with Egypt, every nation that has opposed and persecuted Israel has gone down in defeat, as God promised to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3). Then in verses 6-8, answered prayer accomplishes God's purposes in our lives. Jehovah is the Highest of the high and the Greatest of the great, but He is also willing to become the Lowest of the low and stoop down to meet our needs. To "look upon the lowly" means to pay attention to them and regard them with favor (11:4; 113:5-9; Isa. 57:15 and 66:2; Luke 1:47-55). David gave thanks that the Lord knew his need and came to his aid. In His covenant with David (2 Sam. 7), God revealed that He had a great purpose to fulfill through David's life, and He would not allow the enemy to thwart that purpose. This is true of believers today (Phil. 1:6 and 2:13; Eph. 2:10 and 3:20; Col. 1:29), and He will not forsake us. It has well been said that the purpose of prayer is not to get man's will done in heaven but to get God's will done on earth, and this was demonstrated in David's life. Praise the LORD as we have experienced God perfecting and accomplishing His purposes in our lives on these two trips and answering your prayers that have brought glory to the Name of our Great God! God bless!

Summary-We continue on a yearlong journey through the story of the Bible, from creation to Christ to consummation, with the book of Joshua. Joshua picks up where Numbers and Deuteronomy left off- the generation born in the wilderness, whose parents wandered and died because of their lack of faith, is on the precipice of entering the land God promised to father Abraham. Let's listen to what the Holy Spirit has for us today...- -Introduction--o Outline-1. Crossing -abar- into the Land -1-1-5-12--2. Taking -laqakh- the Land -5-13-12-24--3. Dividing -khalaq- the Land -13-1-21-45--4. Worshipping -abad- in the Land -22-1-24-33---o Theme--The Lord fulfills his covenanted promise to Abraham -Gen.12-1-3-cf.26-2-4-28-13-15- by giving his descendants the Promised Land of rest -Hebrew, m-n-ach- from the root n-ach----o -The Lord your God is providing you a place of rest -m-n-ach-...--1-13---o -...until the Lord gives rest -yan-ach- to your brothers as he has to you.--1-15---o -...the land had rest from war- -11-23-14-15---o -...the Lord gave them rest -yanach- on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers.--21-44---o -...now the Lord your God has given rest -h-n-ach-toyourbrothers,ashepromisedthem.--22-4- o -...when the Lord had given rest -h-n-ach- to Israel from all their surrounding enemies--23-1---CROSSING -ABAR- INTO THE LAND -1-1-5-12---TAKING -LAQAKH- THE LAND -5-13-12-24---DIVIDING -KHALAQ- THE LAND -13-1-21-45---WORSHIPPING -ABAD- IN THE LAND -22-1-24-33-

Joshua- Conquest & Rest

Oceanside United Reformed Church

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2024 51:00

god jesus christ lord israel bible land holy spirit numbers deuteronomy crossing hebrew promised land conquest outline worshipping dividing abraham gen

Psalm 119:9-16 - Take Time to Be Holy

Oceanside United Reformed Church

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2024 4:58

9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You! 12 Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes! 13 With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Psalm 119:9-16 is the second stanza in this longest chapter in the Bible. In the Hebrew Bible every line or verse in it begins with the second letter in the Hebrew alphabet as an aid to memorizing it. This anonymous psalmist was determined with his whole heart to be holy and fulfill the commandment in the law that he must have read repeatedly in Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:7, 26; 21:8. “You shall therefore be holy, for I Am holy”. The writer closed the first section determined to keep the law of the Lord (v. 8), a promise he repeated in verse 145. He began this section like a true Jewish teacher by asking a question of the young men he was instructing: "How can we fulfill this promise?" He also promised to meditate on the Word (vv. 15, 48, 78), to delight in the Word and not forget it (vv. 16, 47, 93), and to run in the way of the Lord (v. 32). But he knew that it is easier to make promises than to keep them, a lesson Paul learned when he tried in his own strength to obey God's law (Rom. 7:14-25). Paul learned, as we must also learn, that the indwelling Holy Spirit enables the child of God to fulfill God's righteousness in daily life (Rom. 8:1-11). We must live according to God's Word, which means cultivating a heart for God. Paul called this "seeking the things that are above" (Col. 3:1). We need a heart that seeks God, for if our heart is seeking God, our feet will not stray from God (v. 10; Prov. 4:23). Such a heart will see Him in all of life, learn more about Him, fellowship with Him, and glorify Him in all that is said and done. Again, the Holy Spirit enables us to do this as we yield to Him. But we must also spend time in the Word and treasure it in our hearts (v. 11; Job 23:12; Prov. 2:1; 7:1). It is not our promises to the Lord but His promises to us that will give us victory over sin. We also need a thankful heart and a teachable spirit that will enable us to learn from the Lord (vv. 12, 108, 171). A. W. Tozer used to warn against being "man taught" instead of "God taught" (v. 102). The Lord has given teachers to His church, and we should heed them. But unless the truth we hear moves from the head (and the notebook) into the heart, written there by the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:1-3), and then to the will, we have not really learned the Word or been blessed by it. The blessing comes, not in hearing the Word but in doing it (James 1:22-25). We should also speak with others about the Word (v. 13) and seek to enrich them with spiritual treasures. The heart is a treasury from which we draw spiritual wealth to encourage and help ourselves and others (Matt. 12:35; 13:51-52). The Scriptures as riches is a repeated theme in 119 (vv. 14, 72, 127, 162; see 19:10). To treasure any possession above the Word of God is idolatry and leads to trouble. Consider Lot (Gen. 13, 18-19), Achan (Josh. 6-7), King Saul (1 Sam. 15), and Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5). On the positive side, consider Abraham (Gen. 14:18-24), Moses (Heb. 11:24-27), Mary of Bethany (Mark 14:3-9), and Paul (Phil. 3:1-11). Whatever delights us will capture our attention and we will think about it and meditate on it. This is true of God's Word. In this psalm, delighting in the Word, loving the Word, and meditating on the Word are found together (vv. 15-16, 23-24, 47-48, 77-78, 97-99), and they should be found together in our hearts and lives. We must take time to be holy. (1 Peter 1:15-16) God bless!

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Joshua- Conquest & Rest

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2024 51:48

SummaryWe continue on a yearlong journey through the story of the Bible, from creation to Christ to consummation, with the book of Joshua. Joshua picks up where Numbers and Deuteronomy left off: the generation born in the wilderness, whose parents wandered and died because of their lack of faith, is on the precipice of entering the land God promised to father Abraham. Let's listen to what the Holy Spirit has for us today... Introduction:o Outline1. Crossing [abar] into the Land (1:1–5:12)2. Taking [laqakh] the Land (5:13–12:24)3. Dividing [khalaq] the Land (13:1–21:45)4. Worshipping [abad] in the Land (22:1–24:33)o ThemeØThe Lord fulfills his covenanted promise to Abraham (Gen.12:1–3;cf.26:2–4;28:13–15) by giving his descendants the Promised Land of rest (Hebrew, mēnîach; from the root nûach):o "The Lord your God is providing you a place of rest (mēnîach)..."(1:13)o "...until the Lord gives rest (yanîach) to your brothers as he has to you."(1:15)o "...the land had rest from war" (11:23;14:15)o "...the Lord gave them rest (yanach) on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers."(21:44)o "...now the Lord your God has given rest (hēnîach)toyourbrothers,ashepromisedthem."(22:4) o "...when the Lord had given rest (hēnîach) to Israel from all their surrounding enemies"(23:1)CROSSING [ABAR] INTO THE LAND (1:1–5:12)TAKING [LAQAKH] THE LAND (5:13–12:24)DIVIDING [KHALAQ] THE LAND (13:1–21:45)WORSHIPPING [ABAD] IN THE LAND (22:1–24:33)

god jesus christ lord israel bible land holy spirit numbers deuteronomy crossing hebrew promised land conquest worshipping dividing abraham gen

The Death of Abraham (Gen 25:1-18)

All Peoples Church

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2023

death abraham gen

23.310 | Paul's Great Sorrow And Anguish | Romans 9:1-5| God's Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2023 11:33

God's Word for Today 28 Dec 2023 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. -Rom 9:1-5 ESV PAUL'S GREAT SORROW AND ANGUISH Believers are secured in God's love that won't wane. After expressing these believer's privileges in Rom 8, Paul shifted his focus. He thinks of his own people Israel. Some Jewish people had come to faith in Christ, but the vast majority had rejected Jesus as the Messiah. And, this broke his heart. God is his witness about his great sorrow and unceasing anguish in his heart. How did he show it? He made a bold statement. That is, he wishes that he himself could be accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of his Jewish brothers by birth. He seems to be saying he would wish for such a thing. He feels so strongly that he would trade his own eternal place in God's family through faith in Christ to have his Israelite kinsmen believe in Jesus. Paul does not appear to be actually asking God to make this happen. Is it permissible? After all, only Jesus was accursed for our salvation. As one who is in Christ, absolutely nothing could separate him from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, including a prayer like his (Rom 8:39). Paul is saying in absolute sense. Those who are truly saved, through faith in Christ, are saved eternally and forever (John 10:28–29). The Israelites were a special people. Why? Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. [v.4,5 NIV] Israel was adopted in a national sense. God described them as his firstborn son in Ex 4:22. God had favored Israel by revealing His glory to them, especially during the time of Moses (see Ex 16:10; 24:17). God's covenanted with their father Abraham (Gen 15:18) and David (2 Sam 7:12–16). God gave many great promises to the patriarchs [Abraham, Isaac, Jacob] and all of their descendants. And eventually, through the line of the patriarchs came Christ Himself, the promised Messiah. Despite of all these, they did not believe Christ. They're at the doorstep yet had missed to enter in. A miss by an inch is the same as by a mile. This made Paul's heart broken. Perhaps, Paul was saddened about this insult they did to Christ. What breaks your heart manifests our values. Paul has many altercations with the Jews, yet he was deeply burdened for their salvation. He did not take it personally. He understood where they were coming from as he was once a zealous yet blinded persecutor to believers. He did not count his life dear unto himself but that more lost souls be brought unto the feet of Jesus.[Acts 20:24] May we will have the passion like Paul. Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcast Audible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audible Follow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio #gospellightfilipino #godswordfortoday #bookofRomans

god jesus christ israel holy spirit acts jewish jews amen israelites rom sorrow romans 9 anguish sinon christ himself nazario abraham gen

Christmas in Genesis (The Promise of Blessing)

The Shepherd's Church

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2023 36:50

Ask we saw last week, the hope of Christmas can be found in the first book of Genesis. There we learn that Jesus will not only be born of a virgin, but He will also bring about world-wide dominion and blessings. Join us as we consider how Christ inherits and will bring about the blessings of Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3) by being the true seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:16).

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Missions: Get Thanksgiving!

Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North Sermons - Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2023

Introduction: Download Barnabas' Sermon Slides - PDF Thanksgiving: History of Thanksgiving (Gen 1:9-13) No setting law period on eating food (Gen 4:10, 9:4) Ten generation from Adam to Noah (Gen 5) Ten generations from Noah to Abraham (Gen 11) Isaac, Jacob, Joseph (Gen 24-50) 430 years in Egypt (Ex 12:40) Giving laws on food (Ex 22:29, 23:19 34:26 Le 23:9-22 Nu 28:1,2 Dt 26) Promise-reminder laws carring for 40 years (Jos 5:6, Dt 8:4) God's promise is fulfilled & Israel in the promised land (Ik 6:1) 480 + 970 - 568 = 844 New Testament first-fruits indicate messiah & christians (Rom 16:5, 1 Cor 16:15) Thanksgiving for Today: Israel's thanksgiving is physical . (Pr 23:9-10, Ex 23:17) Christian's thanksgiving is both physical & spritual . (1 Cor 15:20, 22-23, Ex 23:15, Dt 16:16) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionWhat was your big take-away from this passage / message?Reflect upon Barnabas' mission field. How can you apply His enthusiasm to spread the gospel on the other side of the globe in your area of influence here?BreakoutPray for one another, for the leaders and new elder of our church, Justin Cady. Pray for the missionaries that we support such as Martha and Barnabas in Thailand.Pray that we would seek to be a church that goes, gives, and prays.

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Prayer And Fasting (May 2023) - Day Seven (The Philosophy of the Righteous - Blessing)

Apostle Sydney Quaye

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023 52:03

Preached by Apostle Sydney Quaye, the Global Lead Pastor of Shekinah Avenue Church. In this message titled “The Philosophy of The Righteous - Blessing”. Apostle expounds that our decisions, habits, and mindset as believers know that: He has received RIGHTEOUSNESS as a GIFT (Rom 5:19) He has been declared RIGHTEOUS because of what CHRIST DID (Rom 4:5-7) He has received CHRIST as his RIGHTEOUSNESS (1 Cor 1:30) He has been made the RIGHTEOUSNESS of GOD (2 Cor 5:21, Isaiah 41:10,42:6) He like the CHRIST is THE RIGHTEOUS (1 John 2:1-2) And that God has declared an oath to bless you. We are beneficiaries of Abraham's blessings. So the Blessing of the Righteous is: Blessings of Creation (Gen 1:28) The Blessing of Abraham (Gen 12:2-3, Gen 24:1, Heb 6:12-13) Melchizedek's Blessing (Gen 14: 19-20) The Blessings of the Law (Deut 28:2-13 Amp) The Blessings IN CHRIST (Eph 1:3 Kjv, Msg) Take advantage of these inheritances of the righteous

god jesus christ prayer blessing philosophy blessings fasting righteousness apostles righteous cor heb melchizedek kjv preached day seven abraham gen

A Servant of the Gospel

god jesus christ israel gospel greek ephesians servant gentiles darling abraham gen

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2023

I was nervous when I first told my mother I wanted to attend school to learn how to become a pastor. We were not a church-going family. But instead of being disappointed by the news, she was thrilled. “Oh, Johnny!” she beamed. “You would make a darling minister.” Darling is not the word Paul uses in Ephesians 3. In verse 7 he refers to himself as a “servant.” Although the Greek term Paul uses is one that is sometimes translated as “minister,” Paul seems to be using its more common sense, meaning someone who works or serves. Specifically, Paul sees himself as a servant of the gospel. In verse 2, Paul describes his ministry as an “administration of God’s grace.” The Greek word translated “administration” was often used to speak of a household manager or steward. Paul exercised a stewardship of grace by preaching the gospel. By making Christ known, he became an agent of grace to those who received his message. Paul was also a recipient of divine revelation. Specifically, this revelation was the news that “through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (v. 6). This was new information (v. 9). It had been hinted at in God’s promise that all the nations would be blessed through Abraham (Gen. 18:18). The new thing described in these verses is the church, through which, Paul also says, “the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” (v. 10). What is the nature of this wisdom? It is that in Christ and through faith in Christ, “we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (v. 12). >> This confidence is the reason Paul does not want his readers to be discouraged about his imprisonment. He is more than willing to suffer so they would know the freedom and assurance that comes through the gospel.

