THINK ON THESE THINGS....
Just some thoughts to get your brain in tune with God....
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One of greatest needs in sharing the gospel is to turn people’s ears into eyes.
People must come to see what we are talking about.. Galatians 3:10-14 no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, because the just shall live by faith. the law is not of faith: Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:
This portion of scripture explains the necessity, meaning and consequence of the cross. Although some try to soften it...
God made Christ a cursed one for our sakes.
II Corinthians 5:21 God has made him to be sin for us....
CHRIST REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW BY BECOMING A CURSE FOR US.
Galatians 5:24 they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Paul declares in Galatians that self control and serving others in love constitutes freedom! Galatians 5:13
The acts of the flesh are in direct opposition to the fruit of the spirit. According to verse 24 we are to crucify the flesh with its evil passions and desires. We are not to coddle, pamper or spoil our flesh. We are not to tolerat or even encourage the deeds of the flesh. We are to RUTHLESSLY AND FIERCELY REJECT IT!
Galatians 6:14 God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Some are obsessed with themselves, their money, fame or power; but Paul’s obsession was with Christ and His cross. That which was regarded as an oblect of shame, disgrace, and even disgust was for Paul his pride, boasting and glory.
People must come to see what we are talking about.. Galatians 3:10-14 no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, because the just shall live by faith. the law is not of faith: Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:
This portion of scripture explains the necessity, meaning and consequence of the cross. Although some try to soften it...
God made Christ a cursed one for our sakes.
II Corinthians 5:21 God has made him to be sin for us....
CHRIST REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW BY BECOMING A CURSE FOR US.
Galatians 5:24 they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Paul declares in Galatians that self control and serving others in love constitutes freedom! Galatians 5:13
The acts of the flesh are in direct opposition to the fruit of the spirit. According to verse 24 we are to crucify the flesh with its evil passions and desires. We are not to coddle, pamper or spoil our flesh. We are not to tolerat or even encourage the deeds of the flesh. We are to RUTHLESSLY AND FIERCELY REJECT IT!
Galatians 6:14 God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Some are obsessed with themselves, their money, fame or power; but Paul’s obsession was with Christ and His cross. That which was regarded as an oblect of shame, disgrace, and even disgust was for Paul his pride, boasting and glory.
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Nehemiah 8:8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly and gave the sense, and caused [them] to understand the reading. This morning as we distinctly read portions of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, I hope to give you a sense of the 7affirmations regarding the Cross. Holy Spirit cause us to understand.
Galatians 1:3-5 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Galatians 2:19-21 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Seven times we read that Sinners are not justified by the law but by God’s grace through faith. Three times in verse 16 the apostle insists that nobody can be justified by the law.
Galatians 1:3-5 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Galatians 2:19-21 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Seven times we read that Sinners are not justified by the law but by God’s grace through faith. Three times in verse 16 the apostle insists that nobody can be justified by the law.
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At night, wagon trains were often formed into a circle for shelter from wind or weather and corral the emigrants' animals in the center to prevent them from running away or being stolen. Wagons were seldom circled defensively, contrary to popular belief. To me this speaks of looking out for each other, caring for each other, and helping each other—it speaks of the Golden rule—Loving God and our neighbors.
With all that is going on in the world I think we should Circle the Wagons on a regular basis—not just as a reaction to an event. in other words gather more often with your family, call your friends and better yet drop in for a visit.
Circle those wagons. Protect relationship time and energy at all costs! (relationship time with God, family and friends)
Thomas Payne addressing the First Continental Congress said, “If we do not hang together, we will hang separately.”
United - We Receive the Blessings from God
United - We Receive Blessings from Each Other
The Bible teaches we ought to love one another. Loving people are blessed people - not just by God - but through each other
a) we learn from one another
b) we draw strength from one another
c) we can rely on one another
d) we strengthen ourselves with one another
I Peter 3: 8,9 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing
With all that is going on in the world I think we should Circle the Wagons on a regular basis—not just as a reaction to an event. in other words gather more often with your family, call your friends and better yet drop in for a visit.
Circle those wagons. Protect relationship time and energy at all costs! (relationship time with God, family and friends)
Thomas Payne addressing the First Continental Congress said, “If we do not hang together, we will hang separately.”
United - We Receive the Blessings from God
United - We Receive Blessings from Each Other
The Bible teaches we ought to love one another. Loving people are blessed people - not just by God - but through each other
a) we learn from one another
b) we draw strength from one another
c) we can rely on one another
d) we strengthen ourselves with one another
I Peter 3: 8,9 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing
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I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.
I believe that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.
I believe that God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.
I believe in being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.
I believe that men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.
This may be simple cowboy wisdom, but it will take you places.
I hope it encourages you to see how blessed we are by God to have great neighbors and friends. And how vital it is to be part of the family of God - rather than being off by yourself doing your own thing….. It is hard to circle the wagons when you are by your lonesome self, you just end up going in circles.
I believe that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.
I believe that God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.
I believe in being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.
I believe that men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.
This may be simple cowboy wisdom, but it will take you places.
I hope it encourages you to see how blessed we are by God to have great neighbors and friends. And how vital it is to be part of the family of God - rather than being off by yourself doing your own thing….. It is hard to circle the wagons when you are by your lonesome self, you just end up going in circles.
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A.W. Tozer gave this illustration in his book The Pursuit of God:
If you have one hundred concert pianos, and you tune the second piano to the first, and the third piano to the second, and the fourth piano to the third, until you have tuned all one hundred pianos accordingly, you will still have discord and harmony. But if you tuned each piano to the same tuning fork, you will have unity and harmony. So, too, in the body of Christ. When we each tune ourselves and our lives to Christ’s, we will have unity.
There is strength in having good friends.
Proverbs 27:10 Your own friend, and your father's friend, forsake not; neither go into your brother's house in the day of your calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
Proverbs 18:24 A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
If you have one hundred concert pianos, and you tune the second piano to the first, and the third piano to the second, and the fourth piano to the third, until you have tuned all one hundred pianos accordingly, you will still have discord and harmony. But if you tuned each piano to the same tuning fork, you will have unity and harmony. So, too, in the body of Christ. When we each tune ourselves and our lives to Christ’s, we will have unity.
There is strength in having good friends.
Proverbs 27:10 Your own friend, and your father's friend, forsake not; neither go into your brother's house in the day of your calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
Proverbs 18:24 A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
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Religion leaves us resting in our lees.
Religion is the old wineskin that cannot receive the new wine.
When Christians are following the Head (Jesus) the results are not peace, but conflicts, persecution and division. The conflict I speak of is the kind that comes between those who are truly attempting to be disciples of Christ and those who desire a form of godliness but deny the power.
Look again at what Jesus said, Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be of his own household. Matthew 10:34-36
Jesus explained that those led by the spirit are constantly moving and changing. John 3:8
Our natural tendency - our "old" way is contrary to God's ways.
We like things stable, secure and comfortable. But God demands freedom. His work, like the wind, can never be limited, confined or boxed in!
The average churchgoer today is not thirsty enough to change.
And it is impossible to contain new wine in "old" wineskins.
Matthew 9:17 ..Men do not put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved...... New wine must be put into new bottles.
The greater the outpouring the greater the wineskin ripping!
People don’t like to make radical changes and God won’t force them to.
It would be wise for us stay flexible in the things of God. Staying soft and pliable to God’s Spirit..
In the early stages of a move of God there are struggles. Those participating must step out of their comfortable, traditional world and pay a price.
There will be misunderstandings, persecutions, financial struggles and battles, but God has and will continue to move powerfully saving souls and working miracles. God promised to pour out His spirit on all flesh before the return of Jesus, and hence we are to expect a mighty revival!
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Religion is the old wineskin that cannot receive the new wine.
When Christians are following the Head (Jesus) the results are not peace, but conflicts, persecution and division. The conflict I speak of is the kind that comes between those who are truly attempting to be disciples of Christ and those who desire a form of godliness but deny the power.
Look again at what Jesus said, Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be of his own household. Matthew 10:34-36
Jesus explained that those led by the spirit are constantly moving and changing. John 3:8
Our natural tendency - our "old" way is contrary to God's ways.
We like things stable, secure and comfortable. But God demands freedom. His work, like the wind, can never be limited, confined or boxed in!
The average churchgoer today is not thirsty enough to change.
And it is impossible to contain new wine in "old" wineskins.
Matthew 9:17 ..Men do not put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved...... New wine must be put into new bottles.
The greater the outpouring the greater the wineskin ripping!
People don’t like to make radical changes and God won’t force them to.
It would be wise for us stay flexible in the things of God. Staying soft and pliable to God’s Spirit..
In the early stages of a move of God there are struggles. Those participating must step out of their comfortable, traditional world and pay a price.
There will be misunderstandings, persecutions, financial struggles and battles, but God has and will continue to move powerfully saving souls and working miracles. God promised to pour out His spirit on all flesh before the return of Jesus, and hence we are to expect a mighty revival!
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
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II Corinthians 3:18 ... we are changed into the image of Christ from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord.
Historically, man has tried to capture moves of God by building structures to contain them. Each time God gives fuller revelation; each time He pours out his Spirit, people design programs, developed doctrinal statements, construct buildings and organized denominations in an effort to preserve God’s work!
We must remember these waves are not our ultimate end, but rather a stepping stone taking us from glory to glory!
Due to a hesitancy in receiving truth this is not a smooth process. It usually takes time for people to accept revealed truth. Usually the messengers of those truths received great persecution and rejection at first.
Old wine skins have the hardest time with a new wave or a new move of God. They do not like going from glory to glory. They according to Luke 5:39 look at the "old" as being better. Being comfortable or settled in the "old" ways.
Jerimiah 48:11 gives a vivid description of the church of today: Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.
Settled on his lees and has not been emptied from vessel to vessel.... Let me explain this a little better....
Because we have not been poured out from vessel to vessel, our old wine skins contain lees. Lees are dregs, grounds, residue, sediment, or silt.
In the wine making process grapes are picked and crushed. This produces a dark fluid, which is left to ferment. It is then passed through a process that separates the impurities. These impurities settle to the bottom these are called lees. Now if it is left that way in the vats the wine will not reach it's
sweetness and texture. In fact the lees become a part of the wine and it degrades or lowers the quality of the vintage. And if it is left that way the wine will become course and it will not reach its intended taste, but if it is poured from vessel to vessel after each time of settling the wine is separated from the
lees thereby softening or improving the texture and taste of the wine. Each time it is decanted or poured from one vessel to another the lees are drawn out.
Finally the crude taste and scent is gone and it becomes what they call "of perfect character" This is exactly what God has in mind for His people!
He empties us from vessel to vessel, He desires to remove from us the lees. He wants us to be of perfect character, a sweet flavor, not having out taste remaining in us! It is then that we are able to hold the new wine!
Historically, man has tried to capture moves of God by building structures to contain them. Each time God gives fuller revelation; each time He pours out his Spirit, people design programs, developed doctrinal statements, construct buildings and organized denominations in an effort to preserve God’s work!
We must remember these waves are not our ultimate end, but rather a stepping stone taking us from glory to glory!
Due to a hesitancy in receiving truth this is not a smooth process. It usually takes time for people to accept revealed truth. Usually the messengers of those truths received great persecution and rejection at first.
Old wine skins have the hardest time with a new wave or a new move of God. They do not like going from glory to glory. They according to Luke 5:39 look at the "old" as being better. Being comfortable or settled in the "old" ways.
Jerimiah 48:11 gives a vivid description of the church of today: Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.
Settled on his lees and has not been emptied from vessel to vessel.... Let me explain this a little better....
Because we have not been poured out from vessel to vessel, our old wine skins contain lees. Lees are dregs, grounds, residue, sediment, or silt.
In the wine making process grapes are picked and crushed. This produces a dark fluid, which is left to ferment. It is then passed through a process that separates the impurities. These impurities settle to the bottom these are called lees. Now if it is left that way in the vats the wine will not reach it's
sweetness and texture. In fact the lees become a part of the wine and it degrades or lowers the quality of the vintage. And if it is left that way the wine will become course and it will not reach its intended taste, but if it is poured from vessel to vessel after each time of settling the wine is separated from the
lees thereby softening or improving the texture and taste of the wine. Each time it is decanted or poured from one vessel to another the lees are drawn out.
Finally the crude taste and scent is gone and it becomes what they call "of perfect character" This is exactly what God has in mind for His people!
He empties us from vessel to vessel, He desires to remove from us the lees. He wants us to be of perfect character, a sweet flavor, not having out taste remaining in us! It is then that we are able to hold the new wine!
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Do you ever question whether God has a plan or not?
Does it seem at times as if God is just playing it by ear?
Let me assure you - Almighty God has a plan! And His plan involves preparing a people with whom He can spend eternity. He is raising up a Bride for His Son. Ephesians 4:11-13 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."
Paul explained earlier in Ephesians, that we are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22
We are being built together to form a place of habitation. Not just an ordinary place of habitation, but a place for Almighty God through the spirit.
The church is being carried along according to God's preordained plan, with the goal that it will become the holy temple of God..
God by His Spirit is restoring His people, perfecting us step by step, precept upon precept, and line upon line.
Joel refers to two separate periods of the Holy Spirit's out-pouring: the early rain and the latter rain. The first is what happened at Pentecost and the latter is the greater outpouring that we will experience before Jesus returns.
Ezekiel also foretells the Holy Spirit's work of maturing the Church, by relaying the vision he had of water from the temple of God, first trickling out, then reaching the ankles, then to the knees, then to the loins and finally deep enough to swim in. Ezekiel 47:1-12
So important is this that he is questioned.."Son of man, hast thou seen this?" Do you see it? Do you get it?
Does it seem at times as if God is just playing it by ear?
Let me assure you - Almighty God has a plan! And His plan involves preparing a people with whom He can spend eternity. He is raising up a Bride for His Son. Ephesians 4:11-13 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."
Paul explained earlier in Ephesians, that we are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22
We are being built together to form a place of habitation. Not just an ordinary place of habitation, but a place for Almighty God through the spirit.
The church is being carried along according to God's preordained plan, with the goal that it will become the holy temple of God..
God by His Spirit is restoring His people, perfecting us step by step, precept upon precept, and line upon line.
Joel refers to two separate periods of the Holy Spirit's out-pouring: the early rain and the latter rain. The first is what happened at Pentecost and the latter is the greater outpouring that we will experience before Jesus returns.
Ezekiel also foretells the Holy Spirit's work of maturing the Church, by relaying the vision he had of water from the temple of God, first trickling out, then reaching the ankles, then to the knees, then to the loins and finally deep enough to swim in. Ezekiel 47:1-12
So important is this that he is questioned.."Son of man, hast thou seen this?" Do you see it? Do you get it?
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While God does not always see fit to give physical healing in answer to our prayers, he does something that may be even better… He gives to him who really prays an inner strength, a calm courage that enables him to bear whatever load is laid upon him. I Corinthians 10:13 God is faithful, He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, so that you may be able to bear it.
Friends, God Himself gives in answer to prayer a quiet heart, an abiding peace, and a fullness of life.
We learn with Paul that God’s grace is sufficient and we too shout, Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest on me. II Corinthians 12:9
We need to hear Christ say, You may be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Isaiah 55:12, 35:10 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands…...And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
We believe that this is true in the here and now, as well it is going to be true in a fuller sense in the eternal future… Let not your heart be troubled you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. John 14:1
These are the words of our Christ. Since they are true we are safe in cherishing the wildest dreams for the future.
In the presence of pain and change, in the presence of death itself we sing with calm confidence: "Joy will come”.
Friends, God Himself gives in answer to prayer a quiet heart, an abiding peace, and a fullness of life.
We learn with Paul that God’s grace is sufficient and we too shout, Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest on me. II Corinthians 12:9
We need to hear Christ say, You may be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Isaiah 55:12, 35:10 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands…...And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
We believe that this is true in the here and now, as well it is going to be true in a fuller sense in the eternal future… Let not your heart be troubled you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. John 14:1
These are the words of our Christ. Since they are true we are safe in cherishing the wildest dreams for the future.
In the presence of pain and change, in the presence of death itself we sing with calm confidence: "Joy will come”.
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For instance, when my mom and dad were unaware of my whereabouts, or whether I was alive or not, they were pretty desperate. Then there is postcard in the mail box informing them to read the story of the Prodigal son and that I would see them in the spring. A moment later although my whereabouts were still unknown, the despair was gone from my parent’s heart. A great joy had come in its place. And then when I did come home - the said they had expected me!
To those of you who are passing through a long night of weeping, I beg you to hear this message. Hear it, and your heart will sing. Joy is coming in the morning. Nobody can be utterly cast down who believes that.
Psalms 37:23-25 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholds him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
But is such a faith possible for us who live in these trouble filled days? This psalmist had been suffering from some deadly disease. He had been so close to the gates of death that he saw himself as being among the dead. In his desperate plight he had cried to God, and God had heard and healed.
Can we, too, then believe that God will always heal the sick and suffering that cry to him? We cannot.
There are those who pray just as earnestly as this poet, who, in spite of all their prayers, in spite of the prayers of those who love them, go quickly down to death. Then there are others who go on suffering for long, torturing years. Paul was such a one. He pleaded earnestly and insistently for the removal of his thorn, but his request was not granted.
To those of you who are passing through a long night of weeping, I beg you to hear this message. Hear it, and your heart will sing. Joy is coming in the morning. Nobody can be utterly cast down who believes that.
Psalms 37:23-25 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholds him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
But is such a faith possible for us who live in these trouble filled days? This psalmist had been suffering from some deadly disease. He had been so close to the gates of death that he saw himself as being among the dead. In his desperate plight he had cried to God, and God had heard and healed.
Can we, too, then believe that God will always heal the sick and suffering that cry to him? We cannot.
There are those who pray just as earnestly as this poet, who, in spite of all their prayers, in spite of the prayers of those who love them, go quickly down to death. Then there are others who go on suffering for long, torturing years. Paul was such a one. He pleaded earnestly and insistently for the removal of his thorn, but his request was not granted.