Christian Foundations (16): The Baptism in the Holy Spirit (3)

Oxford Bible Church - Living in the Last Days

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 28:30

The BAPTISM in the SPIRIT is to receive the Spirit UPON. In Acts, new believers normally received this Baptism soon after their salvation. The PURPOSE of the Baptism in the Spirit is to EMPOWER us to fulfil the Great Commission (Acts 1:8). As well as (1) having the Spirit WITHIN for our own blessing and walk with God (HOLINESS), we also need (2) the POWER of His Spirit, through His Spirit UPON us, to communicate His life and blessing to others. This 2-fold BLESSING of the SPIRIT corresponds to the 2-fold BLESSING of Abraham (Gen 12:2). The Baptism in the Spirit empowers us to be a blessing to others, especially by sharing the Gospel with them, so they can be saved. This 2-fold ministry of the SPIRIT in the New Covenant was prophesied in the Old Testament (Ezek 36:26-27, Joel 2:28-29). The promise of the Baptism in the Spirit (Matt 3:11) came to pass on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:5). The life of Jesus, our example and representative reveals this 2-fold experience of the Spirit: (1) He had the Spirit WITHIN Him from birth, and lived a perfectly holy life, even before (2) He was BAPTISED in the Spirit at 30, when He received the Spirit UPON to supernaturally EMPOWER Him for His ministry to others (Luke 3:21-22, John 1:32-33, 2:11, 4:18). When we are born again, we have the SPIRIT WITHIN, but we also need to receive the SPIRIT UPON to empower us to witness and minister to others. Jesus baptises us in the Spirit - the Spirit UPON us (John 1:33). In His teaching, He described these 2 experiences of the Spirit in terms of living water: (1) A Fountain of living water within (John 4:10-14), and (2) Rivers of living water flowing out of us (John 7:37-39). The apostles also had this 2-fold experience (receiving) of the Spirit: (1) They were BORN AGAIN and received the SPIRIT WITHIN on the day of the resurrection (John 20:22, Gen 2:7). Then Christ prepared them to receive the Baptism in the Spirit (Luke 24:48-49, Acts 1:4-5,8). Then (2) they were baptised in the Spirit at Pentecost, when He came UPON them (Acts 2:1-4). There were 2 aspects to their experience of being baptised in the Spirit: (1) The Spirit came UPON them (v3), and (2) He filled their souls from within (v4). To be filled with the Spirit and so receive the Spirit UPON, we must surrender our soul and body to God to do His will and fulfil His mission. Moreover, God wants us to stay continually filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18). By surrendering our souls to God and yielding our bodies to Him (by speaking out the words the Spirit gives us), we allow the Spirit to fill our souls from within, and to come UPON us. The outward evidence the Spirit has filled us and has now come upon us, is that we have yielded our tongue to His control by speaking in tongues (v4). Acts 2:4 describes the first time believers received the Baptism in the Spirit, and so it is the prototype description, God's blueprint for all New Covenant believers. In Acts 11, Peter confirms what they received at Pentecost was the Baptism in the Spirit, because he says what the Gentiles received, when the Spirit came upon them in Acts 10, was the same experience the Jews had ‘at the Beginning' (Pentecost), which he then described as the Baptism in the Spirit (Acts 11:15-16). Acts 8 describes the 2-stage experience of the Samaritans. They heard the Gospel and were baptised in water, so they were saved (v14,16), but they had not yet received the Spirit upon them (v15-16). When the apostles laid hands on them they received the Spirit upon (v17), which was manifested outwardly in a supernatural way (v18-19), namely by them speaking in tongues (v20). The 2-Stage experience of the Paul is in Acts 9: (1) He was SAVED when he saw the risen Christ and called him ‘Lord' (Acts 9:5-6). (2) He was FILLED with the SPIRIT, when Ananias prayed for him 3 days later (Acts 9:9-18), and he spoke in tongues (1Cor 4:18). The Gentile Pentecost is described in Acts 10:44-48 as the Spirit coming upon them, and in 11:15-16 as the Baptism in the Spirit. Just as at Pentecost, the outward evidence of the Baptism was speaking in tongues. This was the only proof the apostles looked for and accepted. Finally, we study the 2-stage experience of the Ephesians in Acts 19. Paul's question in v2 shows that receiving the Baptism in the Spirit is not automatic, when you believe in Christ for salvation. The Ephesians (1) believed the Gospel, that Paul preached to them and were saved (v5a), then they were baptised (v5b), and then (2) "when Paul laid hands on them, the HOLY SPIRIT came UPON them, and they SPOKE with TONGUES and prophesied” (v5c). So, they were BAPTISED in the SPIRIT subsequent to their SALVATION, as a distinct experience. Consistently in Acts, it was normal for Christians to receive the Baptism in the Spirit as a separate experience soon after salvation, and the outward evidence of this Baptism in the Spirit is speaking in tongues.

Christian Foundations (16): The Baptism in the Holy Spirit (3)

Oxford Bible Church - Living in the Last Days (audio)

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 28:30

Psalm 72:15-20 - "And Blessed Be His Glorious Name Forever!"

god jesus christ romans will god if israel abraham gen

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 4:54

Today we are going to complete our thoughts on Psalm 72, as we look at these last six verses. Historically, this Psalm is about King Solomon and his rule and reign over Israel for 40 years. It was either written by his father David who prayed this prayer for him and his future reign just before he died, or it was written by Solomon himself as he remembered his father's last words. But the fulfilment of the verses in this Psalm can only be found in the future reign of Jesus over Israel and all the earth during His Millennium reign (Revelation 19-20). To summarize Psalm 72, we found in verses 1-7, Solomon would be a “righteous” king. But the complete fulfilment of these verses is found in the only true Righteous King, Jesus Christ! In verses 8-11, we learn that Solomon would have dominion over a large part of the earth in his time. This privilege is reserved for Jesus Christ (Psalm 2:8; Zech. 9:9-10; Mic. 4:1-5; Luke 1:33). But there is only one King of kings, and that is Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Isa. 2:1-4; Dan. 7:13-14; Rev. 17:14; 19:16). The Apostle Paul wrote about this in Philippians 2:8-11: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” In verses 12-14, we see the King would have a compassionate reign. The picture here is surely that of our Savior who had such great compassion for the needy and met their needs (Matthew 9:36). Now, finally in verses 15-17, we find God's promise that His Kingdom would be a prosperous one. God's covenant with Israel assured them of prosperity so long as the rulers and the people obeyed His commandments. The Lord also assured David that he would always have an heir to his throne if he and his descendants obeyed God's will (2 Sam. 7:11-12, 16). Because of the promise of the coming Savior, it was important that the Davidic dynasty continue. But in the case of Jesus, He reigns "according to the power of an endless life" (Hebrews 7:16). He is the life (John 14:6), and He is alive forever (Rev. 1:18). He is King forever! Israel's prosperity would be not only political (the king), but also economic (gold), spiritual (prayer), and commercial (thriving crops). In fulfillment of His covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3), God would bless all the nations through Israel, as He has done in sending Jesus Christ (Gal. 3). The prophets wrote of this glorious kingdom and their prophecies will be fulfilled (Isa. 35 and 60-62; Ezek. 40-48; Amos 9:11-15; Mic. 4; Zech. 10 and 14). There will be abundant grain even on top of the hills in the most unproductive land. The grain fields will look like the forests of the cedars in Lebanon (1 Kings 4:33). The closing benediction (vv. 18-19) is not a part of the Psalm proper but forms the conclusion to Book Two of the Book of Psalms (Psalm 41:13; 89:52; 106:48). A fitting conclusion it is, for it focuses on the glory of the Lord. Solomon's kingdom had its share of glory, but the glory did not last. When Jesus reigns on earth, the glory of God will be revealed as never before (Num. 14:21; Isa. 6:3; 11:9; 40:5; Hab. 2:14). Isaac Watts used Psalm 72 as the basis for his great hymn "Jesus Shall Reign." Read the last verses of this Psalm once again: “Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things! And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.” God bless!

#19: Romans, Part 7 (Rom 3)

The Bible (Unmuted)

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2023 46:54

In this episode, we dive back into Romans -- this time in chapter 3. This is a pivotal chapter in the book itself. From the start, Paul asks a very important question: If Israel has been unfaithful to her God-given vocation to be a light to the nations, then will God be unfaithful too? Will God backtrack on his promises to Abraham (Gen 12:1-3)? That's the question of Romans 3. For Paul, the answer is simple: God will be faithful to the covenant promises. But how? That's another key question. And the answer is that God's faithfulness is demonstrated through the faithfulness of Jesus the Messiah. As we dive into these questions, we also take a journey through Isaiah and key sections of Matthew's gospel to show how, exactly, Jesus's faithfulness demonstrates the faithfulness of God. + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com

Acts 7:9-16 - Joseph's Suffering and Exaltation

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2023 33:36

Introduction In the previous section (Acts 7:1-8), Stephen presented the first part of his message which demonstrated God's work in history through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who fathered the twelve patriarchs (Acts 7:8). In the following sections, Stephen is showing God's work through Joseph (Acts 7:9-16), Moses (Acts 7:17-43), and that He ultimately does not dwell in human structures such as the tabernacle and temple (Acts 7:44-50). The final part of Stephen's message was intended to show God's work in Jesus, the Righteous One, who was betrayed and killed by the Jewish leadership (Acts 7:51-53). In the current section (Acts 7:9-16), Stephen briefly explains how the patriarchs rejected and mistreated Joseph. However, the one they had rejected, was the one whom God had chosen to be their deliverer. And though they had rejected Joseph the first time, they welcomed him the second time (Acts 7:13). We will see Stephen repeat this narrative with Moses (Acts 7:17-43), who Israel rejected the first time, but welcomed the second time (Acts 7:35). The final part of Stephen's message will point out that his generation was guilty of rejecting and murdering Jesus, the Righteous One whom God had chosen to be their deliverer (Acts 7:51-53). Biblically, we know Jesus was rejected at His first coming, but will be accepted at His second coming. Text Stephen opens this pericope with a brief overview of the Joseph narrative, saying, “The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him” (Acts 7:9). Though the Jewish leaders would not make the connection until later, Stephen was comparing them with ten of Joseph's brothers who had become jealous and sold him into slavery. Likewise, it was because of a similar mental attitude of sin the Jewish leadership had mistreated Jesus, as Matthew records, it was “because of envy they had handed Him over” to Pilate to be crucified (Matt 27:18). Though Joseph was mistreated by ten of his brothers, we are told that “God was with him” (Acts 7:9b). Because God was with Joseph, He “rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household” (Acts 7:10). Historically, we know God rescued Joseph, but only after allowing Joseph to suffer unjust persecution for a time. Joseph suffered at the hands of his brothers (Gen 37:23-28), Potiphar's lying wife (Gen 39:7-19), and was placed in prison for two years (Gen 39:20). Though Joseph suffered at the hands of wicked people, God used their sinful choices to bring about a greater good. Similarly, God worked through wicked leaders—both Jews and Gentiles—to bring about the death of Christ and our salvation (Acts 2:22-24; 4:26-28). Throughout Joseph's time in Egypt, God was with Him “and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt” (Acts 7:10b). God has a way of directing His people to meet others. We should realize there are no accidental encounters in this life, but that God directs our lives in such a way that everyone we meet is part of His sovereign plan. The possession of wisdom in God's servants is an indication of His favor toward them. And God, who had granted Joseph wisdom and favor in the sight of Pharoah, made Joseph “governor over Egypt and all his household” (Acts 7:10c). God was in charge of Joseph's advancement, and this is true of all believers. We read in Hannah's prayer, “The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor” (1 Sam 2:7-8). Peter's instruction to believers is, “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Pet 5:6). While God was advancing Joseph in Egypt, He was also controlling the regional weather that would result in a drought and famine over the land. Prior to the famine, God had given Pharoah two dreams that revealed He would cause seven years of prosperity to come and then He would bring seven years of drought and famine on the land (Gen 41:25-31). From Genesis to Revelation, God governs the lives of people and nations. Human rulers exist because of His plan, for “It is He who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding” (Dan 2:21). Joseph told Pharoah, “God has shown to Pharaoh what He is about to do” (Gen 41:28), and “as for the repeating of the dream to Pharaoh twice, it means that the matter is determined by God, and God will quickly bring it about” (Gen 41:32). It is this historical event that Stephen draws from, focusing on the time of the famine, stating, “Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food” (Acts 7:11). Stephen tells us, “But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers there the first time” (Acts 7:12). Jacob was moved by the hunger pains God controlled, and in this way, the Lord moved His people geographically to the place He wanted. The suffering from the famine was the vehicle God used to get His people to Egypt in order to full His promise to Abraham (Gen 15:13). When Joseph's brothers visited him the first time, they did not recognize him, and he did not make himself known. But Stephen tells us, “On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family was disclosed to Pharaoh” (Acts 7:13). According to John Polhill: "What Stephen did emphasize, however, was the seemingly insignificant detail that the brothers made two visits and only recognized Joseph on the second. Why this emphasis? The same would be true of Moses later on in Stephen's speech. His fellow Israelites did not recognize him either on his first visit but rejected him (Acts 7:27-28). Only on his second visit did they recognize him as the one God had sent to deliver them from Egypt (Acts 7:35-36)."[1] Charles Ryrie adds: "Stephen then passed to Joseph (Acts7:9-16) possibly because Joseph is such a good type of Christ. He was sold because of envy (cf., Mark 15:10) but God was with him (cf., Acts 10:38); there was a famine, which pictured Israel's condition at that time; and it was the second time when Joseph was revealed to his brethren just as it will be at our Lord's second coming that Israel will recognize Him."[2] Historically, we know Jesus was rejected by His people when He came the first time. John tells us, “He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11). However, when Jesus comes to earth a second time, Israel will receive Him. Through Zechariah, God said, “I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn” (Zec 12:10). And John wrote, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen” (Rev 1:7). God has not broken His covenant with Israel, for “God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew” (Rom 11:2). For though “a partial hardening has happened to Israel” (Rom 11:25), and they are currently under God's judgment (Matt 23:37-39), there will come a time in the future, after the Tribulation, that “all Israel will be saved” (Rom 11:26), and this according to God's sovereign plan. After Joseph had revealed himself to his brothers, he invited the whole family to come to him, that he might care for them. Stephen says, “Then Joseph sent word and invited Jacob his father and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five persons in all” (Acts 7:14). This is amazing, for the one who had been treated with hostility, rejected, and sold into captivity, was the very one who became the deliverer of those who mistreated him. This is love. This is grace. According to Warren Wiersbe, “Joseph and Moses…have this in common: they were both rejected as deliverers the first time, but were accepted the second time.”[3] Jon Courson states: "During a time of famine, Joseph's brothers went to Egypt for help. They stood before the Prime Minister of Egypt, not recognizing him to be their own brother. As Joseph began to question them when they appeared before him a second time, they admitted that they had sinned greatly against their brother. Then, in that powerful emotional scene, Joseph said, “I am Joseph” (Gen 45:4). It wasn't until the second time they saw him that Joseph's brothers realized who he was. So, too, after going through a time of famine, drought, and tribulation, Israel will finally recognize Jesus in His Second Coming (Rom 11:26)."[4] At first glance (prima facie), there seems to be a discrepancy between Stephen's record of “seventy-five persons in all” (Acts 7:14b), and the account by Moses who told us there were “sixty-six persons in all” (Gen 46:26b). How do we explain this? Earl Radmacher offers the following solution: "Stephen stated that seventy-five people in all went to Egypt. Genesis 46:26 indicates that sixty-six people accompanied Jacob to Egypt, not including Jacob, Joseph, and the two sons of Joseph. Stephen derived the number seventy-five from the Septuagint translation of the OT. The translators apparently added nine wives (Gen 46:26 says the number sixty-six did not include the wives). It was only nine and not twelve because the wives of Judah and Simeon had died and Joseph's wife was already in Egypt."[5] Stephen skips ahead in his message and mentions the death of Jacob and the patriarchs, saying, “And Jacob went down to Egypt and there he and our fathers died” (Acts 7:15). And then jumping ahead four hundred years, he says, “From there they were removed to Shechem and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem” (Acts 7:16). Being removed from Egypt occurred during the time of the Exodus, when God was working through Moses to liberate His people from Egyptian bondage. But we seem to have a problem as Stephen states that Jacob was buried at Shechem (Acts 7:16), whereas Moses wrote in Genesis that his sons “buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah” (Gen 50:13), which was where “Abraham buried Sarah his wife” (Gen 23:19), and where Abraham himself was buried (Gen 25:9). After Israel had entered the land under the leadership of Joshua, we're told “they buried the bones of Joseph, which the sons of Israel brought up from Egypt, at Shechem” (Josh 24:32). In Acts 7:16, Stephen reports that Abraham purchased the tomb in Shechem, whereas Moses records that Jacob “bought the piece of land…for one hundred pieces of money” (Gen 33:19). So who bought the burial place at Shechem, Abraham or Jacob? Warren Wiersbe wrote, “The simplest explanation is that Abraham actually purchased both pieces of property and that Jacob later had to purchase the Shechem property again. Abraham moved around quite a bit and it would be very easy for the residents of the land to forget or ignore the transactions he had made.”[6] In summary, Stephen revealed how the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph and mistreated him by selling him into slavery. But God was with Joseph and endowed him with wisdom and favor in the sight of others and, over time, elevated him to the position of governor of Egypt under Pharoah. Eventually, God created and controlled a famine that moved His people geographically to Egypt in order that they might be saved and cared for by the very one whom they'd rejected. In this way, Joseph becomes a type of Christ, Who was mistreated and rejected by His people, but will be accepted at His second coming. Present Application Stephen thought and spoke from a biblical worldview, seeing God at work in the details of people's lives. He personally saw himself in the historical flow of God's plan, and could therefore see himself speaking and acting for God. Likewise, believers today who live in the biblical worldview develop a personal sense of destiny, seeing our lives as part of the fabric of God's eternal plan that is being worked out moment by moment in the everyday details of human history. The circumstances of our lives are not accidents, but divine appointments, designed by God to grow us spiritually and to advance His eternal plan for His glory and the edification of others. Though Joseph suffered at the hands of his jealous brothers (Acts 7:9a), we're told that “God was with him” (Acts 7:9). As Christians, we too know that God is with us, as God Himself said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb 13:5). So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” (Heb 13:6). And though Joseph suffered unjustly for a time in prison, we're told that God “rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household” (Acts 7:10). God, in His sovereignty will, on occasion, bring a person low in order to humble him, but then later exalt him to a place of honor where he can serve as a trophy of His grace (see 1 Sam 2:7-8). Though Joseph was mistreated by his brothers, later in his life, he interpreted their behavior from the divine perspective, telling his brothers, “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen 45:5). And Joseph repeated himself a second time, saying, “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God” (Gen 45:7-8a). And later, he told them a third time, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen 50:20). As Christians, we are called to renovate our thinking and learn to operate from the divine perspective (Rom 12:1-2). When we do this, we experience a paradigm shift that allows us to be able to frame life in way that gives us a confidence to face difficulties, for “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). Operating from divine viewpoint allows us to rise above the trials and hardships of life and to live by faith and not feelings. In this way, we can live as God intends and find stability and purpose in the details of life that He controls. Dr. Steven R. Cook [1] John B. Polhill, Acts, vol. 26, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 192. [2] Charles C. Ryrie, Acts of the Apostles, Everyman's Bible Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1961), 46. [3] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 431. [4] Jon Courson, Jon Courson's Application Commentary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 674. [5] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 1379–1380. [6] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1, 431–432.

Deuteronomy 34:1-12 - The Death of Moses

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2023 78:11

Introduction For thirty three chapters, Moses has been speaking to his people, Israel, and informing them about their special God who is unique (Deut 4:35, 39; Isa 45:5-6), His love for them (Deut 7:7-9; 10:15-19), their liberation from slavery (Deut 5:6; 15:15), God's calling them into a special relationship with Him (Lev 11:45), and His directives that would set them above the nations of the world and bring His blessing if they obey (Deut 11:26-28; 30:15-20). Those who love Him will follow His directives (Deut 6:4-9). In this chapter, the voice of Moses falls silent, as God calls His servant home. According to Daniel Block: "By this point in the drama, Moses has done all he could do to set his house in order. He has commissioned a successor (Deut 31:1-8, 23), provided a written transcript of his farewell pastoral sermons and arranged for the regular reading of this Torah in the future (Deut 31:9-13, 24-29), taught the people a national anthem (Deut 31:14-22, 30; 32:47), and pronounced his benediction on the tribes (Deut 33:1-29). All that remains is the report of his death and the people's response to his passing."[1] Text In this closing section, we observe Moses ascending Mount Nebo, where he will see the land of Canaan from a distance. We read, “Now Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 and all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 and the Negev and the plain in the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar” (Deut 34:1-3). Having walked the earth for 120 years, Moses was about to take his final journey, a walk from which he would not return, for he would soon die. And, as Moses ascended the mountain, he would have been able to look over his shoulder and see the Israelites' camp below. Moses' destination was “the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho” (Deut 34:1b). And once on top of the mountain, “the LORD showed him all the land” of Canaan (Deut 34:1c). The words showed him translates the Hebrew verb רָאָה raah, which, in the hiphil form, means “to let someone see something, to show someone.”[2] Here we observe God's permissive will, as He allowed Moses to see the land of Canaan, which He had promised to His people, Israel. Moses visually surveyed the land in a counter clockwise manner from north to south. Having observed all the land, “Then the LORD said to him, ‘This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants'; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there'” (Deut 34:4). The land Moses saw was the very land God promised to Abraham (Gen 13:15; 17:8), Isaac (Gen 26:3), Jacob (Gen 28:13), and to their descendants as an everlasting possession (Gen 15:18; 24:7; Deut 1:8). Here we observe God's active will, in which He, by His sovereign choice and omnipotent power, gives to His people. Though Israel would get to enter the land, God reminded Moses that he was not going to let him enter it, saying, “you shall not go over there” (Deut 34:4b; cf., Deut 3:27; 32:52). Though Moses would not set foot on the land, he would leave the world stage knowing he'd been employed by the Lord to get His people there. Moses' Epitaph What follows in the closing verses of the book of Deuteronomy was written by someone other than Moses, perhaps Joshua, to inform us about the details of Moses' death. We are told, “So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD” (Deut 34:5). Moses was faithful to the end of his life. Even though Moses was under divine discipline and would not enter the land, he is still described as the “servant of the LORD” ( עֶֽבֶד־יְהוָ֛ה- ebed Yahweh), an honorable title held by others who submitted themselves to God and walked with Him (Josh 24:29; 2 Sam 3:18; Job 1:8; Isa 20:3). This title was formalized in the name Obadiah, which means servant of Yahweh. God had been with Moses throughout his ministry, and others saw the Lord was with him. Though Moses would die alone, away from others, he was not alone, for God was with Him to the end, to accompany His servant as he left this earth and entered heaven. After Moses died, the Lord took his limp, lifeless body, “And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day” (Deut 34:6). That God personally attended to the burial of Moses speaks of an intimacy and tenderness the Lord had for His prophet. God took Moses' body from the mountain top and brought it down into “the valley in the land of Moab.” There are some things God does not want us to know (Deut 29:29), that He keeps hidden from us for His own reasons, and the burial place of Moses is one of them. This is one of the mysteries of the Bible. But why hide Moses' body? The text does not say. It's possible that God knew the idolatrous hearts of the Israelites and that they would venerate Moses' grave as a holy place in itself. According to Charles Swindoll, “Moses is the only person in the Bible whom God personally buried. Did you know that? And then the Lord hid the tomb. Why did He do that? Because that grave would have become a second Mecca. They would still be beating a path up Nebo to this day, building shrines, selling popcorn and peanuts, offering all sorts of rides, maybe running a tram up there, with big banners announcing, ‘Moses' burial place!'”[3] To add to the mystery around Moses' death, Jude wrote about “Michael the archangel” who “disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses” (Jude 1:9a). Apparently Michael, the archangel, was somehow involved in Moses' burial, and had a dispute with Satan over the body. Why Satan would want the body of Moses is not known, as Jude does not elaborate on the details. It's possible Satan wanted to use Moses' body for idolatrous purposes. Whatever the reason, God would not permit Satan to have his way. Here we observe God's overruling will. We know that Moses' spirit, at his death, went into the presence of the Lord, and later appeared with Elijah at the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt 17:1-3). Matthew wrote about the event, saying, “Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves” (Matt 17:1). And while they were on the mountain, Jesus “was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light” (Matt 17:2). And during the time of Jesus' glorification, Matthew tells us, “And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him” (Matt 17:3). Though Moses' body was still in a grave, his spirit was alive and well, and here, along with the spirit of Elijah, was interacting with Jesus. Warren Wiersbe informs us, “Moses did arrive in the Holy Land centuries later when he and Elijah joined Jesus in glory on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt 17:1–3; Luke 9:28–31).”[4] The writer informs us that Moses did not die because of old age or infirmity, as he states, “Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated” (Deut 34:7). Moses died because God put him to death. Within God's divine plan, it was simply Moses' time to die, so the Lord ended his life and brought his servant home. This occurred, in part, because it was God's time to bring Israel into the land of Canaan, which the Lord had told Moses he would not see because of his disobedience in the wilderness (Num 20:1-12). Though Moses had died, God and His Word remained, and the people had all they needed for a life of success if they would follow Yahweh. Sadly, the book of Judges shows they did not stay true to the Lord, and even Moses' grandson, “Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses” (Judg 18:30; cf., Ex 2:21-22), would later turn away from the Lord and lead the people into idolatry (Judg 18:30-31). In this way, Jonathan was acting more like Aaron, his great uncle, than his grandfather, Moses, for Aaron had led the people into idolatry and the worship of the golden calf (Ex 32:1-6). And after Moses' death and burial, we're told, “So the sons of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses came to an end” (Deut 34:8). The people of Israel—at least the second generation since the exodus—loved Moses and mourned his passing. They also mourned Aaron for thirty days as well (Num 20:29), which was longer than the customary seven days (cf., Gen 50:10). Switching focus to Joshua, the writer states, “Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses” (Deut 34:9). To have “the spirit of wisdom” meant Joshua had been divinely enabled to take up the leadership role and move forward, as God intended. Fortunately, the Israelites listened to Joshua and followed his directives. In this way, they “did as the LORD had commanded Moses” (Deut 34:9b). In closing out this book, we're told, “Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 for all the signs and wonders which the LORD sent him to perform in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh, all his servants, and all his land, 12 and for all the mighty power and for all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel” (Deut 34:10-12). As a prophet, Moses was in a class by himself because: 1) the Lord knew Moses face to face, 2) Moses had performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, 3) the mighty power God worked through Moses in the sight of all Israel. According to Peter Craigie, “Moses was a prophet, but in his epitaph it is not his knowledge of God that is stressed, but rather the Lord's knowledge of him. God had sought him out and appointed him to a particular task; over the years, the relationship had become intimate, so that to those Israelites who knew Moses, it was evident that his highest communion was with God.”[5]Warren Wiersbe adds, “Moses was faithful to walk with God, and he spoke to God as a man speaks to his friend (Ex 33:11; Num 12:7–8). The secret of his life wasn't his own abilities—he claimed he had none—or even his education in Egypt (Acts 7:22), but his humble walk with the Lord. He spent time with God, he listened to God's Word, and he followed God's orders.”[6] And Daniel Block notes: "The account of the death and burial of Moses on the mountain forces the reader to ask, “Now what?” The answer lies in the recognition that in the end, Israel's fate is not in the hands of Moses. He is not the one who actually brought them out of Egypt and sustained them through the desert wanderings, and he will not complete the mission by delivering the Promised Land into their hands. The rest of the Scriptures are commentary not only on how Israel responded, but also on the fidelity of Yahweh, who will complete the present mission without Moses and who will patiently work with his people. Moses has merely been his mouthpiece, the interpreter of his great and gracious revelatory acts, whose aim was always to point his people to Yahweh their Redeemer."[7] Summary In this closing section, we observe a brief account of Moses' death and burial. Unlike other rulers throughout history, who have erected great memorials to themselves that others might remember them, Moses' death is simple and without a monument. Moses was not concerned that people remember him, but that they remember the Lord, learn His Word, and follow His directives. Moses is remembered as God's servant who was faithful to carry out his mission (Heb 3:5). Present Application From Genesis to Revelation, God governs the lives of people and nations. People exist because God gives them life. David wrote, “Know that the LORD Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves” (Ps. 100:3). And God determines the duration of each person's life, having final control over the day and cause of their death. The Lord states, “It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is I who heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand” (Deut 32:39). And Job said, “Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain” (Job 14:2). And Hannah, in her stately prayer says, “The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up” (1 Sam 2:6). People live and die as God decides, “for in Him we live and move and exist” (Acts 17:28). Furthermore, God controls the exact days of our life. David wrote, “in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them” (Ps. 139:16). The writer of Hebrews states, “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Heb 9:27). The word appointed translates the Greek verb ἀπόκειμαι apokeimai, which means “it is certain, is destined.”[8] Apart from Enoch (Gen 5:24), Elijah (2 Ki 2:11), and the rapture generation (1 Cor 15:51-52; 1 Th 4:13-18), all humanity will face death. God brings His children to heaven by numerous means, and sometimes uses sickness, as He'd done with Elisha, who “became sick with the sickness of which he was to die” (2 Ki 13:14a). And we know that “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones” (Psa 116:15). For believers who die, we are instantly transported into the presence of the Lord, for “to be absent from the body” means we are instantly “at home with the Lord” (2 Cor 5:8; cf., Phil 1:21-23). Our last breath here is followed by our first breath in heaven. And though the departing of a loved one leaves us with the sorrow of loss, we realize this is temporary, as we will see them again. David, who lost his son, said “I will go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Sa 12:23). This is our hope as well, for we, as Christians, know our loved ones are in heaven, and that at a future time we will be reunited with them forever (1 Th 4:13-17). At the time of the rapture of the church, “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Th 4:16-17). For this reason, Paul said, “Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Th 4:18). There is wisdom in thinking about death and the afterlife. David wrote, “For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer” (Psa 103:14-16). And in another place he said, “LORD, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am” (Psa 39:4). And Moses said to the Lord, “Teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Psa 90:12). Wisdom is found in the one who contemplates the Lord, the brevity of life, and the eternal resting place of heaven. Solomon wrote, “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart” (Eccl 7:2). But in all this, we must not forget to live, nor to realize that what we do in time touches things eternal, for one life will soon be past, and only what's done for Christ will last. So live, and live well, and above all, live for the Lord. There's no better life than the one lived in daily fellowship with God, learning and living His Word, and this we will do until the end of our days. Charles Swindoll notes: "When you're planning on retirement, don't plan on checking out with people or with God's Word. If you do, you'll be moving away from that which is eternal, and that's the wrong direction, my friend. So stay in touch. Give until you don't have anything else to give, and then tap into God's reservoirs and give some more. This is what lengthens the meaning and purpose—and sometimes the years—of life."[9] [1] Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy, ed. Terry Muck (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 806. [2] Ludwig Koehler et al., The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1994–2000), 1161. [3] Charles R. Swindoll, Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication (Nashville, Tenn., Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2009), 346. [4] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Equipped, “Be” Commentary Series (Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub., 1999), 197. [5] Peter C. Craigie, The Book of Deuteronomy, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1976), 406. [6] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Equipped, “Be” Commentary Series, 198. [7] Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy, 815. [8] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 113. [9] Charles R. Swindoll, Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication, 348.

god jesus christ death lord israel bible wisdom christians satan acts revelation greek teach hebrews ps new testament scriptures judges deuteronomy hebrew israelites mount nun cor psa his word switching precious redeemer pharaoh promised land torah heb yahweh num moab mecca obadiah holy land deut gilead manasseh tenn nebo brill sheol that god chicago press lord himself naphtali negev eccl so moses gershom now moses pisgah warren wiersbe mount nebo charles swindoll after moses for he himself judg thomas nelson publishers abraham gen though israel charles r swindoll warren w wiersbe moses deut mi zondervan although moses eerdmans publishing co lord deut israel deut daniel i block

The full story of my religious skepticism! The Problem of the Bible: Inaccuracies, contradictions, fallacies, scientific issues, historical issues, geographical issues, mathematical issues, and more!