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When, this singer tells us that, though weeping may tarry for a night, joy will come with the morning, he is telling us a truth he has come to by the painful path of experience. He threw himself in his weakness into the Everlasting Arms Deuteronomy 33:27 and God did not fail him.
He has turned for me my mourning into dancing, he sings proudly. He came, he declares, like a wise and tender nurse and removed my galling garment of sackcloth and decked me in a garment of gladness. And what God has done for me, he declares with assurance, he will do for you. Weeping may tarry for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
What good is this kind of faith?
It keeps alive our hope. Keeping alive our hope, it also enables us to carry on with patient courage. It is hard to see things through with honor if hope is gone. Some manage it, but it is very difficult.
As a firefighter and first responder I have looked into the face of one who had committed suicide. It was a pathetic face, it was one of hopelessness. He had lost heart and gave up the fight. Friends the night of weeping may be long and lonely, but we will not give up, if we are sure that joy is coming in the morning.
Not only will this faith give us hope and thereby minister to our courage and patient endurance, it will be light to us during the night of our weeping.
What is it that makes sorrow so bitter? Hopelessness.
If we could only feel there is a cure, it wouldn’t be so hard.
If we could just believe that weeping is but temporary!
If we could just believe, that joy comes in the morning.
He has turned for me my mourning into dancing, he sings proudly. He came, he declares, like a wise and tender nurse and removed my galling garment of sackcloth and decked me in a garment of gladness. And what God has done for me, he declares with assurance, he will do for you. Weeping may tarry for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
What good is this kind of faith?
It keeps alive our hope. Keeping alive our hope, it also enables us to carry on with patient courage. It is hard to see things through with honor if hope is gone. Some manage it, but it is very difficult.
As a firefighter and first responder I have looked into the face of one who had committed suicide. It was a pathetic face, it was one of hopelessness. He had lost heart and gave up the fight. Friends the night of weeping may be long and lonely, but we will not give up, if we are sure that joy is coming in the morning.
Not only will this faith give us hope and thereby minister to our courage and patient endurance, it will be light to us during the night of our weeping.
What is it that makes sorrow so bitter? Hopelessness.
If we could only feel there is a cure, it wouldn’t be so hard.
If we could just believe that weeping is but temporary!
If we could just believe, that joy comes in the morning.
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Tears may come, but they will be transient. With the rising of the sun they will vanish like the dew. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. It seems his view is just the opposite of the commonly accepted view. Are we not constantly reminding ourselves of the transience of our joys? We go on endlessly with our songs of “Wasted days and wasted nights”
But here is a glad voice raised to tell us that it is weeping that is soon gone. It may tarry for a night, but joy will surely come with the morning.
Do you see that his faith is not born out of a stubborn refusal to face the ugly facts of life. He real believes that weeping will only last for a night.
He faces all the terrifying enemies that surround us and still he clings to his faith.
But here is a glad voice raised to tell us that it is weeping that is soon gone. It may tarry for a night, but joy will surely come with the morning.
Do you see that his faith is not born out of a stubborn refusal to face the ugly facts of life. He real believes that weeping will only last for a night.
He faces all the terrifying enemies that surround us and still he clings to his faith.
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Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
WHAT a wonderfully encouraging portion of scripture!
Of course you must believe that this is more than nice poetry. .
There will always be those who boo who it. There may be some who because of their hard life do not believe this verse.
Do you hear the faith of this psalmist? He is daring to tell us that in this world of change and decay, in this world where our hearts are so often broken and our faces so often wet with tears, that joy may be a more abiding guest than sorrow.
He doesn’t promise exemption from sorrow. Rather, he says that weeping may come and spend the night, but it need not stay the week-end.
Tears may come, but they will be transient. With the rising of the sun they will vanish like the dew.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
WHAT a wonderfully encouraging portion of scripture!
Of course you must believe that this is more than nice poetry. .
There will always be those who boo who it. There may be some who because of their hard life do not believe this verse.
Do you hear the faith of this psalmist? He is daring to tell us that in this world of change and decay, in this world where our hearts are so often broken and our faces so often wet with tears, that joy may be a more abiding guest than sorrow.
He doesn’t promise exemption from sorrow. Rather, he says that weeping may come and spend the night, but it need not stay the week-end.
Tears may come, but they will be transient. With the rising of the sun they will vanish like the dew.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
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Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Ephesians 2:11-17 Wherefore remember, that FORMERLY you the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by the so called Circumcision which is performed in the flesh by hands; Remember that you were at that time without Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus you who were formerly far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the law of commandments... contained in the ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one “new” man.establishing peace; and might reconcile them both to God in one body by the cross, having put to death the enmity.
Ephesians 2:11-17 Wherefore remember, that FORMERLY you the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by the so called Circumcision which is performed in the flesh by hands; Remember that you were at that time without Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus you who were formerly far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the law of commandments... contained in the ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one “new” man.establishing peace; and might reconcile them both to God in one body by the cross, having put to death the enmity.
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It was not the nails that held him to the tree but his love for the perishing and his determination to finsh the work given him by the Father.
Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. There is no way Jesus would desend from the cross.
Jesus could not and would not disobey His Father!
“He had already said not my will!”
The scriptures had to be fulfuilled.
Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you’ve taken and have crucified and slain He could not let man perish.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
I Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us which are saved it is the power of God.
THE POWER OF GOD
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus:
I John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Let’s do some victory shouting!
Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. There is no way Jesus would desend from the cross.
Jesus could not and would not disobey His Father!
“He had already said not my will!”
The scriptures had to be fulfuilled.
Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you’ve taken and have crucified and slain He could not let man perish.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
I Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us which are saved it is the power of God.
THE POWER OF GOD
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus:
I John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Let’s do some victory shouting!
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We should glory in it! Because it is by this that the “world is crucified unto me and I unto the world.” It is the means of my salvation! It is the very way that I am saved! If Jesus had not died on the cross..... there would be no good news to preach!
How does the cross save me? Any one who is saved, is saved by the cross. And to be saved means that your sins are forgiven that you are reconciled to God.
Look at the cross! You’ll never understand the true significance of what happened at calvary until you are clear on who it was that died there! Matthew 20:28 the Son of man came to minister and to give his life a ransom for many.
The cross is not something to be explained away - no!
It is essential!
Consider the problem:
Man is a guilty sinner, God is a holy God. How can the two be brought together? By the cross of Christ.
The wages of sin is death. Without shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. Jesus came as the lamb of God.... the lamb of God that takes away our sin. The beloved son of Almighty God, willingly gave himself for you and for me!
Acts 16:30-31 Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house. That is why Paul gloried in Jesus’ cross!
Mark 15:26-32 the superscription of his accusation was written over, The KING OF THE JEWS.
There cannot be, there must never be a crossless Christ!
How does the cross save me? Any one who is saved, is saved by the cross. And to be saved means that your sins are forgiven that you are reconciled to God.
Look at the cross! You’ll never understand the true significance of what happened at calvary until you are clear on who it was that died there! Matthew 20:28 the Son of man came to minister and to give his life a ransom for many.
The cross is not something to be explained away - no!
It is essential!
Consider the problem:
Man is a guilty sinner, God is a holy God. How can the two be brought together? By the cross of Christ.
The wages of sin is death. Without shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. Jesus came as the lamb of God.... the lamb of God that takes away our sin. The beloved son of Almighty God, willingly gave himself for you and for me!
Acts 16:30-31 Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house. That is why Paul gloried in Jesus’ cross!
Mark 15:26-32 the superscription of his accusation was written over, The KING OF THE JEWS.
There cannot be, there must never be a crossless Christ!
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Paul did not say that he gloried in the sermon on the mount! Paul did not glory in the gifts of the spirit!
He gloried in the cross of Christ and that and that alone is what he preached and taught!
Look with me at Matthew 16:13-18 Jesus, asked his disciples Who do men say that I am? And they said, Some say that You are John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He asked, But who do you say that I am? And Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered, Blessed are you, Peter for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but my Father which is in heaven. You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Note what comes next... After this great confession of Peter that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, he immediately introduces them to his death and they can’t take it!
Matthew 16:21-23 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples, how he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things.... and be killed and be raised again the third day. Then Peter began to rebuke him, saying, Lord: this shall not be...But Jesus said to Peter, Get behind me, Satan: you are an offence to me: for you savor not the things that be of God....
Peter is not the only one who failed at this! Our Lord’s rebukle still rings true today:“You don’t understand, you think that the fact that I am the son of God is the thing that is going to save you: it’s not! It is what I am going to do!”
Matthew 20:28 Jesus came to give his life a ransom for many.
And that my friends puts the cross as being central in the gospel message!
The death of our Lord upon the cross is not something to be regretted. It is not something to be explained away.
It is not something to be kept out of sight or hidden.
He gloried in the cross of Christ and that and that alone is what he preached and taught!
Look with me at Matthew 16:13-18 Jesus, asked his disciples Who do men say that I am? And they said, Some say that You are John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He asked, But who do you say that I am? And Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered, Blessed are you, Peter for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but my Father which is in heaven. You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Note what comes next... After this great confession of Peter that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, he immediately introduces them to his death and they can’t take it!
Matthew 16:21-23 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples, how he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things.... and be killed and be raised again the third day. Then Peter began to rebuke him, saying, Lord: this shall not be...But Jesus said to Peter, Get behind me, Satan: you are an offence to me: for you savor not the things that be of God....
Peter is not the only one who failed at this! Our Lord’s rebukle still rings true today:“You don’t understand, you think that the fact that I am the son of God is the thing that is going to save you: it’s not! It is what I am going to do!”
Matthew 20:28 Jesus came to give his life a ransom for many.
And that my friends puts the cross as being central in the gospel message!
The death of our Lord upon the cross is not something to be regretted. It is not something to be explained away.
It is not something to be kept out of sight or hidden.
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Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
This verse is a continuation of Paul’s thoughts..... the word “but” suggests that.
Verses 12 and 13 read like this: As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
The Galatians had become Christians as the result of Paul’s preaching and teaching the “Christian Gospel”. But certain other teachers had come and upset them. They had taught that while it is all right to believe in this gospel, if you really want to be a full blown Christian and truly blessed of God you had to submit to circumcision and go back under the old Jewish law.
Just what is the Christian gospel?
The central thing, the thing that matters above everything else and what he picks out is the death on the cross of our lord Jesus Christ.
Paul puts it into one tremendous statement: God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ....
Paul thought it unthinkable to glory in, to boast in or to trust in, anything except the cross!
The preaching of the cross has never been popular!
The preaching of the cross was a stumbling block to the Jews it was foolishness to the Greeks. The cross has always been offensive to people.
This verse is a continuation of Paul’s thoughts..... the word “but” suggests that.
Verses 12 and 13 read like this: As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
The Galatians had become Christians as the result of Paul’s preaching and teaching the “Christian Gospel”. But certain other teachers had come and upset them. They had taught that while it is all right to believe in this gospel, if you really want to be a full blown Christian and truly blessed of God you had to submit to circumcision and go back under the old Jewish law.
Just what is the Christian gospel?
The central thing, the thing that matters above everything else and what he picks out is the death on the cross of our lord Jesus Christ.
Paul puts it into one tremendous statement: God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ....
Paul thought it unthinkable to glory in, to boast in or to trust in, anything except the cross!
The preaching of the cross has never been popular!
The preaching of the cross was a stumbling block to the Jews it was foolishness to the Greeks. The cross has always been offensive to people.
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The cross is an offense to the mind of natural man.
The cross cannot be understood - it is by truth a mystery!
It is miraculous, it is supernatural - it cannot be understood! And that is offensive to man’s mind!
Consider: if it offends the mind of natural man, what does it do to his heart.
Man’s pride causes the ultimate trouble for our soul.
We must humble ourselves before the cross.
At the cross we are all the same - no distiction between rich or poor, no distinction of race colour or creed; no upper or lower class.. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:21
The cross damns all human effort. The cross demolishes everything we’ve ever believed or relied on to help us. It leaves us helpless, hopless, lost, damned, and hell deserving..... And it says the same thing about everyone of us!
The cross - Divine accomplishment / Human achievement?
The True Christian not only believes in the cross he glories in it! He rejoices in it; is captivated by it; and moved by it!
“When I survey the wondrous cross on which the prince of glory died....
The cross cannot be understood - it is by truth a mystery!
It is miraculous, it is supernatural - it cannot be understood! And that is offensive to man’s mind!
Consider: if it offends the mind of natural man, what does it do to his heart.
Man’s pride causes the ultimate trouble for our soul.
We must humble ourselves before the cross.
At the cross we are all the same - no distiction between rich or poor, no distinction of race colour or creed; no upper or lower class.. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:21
The cross damns all human effort. The cross demolishes everything we’ve ever believed or relied on to help us. It leaves us helpless, hopless, lost, damned, and hell deserving..... And it says the same thing about everyone of us!
The cross - Divine accomplishment / Human achievement?
The True Christian not only believes in the cross he glories in it! He rejoices in it; is captivated by it; and moved by it!
“When I survey the wondrous cross on which the prince of glory died....
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The apostle doesn’t merely say that he preaches about the cross. He says, God forbid I should glory except in the cross of our Lord JesusChrist.
Our attitude toward the cross of our Lord is the acid test of our profession of Christianity.
You CANNOT remain neutral in the presence of the cross! When the apostle Paul preached the cross on the day of pentecost... the crowd responded!
Some responded by asking what to do and some responded in anger! Some accepted the Word others rejected it -
BUT NOBODY- REMAINED NEUTRAL!
The cross has always divided mankind and it still does.
The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is either an offense to us or it is what we glory in!
What does the cross do to you?
Not what does it mean to you, or what does it symbolise for you WHAT DOES IT DO TO YOU?
Listen to me please! If my preaching of this cross is not an offence to the natural man I am misrepresenting it.
I dare not paint a picturte of the true cross of Christ that is responded to with O’ that is so pretty, or that is nice.”
A right response would be “MY GOD!”
The cross cuts across our ideas.
The cross screams out - that we are not saved by thought or by understanding.
The best thinkers in the world cannot save us!
Our attitude toward the cross of our Lord is the acid test of our profession of Christianity.
You CANNOT remain neutral in the presence of the cross! When the apostle Paul preached the cross on the day of pentecost... the crowd responded!
Some responded by asking what to do and some responded in anger! Some accepted the Word others rejected it -
BUT NOBODY- REMAINED NEUTRAL!
The cross has always divided mankind and it still does.
The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is either an offense to us or it is what we glory in!
What does the cross do to you?
Not what does it mean to you, or what does it symbolise for you WHAT DOES IT DO TO YOU?
Listen to me please! If my preaching of this cross is not an offence to the natural man I am misrepresenting it.
I dare not paint a picturte of the true cross of Christ that is responded to with O’ that is so pretty, or that is nice.”
A right response would be “MY GOD!”
The cross cuts across our ideas.
The cross screams out - that we are not saved by thought or by understanding.
The best thinkers in the world cannot save us!
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The cross stands for the love of God and the sacrifice of God. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.......
Christ loved us so much that He willingly gave Himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God Ephesians 5:2 Christ loved us and gave himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God.
I remind you now and I will continue to remind you of this truth until it is embedded into your very soul! Matthew 20:28 Jesus came to give his life a ransom for many.
Only our God could so love a world of sinners as to give His only begotten Son to die upon the cross for them.
Only JESUS God’s Son could so love us that while we were yet enimies - His enimies, He still gave His life as a sacrifice for us. Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
All that was against us in the eyes of a righteous God, all that stood in the way of our reconciliation to him, was nailed to His Cross! So that “now in Christ Jesus we who were far off are brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13
We live in an hour filled with contradictory statements. Not all Preachers speak the same thing! There is confusion in the church today.... as it was in the days of Paul, so it is now.
Therefore it is important that we disregard what others may do or believe - we must say, God forbid that “I” should glory - or boast - or trust in anything but the cross of Jesus! Let there be clear distinction between those who are His and those who are not!
The preaching of the cross as we’ve seen is the heart and center of the whole Christian position; not our Lord’s teaching BUT THE CROSS - his death!
Christ loved us so much that He willingly gave Himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God Ephesians 5:2 Christ loved us and gave himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God.
I remind you now and I will continue to remind you of this truth until it is embedded into your very soul! Matthew 20:28 Jesus came to give his life a ransom for many.
Only our God could so love a world of sinners as to give His only begotten Son to die upon the cross for them.
Only JESUS God’s Son could so love us that while we were yet enimies - His enimies, He still gave His life as a sacrifice for us. Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
All that was against us in the eyes of a righteous God, all that stood in the way of our reconciliation to him, was nailed to His Cross! So that “now in Christ Jesus we who were far off are brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13
We live in an hour filled with contradictory statements. Not all Preachers speak the same thing! There is confusion in the church today.... as it was in the days of Paul, so it is now.
Therefore it is important that we disregard what others may do or believe - we must say, God forbid that “I” should glory - or boast - or trust in anything but the cross of Jesus! Let there be clear distinction between those who are His and those who are not!
The preaching of the cross as we’ve seen is the heart and center of the whole Christian position; not our Lord’s teaching BUT THE CROSS - his death!
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The Word of God says plainly “it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But to them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence. He that glories, let him glory in the Lord who God has made to be wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption! (I Corinthians 1)
The preaching of the cross reveals God at his best, and man at his worst. The holiness of God and the sinfulness of man meet in awful conflict at the cross of our Lord!
When God gave his son it was not with the expectation that some way or another he might escape the cursed death of the cross. God Who knows all things knew of no other way!
There was no there hope of saving man but by the death of his son! Therefore man has no hope of being saved but through the power of his cross
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The preaching of the cross reveals God at his best, and man at his worst. The holiness of God and the sinfulness of man meet in awful conflict at the cross of our Lord!