TonioTimeDaily

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2023 203:30

“III. Historical and Geographical errors in the Bible A. River Gihon could not possibly flow from Mesopotamia and encompass Ethiopia (Gen 2:13) B. The name Babel does not come from the Hebrew word 'balbal' or 'confuse' but from the babylonian 'babili' or 'gate of God' which is a translation of the original Sumerian name Ka-dimirra. (Gen 11:9) C. Ur was not a Chaldean city until 1000 years after Abraham (Gen 11:28, 15:7) D. Abraham pursued enemies to 'Dan' (Gen 14:14). That name was not used geographically until after the conquest (Judge 18:29) E. Gen 36:31, telling of Jacob and Esau, lists kings of Edom "before there reigned any king over the children of Israel." This must have been written hundreds of years later, after Israel had kings. F. Joseph tells Pharaoh he comes from the "land of the Hebrews" (Gen 40:15). There was no such land until after the conquest under Joshua. G. The Egyptian princess names the baby she finds "Moses" because she "drew him out" of the water (Heb meshethi). Why would she make a pun in Hebrew (Ex 2:10)? H. No Egyptian record exists mentioning Moses or his devastation of Egypt. I. Moses refers to "Palestine" (Ex 15:14). No such name was in use then. J. Law of Moses is the "statutes of God and his laws" (Ex 18:26), but it closely mirrors the Code of Hammurabi, which was penned 1800 BC, hundreds of years before Moses. K. Priests are mentioned at Ex 19:22-24, but they are not provided for until Ex 28:1. L. Moses mentions Rabbath, where Og's bedstead is located (Deut3:11). Moses could not have any knowledge of Rabbath,which was not captured by the Hebrews until David's time,500 years later (2 Sam 12:26). M. Jericho and Ai (Josh 8) were both ancient ruins at the time of the conquest of Canaan, according to archaeologists. Jericho's walls were destroyed centuries before Joshua. N. Kings are referred to at Deut 17:17-19, before Israel had kings.” Link: https://www.news24.com/news24/the-problem-of-the-bible-inaccuracies-contradictions-fallacies-scientific-issues-and-more-20120517. I see that The Bible is strangely silent on aliens, UFO's, dinosaurs, the lack of evidence regarding reproductive procreation and sexual recreation between angels and humans, some words being translated in scriptures while other words are left to be untranslated. In my own words: "Scriptures have been subtracted from consistently to make humans the ventriloquist dummies of the fascists! The Bible has plenty of fiction and fabricated legends in it. The Bible is not totally divinely breathed, not totally divinely inspired, not totally accurate; and not totally reliable. I dislike mega churches, I dislike televangelism, I don't do virtual church, I don't do in-person church, I choose not to attend any houses of worship, I refrain from religious events, and I am unashamed of being unchurched, de-churched, and non-churched.” In the words of the Rev. Karla: "We never have never had a complete manuscript of The Bible. We had incomplete writings. Then over time, more writings were added. What does this mean? Text was added that was attributed to Jesus-and most likely Jesus didn't say that. Text was added that embellished what Jesus did-and most likely Jesus didn't do all that is attributed to him. This can be rattling for those of you who believed in the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible. It doesn't mean that The Bible can't be inspiring-it can. But, when we embrace that throughout history, scriptures have been manipulated, added to, edited, and then-re-edited to protect those in power, we can understand why it's important to not take the Bible literally. People who weaponize scripture to justify their bigotry are clearly ignoring these data that scholars have known for years. We must release the Bible from this notion that it has the power and ability to guide our lives based on its infallibility. It's toxic, it's dangerous, and it's un-Christlike. Not everything labeled Christian originated with Jesus Christ." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

Acts 4:32-37 - Barnabas the Man of Grace and Encouragement

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2023 35:55

Introduction In the previous section (Acts 4:13-31), the Sanhedrin had evaluated Peter and John (whom they regarded as uneducated men), and after asking them to leave the Council briefly, began to discuss how a noteworthy miracle had been performed in Jerusalem that was witnessed by many. The Sanhedrin were impressed by their confidence and recognized that they had been with Jesus. Despite being ordered to stop speaking about Jesus, Peter and John refused to obey and continued to preach. This shows that some acts of civil disobedience are required by God's people when the civil authorities command something that is contrary to the will of God. After Peter and John left the Council, they reported their encounter to their companions, and they all prayed together for boldness and were filled with the Holy Spirit. The place where they prayed shook, as a sign of God's approval, and they continued to speak the Word of God with confidence. Following Text “And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them” (Acts 4:32). This newly formed group of believers experienced a radical change of heart, and Luke tells us they were of one heart and soul (καρδία καὶ ψυχὴ μία - kardia kai psuche mia). The heart (καρδία) does not refer to the physical organ, but to the “center and source of the whole inner life, with its thinking, feeling, and volition.”[1] The NT usage of the soul (ψυχὴ) is sometimes difficult to distinguish from the heart, as it too can refer to “the inner life of a person and its various faculties.”[2] When combined together, the heart and soul “denotes the common mind that caused the church to be united at the deepest human level.”[3] The result was an abandonment of self and self-interest, as “not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.” Here we witness an outward behavior that reflects a transformed heart. God continued to work through His apostles, as Luke tells us, “And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33). The main purpose of the apostles was witnessing for Jesus. And their witness came with great power (δυνάμει μεγάλῃ dunamei megale), which, considering the context, refers to miracles God was performing through them. The miracles were not an end in themselves, but were intended to be a testimony (μαρτύριον marturion) for the Lord Jesus, specifically concerning His resurrection (ἀνάστασις anastasis) from the dead. The apostles were not pointing others to themselves, but to Jesus. True Christian ministry must always start with Jesus. And referencing only the resurrection seems to be a form of evangelistic shorthand that, by implication, assumes Jesus' death and burial. One cannot have resurrection without the former events, and when taken together, communicates the core of the gospel message. That Jesus is here called Lord (κύριος kurios) is a reference to His divinity. The Bible presents Jesus as God. In the OT, the proper name of God is YHWH (called the tetragrammaton) and is translated LORD, using all capital letters. When the Septuagint was written around 250 B.C. (the Greek translation of the Hebrew OT) the translators chose the Greek word κύριος kurios as a suitable substitute for the Hebrew name YHWH. Though the word is sometimes used in the NT to mean sir (John 4:11; Acts 16:30), and master (Col. 3:22), it is also used to refer to the deity of Jesus Christ (compare Isa 40:3 and John 1:23; or Deut 6:16 and Matt 4:7; cf. John 20:28; Rom 10:11; Phil 2:11). And we are told that abundant grace (χάρις τε μεγάλη charis te megale) was upon them all (Acts 4:33b). Grace generally refers to the unmerited favor or kindness that one person freely confers on another without regard to the beauty or worth of the object. Grace has more to do with the heart of the giver who blesses others from the bounty of his/her own goodness. The word grace appears 17 times in the book of Acts and commonly denotes divine enablement to perform a task, which gives success to the ones so blessed (cf., Acts 6:8; 11:23; 13:43; 14:3, 26; 15:11, 40; 18:27; 20:24, 32). God's grace took material form in the early church, as Luke tells us, “For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need” (Acts 4:34-35). Meeting needs meant providing the basics of food and clothing. James tells us, “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,' and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” (Jam 2:15-16). Paul wrote, “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content” (1 Tim 6:8). It's fine if God blesses us with more than these things, but we should always learn to be content with the basics (Phil 4:11-13). It is assumed in this passage that those who were in need either lacked the ability or opportunity to care for themselves. Biblically, it was expected that if one could work, they should (Deut 24:19-21). Working for food is a biblical principle, as Paul said, “if anyone is not willing to work, neither shall he eat” (2 Th 3:10). No work means no food. Of course, this assumes one has the physical and cognitive ability as well as the opportunity. Naturally, a special dispensation would be granted to those who could not help themselves because of a disability. Later, we're told the apostles were using some of the monetary gifts to help care for widows in “the daily serving of food” (Acts 6:1). In Acts 4:34-35, we observe that God did not provide for the needy by means of supernatural acts, such as manna or money coming down from heaven to provide for them. No. God chose to meet the needs of the community of believers through His own people, whom He'd blessed greatly with material wealth. These wealthy and openhanded believers served as conduits of His grace, as they sold their land and houses that were of little personal benefit and gave it to help meet the needs of others. In this way, they were making an investment in their future, as God promises to reward such activities in the eternal state (Matt 6:2-4; 1 Cor 3:10-15). It's likely this selling of property lasted over a period of time, perhaps several months, and was limited to those who were willing to give of their resources. Meeting the needs of fellow Christians arose from a heart of compassion, not group coercion. The practice of giving to meet the needs of others was wholly voluntary. Charles Ryrie states: “Money talks!” And it did in the early church. The fellowship was strengthened and needs met by the voluntary agreement to hold things in common. This is not “Christian communism.” The sale of property was quite voluntary (Acts 4:34). The right of possession was not abolished. The community did not control the money until it had voluntarily been given to the apostles. The distribution was not made equally but according to need. These are not communistic principles. This is Christian charity in its finest display.[4] It is not a sin to be wealthy, as God sometimes blesses His people with great riches. He certainly gave great wealth to Abraham (Gen 13:5-6), Isaac (Gen 26:12-14), Jacob (Gen 32:9-10; 33:11), Job (Job 1:1-3), David (1 Ch 29:1-5), Solomon (1 Ki 10:1-25), among others. Sometimes this wealth came suddenly, such as when God liberated the Israelites from Egyptian slavery (Deut 5:6), and persuaded the Egyptians to give His people vast amounts of silver, gold, and clothing (Ex 3:22). Afterwards, God gave His people the land of Canaan (Deut 4:1; 9:6), which included cities, houses, wells and vineyards for which they did not work (Deut 6:10-11). The Bible also gives wisdom on how to achieve wealth by hard work (Prov 28:19) and investment (Eccl 11:1-2). It is worth nothing that in the early church, some wealthy Christians continued to own homes, which shows that the selling of property was limited to those who were willing. In acts 12 we're told about Mary, who used her home for godly purposes by opening it for Christians to gather and pray (Acts 12:12). Furthermore, Mary had a “servant-girl named Rhoda” who functioned as her maid (Acts 12:13). This implies the continued possession of wealth. In Acts 16 we're also told about a wealthy woman named Lydia who was a business owner, who was “a seller of purple fabrics” (Acts 16:14), and who later opened her home to Paul and Silas (Acts 16:40). In the Gospel of Luke, we learn there were some wealthy women who financially supported Jesus and His disciples, namely, “Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means” (Luke 8:2-3). These did not cease to be wealthy, but used their wealth for God's purposes. I know some whom God has gifted with great business acumen. These He has blessed with the “power to make wealth” (Deut 8:18). These same skilled men and women have been generous in their giving to help others, and in this way, have followed Paul's instruction to “those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy; and to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (1 Tim 6:17-18). Being wealthy can be a blessing from the Lord, but how one handles that wealth either honors or dishonors Him. And, “A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, and favor is better than silver and gold” (Prov 22:1). The healthy Christian heart is one that looks for needs in others and then seeks to meet them. Paul wrote, “Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor” (1 Cor 10:24). The heart of love “does not seek its own interests” (1 Cor 13:5), but the interests of others. As God's children, “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil 2:4). Personally, I wonder if I lost everything I own and were reduced to the basics of food and clothing, would I be content? Would I trust the Lord, knowing and accepting that “God works all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). Would I obey the biblical directives to “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; and in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Th 5:16-18). Would I “Do all things without complaining or disputing” (Phil 2:14). Would I acknowledge God's sovereignty over my life, realizing “The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts” (1 Sam 2:7). And, would I praise Him, like Job who said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21). The truth is, “we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either” (1 Tim 6:7), and it helps produce mental and emotional stability if we hold loosely the material things of this life, realizing God owns everything, and that we are but stewards of what He's provided. Meet Barnabas In the closing verses of this pericope, Luke introduces us briefly to Barnabas, who will play an important role in the development of the early church. Luke wrote, “Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet” (Acts 4:36-37). According to the Mosaic Law, Levites were not to own land (Num 18:20, 24); however, this seems to apply only to land in Israel. Joseph was from the island of Cyprus, and Luke tells us he “owned a tract of land” on the island. The name Barnabas (probably from ברנבו) actually means son of a prophet. The question among some Bible scholars is how this could translate as Son of Encouragement? I think Paul helps us here when he spoke to prophets at the church of Corinth, saying, “For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be encouraged” (1 Cor 14:31). The idea is that a prophet of the Lord would function as one who encouraged others to walk with the Lord and remain faithful to Him. Concerning Barnabas' character, Luke describes him as a godly man who was noted for his encouragement and willingness to give of his own resources for the benefit of others. Here, the word encouragement translates the Greek noun παράκλησις paraklesis, which, according to BDAG, denotes “emboldening another in belief or course of action, encouragement, exhortation…[the] lifting of another's spirits.”[5] It would seem Barnabas' life reflected what He saw and experienced in his relationship with God. In Scripture, we learn that God the Father is described as “the God of all grace” (1 Pet 5:10), Who sits upon a “throne of grace” (Heb 4:16), Who “gives grace to the afflicted” (Prov 3:34), and provides salvation “by grace” through faith in Jesus (Eph 2:8-9; cf. Acts 15:11; Rom 3:24). Jesus is said to be “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14), and the Holy Spirit is called “the Spirit of grace” (Heb 10:29). Grace (χάρις charis) is undeserved favor. It is the love, mercy, or kindness that one person freely confers upon another who does not deserve it (Matt 5:44-45; Rom 11:6; Eph 1:6; 2:1-9; 2 Tim 1:9; Tit 3:5-7). And there is nothing more powerful or encouraging than God's grace to warm and motivate His people to action. For what flows down from God to his children, when received with an open heart, will find natural outward expression to others, who will “encourage one another and build up one another” (1 Th 5:11a), and will “encourage one another day after day” (Heb 3:13a). I believe Barnabas was one who drank deeply from the well of God's grace and goodness, and being blessed and encouraged by the Lord, was motivated to do the same to others. Barnabas' first act of encouragement was witnessed in his willingness to give of his own resources for the benefit of others; specifically, we are told he “owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet” (Acts 4:37). Being a man of grace, he sold his property and gave it to the apostles to be used for ministry purposes. Later, in Acts, we're told that the church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch (Acts 11:22), and “when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God” (Acts 11:23a), he “rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord” (Acts 11:23b). Here, the word encourage translates the Greek verb παρακαλέω parakaleo, which means to “call to one's side.”[6] The picture is that of one person who comes alongside others and encourages them to accomplish a task or finish a race. In this case, it meant encouraging these Christians to press on and do God's will. Encouraging other believers “to remain true to the Lord” is what healthy encouragement looks like. And Barnabas was pivotal to the early church as seen in other passages. For example, it was Barnabas who supported Paul shortly after his conversion, even though others had reservations about him (Acts 9:27). It was Barnabas who bridged the relationship between the church in Jerusalem and the church in Antioch (Acts 11:22). It was Barnabas who connected with Paul and formed a teaching ministry in Antioch that lasted for a year (Acts 11:25-26). It was Barnabas—along with Paul—who was entrusted to deliver a financial donation to suffering Christians in Judea (Acts 11:27-30). It was Barnabas who helped launch the first significant missionary journey into the Gentile world (Acts 13:1-4). It was Barnabas who helped resolve the first major theological issue facing the church (Acts 15:1-25). It was Barnabas who supported Mark, even after he'd failed (Acts 15:37-38), and unfortunately, his support resulted in a major conflict with Paul that resulted in their breaking fellowship for a while (Acts 15:39-41). However, from later biblical passages we know that Barnabas and Paul—men who were both known for their grace and love—reconciled their differences and were reunited in fellowship and ministry (1 Cor 9:6; Gal 2:9). Overall, Barnabas was noted as being an encourager (Acts 11:23), “a good man”, one who was “full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24), and one who “risked” his life “for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26). Barnabas was not without his flaws; however, he possessed the qualities one would like to see in a Christian leader, as he sought to build the Christian community by means grace, love, and solid biblical instruction. Churches and Christians need people like Barnabas, who will stand with them, give them wise counsel, and encourage them in their walk with the Lord. Though some wealthy Christians in the early church had a right attitude about wealth, and operated with humility and grace to meet the needs of fellow Christians (such as Barnabas), what follows in the next chapter reveals that some had impure hearts and suffered from approbation lust, where by deceit they sought the approval of others rather than God. These paid a heavy price for their sin. Summary of Acts 4:32-37: The early church had a sense of Christian community within itself and those who had wealth voluntarily shared with those who were in need (Acts 4:32-37). Love was the motivation for sharing, as there was no command from heaven and no human pressure from the church leadership to give. What we see is descriptive, not prescriptive. Passages like Acts 4:32-37 provide an ideal picture of what the church should look like in its everyday functions. [1] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 508. [2] Moisés Silva, ed., New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 730. [3] Ibid., 732. [4] Charles C. Ryrie, Acts of the Apostles, Everyman's Bible Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1961), 35–36. [5] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian, 766. [6] Ibid., 764.