When God gave his son it was not with the expectation that some way or another he might escape the cursed death of the cross. God Who knows all things knew of no other way!
There was no there hope of saving man but by the death of his son! Therefore man has no hope of being saved but through the power of his cross
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
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I thank God for His wonderful grace which is given to you by Jesus. I thank Him in advance for enriching you in word and knowledge which in turn makes it so that you do not come behind in any gift as you wait for the coming of our Lord. God is faithful.
Now to get to the point I beg you, brothers and sisters by the name of our Lord Jesus, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you. You need to be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
There should be no contentions among you. Christ can not be divided? Not one of us here was crucified for you? No one here was baptized in my name or your name for that matter.
Not one of us is more needed in the body of Christ on this earth than another. For sure our gifts differ, and thank God our styles of ministering those gifts differ…. But in one very important thing we are the same… in all that we do in all that we say we are to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
I say this because the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are lost and dieing… but to us who are saved it is the power of God.
Now to get to the point I beg you, brothers and sisters by the name of our Lord Jesus, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you. You need to be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
There should be no contentions among you. Christ can not be divided? Not one of us here was crucified for you? No one here was baptized in my name or your name for that matter.
Not one of us is more needed in the body of Christ on this earth than another. For sure our gifts differ, and thank God our styles of ministering those gifts differ…. But in one very important thing we are the same… in all that we do in all that we say we are to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
I say this because the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are lost and dieing… but to us who are saved it is the power of God.
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I wonder if we are talking full advantage of this blood bought freedom?
I urge you to walk in the liberty Christ has purchased for you.
You are free men and women. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Acts 20:28 ..... YOU ARE THE CHURCH! The church of God, which HE - JESUS CHRIST HAS PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD! THE BLOOD OF THE CROSS!
COME - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HIS WONDERFUL CROSS:
· Through the blood of His cross there is: COVERING:
· Through the blood of His cross there is: REDEMPTION:
· Through the blood of His cross there is: CLEANSING:
· Through the blood of His cross there is: PEACE:
· Through the blood of His cross there is: NEARNESS:
· Through the blood of His cross there is: LIBERTY:
I urge you to walk in the liberty Christ has purchased for you.
You are free men and women. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Acts 20:28 ..... YOU ARE THE CHURCH! The church of God, which HE - JESUS CHRIST HAS PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD! THE BLOOD OF THE CROSS!
COME - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HIS WONDERFUL CROSS:
· Through the blood of His cross there is: COVERING:
· Through the blood of His cross there is: REDEMPTION:
· Through the blood of His cross there is: CLEANSING:
· Through the blood of His cross there is: PEACE:
· Through the blood of His cross there is: NEARNESS:
· Through the blood of His cross there is: LIBERTY:
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I John 1:7 if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.
The blood of Christ keeps continually purging away everything that would mar our fellowship with one another or hinder our fitness for service in His Kingdom.
Through the blood of His cross there is: PEACE:
Not a peace made with God, but a God made peace. The cross of Christ is such an overpowering manifestation of God’s goodness that once we see it - we enter into peace - a peace which the world cannot give. Colossians 1:20 having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him...
Through the blood of His cross there is: NEARNESS:
What sin does, the blood of Jesus undoes.
Sin separates us from God, the blood of His cross draws us near!
Ignore sin and it won’t lead you very far, Ignore the cross, and it won’t draw you very near!
As light removes darkness so the blood of Jesus removes distance.
Through the blood of His cross there is: LIBERTY:
Blood bought freedom! Our sins and offences are remembered no more!
Freedom now to enter into God’s presence! / Freedom from guilt!
Freedom from our shame! / Freedom to serve the Living God!
Hebrews 10:17-20 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.... Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus...
The blood of Christ keeps continually purging away everything that would mar our fellowship with one another or hinder our fitness for service in His Kingdom.
Through the blood of His cross there is: PEACE:
Not a peace made with God, but a God made peace. The cross of Christ is such an overpowering manifestation of God’s goodness that once we see it - we enter into peace - a peace which the world cannot give. Colossians 1:20 having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him...
Through the blood of His cross there is: NEARNESS:
What sin does, the blood of Jesus undoes.
Sin separates us from God, the blood of His cross draws us near!
Ignore sin and it won’t lead you very far, Ignore the cross, and it won’t draw you very near!
As light removes darkness so the blood of Jesus removes distance.
Through the blood of His cross there is: LIBERTY:
Blood bought freedom! Our sins and offences are remembered no more!
Freedom now to enter into God’s presence! / Freedom from guilt!
Freedom from our shame! / Freedom to serve the Living God!
Hebrews 10:17-20 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.... Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus...
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Through the blood of His cross there is: REDEMPTION:
Not only is the blood of Christ a covering for sin it is also a ransom price paid for the sinner.
I Peter 1:18-19 you were not redeemed with corruptible things, such as silver and gold... But with the precious blood of Christ.. Notice please Acts 20:28 the church of God purchased with his own blood. Only the church that is purchased by His blood is His church!
We are the BLOOD BOUGHT!
In Him and through the shedding of His blood we have our deliverance - the forgiveness of our offences. Ephesians 1:7 we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; He took the weight of our guilt, and took upon Himself the weight of our sins.
Now that the wages of sin has been paid, sin should have no more dominion over us. Acts 13:38-39 Be it known to you... that by Jesus you have forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, this is not possible by the law of Moses.
Through the blood of His cross there is: CLEANSING:
So PERFECT is this WONDOROUS WORK OF GRACE that the VERY DEFILEMENT CAUSED BY THE ACTION OF THOSE SINS NOW FORGIVEN IS PURGED!
Hebrews 9:13-14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
This purging is really important for the Word tells us that it is the pure in heart that will see God!
I’d like to remind you that not only are you cleansed by the blood of His cross, you are kept clean by the blood of His cross!
Not only is the blood of Christ a covering for sin it is also a ransom price paid for the sinner.
I Peter 1:18-19 you were not redeemed with corruptible things, such as silver and gold... But with the precious blood of Christ.. Notice please Acts 20:28 the church of God purchased with his own blood. Only the church that is purchased by His blood is His church!
We are the BLOOD BOUGHT!
In Him and through the shedding of His blood we have our deliverance - the forgiveness of our offences. Ephesians 1:7 we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; He took the weight of our guilt, and took upon Himself the weight of our sins.
Now that the wages of sin has been paid, sin should have no more dominion over us. Acts 13:38-39 Be it known to you... that by Jesus you have forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, this is not possible by the law of Moses.
Through the blood of His cross there is: CLEANSING:
So PERFECT is this WONDOROUS WORK OF GRACE that the VERY DEFILEMENT CAUSED BY THE ACTION OF THOSE SINS NOW FORGIVEN IS PURGED!
Hebrews 9:13-14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
This purging is really important for the Word tells us that it is the pure in heart that will see God!
I’d like to remind you that not only are you cleansed by the blood of His cross, you are kept clean by the blood of His cross!
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The Old Testament states that the life is in the blood.! Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul.
Now line that up with - Ephesians 2:13 in Christ Jesus you are drawn near by the blood of Christ.
I don’t think that we can fully appreciate the value of the blood of the eternal Son of God!
Look at how Peter describes it...... I Peter 1:19 ... the precious blood of Christ
Look what it is able to do: I John 1:7 the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.
The blood of His cross means that Jesus has great purchasing power in God’s sight!
That leads to Question 2 - What has the blood of His cross purchased?
It has purchased an opening or channel through which the saving mercy of God freely flows.
Through the blood of His cross there is: A COVERING:
Jesus Himself is that covering of the debt for our sins.(the entire world)!
I John 2:2 the propitiation for our sins: not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Just as blood was first shed in the garden to provide a covering “coats of skin”, so now at the cost of His son’s life there is a suitable covering offered to every person. The covering provided by the blood of Christ is well able to cover the sins of the whole world!
No mam made, man created covering is able to boast of that.
Now line that up with - Ephesians 2:13 in Christ Jesus you are drawn near by the blood of Christ.
I don’t think that we can fully appreciate the value of the blood of the eternal Son of God!
Look at how Peter describes it...... I Peter 1:19 ... the precious blood of Christ
Look what it is able to do: I John 1:7 the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.
The blood of His cross means that Jesus has great purchasing power in God’s sight!
That leads to Question 2 - What has the blood of His cross purchased?
It has purchased an opening or channel through which the saving mercy of God freely flows.
Through the blood of His cross there is: A COVERING:
Jesus Himself is that covering of the debt for our sins.(the entire world)!
I John 2:2 the propitiation for our sins: not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Just as blood was first shed in the garden to provide a covering “coats of skin”, so now at the cost of His son’s life there is a suitable covering offered to every person. The covering provided by the blood of Christ is well able to cover the sins of the whole world!
No mam made, man created covering is able to boast of that.
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I would like to adress two vitally important questions this morning:
1 / WHAT DOES THE BLOOD OF HIS CROSS MEAN?
2 / WHAT HAS THE BLOOD OF HIS CROSS PURCHASED?
Question 1 - What does the blood of His cross mean?
First there must always be a distinction between the blood of His cross and the blood of any other and all other crosses. The blood of those who were crucified with Jesus avail nothing!
All the blood of all humanity - every drop could be spilt on the cross - yet it would not atone for one sin in the sight of Almighty God.
In all of our glorying in the cross, the emphasis should never be put on the cross as on the fact that it was His cross and that He was in His Holy humanity, in His Divine dignity, glory and honor was sacrificed there! HIS BLOOD BOUGHT OUR LIFE!
1 / WHAT DOES THE BLOOD OF HIS CROSS MEAN?
2 / WHAT HAS THE BLOOD OF HIS CROSS PURCHASED?
Question 1 - What does the blood of His cross mean?
First there must always be a distinction between the blood of His cross and the blood of any other and all other crosses. The blood of those who were crucified with Jesus avail nothing!
All the blood of all humanity - every drop could be spilt on the cross - yet it would not atone for one sin in the sight of Almighty God.
In all of our glorying in the cross, the emphasis should never be put on the cross as on the fact that it was His cross and that He was in His Holy humanity, in His Divine dignity, glory and honor was sacrificed there! HIS BLOOD BOUGHT OUR LIFE!
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I have this morning a great priveledge..... a priveledge that with the help of the Holy Spirit will encourage you beyond measure.......
I ask only that you listen with your heart, giving careful attention to add faith to the spoken Word. Colossians 1:12-19 Giving thanks to the Father, who has made us ready to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In who we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.
I ask only that you listen with your heart, giving careful attention to add faith to the spoken Word. Colossians 1:12-19 Giving thanks to the Father, who has made us ready to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In who we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.
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God forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of Jesus,
Galatians 6:17 From now on let no man trouble me: (regarding circumcision) for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. He was BRANDED FOR CHRIST! It is the crucified person that can preach the cross!
Wine for the bride: In the first century when a young Jewish man reached marrying age and his family selected an appropriate wife for him, the young man and his father would meet the young woman and her father to negotiate the “bride price” the figurative cost of replacing a daughter.” The price was usually very high.” With negotiations complete the custom was for the young man’s father to pour a cup of wine and hand it to his son.
His son would turn to the young woman lift the cup and hold it out to her saying “This cup is a new covenant in my blood, which I offer to you and I’ll give you my life. Will you marry me? The young woman had a choice. She could take the cup and return it and say no. Or she could answer without saying a word - by drinking the cup, she said, “I accept your offer and I give you my life in response.”
Whenever Christians celebrate the Lord’s supper we must be mindful of our Lord’s offer, Hear Him say, “I love you and offer my life to you, Will you be my bride?” When you take the cup this morning you are saying, “Yes, I accept your love and I give my life to you.”
Galatians 6:17 From now on let no man trouble me: (regarding circumcision) for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. He was BRANDED FOR CHRIST! It is the crucified person that can preach the cross!
Wine for the bride: In the first century when a young Jewish man reached marrying age and his family selected an appropriate wife for him, the young man and his father would meet the young woman and her father to negotiate the “bride price” the figurative cost of replacing a daughter.” The price was usually very high.” With negotiations complete the custom was for the young man’s father to pour a cup of wine and hand it to his son.
His son would turn to the young woman lift the cup and hold it out to her saying “This cup is a new covenant in my blood, which I offer to you and I’ll give you my life. Will you marry me? The young woman had a choice. She could take the cup and return it and say no. Or she could answer without saying a word - by drinking the cup, she said, “I accept your offer and I give you my life in response.”
Whenever Christians celebrate the Lord’s supper we must be mindful of our Lord’s offer, Hear Him say, “I love you and offer my life to you, Will you be my bride?” When you take the cup this morning you are saying, “Yes, I accept your love and I give my life to you.”
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Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. And Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Refer to two different things.
The first says that we have been crucified with Christ (as a result of our union with Him) the second says that God’s children have taken action to crucify their old nature.
The first speaks of freedom from the law’s condemnation.
The second of freedom from the power of the flesh.
THE CROSS AND BOASTING: Galatians 6:14 God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
To boast in, glory in, trust in, rejoice in, revile in, live for!
Some are obsessed with themselves, their money, fame or power; but Paul’s obsession was with Christ and His cross. That which was regarded as an oblect of shame, disgrace, and even disgust was for Paul his pride, boasting and glory. The cross for Paul was central and so should it be for us!
If the cross is not central as the ground of our justification, the means of our sanctification, the subject of our witness, the object of our boasting then we might as well be described as “enemies of the cross” Philippians 3:18-19 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Self righteousness, Self indulgence, Self centeredness, Self glorification, Self gratification
The first says that we have been crucified with Christ (as a result of our union with Him) the second says that God’s children have taken action to crucify their old nature.
The first speaks of freedom from the law’s condemnation.
The second of freedom from the power of the flesh.
THE CROSS AND BOASTING: Galatians 6:14 God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
To boast in, glory in, trust in, rejoice in, revile in, live for!
Some are obsessed with themselves, their money, fame or power; but Paul’s obsession was with Christ and His cross. That which was regarded as an oblect of shame, disgrace, and even disgust was for Paul his pride, boasting and glory. The cross for Paul was central and so should it be for us!
If the cross is not central as the ground of our justification, the means of our sanctification, the subject of our witness, the object of our boasting then we might as well be described as “enemies of the cross” Philippians 3:18-19 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Self righteousness, Self indulgence, Self centeredness, Self glorification, Self gratification
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CHRIST REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW BY BECOMING A CURSE FOR US.
THE CROSS AND PERSECUTION: Galatians 6:12 many desire to make a fair show in the flesh, constraining you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
To preach circumcision is to preach salvation by the law, that is by human achievement. That type of message removes the offence of the cross, (we can’t earn our salvation)
THE CROSS AND HOLINESS: Galatians 5:24 they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Paul declares in Galatians that self control and serving others in love constitutes freedom! Galatians 5:13
The acts of the flesh are in direct opposition to the fruit of the spirit. According to verse 24 we are to crucify the flesh with its evil passions and desires. We are not to coddle, pamper or spoil our flesh. We are not to tolerate or even encourage the deeds of the flesh.
We are to RUTHLESSLY AND FIERCELY REJECT IT!
We are to nail it to the cross.... our flesh is still alive, but nailing it to the cross we bind up its ability to perform sin.
THE CROSS AND PERSECUTION: Galatians 6:12 many desire to make a fair show in the flesh, constraining you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
To preach circumcision is to preach salvation by the law, that is by human achievement. That type of message removes the offence of the cross, (we can’t earn our salvation)
THE CROSS AND HOLINESS: Galatians 5:24 they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Paul declares in Galatians that self control and serving others in love constitutes freedom! Galatians 5:13
The acts of the flesh are in direct opposition to the fruit of the spirit. According to verse 24 we are to crucify the flesh with its evil passions and desires. We are not to coddle, pamper or spoil our flesh. We are not to tolerate or even encourage the deeds of the flesh.
We are to RUTHLESSLY AND FIERCELY REJECT IT!
We are to nail it to the cross.... our flesh is still alive, but nailing it to the cross we bind up its ability to perform sin.
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The True believer proclaims the cross in there life on a daily basis.
The cross will never cease to be God’s power for salvation. Godly power is only found one place.
THE CROSS AND SUBSTITUTION: Galatians 3:10-14 no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, because the just shall live by faith. the law is not of faith: Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:
This portion of scripture explains the necessity, meaning and consequence of the cross. Although some try to soften it...
God made Christ a cursed one for our sakes.
II Corinthians 5:21 God has made him to be sin for us....
The cross will never cease to be God’s power for salvation. Godly power is only found one place.
THE CROSS AND SUBSTITUTION: Galatians 3:10-14 no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, because the just shall live by faith. the law is not of faith: Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:
This portion of scripture explains the necessity, meaning and consequence of the cross. Although some try to soften it...
God made Christ a cursed one for our sakes.
II Corinthians 5:21 God has made him to be sin for us....
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Romans 8:1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
THE CROSS AND PREACHING: Galatians 3:1-3 O foolish Galatians, who bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?
When we share the Good news, when we boast of the Cross we must include The resurrection and the Birth:
Galatians 2:19-20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me:
Galatians 4:4 when the fullness of the time was come, God sent his Son made of a woman, made under the law,
One of greatest needs in sharing the gospel is to turn people’s ears into eyes.
People must come to see what we are talking about.
THE CROSS AND PREACHING: Galatians 3:1-3 O foolish Galatians, who bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?
When we share the Good news, when we boast of the Cross we must include The resurrection and the Birth:
Galatians 2:19-20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me:
Galatians 4:4 when the fullness of the time was come, God sent his Son made of a woman, made under the law,
One of greatest needs in sharing the gospel is to turn people’s ears into eyes.
People must come to see what we are talking about.
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THE CROSS AND EXPERIENCE: Galatians 2:19-21 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
7 times we read that Sinners are not justified by the law but by God’s grace through faith. 3 times in verse 16 the apostle insists that nobody can be justified by the law. The law only proves us guilty, demanding the death penealty.