Kim Spencer Returns!

Bagels and Blessings

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2023

I am so excited to share this encouraging interview. If you have ever been depressed or know someone who is suffering, this program is for you!Also I picked some songs about Purim, based on the book of Esther. Here is a little background about Kim in her own words:"I grew up in a Jewish family celebrating all the holidays. I had the ‘normal life' of partying with friends and going out to bars…searching for the right one to fall in love and live happily ever after…with no success. One night I had an encounter with Jesus (Yeshua) in a dream and He told me to become “Born Again.” I fell in love with the written Word of God. Eventually God gave me the BEST husband, Mark & a beautiful son named Micah. In January 2011-July 2016, I began to experience fear, anxiety, and depression to the point of suicide and had adopted many addictions. There were emotions and past experiences that had caused pain that were lying dormant and not dealt with properly. Eventually, I could no longer function like a normal human being. I knew the written word backwards and forwards, but I DID NOT KNOW & FULLY EXPERIENCE THE LIVING WORD. In August of 2016, the Holy Spirit began to do surgery on my heart and the Spirit became my PERSONAL Counselor! I began to hear His voice and He (the Spirit) brought up situations that had occurred in the past (as well as presently) on how to handle them. My Heavenly Father, Jesus (Yeshua) & with the help of (my personal counselor) the Spirit, had set me free from EVERY addiction and I no longer live for his presence, but in it. Like God told Abraham (Gen. 15:1) “I AM SHIELD AND GREAT REWARD” and now He has become mine!!!! And I am SO IN LOVE WITH MY LORD! I am in the process of a rewriting a Bible Study to help others get free and experience this EXTRAVAGANT LOVE."

god spirit gospel holy spirit radio jewish fall in love blessings bible study bagels purim like god born again shema jesus yeshua abraham gen my heavenly father eventually god

#275 -

Pr Marcos Bomfim

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2023 28:08

A quick overview of the Storehouse System from Genesis to Jeroboam. Presented at the South Asia Pacific Division Leadership Summit, in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 09, 2023. You may watch segments of this presentation on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzobbYlL38A Summary: Pre-mosaic Abraham - Gen. 12:3 (Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:18-20; Rev. 7:9; 14:6) - in you will be blessed all families of the Earth – blessings transmitted by us must have an international scope. Gen. 14 - Melekizedek (Salem) Gen. 22 - Offering in Moriah Joseph - centralization of resources (in opposition to freedom, diversity, or plurality) Mosaic: Deut. 12…vv. 5, 6, 8, 11–13 (See also Dt 14, 16, 18) Kings David - Psalm 116:18, 19; Salomon, Roboham, and Jeroboan - 1 Kings 11-14 (2 Chron. 11:13-17) - Jeroboam's counterfeit of the storehouse principle (12:25…) My Channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PrMarcosBomfim/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcos.faiock.bomfim/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4d8wvbfIYXNOHW1JEfoBU1 YouTube (Português): https://www.youtube.com/c/MarcosBomfim YouTube (English/Español): https://www.youtube.com/c/MarcosFaiockBomfim Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrMarcosBomfim

spotify earth system kings acts rev thailand offering bangkok dt salomon chron jeroboam storehouse abraham gen

The Spiritual Life - Part 12 - Our Christian Spiritual Sacrifices

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2023 79:18

In the church age, Christian spiritual service is connected with the priesthood of every believer (1 Pet 2:5; Rev 1:6). A priest offers worship to God and service to others. In the OT—before the Mosaic Law—few priests are mentioned. Melchizedek functioned as the king/priest of Salem (Gen 14:18-20; cf. Heb 7:1), and Reuel/Jethro (Moses' father-in-law) as the priest of Midian (Ex 2:16-21; 3:1). Job served as the priest over his household, offering sacrifices for the sins of his family (Job 1:5). Most people worshipped and served God as non-priests. Men such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob built temporary stone altars and worshipped God directly (Gen 8:20-21; 12:7; 13:18; 26:24-25; 35:1-7). Before the Mosaic Law, it appears that sacrifice and worship was personal, simple, did not require special attire, and was not tied to a specific geographic location or facility. After Israel was delivered from the bondage of Egypt, God established the Hebrews as a theocratic nation among the Gentile nations of the world. God originally intended the whole nation to be a kingdom of priests, saying, “and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Ex 19:6). However, because of the sin of worshipping the golden calf (Ex 32:1-35), God took that privilege from the nation and confined the priesthood to the descendants of Aaron, and the Levites were their assistants (Num 3:1-10; 18:1-7). God required that priests could not have any physical defects (Lev 21:17-23), and restricted the age to twenty-five to fifty (Num 8:24-25). The priests were originally associated with the tabernacle for their service and later to the temple, and special clothing was required both for the priests and the high priest. Throughout the years of their priestly service they were required to: Be holy in their behavior (Ex 19:6; Lev 10:1-3). Provide daily maintenance of the tabernacle, courtyard and sacrifices (Num 3:5-8; Deut 17:1). Teach God's Law to others (Lev 10:8-11; Deut 31:9-13; 33:8-10; 2 Ch 17:7-9; Ezra 7:10; Mal 2:7). Offer sacrifices for sin to God (Lev chapters 4, 9, 16). Adjudicate legal matters (Deut 17:8-13; 19:16-17; 2 Ch 19:8-10). Preserve the tabernacle and temple (Num 18:1-7). Inspect persons, animals, and fabrics to make sure they were clean (Lev 1:3; Deut 15:21; Lev 13-15). Receive the tithes (Num 18:21, 26; cf. Heb 7:5). Pronounce God's blessing on the nation (Num 6:22-27). The High Priest was the supervisor of all the other priests, and had to be a direct descendant of Aaron (Ex 28:1; Num 18:1-7). The High Priest was to: Provide divine guidance (Urim and Thummim; Num 27:21). Perform official duties in the Holy of Holies once a year (Ex 30:6-10; Lev 16). Israel and the Church are both the people of God, but function under different directives. Biblical distinctions reveal that Israel is a nation (Ex 19:6), but the church is not a nation (Rom 10:19). God's program for Israel focused on the land promised to Abraham (Gen 12:1; 15:18; 17:8), whereas the church is called to go out to many lands (Matt 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). Israel was mentioned throughout the Old Testament and recognized by other nations (Num 14:15; Josh 5:1), but the church was a mystery not known in the Old Testament (Eph 3:1-6; Col 1:26-27; cf. Rom 16:25-26).[1] Israel was under “the Law” of Moses (John 1:17), whereas the Church is under the “Law of Christ” (1 Cor 9:21; Gal 6:2). Israel had a priesthood that was specific to the tribe of Levi (Num 3:6-7), whereas all Christians are priests to God (Rev 1:6). Israel worshipped first at the Tabernacle and later the Temple (Ex 40:18-38; 2 Ch 8:14-16), but for Christians, their body is the temple of the Lord and they gather locally where they want (1 Cor 6:19-20; cf. 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15). Israel offered animal sacrifices to God (Lev 4:1-35), but Christians offer spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet 2:5; cf. Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15). Israel was required to tithe from the produce of their land (Deut 14:22-23; 28-29; Num 18:21), but there is no tithe required from Christians, only a joyful attitude when giving, “for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7). The death of Christ on the cross fulfilled the Mosaic Law and ended the OT animal sacrificial system and the Aaronic priesthood (John 1:17; Rom 6:14; 8:3-4; 10:4; 2 Cor 3:1-13; Gal 5:18). There is no specialized priesthood today, and the Catholic Church—or any organization—is not justified in creating a priestly cast within the body of Christ. Now, in the church age, every Christian is a priest to God (1 Pet 2:5, 9; Rev 1:6), and is indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19). The Christian becomes a priest at the moment of salvation. This is the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, for “He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Rev 1:6; cf. 1 Pet. 2:9). Peter writes, “you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 2:5). The functions of the Christian priesthood include: The continual giving of the body for service to the Lord (Rom 12:1-2). The sacrifice of praise for worship (Heb 13:15). The doing of good works and sharing with others (Heb 13:16). The sacrifice of personal life for the benefit of others (Phil 2:17; cf. Phil 1:21-26; 2:3-4). The walk of sacrificial love (Eph 5:1-2; cf. 1 Pet 1:22). Giving financially to support ministry (Phil 4:18). Confession of personal sin to God for restoration of fellowship (1 John 1:6-9). The practice of the Christian priesthood begins when the believer surrenders his own body as a “living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom 12:1). Unlike the OT sacrifices which surrendered their life once, the Christian life is a moment by moment, continual surrender to God. This spiritual service is performed primarily within the body of Christ toward other believers for their benefit. Rather than offer the sacrifice of animals, the Christian is called to offer spiritual sacrifices. When Paul writes about giving ourselves as “a living and holy sacrifice” to God for “spiritual service” (Rom 12:1), he does not leave his reader guessing as to what he means, for one has only to continue reading in Romans chapter 12 to understand his practical application. A few verses later the Apostle provided practical application to his statement when he wrote about Christian service to others within the church. Paul wrote, “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom 12:4-8). And Peter wrote, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet 4:10). This is love set in motion for the benefit of others. It is taking what God has given to us, spiritually or materially, and giving it freely for others to be blessed. This is consistent with what Paul writes elsewhere when he states, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil 2:3-4). From where does Paul learn this way of thinking? He learned it from the Lord Jesus Himself. Paul wrote: "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Phil 2:5-8) Jesus is our prime example of a priestly life that has been surrendered for service to God. Jesus' life was given for the blessing of others. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). And elsewhere He stated, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Several things may be said about Jesus' willingness to surrender His life to His Father. Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer states: "First, Christ was willing to go where His Father chose. He was at home in the glory. It was His native environment; but He came into this world with a mission and message of grace. “God had an only Son and He was a foreign missionary.” Such was His Father's will for Him and His attitude may be expressed by the familiar words: “I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord.” Second, Christ was willing to be whatever His Father chose. “He made Himself of no reputation.” He was not only willing to lay aside the garments of His glory, but He was willing, as well, to be set at naught, to be spit upon and to be crucified. That was the Father's will for Him and His attitude may be expressed in the words: “I'll be what You want me to be.” Third, Christ was willing to do whatever His Father chose. He became obedient unto death, and in so doing, His attitude may again be expressed in the words: “I'll do what You want me to do.”[2] As Christians, we look to Jesus as our primary role model. Jesus sought to glorify the Father in every regard, and this meant living in accordance with Scripture and being willing to go and do whatever was required of Him. No doubt this brought joy, and at other times sorrow. The primary purpose of life is to glorify God, and this is accomplished as learn and live God's Word and advance to spiritual maturity. Chafer states: "Yieldedness to the will of God is not demonstrated by some one particular issue: it is rather a matter of having taken the will of God as the rule of one's life. To be in the will of God is simply to be willing to do His will without reference to any particular thing He may choose. It is electing His will to be final, even before we know what He may wish us to do. It is, therefore, not a question of being willing to do some one thing: it is a question of being willing to do anything, when, where and how, it may seem best in His heart of love. It is taking the normal and natural position of childlike trust which has already consented to the wish of the Father even before anything of the outworking of His wish is revealed."[3] The priestly life of service to God and others belongs to every Christian. It is a life of sacrifice for the spiritual and material wellbeing of others, especially those within the church. More so, it begins when the believer decides to commit his/her life to God, to love kindness, to walk humbly, and to pursue righteousness and goodness in all things. [1] A mystery (musterion) is something “which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets” (Eph. 3:5). Paul then states what that mystery is, “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (Eph. 3:6). [2] Lewis Sperry Chafer, He That Is Spiritual (Moody Press: Chicago, 1918), 87. [3] Ibid., 88-89.

A MAN CRIED, THE LORD DELIVERED!

The Church Within You!

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2023 4:40

I WILL BLESS THE LORD. This episode is a reading from Psalm 34 a psalm of David when he changed his behavior before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. The writer of this psalm praises the LORD for a miraculous deliverance from great trouble. His testimony encourages all afflicted believers to believe that they may also experience the goodness of the LORD. 7. The angel of the LORD probably refers to the angelic host of heaven. They are "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Heb. 1:14). God has appointed His angels to protect and rescue His saints from physical and spiritual harm. This promise of divine intervention is reserved only for those who truly fear God. Note that the promises in this psalm are conditional, but many of these blessings require our active participation. He will deliver us from fear, save us out of our troubles, guard and deliver us, show us goodness, supply our needs, listen when we talk to Him, and redeem us, but we must do our part. We can appropriate His blessings when we seek Him, cry out to Him, trust Him, fear Him, refrain from lying, turn from evil, do good and seek peace, are humble, and serve Him. 8. "Taste and see" does not mean, "Check out God's credentials." Instead, it is a warm invitation: "Try this; I know you'll like it." When we take that first step of obedience in following God, we cannot help discovering that He is good and kind. When we begin the Christian life, our knowledge of God is partial and incomplete. As we trust Him daily, we experience how good He is. You say you belong to the LORD, but do you fear Him? To fear the LORD means to show deep respect and honor to Him. We demonstrate true reverence through our humble attitude and genuine worship. Reverence was shown by Abraham (Gen 17:2-4), Moses (Ex 3:5,6), and the Israelites (Ex 19:16-24). Their reactions to God's presence varied, but all deeply respected Him. 9, 10. At first, we may question David's statement, because we seem to lack many good things. This is not a blanket promise that all Christians will have everything they want. Instead, this is David's praise for God's goodness—all those who call upon God in their need will be answered, sometimes in unexpected ways. Remember, God knows what we need, and our deepest needs are spiritual. Many, even though faced with unbearable poverty and hardship, still have enough spiritual nourishment to live for God. David was saying that to have God is to have all you really need. God is enough. The Bible often connects the fear of the LORD (love and reverence for Him) with obedience. "Fear God and keep His commandments" (Ecc 12:13); "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching" (John 14:23). Love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, with all thy being. God will never leave you nor forsake you. Stand upon the promises of God. Blessings, Elder Barbara FL|LAB

god love lord israel bible stand christians psalm blessings taste delivered heb reverence fear god cried abimelech ecc abraham gen moses ex

When You Cannot Pray

god jesus christ lord pray scripture hebrews melchizedek earthly levitical abraham gen

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2023

Eli, the high priest, watched a woman praying intensely at the tabernacle in Shiloh. Hannah’s lips were moving, but Eli could hear no words. He mistakenly concluded that she was mumbling to herself in a drunken stupor. “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine” he told her. “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD” (1 Sam. 1:12–15). How would you feel if this happened to you? It’s bad enough to be misunderstood. But to be so misunderstood by someone who is supposed to represent God seems like more than we can bear. Eli was an ordinary priest with many shortcomings and failures. Jesus, on the other hand, is an extraordinary priest who surpasses all those who belonged to the old order of the law of Moses. According to Hebrews 7:15, Jesus became a priest “not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.” He is not a Levitical priest but a priest “in the order of Melchizedek,” the mysterious figure who received tithes from Abraham and gave a blessing to Abraham (Gen. 14). Nothing in Scripture is revealed about Melchizedek’s origin, lineage, or death. Like someone who is “without beginning of days or end of life,” he foreshadowed the ministry of Christ. Jesus fulfilled all that the law of God required and died as our atoning sacrifice on the cross. He rose from the dead and “always lives to intercede” for us (v. 25). Earthly priests and ministers may let you down, but Jesus never will. >> Let’s face it. There are times when we simply cannot pray. We may be too sad or anxious. Sometimes we are at a loss for words. When we feel that we cannot pray, we know that our high priest, Jesus, always lives to pray for us.

Christians Are Under the Law of Christ

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2022 57:05

God gives law to humans living in every age. He gave commands to the first humans living in the sinless environment of the Garden of Eden (Gen 1:26-30; 2:15-17). He gave commands to Noah (Gen 6-9). He gave commands to Abraham (Gen 12:1; 17:10-14). He gave commands to the Israelites—known as the Mosaic Law—after delivering them from their bondage in Egypt (Ex 20 - Deut 34). He has given commands to Christians (Romans 1 to Revelation 3). These biblical distinctions are important, for though all Scripture is written for the benefit of the Christian, only some portions of it speak specifically to him and command his walk with the Lord. Just as the Christian would not try to obey the commands God gave to Adam in Genesis 1-2, or the commands God gave to Noah in Genesis 6-9, so he should not try to obey the commands God gave to Israel in Exodus through Deuteronomy. Romans chapter 1 through Revelation chapter 3 marks the specific body of Scripture that directs the Christian life both regarding specific commands and divine principles. Charles Ryrie states: "Adam lived under laws, the sum of which may be called the code of Adam or the code of Eden. Noah was expected to obey the laws of God, so there was a Noahic code. We know that God revealed many commands and laws to Abraham (Gen 26:5). They may be called the Abrahamic code. The Mosaic code contained all the laws of the Law. And today we live under the law of Christ (Gal 6:2) or the law of the Spirit of life in Christ (Rom 8:2). This code contains the hundreds of specific commandments recorded in the New Testament."[1] Israel and the Church are both the people of God, but they operate under distinct law codes. The Mosaic Law was given specifically to the nation of Israel and referred to “the statutes and ordinances and laws which the LORD established between Himself and the sons of Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai” (Lev 26:46). The Mosaic Law revealed the holy character of God (Lev 11:45; cf. Rom 7:12), was given specifically to Israel circa 1445 BC (Lev 27:34), was regarded as a unit of laws (613 total), was to be taken as a whole (Gal 3:10; 5:3; Jam 2:10) and existed for nearly 1500 years before being rendered inoperative (Heb 7:18; 8:13; cf. Rom 7:1-4). Jesus was born under the Mosaic Law (Gal 4:4), and directed others to abide by it (Matt 8:1-4; 23:1-3). However, on the night before He was crucified, Jesus provided teaching to His disciples that pertained to the dispensation of the Church (John chapters 13-17); then He went to the cross and died for our sins, just as He'd prophesied (Matt 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:18-19; Mark 10:45). The Mosaic Law was never a means of justification before God, as that has always been by faith alone in God and His promises (Rom 3:24-28; 4:1-5; Gal 2:16, 21; 3:21; Eph 2:8-9). Over time, the Mosaic Law became perverted into a system of works whereby men sought to earn their salvation before God. Merrill F. Unger states: "By nature the Law is not grace (Rom 10:5; Gal 3:10; Heb 10:28). It is holy, righteous, good, and spiritual (Rom 7:12, 14). In its ministry it declares and proves all men guilty (Rom 3:19). Yet it justifies no one (Rom 3:20). It cannot impart righteousness or life (Gal 3:21). It causes offenses to abound (Rom 5:20; 7:7-13; 1 Cor 15:56). It served as an instructor until Christ appeared (Gal 3:24). In relationship to the believer, the Law emphatically does not save anyone (Gal 2:21). A believer does not live under the Law (Rom 6:14; 8:4), but he stands and grows in grace (Rom 5:2; 2 Pet 3:18). The nation, Israel, alone was the recipient of the Law (Ex 20:2)."[2] The New Testament reveals the Mosaic Law was regarded as a “yoke” which Israel had not “been able to bear” because their sinful flesh was weak (Acts 15:1-11). There is no fault with the Mosaic Law, for it “is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Rom 7:12). The Mosaic Law is holy because it comes from God who is holy. Because the Mosaic Law is holy, it exposes the faults of people and shows them to be sinful (Rom 3:20), and among many, it actually stimulates their sinful nature (Rom 5:20; 7:7-8). Paul made clear that the Mosaic Law was not the rule of life for the Christian. He even referred to it as a “ministry of death” (2 Cor 3:7) and a “ministry of condemnation” (2 Cor 3:9). Paul stated that it was intended to be temporary (Gal 3:19), that it was never the basis for justification (Gal 2:16, 21; 3:21, Rom 24-28; 4:1-5; Eph 2:8-9), but was intended to lead people to Christ that they may be justified by faith (Gal 3:24). Now that Christ has come and fulfilled every aspect of the Law and died on the cross, the Mosaic Law, in its entirety, has been rendered inoperative as a rule of life (Matt 5:17-18; Rom 10:1-4; Heb 8:13). According to Fruchtenbaum, “As a rule of life, the Law of Moses was temporary … [and] came to an end with the death of the Messiah.”[3] The Christian living in the dispensation of the church age is now under the Law of Christ (1 Cor 9:21; Gal 6:2). God is the Author of both the Mosaic Law as well as the Law of Christ; therefore, it is not surprising that He chose to incorporate some of the laws He gave to Israel into the law-code which He has given to the Church. When trying to understand which laws have carried over and which have not, the general rule is: what God has not restated, has been altogether abrogated. Charles Ryrie states, “The Mosaic Law was done away in its entirety as a code. It has been replaced by the law of Christ. The law of Christ contains some new commands (1 Tim 4:4), some old ones (Rom 13:9), and some revised ones (Rom 13:4, with reference to capital punishment).”[4] The Church is no more under the Mosaic Law than a Canadian is under US law, as laws only have authority to its citizenry. Thomas Constable states: "The law of Christ is the code of commandments under which Christians live. Some of the commandments Christ and His apostles gave us are the same as those that Moses gave the Israelites. However, this does not mean that we are under the Mosaic Code. Residents of the United States live under a code of laws that is similar to, but different from, the code of laws that govern residents of England. Some of our laws are the same as theirs, and others are different. Because some laws are the same we should not conclude that the codes are the same. Christians no longer live under the Mosaic Law; we live under a new code, the law of Christ (cf. 5:1)."[5] Though rendered inoperative as a rule of life, the Mosaic Law can be used to teach such things as God's holiness, people's sinfulness, the need for atonement, and the ultimate need for people to trust in Christ for salvation (Rom 3:10-25; 5:20; 10:1-4). All Scripture is for us, though not all Scripture is to us (1 Cor 10:11). And being under the grace-system does not mean believers are without law and can therefore sin as they please (Rom 6:14-16; Tit 2:11-12). The New Testament speaks of “the perfect law of liberty” (Jam 1:25), “the royal law” (Jam 2:8), the “Law of Christ” (Gal 6:2), and “the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:2). Henry Thiessen states: "The believer has been made free from the law, but liberty does not mean license. To offset this danger of antinomianism, the Scriptures teach that we have not only been delivered from the law, but also “joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, that we might bear fruit for God” (Rom 7:4). We are thus not “without the law of God but under the law of Christ” (1 Cor 9:21; cf. Gal 6:2). Freedom from law should not result in license, but love (Gal 5:13; cf. 1 Pet 2:16). The believer is, consequently, to keep his eyes on Christ as his example and teacher, and by the Holy Spirit to fulfill his law (Rom 8:4; Gal 5:18)."[6] Arnold Fruchtenbaum adds: "The Law of Moses has been disannulled and we are now under a new law. This new law is called the Law of Christ in Galatians 6:2 and the Law of the Spirit of Life in Romans 8:2. This is a brand new law, totally separate from the Law of Moses. The Law of Christ contains all the individual commandments from Christ and the Apostles applicable to a New Testament believer. A simple comparison of the details will show that it is not and cannot be the same as the Law of Moses. Four observations are worth noting. First, many commandments are the same as those of the Law of Moses. For example, nine of the Ten Commandments are also in the Law of Christ. But, second, many are different from the Law of Moses. For example, there is no Sabbath law now (Rom 14:5; Col 2:16) and no dietary code (Mark 7:19; Rom 14:20). Third, some commandments in the Law of Moses are intensified by the Law of Christ. The Law of Moses said: love thy neighbor as thyself (Lev 19:18). This made man the standard. The Law of Christ said: love one another, even as I have loved you (John 15:12). This makes the Messiah the standard and He loved us enough to die for us. Fourth, the Law of the Messiah provides a new motivation. The Law of Moses was based on the conditional Mosaic Covenant and so the motivation was: do, in order to be blessed. The Law of Christ is based on the unconditional New Covenant and so the motivation is: you have been and are blessed, therefore, do. The reason there is so much confusion over the relationship of the Law of Moses and the Law of Christ is that many commandments are similar to those found in the Mosaic Law, and many have concluded that certain sections of the law have, therefore, been retained."[7] The Church is not Israel and is not under the Mosaic Law as the rule for life. Just as OT saints had a clear body of Scripture which guided their walk with the Lord (Exodus 20 through Deuteronomy 34), so NT saints have a body of Scripture that guides us (Romans 1 through Revelation 3). According to Fruchtenbaum, “The rule of life for the saint today is found in the epistles of the New Testament. As with the Law of Moses, instructions and commandments of the New Testament are not the means of salvation but they are a ‘heavenly rule of life' for those who are heavenly citizens through the power of God.”[8] Christians living under the Law of Christ have both positive and negative commands that direct their lives. Where the Scripture does not provide specific commands, it gives divine principles that guide the Christian's walk (i.e., to walk in love, to glorify God in all things, etc.). In Scripture, we learn that Israel is a nation (Ex 19:6), but the church is not a nation (Rom 10:19). God's program for Israel focused on the land promised to Abraham (Gen 12:1; 15:18; 17:8), whereas the church is called to go out to many lands (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). Israel was mentioned throughout the Old Testament and recognized by other nations (Num 14:15; Josh 5:1), but the church was a mystery not known in the Old Testament (Eph 3:1-6; Col 1:26-27; cf. Rom 16:25-26).[9] Israel was under “the Law” of Moses (John 1:17), whereas the Church is under the “Law of Christ” (1 Cor 9:21; Gal 6:2). Israel had a priesthood that was specific to the tribe of Levi (Num 3:6-7), whereas all Christians are priests to God (Rev 1:6). Israel worshipped first at the Tabernacle and later the Temple (Ex 40:18-38; 2 Ch 8:14-16), but for Christians, their body is the temple of the Lord and they gather locally where they want (1 Cor 6:19-20; cf. 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15). Israel offered animal sacrifices to God (Lev 4:1-35), but Christians offer spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet 2:5; cf. Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15). Israel was required to tithe from the produce of their land (Deut 14:22-23; 28-29; Num 18:21), but there is no tithe required from Christians, only a joyful attitude when giving, “for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7). [1] Charles Ryrie, Basic Theology (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1999), 351. [2] Merrill F. Unger, Unger's Commentary on the Old Testament (Chattanooga, TN., AMG Publishers, 2002), 125. [3] Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Israelology: The Missing Link in Systematic Theology, Rev. ed. (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1994), 373. [4] Charles Ryrie, Basic Theology (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1999), 351-52. [5] Tom Constable, Tom Constable's Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Gal. 6:2. [6] Henry Clarence Thiessen and Vernon D. Doerksen, Lectures in Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979), 171. [7] Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Israelology: The Missing Link in Systematic Theology, Rev. ed. (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1994), 650-51. [8] Ibid., 379. [9] A mystery (musterion) is something “which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets” (Eph. 3:5). Paul then states what that mystery is, “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (Eph. 3:6).