The law condemns, it does not justify. Simply put: Christ died for me, and I died with Him, meeting the law’s demands and paying sin’s just penalty. Then Christ rose again and lives, and I live through him, sharing in His resurrection life.
The life that I now live is an entirely “new” life.
Free from condemnation and guilt.
7 times we read that Sinners are not justified by the law but by God’s grace through faith. 3 times in verse 16 the apostle insists that nobody can be justified by the law. The law only proves us guilty, demanding the death penealty.
The law condemns, it does not justify. Simply put: Christ died for me, and I died with Him, meeting the law’s demands and paying sin’s just penalty. Then Christ rose again and lives, and I live through him, sharing in His resurrection life.
The life that I now live is an entirely “new” life.
Free from condemnation and guilt.
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Nehemiah 8:8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly and gave the sense, and caused [them] to understand the reading. This morning as we distinctly read portions of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, I hope to give you a sense of the 7affirmations regarding the Cross. Holy Spirit cause us to understand.
THE CROSS AND SALVATION: Galatians 1:3-5 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
The death of JESUS was,BOTH VOLUNTARY AND DETERMINED! In other words, Jesus gave Himself willingly according to God’s will.
THE CROSS AND SALVATION: Galatians 1:3-5 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
The death of JESUS was,BOTH VOLUNTARY AND DETERMINED! In other words, Jesus gave Himself willingly according to God’s will.
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Jesus died on the cross for your sins!
Believe that and thank Him for it and rely utterly only on Him and all your sins are blotted out completely as if you had never sinned in your life!
Then His righteousness is put on you and God sees you perfect in His Son. THAT IS THE CROSS’ MESSAGE!
Do you glory in the cross of our Lord?
Let us examine ourselves. Let every man woman and child answer for themselves......
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Saviour’s blood
Died He for me who caused His pain
For me who Him to death pursued
Amazing love How can it be
That thou my God shouldest die for me!
Galatians 2:19-20 “For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live to God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 6:14 “But God forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Believe that and thank Him for it and rely utterly only on Him and all your sins are blotted out completely as if you had never sinned in your life!
Then His righteousness is put on you and God sees you perfect in His Son. THAT IS THE CROSS’ MESSAGE!
Do you glory in the cross of our Lord?
Let us examine ourselves. Let every man woman and child answer for themselves......
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Saviour’s blood
Died He for me who caused His pain
For me who Him to death pursued
Amazing love How can it be
That thou my God shouldest die for me!
Galatians 2:19-20 “For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live to God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 6:14 “But God forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.”
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Acts 13:38-39 Know this - Through this man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which you couldn't be justified by the law of Moses.
Only believe and you shall see!
That Christ is all and all to thee!
I know the most important thing about each and every one of you, is that you are a vile sinner. It doesn’t matter who you are, the Bible tells us that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God!
It doesn't matter what particular form your sin takes respectable sins, repulsive sins…it really matters not! Sin is sin! KNOW THIS Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay your debt.... Just believe!
And by him, all who believe, you included are at this very moment justified entirely and completely from everything you have ever done!
Only believe and you shall see!
That Christ is all and all to thee!
I know the most important thing about each and every one of you, is that you are a vile sinner. It doesn’t matter who you are, the Bible tells us that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God!
It doesn't matter what particular form your sin takes respectable sins, repulsive sins…it really matters not! Sin is sin! KNOW THIS Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay your debt.... Just believe!
And by him, all who believe, you included are at this very moment justified entirely and completely from everything you have ever done!
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Colossians 2:13-15 Christ has quickened you together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses. Blotting out…..the handwriting of ordinances that was against you, contrary to you, He took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.
You and I have only one thing to do:
Simply believe the cross’ message.
Nothing else! Simply trust God!
Don't tell me you are going to live better.
Don't tell me you will try harder.
You do not understand the cross if you say that!
Do’nt tell me you are going to stop doing this or doing that! You have not seen it! You have only one thing to do!
Do’nt say you will learn more about it! SIMPLY TRUST
You and I have only one thing to do:
Simply believe the cross’ message.
Nothing else! Simply trust God!
Don't tell me you are going to live better.
Don't tell me you will try harder.
You do not understand the cross if you say that!
Do’nt tell me you are going to stop doing this or doing that! You have not seen it! You have only one thing to do!
Do’nt say you will learn more about it! SIMPLY TRUST
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IN THE CROSS LIES A REMEDY FOR ALL THE WOES OF THE WORLD.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The cross of Christ is what brings man, a guilty sinner, together with Holy God.
Without the shedding of blood there’d be no remission of sin.
On the cross, Christ Himself, bore your sins and mine.
Jesus paid the debt of our guilt and our transgressions.
Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world
I Peter 2:24 Jesus bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The cross of Christ is what brings man, a guilty sinner, together with Holy God.
Without the shedding of blood there’d be no remission of sin.
On the cross, Christ Himself, bore your sins and mine.
Jesus paid the debt of our guilt and our transgressions.
Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world
I Peter 2:24 Jesus bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.
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Jeremiah 9:23-24 Let not the wise glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty glory in his might, let not the rich glory in his riches: But let him that glorly, glory in this, that he understands and knows God, that He is the LORD which exercises loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for I delight in these things, said the LORD.
To know the meaning of the cross of Christ is to understand and know God and to glory in Him. I Corinthians 2:2 I’ve determined not to know any thing....except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Here are some good reasons why we should glory in the cross. By it…..
The LOVE OF THE FATHER IS SEEN
I John 4:9-10 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Romans 5:8 But God commended his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
The LOVE OF JESUS IS DECLARED
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
SINNERS ARE RECONCILED TO GOD
Romans 5:10 We’re reconciled to God by the death of his Son
BELIEVERS ARE CRUCIFIED
Galatians 6:14 the world is crucified to me, and I to the world
EVERY BLESSING IS PLEDGED
Romans 8:17&32 heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ... glorified together.. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
To know the meaning of the cross of Christ is to understand and know God and to glory in Him. I Corinthians 2:2 I’ve determined not to know any thing....except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Here are some good reasons why we should glory in the cross. By it…..
The LOVE OF THE FATHER IS SEEN
I John 4:9-10 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Romans 5:8 But God commended his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
The LOVE OF JESUS IS DECLARED
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
SINNERS ARE RECONCILED TO GOD
Romans 5:10 We’re reconciled to God by the death of his Son
BELIEVERS ARE CRUCIFIED
Galatians 6:14 the world is crucified to me, and I to the world
EVERY BLESSING IS PLEDGED
Romans 8:17&32 heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ... glorified together.. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
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If he really is the Son of the living God, what is he doing there on the cross? Jesus answered this question Himself.
Matthew 20:28 …. to give his life a ransom for many.
Spurgeon said, “The heart of the gospel is redemption and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. I have found by long experience that nothing touches the heart like the cross of Christ.”
The cross had blinded the eyes of the apostle Paul so much so, that he boasted in nothing else!
The person who has ceased glorying in the cross of Christ has ceased living in the power of the Holy Spirit. I say that because the whole counsel of God finds its center in the crucified One, so to glory in the cross of Christ is to glory in the wisdom and power of God.
Matthew 20:28 …. to give his life a ransom for many.
Spurgeon said, “The heart of the gospel is redemption and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. I have found by long experience that nothing touches the heart like the cross of Christ.”
The cross had blinded the eyes of the apostle Paul so much so, that he boasted in nothing else!
The person who has ceased glorying in the cross of Christ has ceased living in the power of the Holy Spirit. I say that because the whole counsel of God finds its center in the crucified One, so to glory in the cross of Christ is to glory in the wisdom and power of God.
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The Boast
Galatians 6:14 God forbid that I should glory, take pride in, boast or brag except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.
Look at the cross, my friend..... I mean really looked at it.
The Hymn writer Isaac Watts, spoke of surveying this wondrous cross? Perhaps you should try that sometime?
I Corinthians 1:18 the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us who r saved its the power of God
This is not any ordinary cross …. It is the cross upon which the Almighty Son of God died.
You will never understand the significance of what happened there until you are clear about who it was that died there.
Galatians 6:14 God forbid that I should glory, take pride in, boast or brag except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.
Look at the cross, my friend..... I mean really looked at it.
The Hymn writer Isaac Watts, spoke of surveying this wondrous cross? Perhaps you should try that sometime?
I Corinthians 1:18 the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us who r saved its the power of God
This is not any ordinary cross …. It is the cross upon which the Almighty Son of God died.
You will never understand the significance of what happened there until you are clear about who it was that died there.
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Don't Be Troubled
Let not your heart be troubled…..In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you. The Father’s House is the place where broken lives are received to be re-made and re-fitted. Life becomes rhythmic to the music of eternity and joy has no bounds. They who live there are ever face to face with God and all that he has is theirs. There are many mansions which suggests not only spaciousness, but room for each character and individual to develop on its own particular lines.
All the saints will have room enough to be themselves and each will have love enough, joy enough, space enough and opportunity enough together with his own fullness and service of Christ. Peter will still be Peter and John will still be John. Each star will differ from all the rest and there will be no scrambling for room!
Listen again, “I go to prepare a place for you!”
In spite of our sins and failures, our sorrows and temptations, God will bring us through! Let not your heart be troubled! I will receive you unto myself!
It was as if Christ was speaking personally to each one…..
“James, you will be the first of the noble army of martyrs. Herod will slay you with the sword, but you will have a royal reception.”
“Thomas, you will be sawn in two, but I will receive you and an abundant entrance will be given.”
“John, you will linger on until all your generations shall have passed on. But I will be waiting for you and you will see again the dear faces that you have loved and lost awhile.”
“Peter, you will stretch forth your hands and be nailed to a cross, but as my Father will receive my Spirit into His hands, so my hands shall receive yours.”
Each of you will find me waiting for you on the door step of my Father’s house…..continue to believe if it were not so I would have told you!
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
In the days that followed, a remarkable thing takes place. Mark 16:1-7 “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Salome, had bought sweet spices that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came to the sepulcher at the rising of the sun. And they said who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not afraid: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen: he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee.”
The first words of our risen Saviour proved that his love is as strong as death. Even still He breaks the silence uttering our names, understanding our failures and calling us back from our far wanderings. In John 21 God deals with the sin root of Peter’s life. And Jesus calls Peter into ministry.
John 15-17 Jesus says, ”I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which you have given me; for they are yours….Holy Father, keep those whom you have given me by your Name, that they may be one, as we are.”
And a little further we read: “I have given them your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth.”
And…”Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word...!”
Let not your heart be troubled…..In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you. The Father’s House is the place where broken lives are received to be re-made and re-fitted. Life becomes rhythmic to the music of eternity and joy has no bounds. They who live there are ever face to face with God and all that he has is theirs. There are many mansions which suggests not only spaciousness, but room for each character and individual to develop on its own particular lines.
All the saints will have room enough to be themselves and each will have love enough, joy enough, space enough and opportunity enough together with his own fullness and service of Christ. Peter will still be Peter and John will still be John. Each star will differ from all the rest and there will be no scrambling for room!
Listen again, “I go to prepare a place for you!”
In spite of our sins and failures, our sorrows and temptations, God will bring us through! Let not your heart be troubled! I will receive you unto myself!
It was as if Christ was speaking personally to each one…..
“James, you will be the first of the noble army of martyrs. Herod will slay you with the sword, but you will have a royal reception.”
“Thomas, you will be sawn in two, but I will receive you and an abundant entrance will be given.”
“John, you will linger on until all your generations shall have passed on. But I will be waiting for you and you will see again the dear faces that you have loved and lost awhile.”
“Peter, you will stretch forth your hands and be nailed to a cross, but as my Father will receive my Spirit into His hands, so my hands shall receive yours.”
Each of you will find me waiting for you on the door step of my Father’s house…..continue to believe if it were not so I would have told you!
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
In the days that followed, a remarkable thing takes place. Mark 16:1-7 “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Salome, had bought sweet spices that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came to the sepulcher at the rising of the sun. And they said who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not afraid: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen: he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee.”
The first words of our risen Saviour proved that his love is as strong as death. Even still He breaks the silence uttering our names, understanding our failures and calling us back from our far wanderings. In John 21 God deals with the sin root of Peter’s life. And Jesus calls Peter into ministry.
John 15-17 Jesus says, ”I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which you have given me; for they are yours….Holy Father, keep those whom you have given me by your Name, that they may be one, as we are.”
And a little further we read: “I have given them your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth.”
And…”Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word...!”
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BUT WAIT
It was not very long after the Lord’s words to the disciples were spoken, that He was betrayed and brought into custody. And just as the Lord has said, the disciples scattered and Peter denied he even knew the Lord. And when Peter heard the rooster crow, he called to mind the words that Jesus said to him, “before the cock crow twice, you shall deny me three times” and when he thought about this he wept.
Another version says that after the third denial, the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the words of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crow, you shall deny me three times”. And Peter went out and wept bitterly. “Wept bitterly” means “a piercing, violent cry”.
Some say that Peter ran back to the garden where the Master had prayed. It was most likely that it is there that he himself cried out! You can well imagine how he felt. He had pridefully boasted of his willingness to die for the Lord. He had fallen asleep during a very crucial time in the Lord’s life. He had bravely used his sword against the army of men who came to capture Jesus, yet he was told by the Lord to put his sword down. And then the Lord healed the servant of the High Priest, from whom Peter had cut off his ear. Then the denial! Oh, those eyes of the Lord, how deep they cut into Peter’s soul!
The devil had too great a delight in belittling Peter. And while Peter was in this weakened position, the devil moved in for the kill! I wonder if he heard the cries “crucify him! Away with him, give us Barabas!”
BUT WAIT! What was it that the Lord had said? I have prayed for you…..that your faith remain! And when you are converted…..strengthen the brethren!
Christ himself was sifted in the wilderness for forty days. The account of this is written in Matthew 4:4-7.
In this example of Christ, we see that there is great power in the words, “IT IS WRITTEN”. Just as Jesus overcame by the power of God’s written Word, so it is for us today! You can say with great confidence…”It is written….My Jesus has and is praying for me!”
You can say as Peter, “Satan begone, I may have failed Him, but I still love Him and He is praying for me All is not lost, I still have hope!”
And I still have a ministry…..If I would just have faith!
I’m sure Peter remembered the words of our Lord: “Let not your heart be troubled. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
It was not very long after the Lord’s words to the disciples were spoken, that He was betrayed and brought into custody. And just as the Lord has said, the disciples scattered and Peter denied he even knew the Lord. And when Peter heard the rooster crow, he called to mind the words that Jesus said to him, “before the cock crow twice, you shall deny me three times” and when he thought about this he wept.
Another version says that after the third denial, the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the words of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crow, you shall deny me three times”. And Peter went out and wept bitterly. “Wept bitterly” means “a piercing, violent cry”.
Some say that Peter ran back to the garden where the Master had prayed. It was most likely that it is there that he himself cried out! You can well imagine how he felt. He had pridefully boasted of his willingness to die for the Lord. He had fallen asleep during a very crucial time in the Lord’s life. He had bravely used his sword against the army of men who came to capture Jesus, yet he was told by the Lord to put his sword down. And then the Lord healed the servant of the High Priest, from whom Peter had cut off his ear. Then the denial! Oh, those eyes of the Lord, how deep they cut into Peter’s soul!
The devil had too great a delight in belittling Peter. And while Peter was in this weakened position, the devil moved in for the kill! I wonder if he heard the cries “crucify him! Away with him, give us Barabas!”
BUT WAIT! What was it that the Lord had said? I have prayed for you…..that your faith remain! And when you are converted…..strengthen the brethren!
Christ himself was sifted in the wilderness for forty days. The account of this is written in Matthew 4:4-7.
In this example of Christ, we see that there is great power in the words, “IT IS WRITTEN”. Just as Jesus overcame by the power of God’s written Word, so it is for us today! You can say with great confidence…”It is written….My Jesus has and is praying for me!”
You can say as Peter, “Satan begone, I may have failed Him, but I still love Him and He is praying for me All is not lost, I still have hope!”
And I still have a ministry…..If I would just have faith!
I’m sure Peter remembered the words of our Lord: “Let not your heart be troubled. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
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SIFTED
Luke 22:31 “Simon, satan has desired to have you, (obtained by asking) that he may sift you as wheat.”
Sifted: to be shaken, separated or to be shocked through the agitation of sudden trials.
Satan aimed at ruin, but Jesus says, “I have prayed for you.” That made it possible for Peter not to UTTERLY FAIL.
Very few realize how determined satan is to destroy all the saints who have fixed their hearts firmly on going all the way with Christ.
And yes, Peter was full of pride, self-preservation and even though he denied Christ. He was not utterly cast down.
The Lord said, “When you are converted”, not IF
The Lord set an example regarding the treatment of those who fall during their sifting?
Pray for them.
Don’t’ try to help them out.
Keep your faith and trust in the Father.
Notice Jesus says, “I have prayed, not I will pray.” I believe Jesus had seen it coming for sometime. No doubt Jesus had spent much time praying for Peter, for He loved him very much. Lord give all of us that type of love! When we see someone compromising, missing the mark or heading for trouble, may we love them enough to warn them as firmly as Jesus did Peter. And then, may we be able to honestly say, “I have prayed for you.”
Jesus did not lecture Peter, He prayed for him. And just what was it that Jesus prayed for Peter? “….that your faith would not fail.”
That is satan’s prime target…..OUR FAITH.
Luke 22:31 “Simon, satan has desired to have you, (obtained by asking) that he may sift you as wheat.”
Sifted: to be shaken, separated or to be shocked through the agitation of sudden trials.
Satan aimed at ruin, but Jesus says, “I have prayed for you.” That made it possible for Peter not to UTTERLY FAIL.
Very few realize how determined satan is to destroy all the saints who have fixed their hearts firmly on going all the way with Christ.
And yes, Peter was full of pride, self-preservation and even though he denied Christ. He was not utterly cast down.
The Lord said, “When you are converted”, not IF
The Lord set an example regarding the treatment of those who fall during their sifting?
Pray for them.
Don’t’ try to help them out.
Keep your faith and trust in the Father.
Notice Jesus says, “I have prayed, not I will pray.” I believe Jesus had seen it coming for sometime. No doubt Jesus had spent much time praying for Peter, for He loved him very much. Lord give all of us that type of love! When we see someone compromising, missing the mark or heading for trouble, may we love them enough to warn them as firmly as Jesus did Peter. And then, may we be able to honestly say, “I have prayed for you.”
Jesus did not lecture Peter, He prayed for him. And just what was it that Jesus prayed for Peter? “….that your faith would not fail.”
That is satan’s prime target…..OUR FAITH.
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“….AND PETER”
Jesus said unto them, “All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee…” Simon Peter said, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I go, you can’t follow me now; but you will follow me afterwards.” Peter said unto him, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for thy sake?”
“Verily, verily, I say to you, the cock shall not crow till you have denied me three times.” “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
“And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father has appointed unto me; That you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not: and when you art converted, strengthen your brethren.” Peter then said, “I am ready to go with you, both into prison and to death.”
And Jesus said, “I tell you Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day, before that you shall deny three times that you know me.”
Interestingly, Peter’s sifting came right after a revelation of great blessings to come. Peter thought that he was spiritually strong enough to die for Christ. Even the Lord’s warning did not shake Peter’s self-confidence. While in grave danger, he boasted.
May God drive out any spiritual pride in our hearts and may we heed His warnings from the Word and the pulpit.
Jesus said unto them, “All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee…” Simon Peter said, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I go, you can’t follow me now; but you will follow me afterwards.” Peter said unto him, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for thy sake?”
“Verily, verily, I say to you, the cock shall not crow till you have denied me three times.” “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
“And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father has appointed unto me; That you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not: and when you art converted, strengthen your brethren.” Peter then said, “I am ready to go with you, both into prison and to death.”
And Jesus said, “I tell you Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day, before that you shall deny three times that you know me.”
Interestingly, Peter’s sifting came right after a revelation of great blessings to come. Peter thought that he was spiritually strong enough to die for Christ. Even the Lord’s warning did not shake Peter’s self-confidence. While in grave danger, he boasted.
May God drive out any spiritual pride in our hearts and may we heed His warnings from the Word and the pulpit.
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What Do You Have?
In II Kings 4 we read of Elisha and another widow needing a miracle of provision. We will discuss this in the near future—but I’d like to show you something interesting.... Elisha said to the poor widow, "What shall I do for you? tell me, what do you have in your house?" In other words, whatever you have in the house is enough for God! Think about that and then consider this …
· If it’s nothing but a drop of oil, God can multiply it!
· If it’s only a handful of meal, God can make it last
· If there are only 5 loaves and 2 fishes in a little boy’s lunch, God stretch it to feed 5000 plus people!
· God asked Moses, "What is that in your hand?" and Moses said, "A stick" - that stick became the "rod of God" that brought plagues on Egypt, became a serpent before Pharaoh, opened and closed a way through the Red Sea.
· Samson had only the jawbone of a donkey, and God empowered him to destroy a 1000 Philistines.
· What if you have nothing…. Judges 14:5-9
And as certainly as we put our faith in God and follow His directions, we may expect Him to use what it is we have to His honor and glory.
In II Kings 4 we read of Elisha and another widow needing a miracle of provision. We will discuss this in the near future—but I’d like to show you something interesting.... Elisha said to the poor widow, "What shall I do for you? tell me, what do you have in your house?" In other words, whatever you have in the house is enough for God! Think about that and then consider this …
· If it’s nothing but a drop of oil, God can multiply it!
· If it’s only a handful of meal, God can make it last
· If there are only 5 loaves and 2 fishes in a little boy’s lunch, God stretch it to feed 5000 plus people!
· God asked Moses, "What is that in your hand?" and Moses said, "A stick" - that stick became the "rod of God" that brought plagues on Egypt, became a serpent before Pharaoh, opened and closed a way through the Red Sea.
· Samson had only the jawbone of a donkey, and God empowered him to destroy a 1000 Philistines.
· What if you have nothing…. Judges 14:5-9
And as certainly as we put our faith in God and follow His directions, we may expect Him to use what it is we have to His honor and glory.
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What are we to give?
I beg you brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice... which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1-2
Ourselves our lives our souls our all is His and this is not a hardship or bondage but freedom and an unspeakable privilege.
Let no Christian make the great mistake of thinking that money is the chief thing to give... far from this it is the least.
It is our distinct privilege to yield ourselves to God as those that are alive from the dead and our bodies and talents as instruments of righteousness.
HOW BLESSED!
God does not want our things - He wants us! And so should we want the Lord! We should love the giver not just the gifts!
I beg you brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice... which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1-2
Ourselves our lives our souls our all is His and this is not a hardship or bondage but freedom and an unspeakable privilege.
Let no Christian make the great mistake of thinking that money is the chief thing to give... far from this it is the least.
It is our distinct privilege to yield ourselves to God as those that are alive from the dead and our bodies and talents as instruments of righteousness.
HOW BLESSED!
God does not want our things - He wants us! And so should we want the Lord! We should love the giver not just the gifts!
Page 72
On Giving!
With bowed heads and open hearts we offer ourselves. We can do no more, and we dare do no less!”
It is a great privilege to be able to do anything for God!
I like David’s attitude - he had desired to build a house unto the Lord, but this was not allowed because he had been a man of war. Yet though not allowed to build the temple he made great preperations for it. Why should our interest in God’s work be less just because we are not permitted to do that part of wortk which we want to do?
Some people if they can’t do some great thing do nothing! I Chronicles 29:1,2, 9, 10 David prepared with all his might.
Giving willingly with a perfect heart!
With God the MOTIVE is eveything! One may give all their goods to feed the poor and yet give nothing! A poor widow may give 10 cents and have it noted to be of great value!
It is time to see that all we are and all we have, the natural and the spiritual, are the Lord’s! Philippians 3:7-19 I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ…. That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death…..
Brethren, be followers of me and mark them that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.
Friends it is one thing to accept a principle in the abstract , it is another thing to work it out detail, bit by bit, in daily living. It is at that point that we will often meet strong resistance.
With bowed heads and open hearts we offer ourselves. We can do no more, and we dare do no less!”
It is a great privilege to be able to do anything for God!
I like David’s attitude - he had desired to build a house unto the Lord, but this was not allowed because he had been a man of war. Yet though not allowed to build the temple he made great preperations for it. Why should our interest in God’s work be less just because we are not permitted to do that part of wortk which we want to do?
Some people if they can’t do some great thing do nothing! I Chronicles 29:1,2, 9, 10 David prepared with all his might.
Giving willingly with a perfect heart!
With God the MOTIVE is eveything! One may give all their goods to feed the poor and yet give nothing! A poor widow may give 10 cents and have it noted to be of great value!
It is time to see that all we are and all we have, the natural and the spiritual, are the Lord’s! Philippians 3:7-19 I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ…. That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death…..
Brethren, be followers of me and mark them that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.
Friends it is one thing to accept a principle in the abstract , it is another thing to work it out detail, bit by bit, in daily living. It is at that point that we will often meet strong resistance.
Page 71
But Hang On! There is more...
The fields were not to be fully reaped nor was all the fruit to be picked from the trees. These were to be left to the poor and the strtanger. Leviticus 19:9, 10
Fruit of trees was not to be taken for the owner in anyway till the 5th year. Leviticus 19:23, 25
The firstlings of all clean beasts were to be sacrificed to the Lord. Numbers 18:17
Every seventh year they were not to sow, nor eat what grew of itself. Leviticus 25:4
On the 7th year every debt was to be released and the Hebrew slave was to be set free and liberally furnished.
Please remember this was all before voluntary offerings, free will offerrings, thanksgiving offerrrings, vows etc.
There were times like at the building of the tabernacle when people offered free will offerings abundantly to the Lord. Exodus 36:5 The people bring much more than enough...
How was it possible for them to give so much?
Simple: Their abundant willingness to give!
A standing miracle - those who gave in great abundance were far better off than those who withheld. Proverbs 11:24 There is that scatters and yet increases and there is that withholds more than is necessary, but it tends to poverty.
In their obedience the Lord blessed them in all their works. Deuteronomy 14:29, 15:18
They prospered both physically and spiritually!
The fields were not to be fully reaped nor was all the fruit to be picked from the trees. These were to be left to the poor and the strtanger. Leviticus 19:9, 10
Fruit of trees was not to be taken for the owner in anyway till the 5th year. Leviticus 19:23, 25
The firstlings of all clean beasts were to be sacrificed to the Lord. Numbers 18:17
Every seventh year they were not to sow, nor eat what grew of itself. Leviticus 25:4
On the 7th year every debt was to be released and the Hebrew slave was to be set free and liberally furnished.
Please remember this was all before voluntary offerings, free will offerrings, thanksgiving offerrrings, vows etc.
There were times like at the building of the tabernacle when people offered free will offerings abundantly to the Lord. Exodus 36:5 The people bring much more than enough...
How was it possible for them to give so much?
Simple: Their abundant willingness to give!
A standing miracle - those who gave in great abundance were far better off than those who withheld. Proverbs 11:24 There is that scatters and yet increases and there is that withholds more than is necessary, but it tends to poverty.
In their obedience the Lord blessed them in all their works. Deuteronomy 14:29, 15:18
They prospered both physically and spiritually!
Page 70
On Giving!
What is required? The “Tithe”: It is commonly thought that the Israelite had to give a tenth only, but that would be wrong. He had to give a lot more! Every step was marked by giving. Here is little idea of what they had to give
A tithe or tenth both of grain and fruit was the Lord’s
The tenth of the herd was also given. Leviticus 27:30, 32
Another tenth had to be reserved to be eaten in the place which the Lord chose to set His name there.
Deuteronomy 12:17-19 You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your corn, or of your wine, or of your oil, or the first of your herds or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you made, nor your freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand: But you must eat them before the LORD in the place which the LORD shall choose, you and your family and the Levite that is within your gates: you shall rejoice before the LORD in all that you put your hands to. Take heed that you do not forget the Levite as long as you live on the earth.
This happened at least 3 times a year. Not only was this tithe set apart so they could participate in these feasts, they were to supply for the stranger, the fatherless and the widow and above all the Levite. Deuteronomy 16:11, 14, 17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD.
Beside these there was the every third year tithe.
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 At the end of three years you shall bring all the tithe of your increase the same year and shalt lay it up within your gates: And the Levite, because he has no part nor inheritance with you, the stranger, the fatherless, the widow, which are within your gates, shall come, and eat and be satisfied; that the LORD may bless you in all the work of your hand..
These three sets of tithes alone amounted to about 25%.
What is required? The “Tithe”: It is commonly thought that the Israelite had to give a tenth only, but that would be wrong. He had to give a lot more! Every step was marked by giving. Here is little idea of what they had to give
A tithe or tenth both of grain and fruit was the Lord’s
The tenth of the herd was also given. Leviticus 27:30, 32
Another tenth had to be reserved to be eaten in the place which the Lord chose to set His name there.
Deuteronomy 12:17-19 You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your corn, or of your wine, or of your oil, or the first of your herds or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you made, nor your freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand: But you must eat them before the LORD in the place which the LORD shall choose, you and your family and the Levite that is within your gates: you shall rejoice before the LORD in all that you put your hands to. Take heed that you do not forget the Levite as long as you live on the earth.
This happened at least 3 times a year. Not only was this tithe set apart so they could participate in these feasts, they were to supply for the stranger, the fatherless and the widow and above all the Levite. Deuteronomy 16:11, 14, 17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD.
Beside these there was the every third year tithe.
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 At the end of three years you shall bring all the tithe of your increase the same year and shalt lay it up within your gates: And the Levite, because he has no part nor inheritance with you, the stranger, the fatherless, the widow, which are within your gates, shall come, and eat and be satisfied; that the LORD may bless you in all the work of your hand..
These three sets of tithes alone amounted to about 25%.
Page 69
On Giving!
A wonderful example of this is found in II Chronicles 31:10 Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have plenty left over: for the LORD has blessed His people!
It would be wrong to conclude that God’s people always gave willingly... I suppose there is no passage as pointed to this topic of giving as Malachi 3:8-18 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed:
True enough we live in an hour of grace - but grace when really understood will exceed the law.
Paul wrote: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7 And II Corinthians 9:6 He that sows sparingly shall reap sparingly, he that sows bountifully shall reap bountifully.
Now we do not to give for the sake of reward, still less from dread of punishment: love for Christ alone should be our motive. There is great reward for those who give out of love:
Luke 6:38 Give and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down and shaken together and running over. While this is perfectly true there is something higher than receiving the reward for doing good… A reward not in the earthly here but in the heavenly hereafter.
A wonderful example of this is found in II Chronicles 31:10 Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have plenty left over: for the LORD has blessed His people!
It would be wrong to conclude that God’s people always gave willingly... I suppose there is no passage as pointed to this topic of giving as Malachi 3:8-18 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed:
True enough we live in an hour of grace - but grace when really understood will exceed the law.
Paul wrote: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7 And II Corinthians 9:6 He that sows sparingly shall reap sparingly, he that sows bountifully shall reap bountifully.
Now we do not to give for the sake of reward, still less from dread of punishment: love for Christ alone should be our motive. There is great reward for those who give out of love:
Luke 6:38 Give and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down and shaken together and running over. While this is perfectly true there is something higher than receiving the reward for doing good… A reward not in the earthly here but in the heavenly hereafter.
Page 68
On Giving!
In giving His Son Jesus Christ, God has given His all! God is known as a giving God!
Be encouraged... He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32
Giving is far more than just financial it must include care and thoughtfulness for others....Deuteronomy 14:24-25 turn it into money and take it to the place the LORD shall choose: James 2:15-16 If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food, And you say to them, Depart in peace, be warmed and filled; without giving them those things which are needed; - “What good is that?”
I John 3:17 whoso has this world's goods and sees his brother has need and shuts up his compassion from him, how does the love of God dwell in him?
When it comes to Giving some folk stop at nothing!
¨ II Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or out of duty, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Luke 16:9-12 Key: If you are not faithfull in the material riches of this world, how will we ever be faithful with spiritual riches.
Some people never get spiritual insights,because when God has blessed them with material substance, rather than put it into use for the kingdom they spend it on themselves.
If God can’t see your generosity with material blessings, why would He give you spiritual ones?
In giving His Son Jesus Christ, God has given His all! God is known as a giving God!
Be encouraged... He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32
Giving is far more than just financial it must include care and thoughtfulness for others....Deuteronomy 14:24-25 turn it into money and take it to the place the LORD shall choose: James 2:15-16 If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food, And you say to them, Depart in peace, be warmed and filled; without giving them those things which are needed; - “What good is that?”
I John 3:17 whoso has this world's goods and sees his brother has need and shuts up his compassion from him, how does the love of God dwell in him?
When it comes to Giving some folk stop at nothing!
¨ II Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or out of duty, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Luke 16:9-12 Key: If you are not faithfull in the material riches of this world, how will we ever be faithful with spiritual riches.
Some people never get spiritual insights,because when God has blessed them with material substance, rather than put it into use for the kingdom they spend it on themselves.
If God can’t see your generosity with material blessings, why would He give you spiritual ones?
Page 67
Brass For Gold!
My dear brothers and sisters never was there a time when the church had more members than today; at no time has she had more money than today, or more preachers and teachers, or more oppurtunities than today... but there was a time that she had more power than she has today!
That was when she still had holy faith! We must, as it was with men like Knox, Wesley and Moody refuse to be satisfied with knowing about God and by faith build a relationship with Him. We can KNOW our great God.
Much church activity today is simply brass, trying to shine as gold! I am afraid that if we continue on in this course the next generation may know nothing of what it means to experience the presence of God.
At least the young prophet of Elisha’s day upon loosing the head of his axe was smart enough to stop swinging and look for the lost axe head!
It is a sad day for a church when Shishak steals its shields of gold. Sadder still when the church works doubly hard to cover up its loss, hoping no one will notice.
BUT - Brass can never be gold!
You may think a brass shield is better than no shield at all, but why accept anything less than gold when gold has been provided?
My dear brothers and sisters never was there a time when the church had more members than today; at no time has she had more money than today, or more preachers and teachers, or more oppurtunities than today... but there was a time that she had more power than she has today!
That was when she still had holy faith! We must, as it was with men like Knox, Wesley and Moody refuse to be satisfied with knowing about God and by faith build a relationship with Him. We can KNOW our great God.
Much church activity today is simply brass, trying to shine as gold! I am afraid that if we continue on in this course the next generation may know nothing of what it means to experience the presence of God.
At least the young prophet of Elisha’s day upon loosing the head of his axe was smart enough to stop swinging and look for the lost axe head!
It is a sad day for a church when Shishak steals its shields of gold. Sadder still when the church works doubly hard to cover up its loss, hoping no one will notice.
BUT - Brass can never be gold!
You may think a brass shield is better than no shield at all, but why accept anything less than gold when gold has been provided?
Page 66
Brass For Gold!
Jerusalem was attacked by Shishak, king of Egypt. This left Judah ransacked and barren. I Kings 14:25-26 Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem: And took the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the king's house; he took everything he even took the shields of gold which Solomon had made. I Kings 10:16 300 gold shields
The shields of gold represent the incredible prosperity with which God had blessed His people. For the purpose of this message I ask that you see this prosperity as the power of faith. Pretty bad to lose these shields but worse was what done I Kings 14:27-28 And king Rehoboam made in their place brass shields
Rehoboam in order to cover his embarrassment substituted shields of brass for the gold ones. Remind you of anything?
At Pentecost the church began with shields of gold. Just look at the faith life of the early church! But that which began in the spirit has since tried to make itself perfect in the flesh!
Constantine embraced Christianity and the church joined hands with the world! Christianity has since become a lifestyle (form of godliness) rather than a life of faith (power)!