Bible: Inaccuracies, contradictions, fallacies, scientific issues and my thriving sex life

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Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2022 50:45

“C. Thousands of manuscripts disagreeing with each other wildly in what verses and even books they contain, and how those verses read. D. Different translations teach entirely different things in places, some often leaving out entire chapters and verses or containing footnotes warning of possible error due to uncertainty about the reliability of the numerous manuscripts. II. Availability - current estimate is that 2,251 languages, representing 193 million people, lack a Bible translation III. Historical and Geographical errors in the Bible A. River Gihon could not possibly flow from Mesopotamia and encompass Ethiopia (Gen 2:13) B. The name Babel does not come from the Hebrew word 'balbal' or 'confuse' but from the babylonian 'babili' or 'gate of God' which is a translation of the original Sumerian name Ka-dimirra. (Gen 11:9) C. Ur was not a Chaldean city until 1000 years after Abraham (Gen 11:28, 15:7) D. Abraham pursued enemies to 'Dan' (Gen 14:14). That name was not used geographically until after the conquest (Judge 18:29) E. Gen 36:31, telling of Jacob and Esau, lists kings of Edom "before there reigned any king over the children of Israel." This must have been written hundreds of years later, after Israel had kings. F. Joseph tells Pharaoh he comes from the "land of the Hebrews" (Gen 40:15). There was no such land until after the conquest under Joshua. G. The Egyptian princess names the baby she finds "Moses" because she "drew him out" of the water (Heb meshethi). Why would she make a pun in Hebrew (Ex 2:10)? H. No Egyptian record exists mentioning Moses or his devastation of Egypt. I. Moses refers to "Palestine" (Ex 15:14). No such name was in use then. J. Law of Moses is the "statutes of God and his laws" (Ex 18:26), but it closely mirrors the Code of Hammurabi, which was penned 1800 BC, hundreds of years before Moses.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/support

Victory after Victory

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Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2022

The Marvel movie franchise is the most lucrative in history. In the past 12 years, Marvel movies have made over $22 billion. It is easy to understand their popularity. They depict heroes who are strong enough to deliver the world from danger. People love heroes who can win battles. In today’s reading, David’s star is on the rise. He had won victory after victory by defeating his enemies to the west (v. 1), east (v. 2), north (vv. 3–8), and south (v. 14). Many had been enemies of Israel since the Exodus. Until the time of David, names like the Philistines, Moabites, and Edomites had stricken fear in the hearts of Israelites. “The LORD gave David victory wherever he went” (v. 14). These victories demonstrated God’s commitment to David (vv. 6, 14) and His faithfulness to keep His promise to Abraham (Gen. 13:14). David’s rule of Israel was characterized as “doing what was just and right for all his people” (v. 15). That is, he did not take bribes or show favoritism. The list of names and offices that David appointed show his attentive care to create a stable and just government for the benefit of the people (vv. 15–18). The battles and government organization described in this chapter would have occupied the best years of David’s reign. They represent his most significant achievements. Ancient kings often produced long texts celebrating and describing their military victories and achievements. There are two things that stand out in this chapter. First, the Lord gets the credit for David’s success (vv. 6, 14). Second, these victories are described rather quickly. The author of 2 Samuel is much more interested in David’s character and his relationship with the Lord than his victories over enemies. >> What is most important to God is not always what seems important to us. Consider how you measure success. No matter how many victories you have, it is important to remember your dependence upon God.

God's Solemn Promise

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2022

Have you ever heard Christians talk about building the kingdom? It is interesting, though, that the Bible never uses such language. The Bible talks about waiting for the kingdom, seeking it, inheriting it, and receiving it. The gospel is what God has done for us, not what we do for God. David had reached the pinnacle of his career. Israel was united. David had a new capital city and peace from his enemies (v. 1), so his thoughts turned to what he could do for God. He told the prophet Nathan of his desire to build a temple (v. 2). Nathan immediately gave him a divine building permit without stopping to pray (v. 3). Sometimes what we want to do seems so natural and right that prayer does not seem necessary. But God came to Nathan that evening with a message for David. He withdrew the building permit. He had not asked for a house. He certainly did not need a leader that he appointed to build him one (v. 7). God reminded David of how He had taken him from a shepherd boy to the kingship (v. 8). David had success because of God (v. 9). God made three significant promises to David. First, God would make David’s name great (v. 9). This is language from God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3). God’s promise to Abraham would be fulfilled through David and his descendants. Second, God would give David a dynasty. His offspring would rule after him and build a temple (2 Sam. 7:13). David’s dynasty would endure forever (v. 16). If a son of David sinned, he would be judged; but God would not ultimately reject David’s line. This last promise provided hope for a future Davidic king, the Messiah, a promise fulfilled in Jesus (Luke 1:31–33; Acts 2:30–36; Rom.1:3). >> Do your plans sometimes get ahead of God’s will for you? Today, take your plans to God in prayer. Hold them with an open hand and be willing to follow God’s lead.

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Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - Israel's first first fruits & Christian spiritual worship

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Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2022 68:37

In this section (Deut 26:1-11), Moses reminds Israel of God's deliverance from Egyptian bondage, His faithfulness to bring them into the land of promise, and how they were to show their loyalty and gratitude by annually giving Him the first fruits of their agricultural production. Directives for Entering Canaan God was giving Israel the land of Canaan as an inheritance, which was a reminder that God owns the world and controls who occupies territories (cf. Lev 25:23; Deut 10:14; Psa 24:1; 89:11; Acts 17:24-26). The time of this annual celebration was to begin after Israel had entered the land of Canaan, as Moses said, “Then it shall be, when you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you as an inheritance, and you possess it and live in it” (Deut 26:1). This would be the first celebration of the feast of Firstfruits, in which Israelites gave to the priests the first and best of their produce of the land (see Deut 18:1-5). It was given to the priests because they served as God's representatives, meditating between the people and God. Also, the priests were not given land and had to rely on their fellow Israelites for their daily needs. This new celebration marked a shift from Israel's life as herders to farmers. Peter Craigie states: "Unlike Passover and the covenant ceremony, the offering of firstfruits would be a new religious institution in Israel; before taking possession of the land, they were not an agricultural people and therefore had no harvest festival. Thus, this first offering of the firstfruits by the Israelites, once they had taken possession of the land, would mark the inauguration of the new life which had been anticipated for so long on the basis of the covenant promise of God."[1] Israel was a theocracy (Isa 33:22), and the annual practice of going to the tabernacle/temple was intended as a display of loyalty and appreciation to God for His blessings. The Israelite who had worked the land and been blessed by God with a harvest was to bring the first fruits to the tabernacle/temple once a year. Moses directed them, saying, “you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground which you bring in from your land that the LORD your God gives you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place where the LORD your God chooses to establish His name” (Deut 26:2). Once at the location of God's choosing (the sacred space), the Israelite was to take a portion of his gift and place it in a basket and give it to the priest. Earl Radmacher states: "The Israelites were to offer to God the fruit that ripened first, even though there was always a possibility that the rest of the crop would not ripen or be harvested because of some unforeseen circumstance. By offering the first of the produce to the Lord, the people expressed their trust in God's provision and their gratitude for His good gifts."[2] Along with the basket of produce, Israelites were to bring a statement that recognized God's faithfulness to bring them into the land of promise, as well as His promise to bless them. Moses said, “You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time and say to him, ‘I declare this day to the LORD my God that I have entered the land which the LORD swore to our fathers to give us'” (Deut 26:3). Here was a collaboration of worship, both by the giver and the priest in office at the time the gift was given. After the offeror had made his declaration that recognized God's faithfulness and goodness, “Then the priest shall take the basket from your hand and set it down before the altar of the LORD your God” (Deut 26:4). The priest, who received the basket of produce and placed it before the altar, apparently gave it back to the offeror, who also placed it at the altar (see Deut 26:10). The altar mentioned here was the altar that was in the courtyard where animals were sacrificed, as the altar of incense was located in the holy place, where only priests could enter. After giving the priest the offering, Moses directed the giver to speak directly to God, saying, “You shall answer and say before the LORD your God” (Deut 26:5a). The recitation that follows is a short summary of Israel's history from the divine perspective. The Israelites were to remember their ancestral heritage from nomadic wandering to Egyptian slavery and suffering, their cry to the Lord for help, His compassionate deliverance from slavery to freedom, and then freedom to eventual blessing in the land of promise. The specific wording to be spoken by the offeror was as follows: "My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt and sojourned there, few in number; but there he became a great, mighty and populous nation. 6 And the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, and imposed hard labor on us. 7 Then we cried to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction and our toil and our oppression; 8 and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with great terror and with signs and wonders; 9 and He has brought us to this place and has given us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10 Now behold, I have brought the first of the produce of the ground which You, O LORD have given me." (Deut 26:5b-10a) This wording is likely a creedal statement that was to be memorized by the worshipper and repeated year after year, at the time of the offering of the first fruits. There are five parts to the statement: 1) a recognition of Jacob's wandering until God brought him to Egypt where his family grew in number (Deut 26:5), 2) how the Egyptians afflicted them (Deut 26:6), 3) how the Israelites cried to God and He delivered them by His great power (Deut 26:7-8), 4), how God brought His people into the land of Canaan (Deut 26:9), and 5) the Lord's goodness to bless them in the land (Deut 26:10). This statement was intended to help the Israelites frame their current blessings from the divine perspective. The specific breakdown of this statement is as follows. The Israelite offeror was to open with the statement, “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt and sojourned there, few in number; but there he became a great, mighty and populous nation” (Deut 26:5b). The reference to “my father” was likely a reference to Jacob, whose mother was an Aramean (Gen 25:20), and he worked as a shepherd in Aram for twenty years while serving his uncle Laban (Gen 31:41-42). After Jacob returned to Canaan and lived there for several years, God caused a famine on the land (Gen 41:25-32), and Jacob's family suffered hunger which drove them to Egypt for food (Gen 46:1-7). Though Jacob and his family were seventy in number when they went to Egypt (Gen 46:26-27; Ex 1:5), God protected and blessed them, and over four hundred years they grew to be a great nation (Ex 1:7; Deut 10:22). However, though the Israelites grew in number while in Egypt, they were eventually mistreated. The Israelite offeror was to say, “And the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us and imposed hard labor on us” (Deut 26:6). Apparently, because of the growing Israelite population, the Egyptian leadership felt threatened by them and chose to oppress them as a means of controlling them. Such behavior is indicative of the arrogant who are enslaved by human viewpoint, which often resorts to oppression and bully tactics as a means of controlling others. During their captivity and suffering, the Israelites sought the Lord, saying, “Then we cried to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction and our toil and our oppression” (Deut 26:7; cf., Ex 2:23-25). This speaks of the Israelite condition prior to their deliverance and how they cried out to the Lord to intervene, which He did. The confession recognizes God's deliverance, saying, “and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with great terror and with signs and wonders” (Deut 26:8). The Lord had previously promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that their descendants would become a great nation and possess the land of Canaan (Gen 17:7-8; 26:24; 28:13-14), so He brought them out of Egypt to fulfill His word (Deut 5:6; 6:12; 8:14), and thus He created the nation of Israel (Isa 43:15; 45:11). Because Egypt was the greatest superpower of the day, it took God's intervention to liberate His people. Moses, throughout his address in Deuteronomy, references Egypt 49 times. Some of those instances were intended to infuse into Israelite thinking their time of Egyptian slavery (Deut 5:15; 15:15; 16:12; 24:18, 22), and that memory was to have a direct influence on how they appreciated God and behaved toward others. And after their deliverance and wilderness wanderings, the Israelite was to recognize God as the One who brought them into the land of blessing, saying, “and He has brought us to this place and has given us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey” (Deut 26:9). Here was a recognition of God's faithfulness to His Word. Lastly, as a display of covenant loyalty to the Lord, the offeror was to say, “Now behold, I have brought the first of the produce of the ground which You, O LORD have given me” (Deut 26:10a). God owns everything and needs nothing (Lev 25:23; Deut 10:14; Psa 24:1; 89:11; Acts 17:24-26); therefore, the annual gift was a test of the believer's heart (see 1 Ch 29:11-18). After reciting the above script, Moses directed the offeror to place the gift before the Lord and to worship Him. The worship also included the priest, the alien, and the members of the worshipper's household. Moses said, “And you shall set it down before the LORD your God, and worship before the LORD your God, and you and the Levite and the alien who is among you shall rejoice in all the good which the LORD your God has given you and your household” (Deut 26:10b-11). Daniel Block states: "The final phase of this ritual (v. 10b) involves actions by the worshiper: He is to set the basket with the firstfruits before Yahweh, and then in a gesture of homage and submission prostrate himself before Him. Having done so, he is to invite his entire household, as well as Levites and aliens from his town, to join him in celebrating all the benefactions Yahweh has lavished on them. Like the pilgrimages described in Deuteronomy 12:5-12, this is to be a joyful event, presumably involving a meal eaten at the sanctuary in the presence of Yahweh with the entire household, as well as with Levites and aliens whom the worshiper has invited to accompany him to the sanctuary (cf. Deut 12:7, 12, 18; 14:26-27; 16:11, 14)."[3] Here we observe how the worshipper included his family, the Levites, and the alien who lived within the covenant community. This shows that the worship associated with the feast of First Fruits was to be an ongoing annual activity, at the prescribed location of the tabernacle/temple, was public, and corporate. Present Application Though both the people of God, Israel and the Church are distinct, the latter being blessed by the former. But not everyone recognizes this distinction, as replacement theologians teach that the Church replaces Israel. As a result, they have sought to find corresponding replacements for Israel's religious offices and practices. For example, the Roman Catholic Church believes: Israel had a specific location for worship in Jerusalem, so the Church must have a specific holy place, which they've designated as Vatican City in Rome. Israel had a specialized priesthood, and the Church should have a specialized priesthood as well. Israel had a tiered priestly system consisting of the high priest, ordinary priests, and Levites who served at the temple and in the community; likewise, the Roman Catholic Church has a tiered system with the pope, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests. Israel's priests had special clothing, and the Roman Catholic Church has special clothing for its leaders. Israel offered ongoing animal sacrifices, and the Roman Catholic Church teaches that the Lord's Supper is a perpetual sacrifice (transubstantiation). However, the New Testament reveals there is a distinction between Israel and the Church (1 Cor 10:32), and that worship and service in ancient Israel was different than that of the Christian living in dispensation of the church age. Israel was a nation (Ex 19:6), but the church is not a nation (Rom 10:19). God's program for Israel focused on the land promised to Abraham (Gen 12:1; 15:18; 17:8), whereas the church is called to go out to many lands (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). Israel was mentioned throughout the Old Testament and recognized by other nations (Num 14:15; Josh 5:1), but the church was a mystery not known in the Old Testament (Eph 3:1-6; Col 1:26-27; cf. Rom 16:25-26). Israel had a priesthood that was specific to the tribe of Levi (Num 3:6-7), whereas all Christians are priests to God (Rev 1:6; cf. 1 Pet 2:5, 9). Israel worshipped first at the Tabernacle and later the Temple (Ex 40:18-38; 2 Ch 8:14-16), but for Christians, their body is the temple of the Lord, and they gather locally where they want (1 Cor 6:19-20; cf. 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15). Israel was required to tithe from the produce of their land (Deut 14:22-23; 28-29; Num 18:21), but there is no tithe required from Christians, only a joyful attitude when giving, “for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7). Israel offered produce and animal sacrifices to God (Lev 4:1-35), but Christians offer spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet 2:5; cf. Rom 12:1-2; Heb 13:15). The Christian's spiritual sacrifices to the Lord include: The giving of one's body for service to the Lord: “Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:1-2) The sacrifice of praise for worship: “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Heb 13:15). The doing of good works and sharing with others: And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Heb 13:16; cf., Phil 4:18). The sacrifice of one's life for the benefit of others: “But even if I am being poured out as a [sacrificial] drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all” (Phil 2:17; cf., Phil 1:21-26). To walk in sacrificial love: “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma” (Eph 5:1-2). [1] Peter C. Craigie, The Book of Deuteronomy, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1976), 320. [2] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 259. [3] Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy, ed. Terry Muck (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 604.

god jesus christ church lord israel christians spiritual worship acts rome jerusalem old testament new testament egyptian deuteronomy col trust in god israelites rom cor psa his word supper heb tabernacle o lord yahweh eph num lev deut first fruits aram levites roman catholic church levite vatican city directives god rev aramean abraham gen god deut daniel block mi zondervan eerdmans publishing co god lev daniel i block

The Promise After Life - Promise: The Story of Abraham (Gen 12-25)

Sermons – Grace Church

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2022

This week we come to the end of the story of Abraham. At 175 years old, it tells us that “Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man, full of years, and was gathered to his people.” By any measure, Abraham had lived an incredible life. God chose him to make an eternal covenant promise, that he would be the father of a multitude of nations, and that his offspring would possess the land of Canaan forever. And yet here at the end, Abraham dies simply and peacefully. His sons Isaac and Ishmael bury him with his wife Sarah, and then the story moves on. Abraham lived a life of faith before God, but what did that get him in the end? The surprising thing about this last chapter of Abraham's story is that it ultimately points us toward a future hope in the promise of a life everlasting. Simply put, there's more to Abraham's story than life and death. And there's more to ours as well.