Upon seeing the splendor of the Vatican’s treasures the pope remarked to a visitor.. “You will observe that the church no longer has to say, silver and gold have I none.” The visitor answered, “Neither can she now say, “Rise and walk!”
Jerusalem was attacked by Shishak, king of Egypt. This left Judah ransacked and barren. I Kings 14:25-26 Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem: And took the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the king's house; he took everything he even took the shields of gold which Solomon had made. I Kings 10:16 300 gold shields
The shields of gold represent the incredible prosperity with which God had blessed His people. For the purpose of this message I ask that you see this prosperity as the power of faith. Pretty bad to lose these shields but worse was what done I Kings 14:27-28 And king Rehoboam made in their place brass shields
Rehoboam in order to cover his embarrassment substituted shields of brass for the gold ones. Remind you of anything?
At Pentecost the church began with shields of gold. Just look at the faith life of the early church! But that which began in the spirit has since tried to make itself perfect in the flesh!
Constantine embraced Christianity and the church joined hands with the world! Christianity has since become a lifestyle (form of godliness) rather than a life of faith (power)!
Upon seeing the splendor of the Vatican’s treasures the pope remarked to a visitor.. “You will observe that the church no longer has to say, silver and gold have I none.” The visitor answered, “Neither can she now say, “Rise and walk!”
Page 65
The Work Of The Spirit
Paul again and again points to co-crucifixion. We shall live with Christ, if we die wiith Him. We shall be with Him in the likeness of His resurrection, if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death. We shall reign with Him, if we suffer with Him."
The Cross kills. The one who goes to Calvary soon discovers that a hidden fire burns within his bones. The old "self-life," so resentful, so fussy, so greedy, and so touchy, so haughty and so vain, can no more resist the impact of Calvary, than some frail break the onrush of a great tidal wave.
The Lord’s crucifixion was not mere dying. Rocks exploded, the earth quaked when in that hour of triumph the Son of Man cried out with "a loud voice", "It is finished."
His final cry shook the world When the centurion saw that so He cried out, Truly this Man was the Son of God. Mark 15:39
The "old life" brought under the dynamic of the Cross, is doomed to die. Resurrection life takes its place. Little wonder the Apostle cried out God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, by whom I am crucified to the world, and the world to me. We preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block, and to them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God.
Paul again and again points to co-crucifixion. We shall live with Christ, if we die wiith Him. We shall be with Him in the likeness of His resurrection, if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death. We shall reign with Him, if we suffer with Him."
The Cross kills. The one who goes to Calvary soon discovers that a hidden fire burns within his bones. The old "self-life," so resentful, so fussy, so greedy, and so touchy, so haughty and so vain, can no more resist the impact of Calvary, than some frail break the onrush of a great tidal wave.
The Lord’s crucifixion was not mere dying. Rocks exploded, the earth quaked when in that hour of triumph the Son of Man cried out with "a loud voice", "It is finished."
His final cry shook the world When the centurion saw that so He cried out, Truly this Man was the Son of God. Mark 15:39
The "old life" brought under the dynamic of the Cross, is doomed to die. Resurrection life takes its place. Little wonder the Apostle cried out God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, by whom I am crucified to the world, and the world to me. We preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block, and to them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God.
Page 64
The Work Of The Spirit
He begins to understand Romans 7. He, too, would be free. The secret cry of his heart also becomes: O wretched man that I am! who will deliver me from the body of this death? This marks a crisis. The hour has come for a fresh revelation of Christ's redemptive work. The believer's eyes are opened to the deeper aspects of the Cross of Christ.
The Cross is unveiled. He begins to see that unless Self is crucified, Christ is. It is all the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not natural for a man to turn against himself and to begin to hate that which by nature he loves. But He can’t bring us to the place called Calvary-without our consent. We must be willing to die. Romans 6 How shall we who are dead to sin live any longer in sin? Don’t you know that as many of us who are baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into His death?... We are buried with Him into death... We have been planted together in the likeness of His death... our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed.... In that He (Christ ) died, He died to sin once... Likewise reckon also yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God through Jesus Christ Oh! that the Church might catch a fresh vision of Calvary and come to appreciate the deeper aspects of the Cross!
He begins to understand Romans 7. He, too, would be free. The secret cry of his heart also becomes: O wretched man that I am! who will deliver me from the body of this death? This marks a crisis. The hour has come for a fresh revelation of Christ's redemptive work. The believer's eyes are opened to the deeper aspects of the Cross of Christ.
The Cross is unveiled. He begins to see that unless Self is crucified, Christ is. It is all the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not natural for a man to turn against himself and to begin to hate that which by nature he loves. But He can’t bring us to the place called Calvary-without our consent. We must be willing to die. Romans 6 How shall we who are dead to sin live any longer in sin? Don’t you know that as many of us who are baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into His death?... We are buried with Him into death... We have been planted together in the likeness of His death... our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed.... In that He (Christ ) died, He died to sin once... Likewise reckon also yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God through Jesus Christ Oh! that the Church might catch a fresh vision of Calvary and come to appreciate the deeper aspects of the Cross!
Page 63
The Work Of The Spirit
Paul puts it like this: If we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with Him.
The branch which is grafted into a tree of another species, must die to the old life.
It must now depend on the roots of the new trunk. It receives a new life. Its relation with the old is severed so utterly, and so completely, that for it, the old no longer exists. A seems that the all those who have truly lived in and for Christ have with few exceptions experienced what has been called "a second work of grace." There came a time when they longed for a fuller participation in the life of God. The facts indicate that they usually wander for some years in the wilderness of a divided affection before entering into the land of milk and honey.
It is the Holy Spirit who works in the believer this conviction of the sin of a divided heart. The believer comes to realize that he is crucifying Christ afresh by his lust for pleasure, his greed for excitement, and his passion for self. He sees that though he has been rooted into Christ, yet, he has been drawing more from the old roots.
Paul puts it like this: If we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with Him.
The branch which is grafted into a tree of another species, must die to the old life.
It must now depend on the roots of the new trunk. It receives a new life. Its relation with the old is severed so utterly, and so completely, that for it, the old no longer exists. A seems that the all those who have truly lived in and for Christ have with few exceptions experienced what has been called "a second work of grace." There came a time when they longed for a fuller participation in the life of God. The facts indicate that they usually wander for some years in the wilderness of a divided affection before entering into the land of milk and honey.
It is the Holy Spirit who works in the believer this conviction of the sin of a divided heart. The believer comes to realize that he is crucifying Christ afresh by his lust for pleasure, his greed for excitement, and his passion for self. He sees that though he has been rooted into Christ, yet, he has been drawing more from the old roots.
Page 62
The Work Of The Spirit
One responsibility of the Holy Spirit is to graft the believer into Christ, as a gardener would graft the branch of a tree into the main body of another. By one Spirit are you all baptized into one body I Corinthians 12:13
Paul dwells on this grafting process in Romans 11, where he speaks of the breaking off of Israel from the Root, Christ, and the grafting in of the Gentiles, to become partakers of the Root. True conversion in its deepest aspect is just that. A grafting into Christ. We must be rooted into the very Trunk of the Eternal Godhead. We do not simply strive to imitate a Divine Leader; exceeding great and precious promises have been left to us whereby we are made partakers of the Divine Nature II Peter 1:4
The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are children of God, heirs and joint-heirs with Christ Romans 8:17
In the Greek, the much-loved John 3:16, conveys a very different meaning from our English versions. It is not simply he that believes in Christ, but rather he that believes into Him, who shall have eternal life. Now this grafting necessitates some cutting, of course. Don’t pull away from God when this takes place. If we won’t die to the natural, how can we expect to live in the supernatural?
One responsibility of the Holy Spirit is to graft the believer into Christ, as a gardener would graft the branch of a tree into the main body of another. By one Spirit are you all baptized into one body I Corinthians 12:13
Paul dwells on this grafting process in Romans 11, where he speaks of the breaking off of Israel from the Root, Christ, and the grafting in of the Gentiles, to become partakers of the Root. True conversion in its deepest aspect is just that. A grafting into Christ. We must be rooted into the very Trunk of the Eternal Godhead. We do not simply strive to imitate a Divine Leader; exceeding great and precious promises have been left to us whereby we are made partakers of the Divine Nature II Peter 1:4
The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are children of God, heirs and joint-heirs with Christ Romans 8:17
In the Greek, the much-loved John 3:16, conveys a very different meaning from our English versions. It is not simply he that believes in Christ, but rather he that believes into Him, who shall have eternal life. Now this grafting necessitates some cutting, of course. Don’t pull away from God when this takes place. If we won’t die to the natural, how can we expect to live in the supernatural?
Page 61
Its Doable!
Friends our Christian walk is not to be like straining over a role like some actor agonizing over poorly learned lines .
The Christian life is possible only when we become partakers of Christ Hebrews 3:4 …… Exceeding great and precious promises are given us, that by these we might be partakers of the Divine Nature II Peter 1:4
This Jesus whom you serve has by His divine power given you all things that pertain to life and godliness. It is His disire that you be partakers of His very own divine nature! In Jesus and by Jesus Spiritual reality can be experienced!
You dare not settle for anything less.
Friends our Christian walk is not to be like straining over a role like some actor agonizing over poorly learned lines .
The Christian life is possible only when we become partakers of Christ Hebrews 3:4 …… Exceeding great and precious promises are given us, that by these we might be partakers of the Divine Nature II Peter 1:4
This Jesus whom you serve has by His divine power given you all things that pertain to life and godliness. It is His disire that you be partakers of His very own divine nature! In Jesus and by Jesus Spiritual reality can be experienced!
You dare not settle for anything less.
Page 60 (March 1)
N. O. W. No Opportunity Wasted
The Christian life is not Imitation, it is Participation. For we are made partakers of Christ Hebrews 3:14
II Peter 1:3-4 According as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature...
Not! "... that by these ye might undertake the divine nature!
UNDERTAKE: to take upon oneself, agree or attempt to do..
"... that by these ye might imitate the divine nature!
IMITATE: to behave or attempt to behave in the same way as; to mimic or impersonate, to have or take on the appearance of
“... that by these ye might be a spectator of the divine nature!
SPECTATOR: One who veiws a show or game, an on looker
It says that we are to be Partakers of the divine nature!
To PARTAKE means: to take part ,have a share in, to recieve
What is impossible to me as an imitator of Christ, is perfectly natural as a participant of Christ.
The Christian life is not Imitation, it is Participation. For we are made partakers of Christ Hebrews 3:14
II Peter 1:3-4 According as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature...
Not! "... that by these ye might undertake the divine nature!
UNDERTAKE: to take upon oneself, agree or attempt to do..
"... that by these ye might imitate the divine nature!
IMITATE: to behave or attempt to behave in the same way as; to mimic or impersonate, to have or take on the appearance of
“... that by these ye might be a spectator of the divine nature!
SPECTATOR: One who veiws a show or game, an on looker
It says that we are to be Partakers of the divine nature!
To PARTAKE means: to take part ,have a share in, to recieve
What is impossible to me as an imitator of Christ, is perfectly natural as a participant of Christ.
Page 59
The Question Is...
Romans 7 talks of this The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do... I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but, I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Oh wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Paul struggles. He agonizes. He weeps. He strives all to no avail. Now Paul doesn’t go into smoke and mirrors mode, he states very plainly that in himself (that is, in his flesh, he can find no good thing. Yes, he loved Jesus. Yes he was a soldier of the Cross. Yes, he was a consecrated Christian. It was just that he now saw himself in a new light, the blinding light of the Cross.
What before would have been excusable, now overwhelms him. Innocent little things, harmless attitudes, insignificant little sins which before would pass unnoticed, now break his heart. They are repulsive. They are unbearable. They seem to burn with the fire of hell. They sting like the bite of a scorpion. They stink like a rotting carcass. Paul wants to be like Jesus. It is no longer a question of mere ethics. It is no longer a question of right or wrong.
Is it Christ-like? That is the burning question.
Paul wants to be free. Self-love even in its secret forms, its harmless gestures, nauseates him. He would be like Jesus.
Romans 7 talks of this The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do... I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but, I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Oh wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Paul struggles. He agonizes. He weeps. He strives all to no avail. Now Paul doesn’t go into smoke and mirrors mode, he states very plainly that in himself (that is, in his flesh, he can find no good thing. Yes, he loved Jesus. Yes he was a soldier of the Cross. Yes, he was a consecrated Christian. It was just that he now saw himself in a new light, the blinding light of the Cross.
What before would have been excusable, now overwhelms him. Innocent little things, harmless attitudes, insignificant little sins which before would pass unnoticed, now break his heart. They are repulsive. They are unbearable. They seem to burn with the fire of hell. They sting like the bite of a scorpion. They stink like a rotting carcass. Paul wants to be like Jesus. It is no longer a question of mere ethics. It is no longer a question of right or wrong.
Is it Christ-like? That is the burning question.
Paul wants to be free. Self-love even in its secret forms, its harmless gestures, nauseates him. He would be like Jesus.
Page 58
You Can Be!
We are to think on whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report..... Philippians 4:8
We are to be holy, for God is holy I Peter 1:16
Rivers of living waters are flow from our innermost being John 7:38
We are to stand out in bold, unmistakable contrast from the crooked, perverse world, blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, shining as lights Philippians 2:15
We are positively to hate ourselves not to pamper, nor to caress, nor to seek, nor to love ourselves, but literally to hate and to renounce our own selves, and that daily Matthew 16:24
We are to renounce ourselves utterly and absolutely in all things, and at all times Luke 14:26 our affections are to be set on things above Colossians 3:1
We are to think on whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report..... Philippians 4:8
We are to be holy, for God is holy I Peter 1:16
Rivers of living waters are flow from our innermost being John 7:38
We are to stand out in bold, unmistakable contrast from the crooked, perverse world, blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, shining as lights Philippians 2:15
We are positively to hate ourselves not to pamper, nor to caress, nor to seek, nor to love ourselves, but literally to hate and to renounce our own selves, and that daily Matthew 16:24
We are to renounce ourselves utterly and absolutely in all things, and at all times Luke 14:26 our affections are to be set on things above Colossians 3:1
Page 57
Rejoice
We are to walk as Jesus walked I John 2:6
We are to love our enemies Matthew 5. 44
We are to forgive as Jesus forgave. Colossians 3:13
We are to be aggressively kind towards those who hate us, we are actually to pray for those who despitefuly use us Matthew 5:44
We are to be victors, more than conquerors Romans 8:37
We are to give thanks in all things believing that all things, even those which blast our fondest hopes, work together for our good Romans 8:28; Ephesians 5:20
We are to be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to let our requests be made known to God, so that the peace of God which passes all understanding may guard our hearts and minds Philippians 4:6
We are to rejoice in the Lord always Philippians 4:4
We are to walk as Jesus walked I John 2:6
We are to love our enemies Matthew 5. 44
We are to forgive as Jesus forgave. Colossians 3:13
We are to be aggressively kind towards those who hate us, we are actually to pray for those who despitefuly use us Matthew 5:44
We are to be victors, more than conquerors Romans 8:37
We are to give thanks in all things believing that all things, even those which blast our fondest hopes, work together for our good Romans 8:28; Ephesians 5:20
We are to be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to let our requests be made known to God, so that the peace of God which passes all understanding may guard our hearts and minds Philippians 4:6
We are to rejoice in the Lord always Philippians 4:4
Page 56
Rejoice
1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Page 55
Really!
I heard a wonderful story regarding the days shortly after the tragic events at Virginia Tech. An elderly woman took her two dogs to the campus. Young people would stop her and inquire if they could pet the dogs. “Yes dear, of course, that is why we are here”, was her reply. It seems she wanted to do something for the students in the wake of the mass murders. All she could think about was how her dogs gave her comfort. So off she went. The sign she posted beside her said, “Need love? Please pet my dogs.” You see, there is always something you can do!
Relationships do not just happen. They take time and effort. Yes they are risky, but it is a risk worth taking. The creator of Peanuts said, “Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use.”
Finally why not volunteer to help out in the community. Strange but true, you find yourself by giving yourself away.
If you are given the chance to sit it out or dance… I hope you dance!
I heard a wonderful story regarding the days shortly after the tragic events at Virginia Tech. An elderly woman took her two dogs to the campus. Young people would stop her and inquire if they could pet the dogs. “Yes dear, of course, that is why we are here”, was her reply. It seems she wanted to do something for the students in the wake of the mass murders. All she could think about was how her dogs gave her comfort. So off she went. The sign she posted beside her said, “Need love? Please pet my dogs.” You see, there is always something you can do!
Relationships do not just happen. They take time and effort. Yes they are risky, but it is a risk worth taking. The creator of Peanuts said, “Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use.”
Finally why not volunteer to help out in the community. Strange but true, you find yourself by giving yourself away.
If you are given the chance to sit it out or dance… I hope you dance!
Page 54
Which Half Is Empty?
My family and I have always seen the glass as being half full rather than half empty. I am a strong believer in that the way you choose to see the world creates the world you see. I urge you to surround yourself with positive people. Alone you are but a flame, but together you make a fire. Be warned there are plenty of “wet blankets” out there!
When a pessimist went in to donate blood, she was turned away. The nurse explained, "I'm sorry, but we don't need any 'B Negative' blood."
Pessimists expect the worst to happen, which often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
A pessimist looks at a half-full glass and sees it as being totally empty.
Do you know of anyone like that? If so don’t get too close. They can have an averse impact on your life. The following story depicts that truth. A man decided to start a hot dog business. He bought a cart, filled it with hot dogs, and pushed it down a busy city street during the lunch hour. He sold out, so he ordered more from his supplier. As the weeks passed, he kept expanding his business and became very successful.
One day his son came home from college and gave him some advice. “Dad, don’t you know what’s going on in the business world? Things are bad. We’re in a depression.” His father replied, “We are? I guess I’d better cut back on my supply of hot dogs.” So he did. He reduced his inventory, ordering only minimum quantities. Because he kept running out, his frustrated customers stopped buying from him. Several months later he shut down his business. That night he called his son at college and said, “Son, you were right. We are in a depression!”
The Bible gives us some good advice regarding negative thinking or as I would say “stink’n think’n”: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
My family and I have always seen the glass as being half full rather than half empty. I am a strong believer in that the way you choose to see the world creates the world you see. I urge you to surround yourself with positive people. Alone you are but a flame, but together you make a fire. Be warned there are plenty of “wet blankets” out there!
When a pessimist went in to donate blood, she was turned away. The nurse explained, "I'm sorry, but we don't need any 'B Negative' blood."
Pessimists expect the worst to happen, which often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
A pessimist looks at a half-full glass and sees it as being totally empty.
Do you know of anyone like that? If so don’t get too close. They can have an averse impact on your life. The following story depicts that truth. A man decided to start a hot dog business. He bought a cart, filled it with hot dogs, and pushed it down a busy city street during the lunch hour. He sold out, so he ordered more from his supplier. As the weeks passed, he kept expanding his business and became very successful.
One day his son came home from college and gave him some advice. “Dad, don’t you know what’s going on in the business world? Things are bad. We’re in a depression.” His father replied, “We are? I guess I’d better cut back on my supply of hot dogs.” So he did. He reduced his inventory, ordering only minimum quantities. Because he kept running out, his frustrated customers stopped buying from him. Several months later he shut down his business. That night he called his son at college and said, “Son, you were right. We are in a depression!”
The Bible gives us some good advice regarding negative thinking or as I would say “stink’n think’n”: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Page 53
Really?
God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.
Sometimes your medicine bottle has "shake well before using" printed on it. That is what God has to do with some of His people. He has to shake them well before they are ever usable.
“A country schoolteacher, applying for a job, was asked, ‘Do you teach that the earth is round or flat?’ ‘Which way do you want it taught?’ was the reply, ‘I can teach it either way.’ Something like that is the attitude in many a pulpit today.
We are sometimes repentant because of the harm we have done ourselves and others in our transgressions, but there is little repentance toward God... We may regret what our sins do to our testimony and the evil effect on others but we are little concerned because the fellowship with God is broken. This makes for shallow and inadequate confession because we have not touched the heart of the trouble.
God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.
Sometimes your medicine bottle has "shake well before using" printed on it. That is what God has to do with some of His people. He has to shake them well before they are ever usable.
“A country schoolteacher, applying for a job, was asked, ‘Do you teach that the earth is round or flat?’ ‘Which way do you want it taught?’ was the reply, ‘I can teach it either way.’ Something like that is the attitude in many a pulpit today.
We are sometimes repentant because of the harm we have done ourselves and others in our transgressions, but there is little repentance toward God... We may regret what our sins do to our testimony and the evil effect on others but we are little concerned because the fellowship with God is broken. This makes for shallow and inadequate confession because we have not touched the heart of the trouble.
Page 52
Ouch or Amen
The reason many Christians do not have peace, rest, and contentment in life is that they have ignored or rejected this third step. Learning the gentleness and humility of Christ. The conditions for God's blessings in your life depends more on you than on the Lord. He is always ready to give a blessing and give it freely, but you’re not always ready to receive it.
Someone asked Saint Augustine what was the first of the religious graces, and he said, “Humility.” They asked him what was the second, and he replied, “Humility.” They asked him the third time, and he said, “Humility.”
The reason many Christians do not have peace, rest, and contentment in life is that they have ignored or rejected this third step. Learning the gentleness and humility of Christ. The conditions for God's blessings in your life depends more on you than on the Lord. He is always ready to give a blessing and give it freely, but you’re not always ready to receive it.
Someone asked Saint Augustine what was the first of the religious graces, and he said, “Humility.” They asked him what was the second, and he replied, “Humility.” They asked him the third time, and he said, “Humility.”
Page 51
You Are Invited
Jesus’ invitation is simple, yet challenging. “Come to Me”:
If you’re tired of being hungry, come to me because I’m the bread of life.
If you’re tired of being thirsty, come to me because I’m the living water.
If you’re tired of being lost, come to me because I am the way.
If you’re tired of being confused, come to me because I am the truth.
If you’re tired of being in darkness, come to me because I am the light.
If you’re tired of not knowing where you’ll spend eternity come to me because I am the resurrection and the life.
Jesus is saying, if you’re tired of battling all these things, come to me and I’ll give you rest.
Not only does Jesus invite the weary to come to Him and walk with Him, He invites us to get to know Him, His wisdom,
His compassion, His care, His forgiveness.
Jesus’ invitation is simple, yet challenging. “Come to Me”:
If you’re tired of being hungry, come to me because I’m the bread of life.
If you’re tired of being thirsty, come to me because I’m the living water.
If you’re tired of being lost, come to me because I am the way.
If you’re tired of being confused, come to me because I am the truth.
If you’re tired of being in darkness, come to me because I am the light.
If you’re tired of not knowing where you’ll spend eternity come to me because I am the resurrection and the life.
Jesus is saying, if you’re tired of battling all these things, come to me and I’ll give you rest.
Not only does Jesus invite the weary to come to Him and walk with Him, He invites us to get to know Him, His wisdom,
His compassion, His care, His forgiveness.
Page 50
God's Three Step Program
"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:30 NKJV
The Third and final step in God's formula for rest is to get up and walk with Him, along side Him, in stride with Him.
Most country folk know that two animals which are yoked together can produce more work than one alone. But if the two oxen yoked together fought against each other, nothing would get done. The yoke then would be heavy and a hindrance.
Jesus was saying that the yoke of unbelief these people had been under was heavy and confining. It was causing them undue stress. His invitation was for them to take off the heavy yoke and put on His “light” yoke.
"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:30 NKJV
The Third and final step in God's formula for rest is to get up and walk with Him, along side Him, in stride with Him.
Most country folk know that two animals which are yoked together can produce more work than one alone. But if the two oxen yoked together fought against each other, nothing would get done. The yoke then would be heavy and a hindrance.
Jesus was saying that the yoke of unbelief these people had been under was heavy and confining. It was causing them undue stress. His invitation was for them to take off the heavy yoke and put on His “light” yoke.
Page 49
God's Three Step Program
I John 5:4 NKJV "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith."
Ephesians 6:16 NKJV "take the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."
"Faith" is the God given "yoke" that helps us pull and manage the burdens of this life, whatever they may be. It is NOT our emotions, our thoughts nor even our wishes.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6
Here is God's definition of "faith"... "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17
I John 5:4 NKJV "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith."
Ephesians 6:16 NKJV "take the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."
"Faith" is the God given "yoke" that helps us pull and manage the burdens of this life, whatever they may be. It is NOT our emotions, our thoughts nor even our wishes.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6
Here is God's definition of "faith"... "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17
Page 48
God's Three Step Program
"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29 NKJV
The yoke refers to a harness worn by a team of oxen. The yoke is that part of the harness equipment that is there to ease the pulling of the burden. The yoke makes the burden more manageable. The yoke is not the burden.
The second step of God's formula is to take upon us His "yoke." In order to identify His "yoke" we should ask the question, what is it that helps us manage the burdens of this life?
"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29 NKJV
The yoke refers to a harness worn by a team of oxen. The yoke is that part of the harness equipment that is there to ease the pulling of the burden. The yoke makes the burden more manageable. The yoke is not the burden.
The second step of God's formula is to take upon us His "yoke." In order to identify His "yoke" we should ask the question, what is it that helps us manage the burdens of this life?
Page 47
God's Three Step Program
The Bible (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) contains a formula for rest.
God's Three Step formula for rest: STEP 1
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 NKJV
Jesus encourages us to come to HIM, not to religion.
He calls us into a personal and active relationship with HIM. This is the starting point of His Rest.
"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin….If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:7,9 NKJV
The Bible (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) contains a formula for rest.
God's Three Step formula for rest: STEP 1
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 NKJV
Jesus encourages us to come to HIM, not to religion.
He calls us into a personal and active relationship with HIM. This is the starting point of His Rest.
"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin….If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:7,9 NKJV
Page 46
Still More On Being There
It is hard to sit beside a drying brook.
Many think they could and would do great things for God if they could just go here or there. PP Very few are willing to bloom where they are planted.
It is hard to sit beside a drying brook.
- The drying brook of popularity
- The drying brook of health
- The drying brook of money
- The drying brook of friendship
Many think they could and would do great things for God if they could just go here or there. PP Very few are willing to bloom where they are planted.
Page 45
More On Being There
Philippians 4:19, “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
A consecrated Jewish believer, Dr. Max Reich, gave this testimony: “When my wife and I were first married, we felt called to full-time Christian service, God blessed our ministry and many people accepted the Lord. Although our income was small and we had few worldly possessions, our hearts were full of joy. One day, however, my wife said, ‘Max, there’s nothing to eat for dinner!’ I didn’t reply at first but stood listening to the bird singing in the trees. Suddenly these words from a well-known Gospel song flashed through my mind: ‘His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.’ Immediately I said, ‘If our Heavenly Father feeds the birds, surely He’ll take care of us!’ Just then a lady knocked at the door. After introducing herself she said, ‘My husband was a hopeless alcoholic. Every time he got his check he’d spend most of it to get drunk, so the children and I were often hungry. Recently he heard you preach the Gospel, and the Lord worked a miracle in his heart. Now he’s a changed man! For the first time in years he brought home a full week’s pay, and I was able to get a good supply of groceries. I thought as I was cooking, part of this food really belongs to Brother Reich. I was going to bring you some later, but I felt compelled to do it immediately. Here’s half of the chicken I fried and some biscuits fresh from the oven!’ We were so happy,” said Dr. Reich, “that we sang, ‘Praise God from whom all blessings flow!’ To this moment the Lord has never failed to give us our daily bread.”
Philippians 4:19, “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
A consecrated Jewish believer, Dr. Max Reich, gave this testimony: “When my wife and I were first married, we felt called to full-time Christian service, God blessed our ministry and many people accepted the Lord. Although our income was small and we had few worldly possessions, our hearts were full of joy. One day, however, my wife said, ‘Max, there’s nothing to eat for dinner!’ I didn’t reply at first but stood listening to the bird singing in the trees. Suddenly these words from a well-known Gospel song flashed through my mind: ‘His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.’ Immediately I said, ‘If our Heavenly Father feeds the birds, surely He’ll take care of us!’ Just then a lady knocked at the door. After introducing herself she said, ‘My husband was a hopeless alcoholic. Every time he got his check he’d spend most of it to get drunk, so the children and I were often hungry. Recently he heard you preach the Gospel, and the Lord worked a miracle in his heart. Now he’s a changed man! For the first time in years he brought home a full week’s pay, and I was able to get a good supply of groceries. I thought as I was cooking, part of this food really belongs to Brother Reich. I was going to bring you some later, but I felt compelled to do it immediately. Here’s half of the chicken I fried and some biscuits fresh from the oven!’ We were so happy,” said Dr. Reich, “that we sang, ‘Praise God from whom all blessings flow!’ To this moment the Lord has never failed to give us our daily bread.”
Page 44
More On Being There
1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
What’s the problem we face in suffering?
We are often more interested in our comfort and pleasure than with genuine, spiritual growth and maturity. We want maturity without the pain, but real growth requires pain.
For instance, we may need to lose weight, but we want to do so without the pain of hunger, without the burning of tired muscles caused by exercise, and without the discomfort of changing our lifestyle or eating habits. As a result, people are often suckers for those advertisements that offer painless weight loss, like pills that burn away the fat while we sit on the sofa eating a bag of potato chips.....
1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
What’s the problem we face in suffering?
We are often more interested in our comfort and pleasure than with genuine, spiritual growth and maturity. We want maturity without the pain, but real growth requires pain.
For instance, we may need to lose weight, but we want to do so without the pain of hunger, without the burning of tired muscles caused by exercise, and without the discomfort of changing our lifestyle or eating habits. As a result, people are often suckers for those advertisements that offer painless weight loss, like pills that burn away the fat while we sit on the sofa eating a bag of potato chips.....
Page 43
There Is The Place!
The miracle of the ravens and the meal barrel would not have occurred anywhere else.
People wonder why they never feel God’s power or see any evidences of His working. It is simply because they are out of God’s purpose and will. They are not “there”. Elijah had no power in himself, he was simply “there” in the place of God’s power.
We are nothing in ourselves, but when we are in the place of God’s purpose, we have His power, and “greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world!”
Please - Only when we are “there” in the place of His purpose are we in the place of His power. We must learn to stay in the “there” of God!
Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz , said, “There is no place like home!”
But, under the anointing of God I say to you, “there is no place like God’s there, the place of His provision”. And know this that there is no place just as good as “God’s there” the place of His purpose. We are often tempted to make a deal with God, offering to do something else, or go somewhere else.
We seek a compromise or substitute. BUT THERE’S NO BETTER PLACE TO BE THAN “GOD’S THERE”
THERE IS THE PLACE OF God's PROVISION
There is THE place of God’s PURPOSE.
The miracle of the ravens and the meal barrel would not have occurred anywhere else.
People wonder why they never feel God’s power or see any evidences of His working. It is simply because they are out of God’s purpose and will. They are not “there”. Elijah had no power in himself, he was simply “there” in the place of God’s power.
We are nothing in ourselves, but when we are in the place of God’s purpose, we have His power, and “greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world!”
Please - Only when we are “there” in the place of His purpose are we in the place of His power. We must learn to stay in the “there” of God!
Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz , said, “There is no place like home!”
But, under the anointing of God I say to you, “there is no place like God’s there, the place of His provision”. And know this that there is no place just as good as “God’s there” the place of His purpose. We are often tempted to make a deal with God, offering to do something else, or go somewhere else.
We seek a compromise or substitute. BUT THERE’S NO BETTER PLACE TO BE THAN “GOD’S THERE”
THERE IS THE PLACE OF God's PROVISION
There is THE place of God’s PURPOSE.
Page 42
Are You There (con't)
This was specific not general!
I believe that God has a “There” for you - there is somewhere that He wants you to be - there is something He wants you to do! And you can never be truly happy elsewhere, nor can you fully please God anywhere but “there”.
At times we don’t like God’s “there”. The brook certainly was not an oasis! Ravens were scavengers - yet they were God’s servants in feeding Elijah. And to be looked after by a widow was unheard of in Elijah’s time. Besides that, it was Jezebel who was after Elijah and Zarephath was her home town!
There is a place of God’s blessing - There is the place of God’s blessing.
Genesis 35:1 “And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God..”
I believe that God has a brook Cherith and a village of Zarephath for you. It may be across the street, or it may be across the sea. Nevertheless God has a there for you! Many sing, “I’ll go where you want me to go dear Lord.... but few are willing to stay where He wants them to stay!” Staying where God wants you to stay is as important as going where He wants you to go!
Many people think they could and would do great things for God if they could just go here or there. Very few today are willing to bloom where they are planted.
We have many eagles on humming-bird nests. They are too big for where they are.
It is important that we be in the place of Divine appointing in order to receive the Divine appointment.
Yes there is a place of God’s power - But “there” is the place of God’s power!
This was specific not general!
I believe that God has a “There” for you - there is somewhere that He wants you to be - there is something He wants you to do! And you can never be truly happy elsewhere, nor can you fully please God anywhere but “there”.
At times we don’t like God’s “there”. The brook certainly was not an oasis! Ravens were scavengers - yet they were God’s servants in feeding Elijah. And to be looked after by a widow was unheard of in Elijah’s time. Besides that, it was Jezebel who was after Elijah and Zarephath was her home town!
There is a place of God’s blessing - There is the place of God’s blessing.
Genesis 35:1 “And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God..”
I believe that God has a brook Cherith and a village of Zarephath for you. It may be across the street, or it may be across the sea. Nevertheless God has a there for you! Many sing, “I’ll go where you want me to go dear Lord.... but few are willing to stay where He wants them to stay!” Staying where God wants you to stay is as important as going where He wants you to go!
Many people think they could and would do great things for God if they could just go here or there. Very few today are willing to bloom where they are planted.
We have many eagles on humming-bird nests. They are too big for where they are.
It is important that we be in the place of Divine appointing in order to receive the Divine appointment.
Yes there is a place of God’s power - But “there” is the place of God’s power!
Page 41
Are You There?
I Kings 17:2-10 “And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Get up and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith. And it shall be, that you shall drink from the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there. So he went and did according to the word of the LORD: he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening and he drank of the brook. After a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying..…”
Boy there is a lot of good stuff in these few verses.
First - “And the word of the LORD came to him, saying…”
What a powerful thing it is to know the word of the Lord has come to you.
Second - “So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD:”
What a smart thing it is to obey the Word of the Lord.
Third - “And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up..”
Most of God’s people today would see that as a sign to move on. After all God loves us and wants the best for us.
Fourth - “And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying…” Elijah did not move until “the Word of the Lord” came to him. That is an awesome example for us! The point that I feel the Lord wants us to focus in on today is the word “there” used in this verse. Go back and underline the word “there”. “And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.”
I Kings 17:2-10 “And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Get up and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith. And it shall be, that you shall drink from the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there. So he went and did according to the word of the LORD: he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening and he drank of the brook. After a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying..…”
Boy there is a lot of good stuff in these few verses.
First - “And the word of the LORD came to him, saying…”
What a powerful thing it is to know the word of the Lord has come to you.
Second - “So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD:”
What a smart thing it is to obey the Word of the Lord.
Third - “And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up..”
Most of God’s people today would see that as a sign to move on. After all God loves us and wants the best for us.
Fourth - “And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying…” Elijah did not move until “the Word of the Lord” came to him. That is an awesome example for us! The point that I feel the Lord wants us to focus in on today is the word “there” used in this verse. Go back and underline the word “there”. “And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.”