god ishmael abraham gen

Episode 246 - Genesis Part 177 - Who Are the Descendants of Abraham (Gen 22: 20-24)

The Bible Project

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2022 10:02

The Bible Project Podcast (Daily - Monday-Friday)https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com.Living In Faith Everyday (L.I.F.E.) (Weekly compilation Podcast, featuring my teaching across all platforms)https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThis podcast was brought to you by the generosity of my backers on Patreon.Why not join them and support my ministry;https://www.patreon.com/livingfaitheveryday?fan_landing=trueFacebook PageThe LIFE Podcast - The Bible Project/FacebookMy Youtube ChannelJeremy R McCandless/YouTubeBackground Music and sound design by Bonadventure.https://soundcloud.com/bonadventurehttps://bonadventure.bandcamp.comThanks to all my Kickstarter backers who enabled this project to launch in May 2021.They are;Robert HollowayThe Creative.fundJohn Van MulligenSergey KocherganBobbi PatchinThomas UnittColin EvansMartin MPWSascha Kassebaum

The Age of Accountability

Bob Enyart Live

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2022

From our BEL Archives... * Crawling Before We Can Walk: The tiniest children, through their own fathers, have all inherited spiritual death from Adam. And as the Bible also teaches, God would of course never punish a child for the sin of her father. So no one who ever dies, let alone a child, would be sent to hell because of what is called "original sin" inherited from Adam. But people are judged, each one, for their own rebellion. For as God insists: The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son… Ezekiel 18:20 Click here for the original broadcast! At what age then does a person become eternally responsible for joining the war being waged against God? Jesus taught that to whom less is given, less is required. And for, "that servant who knew his master's will… to whom much is given, from him much will be required" (Luke 12:47-48). From Scripture Christians realize that people reach the "age of accountability" at different ages, with young people who die and many handicapped folks never reaching that age on this earth. But let's back up and consider how sin is inherited. Spiritual death is inherited from the father, not from mom. Thus Jesus could be born from Mary's body, yet not inherit her sin. Regarding the Incarnation of Christ, some have taught that for Jesus to be born of Mary without inheriting sin, that Mary herself must have been immaculately conceived. However, that only begs the question. For then, how could Mary have been born to her mom, if her mother had not herself been miraculously conceived? So the claim that Mary was immaculately conceived, which the Bible does not teach, would require immaculate conceptions "all the way down," beginning with one of the daughters of Eve, through one of Noah's daughters-in-law, through Sarah, Rebekah, Leah, Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth, and so on to Mary's own unnamed mother. But that was not how Jesus could be "born of a woman" (Gal. 4:4), yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). For children inherit spiritual death from their father, not their mother. The Bible does not teach that all the world died in Eve. Rather, even in the most technically careful theological passages, the Apostle Paul wrote that, "by the one man's offense many died," for "in Adam all die," and death "came through the one who sinned," and the results of sin came "from one offense," so that "by the one man's offense death reigned through the one," and "through one man sin entered the world" (Rom. 5:12-17; 1 Cor. 15:22). From the time of the curse in Eden God prophesied a coming victory by the seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15). However, the Savior was also promised to be the "seed" of Abraham (Gen. 22:18), of Isaac (Gen. 26:4), and of Jacob (Gen. 28:14). And a thousand years before Jesus' birth, God gave this messianic prophecy to Israel's King David, "I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body… and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever" (2 Sam. 7:12-14). So when the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary (Luke 1:35), He provided the genetic compliment to the 23 chromosomes of her own ovum, so that the Scriptures could be literally be fulfilled that He was a true descendant of Abraham and David, yet He was also the seed of the woman, and thus, without sin. So now back to original sin. God would never punish a child for the sin of his or her father. For as He says in the Mosaic Law (a passage often quoted by pro-lifers refuting the "abortion for incest" lie): Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin. Deut. 24:16 Later, a king arose in Judah who did not do "what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25 [see also Deut. 12:8; Jud.17:6, Prov. 12:15, etc.; Jer. 3:17; 7:24; 9:14; 11:8; 13:10; 16:12; 18:12; 23:17]) but who "did what was right in the sight of the LORD," (2 Kings 14:3). And of Amaziah the sacred history records: But the children of the murderers he did not execute, according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, in which the LORD commanded, saying, "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; but a person shall be put to death for his own sin." 2 Kings 14:6 God gets angry at those who allege that He would be so unjust that He would punish a child for his father's sin (or for that matter for Adam's sin). You've heard of the expression, sour grapes, but did you know that phrase comes from the Bible? Some of the most colorful and meaningful passages of Scripture are largely unknown to Christians, in large part because they contradict what some theological schools have taught, wrongly, about children being at risk of punishment from God because of Adam's sin. Yet God is as clear as clear can be. The Israelites had a popular though uninspired proverb which claimed that God would punish them for the sins of their fathers, and the Lord did not appreciate this saying. Ezekiel chapter 18 begins: The word of the LORD came to me again, saying, “What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying: 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'? "As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel!" Ezek. 18:1-3 And speaking of a future time when Israel understands better God's ways, the Lord says: In those days they shall say no more: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." But every one shall die for his own iniquity; every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge.” Jer. 31:29-30 [Note: To continue with this Age of Accountability discussion, Bob Enyart recommends listening to BEL's Bible Study on Romans. The above study is not a preview designed to sell Bob's Romans study, but he has not yet had the time to finish writing this article from his notes on this topic. When that's done, we'll try to remember to update this article here at KGOV. Also, listening to the July 9, 2010 BEL radio program will add Bible material to the above study. Thanks!] * Join the Personhood Campaign: is the most important human rights movement of our lifetime. You can help Colorado RTL and Personhood Colorado pass Amendment 62 by joinging the campaign at MyCampaignTracker.org. And you can learn the INs and OUTs of the pro-life battled with the right-column resources at AmericanRTL.org! * Today's Resource: Have you seen the Government Department at our KGOV Store? We are featuring Bruce Shortt's vitally-important book, The Harsh Truth about Public Schools. And also, check out Bob Enyart's classic God's Criminal Justice System seminar, God and the Death Penalty, Live from Las Vegas, and Bob on Drugs DVDs, and our powerhouse Focus on the Strategy resources! * Human Male vs. Female Mutation Rates: Famed geneticist Francis Collins, the Christian though theistic evolutionist who led the sequencing of the human genome, wrote: ...the Y chromosome only passes from fathers to sons, so it only travels through males—you can get a fix on the mutation rate in males compared to females. ...it seems that we [males] make mistakes about twice as often as the women do in passing our DNA to the next generation. That means, guys, we have to take responsibility for the majority of genetic disease. It has to start somewhere; the majority of the time, it starts in us. * Evolutionists Claim that Disease Equals Evolution: No actual evidence exists for the evolution of one kind of organism into another kind. So to fabricate evidence, Darwinists claim that disease (organisms breaking down) is evidence for the natural origin of an organism. Of course though we all know that entropy and the countless ways of breaking things are qualitatively different than the far fewer ways of making those things. Yet desperate for evidence that he could point to for evolution, Collins continues his above quote as follows: ...genetic disease... If you are feeling depressed about [genetic disease], let me also point out [that] evolutionary progress... is the same phenomenon.

Lechem Panim #199 “God's Greatest Promise” (Acts 18:9-10) Pastor Cameron Ury

The Lechem Panim Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2022 16:26

Hello and welcome to Lechem Panim. Today we will be continuing our study of Acts chapter 18. So if you have your Bible, go ahead and turn with me there. You will remember that Paul has (most recently) entered into the city of Corinth, the political and commercial center of Greece. And it is here that he works as a tentmaker alongside a Jewish man and woman (Aquila and Priscilla) who themselves have been driven out (as all the Jews were) from Rome. And so during the week they make leather tents (and perhaps other leather items as well) and sell them. But on the Sabbath Paul would reason in the synagogue with the Jews and Gentiles who had gathered there to worship and persuaded some of them of the truth of the Gospel. Now Silas and Timothy eventually arrive. And 2 Corinthians 11:9 tells us that they do so bringing financial aid. And this allowed Paul to be more freed to devote himself fully to preaching the Gospel. But enemies had set themselves against Paul; and Paul had faced the rejection of many of his own people, most recently here in Corinth. And so it is a time of discouragement. And he may be wondering how he is ever going to do what God has called him to do. But God gave Paul an amazing promise that extends to you and me as well. And today I would like to take a look at that promise. Remembering 9/11— You know, most of you (myself included) remember right where you were when you heard the news that terrorists had hit the World Trade Center buildings on 9/11. It's a day we will never forget. But recently I read (I think for the first time, though I had seen part of it before) the 911 call from United Airlines Flight 93, where a very terrified passenger by the name of Todd Beamer was frantically telling the dispatcher about the hijacking of their plane. And the dispatcher confirmed for him what he had already heard, that hijackers had crashed two planes into the World Trade Center and that both towers were gone. “Oh God —help us!” he said. She told him that a third plane was taken over by terrorists, who crashed it into the pentagon; and his plane may also be part of their plan. Then Todd, in shock, asked the dispatcher (whose name was Lisa) to call his pregnant wife (whose name, surprisingly, was also Lisa) and their two boys, tell them what happened, and tell her that he loves her and will always love her; and to tell his boys that their daddy loves them and that he is so proud of them. Later in the call another dispatcher joins in the conversation. Goodwin: Hello Todd. This is Agent Goodwin with the FBI. We have been monitoring your flight. Your plane is on a course for Washington, DC. These terrorists sent two planes into the World Trade Center and one plane into the Pentagon. Our best guess is that they plan to fly your plane into either the White House or the United States Capital Building. Todd: I understand…hold on……I'll…….I'll be back.. Lisa: Mr. Goodwin, how much time do they have before they get to Washington? Goodwin: Not long ma'am. They changed course over Cleveland; they're approaching Pittsburgh now. Washington may be twenty minutes away. Todd: (breathing a little heavier) The plane seems to be changing directions just a little. It's getting pretty rough up here. The plane is flying real erratic….We're not going to make it out of here. Listen to me….I want you to hear this….I have talked with the others….we have decided we would not be pawns in these hijackers suicidal plot. Lisa: Todd, what are you going to do? Todd: We've hatched a plan. Four of us are going to rush the hijacker with the bomb. After we take him out, we'll break into the cockpit. A stewardess is getting some boiling water to throw on the hijackers at the controls. We'll get them….and we'll take them out. Lisa, …..will you do one last thing for me? Lisa: Yes…What is it? Todd: Would you pray with me? They pray: Our father which art in Heaven Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive our trespassers, And lead us not into temptation But deliver us from evil For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory Forever…..Amen The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want… He makes me to lie down in green pastures He leads me beside the still waters He restores my soul He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for thou art with me….. Todd: (softer) God help me…Jesus help me….(clears throat and louder) Are you guys ready?…….. Let's Roll…………………… Thou Art With Me— And of course we know that Todd and the other passengers succeeded. They (at the cost of their own lives) were able to overcome the terrorists and crash the plane, saving God knows how many lives in what is no doubt one of the greatest acts of heroism in American history. Now I cannot imagine how afraid Todd and those passengers must have been. Yet they were somehow able to rise above that fear and take action. And the secret to that courage might be found in the last words Todd prayed from Psalm 23: for thou art with me. I don't know if there are any more encouraging words in scripture than those; to know that in the midst of whatever we face, God is with us. Perhaps that is why God has seen fit to interweave this promise throughout all of scripture. He says in… Genesis 28:15 ESV— Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Joshua 1:9— "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Isaiah 41:10— "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 43:2 ESV— When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Deuteronomy 31:6— "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Zephaniah 3:17— "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Matthew 28:20— "Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” A Promise That Carries Us— It is this promise of God to be with us no matter what that can help us to carry on His work in the face of the most intense trials and persecutions. And it is no surprise that it is this promise that God gives to Paul as he is no doubt discouraged from his having faced rejection and adversity in just about every place he has been ministering in, most recently from his Jewish brothers there in Corinth. And so God comes to him by night and appears to him in a vision. It says in… Acts 18:9-10 (NKJV)— 9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” A Dark Situation— Now the reason that God said this was because remember that recently Crispus, the synagogue ruler, converted to faith in Christ in and through the ministry of Paul. And that was great, because it opened up more opportunities for Paul to evangelize. But it also brought more opposition from the enemy. The unbelieving Jews in Corinth were furious at Paul's success and set themselves against him and his ministry with the aim to silence and get rid of him. Now Luke does not give us much detail on this, but it seems that between verses 8 and 9 the situation has become especially difficult and dangerous for Paul; so dangerous that Paul may have even been thinking about leaving Corinth altogether, as he had been forced to do from some of the other cities he had ministered in. But, as we have been talking about, God always provides encouragement when we need it most. And that encouragement can come through His Word, through the ministry of other people, or even directly from God through prayer. But no matter how He does it, God speaks to us when we need Him most. And God tells Paul that because He is with him, he doesn't need to be afraid, but can speak freely without feeling like he needs to keep silent in order to be safe. Fear Not— Now there have probably been times in your life when you have heard God speaking a soft and tender “Fear not!” into your life to quiet your heart and give you peace amidst the storms of life. “Fear not!” [is the way He assured Abraham (Gen. 15:1), Isaac (Gen. 26:24), and Jacob (Gen. 46:3), as well as Jehoshaphat (2 Chron. 20:15–17), Daniel (Dan. 10:12, 19), Mary (Luke 1:30), and Peter (Luke 5:10).] And that is how God assures us as well. “it is a fact!”— [British preacher G. Campbell Morgan used to read the Bible each week to two elderly women. One evening, when he finished reading the closing words of Matthew 28, Morgan said to the women, “Isn't that a wonderful promise!” and one of them replied, “Young man, that is not a promise—it is a fact!”] Paul Experiences “Immanuel”— And that was definitely a fact for Paul. [Jesus had already appeared to Paul on the Damascus road (Acts 9:1–6; 26:12–18) and also in the temple (Acts 22:17–18). Paul would be encouraged by Him again when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem (Acts 23:11) and later in Rome (2 Tim. 4:16–17). Our Lord's angel would also appear to Paul in the midst of the storm and give him a word of assurance for the passengers and crew (Acts 27:23–25).] And this really shows that the title we call Jesus by (especially during Christmas time), “Immanuel—God with us” (Matt. 1:23) is a name that our Savior really lives up to. And I want to tell you today that Jesus is with you. And therefore you can take courage. One hymn speak this Word of God into our lives like no other: “Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.” “When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” Know this week that Christ is with you in whatever you are facing; and that, if you abide in Him, He will do His work through you. Amen.

Ephesians #11 (2:11-22)

Glen Springs Church

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2022 22:17

The Lord made three promises to his faithful servant Abraham (Gen 12). He said he would make of him "a great nation," He would give him a "promised land," and through his seed, "all nations would be blessed." Jesus is the blessing to all nations, and Paul makes sure the Ephesus church knows that this blessing includes ALL Gentiles. There is no longer alienation and strangers to the covenant of the Lord. We are fellow citizens, saints, and members of the household of God. Jews and Gentiles are united in Christ. Join us we study how our Lord Jesus "broke down the dividing wall" and has "brought all men near by His blood."

god jesus christ lord ephesians jews gentiles ephesus abraham gen

Deuteronomy 21:1-9 - And Individual and Corporate Responsibility