Page 40
More About His Rest
We know from studying the Word that Jesus desires to give His children “rest”. This is not a “sit’n in a lawn chair sip’n ice tea rest”! It is a rest from worry or anxiety! Not just a part time rest ... but a continuous trusting and being at rest in God’s provision. Have Peace with God and having the Peace of God
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Christians can get weary trying to fight the spiritual battles in their lives. We fight temptations. We fight feelings of self-sufficiency, doubt, confusion, sorrow, and sin.
Sometimes, in our effort to grow in the Christian life, we add burdens and weights God never intended. The Pharisees did this when they kept adding rules to the law of God. They made serving God something that was very tiring.
We know from studying the Word that Jesus desires to give His children “rest”. This is not a “sit’n in a lawn chair sip’n ice tea rest”! It is a rest from worry or anxiety! Not just a part time rest ... but a continuous trusting and being at rest in God’s provision. Have Peace with God and having the Peace of God
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Christians can get weary trying to fight the spiritual battles in their lives. We fight temptations. We fight feelings of self-sufficiency, doubt, confusion, sorrow, and sin.
Sometimes, in our effort to grow in the Christian life, we add burdens and weights God never intended. The Pharisees did this when they kept adding rules to the law of God. They made serving God something that was very tiring.
Page 39
"Trust in the Lord forever, for in Him is everlasting strength."
God is reliable. He'll hold you, and He'll pick you up when you stumble. When you're weak, He'll make you strong.
Simply ask, "Lord Jesus, please help me." And He will. "For He is an everlasting strength." What this really means is: He is the Rock of Ages.
Isaiah looked back on the saving acts of God in his people's history, but also he looked forward with steady eyes for the coming of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6-7 The peace God offers us comes from the Prince of Peace.
Faith in His atoning death brings us forgiveness and new birth. Life begins all over again. We become new creatures.
Perfect Peace Himself comes to us and says, "Had enough? Tired and weary? Ready for perfect peace? I'm the solid rock on which you can stand. Rest in Me!
God is reliable. He'll hold you, and He'll pick you up when you stumble. When you're weak, He'll make you strong.
Simply ask, "Lord Jesus, please help me." And He will. "For He is an everlasting strength." What this really means is: He is the Rock of Ages.
Isaiah looked back on the saving acts of God in his people's history, but also he looked forward with steady eyes for the coming of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6-7 The peace God offers us comes from the Prince of Peace.
Faith in His atoning death brings us forgiveness and new birth. Life begins all over again. We become new creatures.
Perfect Peace Himself comes to us and says, "Had enough? Tired and weary? Ready for perfect peace? I'm the solid rock on which you can stand. Rest in Me!
Page 38
Trust
I'm convinced that the Spirit does speak to our hearts; we are given "words of knowledge" about situations and people, and we can hear them if we listen attentively. A mind stayed on God -- set on the Kingdom -- is a mind with spiritual eyes to see and perceptive ears to hear.
This leads us to Isaiah's second secret for receiving the perfect peace of God. First, a mind stayed on God… and a heart filled with trust. "Because he trusts in You" "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths"
Proverbs 3:5-6
I'm convinced that the Spirit does speak to our hearts; we are given "words of knowledge" about situations and people, and we can hear them if we listen attentively. A mind stayed on God -- set on the Kingdom -- is a mind with spiritual eyes to see and perceptive ears to hear.
This leads us to Isaiah's second secret for receiving the perfect peace of God. First, a mind stayed on God… and a heart filled with trust. "Because he trusts in You" "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths"
Proverbs 3:5-6
Page 37
There's no panic in heaven.
There is no real peace without a firm conviction of the sovereignty of God!
A Mind Stayed on God Isaiah 26:3-4 "You will keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because He trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God, the Lord, is everlasting strength."
The first step to this kind of peace, according to Isaiah, is to stay our minds on God. "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You." This is a "mindset" -- a total way of looking at things. Philippians 2:5: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." It means: "Let this be your attitude."
The storms of life may rage around you, but inside there will be calm because you can pray your way through it all. You can pray in the midst of uncertainties, conflict, turmoil, and adversity. Prayer will stay your mind on God and fill your thoughts with His peace—even in trouble.
There is no real peace without a firm conviction of the sovereignty of God!
A Mind Stayed on God Isaiah 26:3-4 "You will keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because He trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God, the Lord, is everlasting strength."
The first step to this kind of peace, according to Isaiah, is to stay our minds on God. "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You." This is a "mindset" -- a total way of looking at things. Philippians 2:5: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." It means: "Let this be your attitude."
The storms of life may rage around you, but inside there will be calm because you can pray your way through it all. You can pray in the midst of uncertainties, conflict, turmoil, and adversity. Prayer will stay your mind on God and fill your thoughts with His peace—even in trouble.
Page 36
Peace, Perfect Peace
If I were to ask, "Do you believe in God?" you might say, "Why yes, of course." And if I were to ask, "Do you know God?" you might respond, "Yes, and I wish I knew Him better." But if I were to ask, "Do you have a deep, consistent, abiding sense of peace?" You might reply, "No, I don't."
It's interesting that in the Old Testament, the meanings for the words peace and salvation are nearly synonymous. Yet many of us who claim we are saved do not experience consistent peace.
We live in the Age of Anxiety. It's all around us. The difficulty with most of us is that there's a great discrepancy between what we believe and how we feel and think.
If I were to ask, "Do you believe in God?" you might say, "Why yes, of course." And if I were to ask, "Do you know God?" you might respond, "Yes, and I wish I knew Him better." But if I were to ask, "Do you have a deep, consistent, abiding sense of peace?" You might reply, "No, I don't."
It's interesting that in the Old Testament, the meanings for the words peace and salvation are nearly synonymous. Yet many of us who claim we are saved do not experience consistent peace.
We live in the Age of Anxiety. It's all around us. The difficulty with most of us is that there's a great discrepancy between what we believe and how we feel and think.
Page 35
The Kingdom In Parable
After the parables of the sower and the tares, our Lord gave several shorter parables about the kingdom. Much argument has raged about the interpretation. The mustard seed and leaven, for instance, are largely held to describe the outward and inward growth of the kingdom from small beginnings to tremendous magnitude, reaching over all the world. Leaven is held to represent evil – working in and permeating the visible church with the false doctrine.
The parable of the treasures are held to represent Christ, for whom we give up and suffer the loss of all things that we may win him. Others hold that Israel is a hidden treasure and that our Lord redeems it with his own blood. The Pearl is held to typify Christ, while men seek goodly pearls. He who seeks this Pearl must give up all to possess it. Again others hold that the church is meant, Christ being the merchant man who gave himself for the church that he might present it to himself.
The dragnet again sets forth the fact that good and evil will be collected into the professing church, to be separated at the end of the age. The truth of a final separation has been obscured in these days, but there is no room in these parables for the idea that gradually all men will be won by the gospel the world will be Christianized.
The morning comes and also the night; the good grow better the bad worse. Our Lord concluded by saying therefore every scribe which is instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which brings forth out of his treasure things new and old. All who are instructed in the Scripture should draw forth old truths and new applications, adaptations to meet every need. What a storehouse of treasure has he who is well-stocked with a bounty of the book!
After the parables of the sower and the tares, our Lord gave several shorter parables about the kingdom. Much argument has raged about the interpretation. The mustard seed and leaven, for instance, are largely held to describe the outward and inward growth of the kingdom from small beginnings to tremendous magnitude, reaching over all the world. Leaven is held to represent evil – working in and permeating the visible church with the false doctrine.
The parable of the treasures are held to represent Christ, for whom we give up and suffer the loss of all things that we may win him. Others hold that Israel is a hidden treasure and that our Lord redeems it with his own blood. The Pearl is held to typify Christ, while men seek goodly pearls. He who seeks this Pearl must give up all to possess it. Again others hold that the church is meant, Christ being the merchant man who gave himself for the church that he might present it to himself.
The dragnet again sets forth the fact that good and evil will be collected into the professing church, to be separated at the end of the age. The truth of a final separation has been obscured in these days, but there is no room in these parables for the idea that gradually all men will be won by the gospel the world will be Christianized.
The morning comes and also the night; the good grow better the bad worse. Our Lord concluded by saying therefore every scribe which is instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which brings forth out of his treasure things new and old. All who are instructed in the Scripture should draw forth old truths and new applications, adaptations to meet every need. What a storehouse of treasure has he who is well-stocked with a bounty of the book!
Page 34
An Enemy Has Done This
The parable of the tares throws clear light on a number of issues. Interpreted by our Lord himself, it plainly declares that the world will not be converted in this age: good and evil shall exist together until the end. Thus it destroys that dream of man who imagine a world brotherhood to be created by the preaching of the gospel which is set up in this age the reign of universal righteousness.
The seed here is not the word, as in the parable of the sewer, but rather what the word produces, the children of the kingdom; and the tears are the children of evil. They may get into churches and look like Christians, but they have another nature. The sowing of tares was done while men slept. The devil does his work today while ministers are asleep; he sows evil, but churches are too taken up with their own ease and comfort to notice. Then we read the evil sower (devil) went his way.
The field indeed is the world, but the center of action here is a professing kingdom, the church. We cannot separate the false and true for we cannot read men’s hearts. God will attend to the final dividing; vengeance is his. It is possible in church discipline to overstep our boundaries and attempt a separation beyond our right. However there is little danger of that today, for few churches exert as much authority as is their right.
But we must be careful lest in ridding ourselves of offenders we root up the good also.
The old teaching of a final gathering has disappeared from much of our preaching. But our Lord will gather his wheat Matthew 3:12 when he takes up his church I Thessalonians 4:13–18. His reapers, the Angels shall also gather out all that offend and the wicked. Mind you, it is our Lord himself who declares the judgment of the wicked to be a furnace of fire Matthew 13:42 with wailing and gnashing of teeth. FYI - Jesus said more about hell than anyone else in the Bible.
The parable of the tares throws clear light on a number of issues. Interpreted by our Lord himself, it plainly declares that the world will not be converted in this age: good and evil shall exist together until the end. Thus it destroys that dream of man who imagine a world brotherhood to be created by the preaching of the gospel which is set up in this age the reign of universal righteousness.
The seed here is not the word, as in the parable of the sewer, but rather what the word produces, the children of the kingdom; and the tears are the children of evil. They may get into churches and look like Christians, but they have another nature. The sowing of tares was done while men slept. The devil does his work today while ministers are asleep; he sows evil, but churches are too taken up with their own ease and comfort to notice. Then we read the evil sower (devil) went his way.
The field indeed is the world, but the center of action here is a professing kingdom, the church. We cannot separate the false and true for we cannot read men’s hearts. God will attend to the final dividing; vengeance is his. It is possible in church discipline to overstep our boundaries and attempt a separation beyond our right. However there is little danger of that today, for few churches exert as much authority as is their right.
But we must be careful lest in ridding ourselves of offenders we root up the good also.
The old teaching of a final gathering has disappeared from much of our preaching. But our Lord will gather his wheat Matthew 3:12 when he takes up his church I Thessalonians 4:13–18. His reapers, the Angels shall also gather out all that offend and the wicked. Mind you, it is our Lord himself who declares the judgment of the wicked to be a furnace of fire Matthew 13:42 with wailing and gnashing of teeth. FYI - Jesus said more about hell than anyone else in the Bible.
Page 33
God’s Love For Man
Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love. Our father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy. Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature. Think of their marvelous adaptation to the needs and happiness, not only of men, but of all living creatures. The sunshine and the rain that refresh the earth, the hills, and seas and planes, all speak to us of the Creator’s love. It is God who supplies the daily needs of all His creatures. In the beautiful words of the psalmist, “the eyes of all wait on You, and You give to them their meat in due season, You open Your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love. Our father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy. Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature. Think of their marvelous adaptation to the needs and happiness, not only of men, but of all living creatures. The sunshine and the rain that refresh the earth, the hills, and seas and planes, all speak to us of the Creator’s love. It is God who supplies the daily needs of all His creatures. In the beautiful words of the psalmist, “the eyes of all wait on You, and You give to them their meat in due season, You open Your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Page 32 (February 1)
As We Go
Jesus made Himself known only to His own, and if others are to hear about Him today you and I must tell them. Let us not forget that our message is Christ Himself. We try to match the world’s wit and cleverness. We try to meet it on its own ground and amuse it and entertain it. We give it a glorified hash, a religious mulligan stew of ethics and psychology and philosophy. We forget that what we have that the world doesn’t have is Jesus. There is no point in trying meet it with something it already has. \we are to let our light shine, and that light is Jesus. It is a glow not a glare, and we do not shine it, we let it shine. Go tell them about Jesus, dead, risen and alive forever more!
Jesus made Himself known only to His own, and if others are to hear about Him today you and I must tell them. Let us not forget that our message is Christ Himself. We try to match the world’s wit and cleverness. We try to meet it on its own ground and amuse it and entertain it. We give it a glorified hash, a religious mulligan stew of ethics and psychology and philosophy. We forget that what we have that the world doesn’t have is Jesus. There is no point in trying meet it with something it already has. \we are to let our light shine, and that light is Jesus. It is a glow not a glare, and we do not shine it, we let it shine. Go tell them about Jesus, dead, risen and alive forever more!
Page 31
Dedication
In times past I prayed, “Lord use me.” I do not pray that prayer anymore. God is using us as much as He can. The harvest is plenteous and the labourers are few. God is short handed in His harvest field. His eyes run to and fro through out the earth; He wants to show Himself strong on their behalf. If He could use us more He would. Our prayer should be, “Make me usable.” If you are usable, God will certainly use you! He will near wear you out, and that my friend is wonderful!
In times past I prayed, “Lord use me.” I do not pray that prayer anymore. God is using us as much as He can. The harvest is plenteous and the labourers are few. God is short handed in His harvest field. His eyes run to and fro through out the earth; He wants to show Himself strong on their behalf. If He could use us more He would. Our prayer should be, “Make me usable.” If you are usable, God will certainly use you! He will near wear you out, and that my friend is wonderful!
Page 30
The altars of God
Elijah repaired the altar of God that was broken down. There never was a revival that did not begin the rebuilding of broken altars of concentration, a family altars, of altars of praise and testimony. Stained-glass windows, robed choirs, eloquence in the pulpit, and the elegance in the pew have never deceived God. He demands truth in the inward parts, and heaven will keep silent until we approach them with rebuilt altars. There must be sacrificed on those altars – not a sacrifice for sin, for that is been offered once for all.
There must be the sacrifice of penance
There must be the sacrifice of person
There must be the sacrifice of praise
We try to work up the sacrifice by artificial means; song leader sweat and plead trying to bring out a song that is not there You cannot change the order of penitence, person, praise. When God’s people repent and give themselves to God they will have a song. It will be spontaneous, for what is down in the well will come up in the bucket.
Elijah repaired the altar of God that was broken down. There never was a revival that did not begin the rebuilding of broken altars of concentration, a family altars, of altars of praise and testimony. Stained-glass windows, robed choirs, eloquence in the pulpit, and the elegance in the pew have never deceived God. He demands truth in the inward parts, and heaven will keep silent until we approach them with rebuilt altars. There must be sacrificed on those altars – not a sacrifice for sin, for that is been offered once for all.
There must be the sacrifice of penance
There must be the sacrifice of person
There must be the sacrifice of praise
We try to work up the sacrifice by artificial means; song leader sweat and plead trying to bring out a song that is not there You cannot change the order of penitence, person, praise. When God’s people repent and give themselves to God they will have a song. It will be spontaneous, for what is down in the well will come up in the bucket.
Page 29
“I Know”
“Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changes not, abide with me.”
Thank God we don’t have to be discouraged by guesswork.
We are KNOWERS:
I know whom I have believed that, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. II Timothy 1:12
If any man will do his will, he shall know the doctrine John 7:17
We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. I John 3:14
We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens II Corinthians 5:1
“Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changes not, abide with me.”
Thank God we don’t have to be discouraged by guesswork.
We are KNOWERS:
I know whom I have believed that, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. II Timothy 1:12
If any man will do his will, he shall know the doctrine John 7:17
We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. I John 3:14
We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens II Corinthians 5:1
Page 28
The Soil And The Seed Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Our Lord’s parable of the sower in Matthew 13 is fairly familiar as a Sunday school lesson, but not so as its searching message. Our old adversaries, the world, the flesh and the devil are in evidence in this parable, but the order is reversed.
The devil comes first, stealing away the seed sown by the wayside. He is the thief of sermons as well as of souls, and is at every church. Those who do not understand the word are simply those who make no effort to understand. The trouble is not ignorance or inability to understand, for them the fault would not be theirs. They are not in earnest; they merely come to church in here and go away. The message went in one ear and out the other, and often there is little between the ears to stop it. It is true that the word is spiritually discerned, but these are not willing to be made spiritual; they do not give more earnest heed, and the word does not profit them, not being mixed with faith. What booty they are for the devil, and how quickly he snatches away the seed!
Then there are those who hear the Word and receive it with joy. They not only hear, the Word makes an impression. They swallow it whole, but they merely enjoyed the sermon, and while they may excitedly make a move, they have no real principle, and a profession fails for lack of perseverance. These lack patient “continuance” and failed to continue in the perfect law of liberty, though they joyfully looked at it. Tribulation and persecution show them up and they are soon offended. Theirs is weakness of the flesh.
Others hear the Word, but the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches are a problem. Just as it is not money, but the love of money that God warns against, here it is not the world, but the love of the world that hinders the Word. But, thank God, there is the good soil. There are those who was an honest and good heart receives the Word Luke 8:15, and they bear fruit in different degrees. Some are more faithful than others, but the heart is honest and they mean business.
Consider also, Hosea 10:12 “Break up your fallow ground.” Good ground must be broken. There is fallow ground that looks very solid and permanent, but it never can be productive until it has been plowed. Only weeds and thorns grow on fallow ground. There is much preaching today that is wasting this feed on ground that never has been prepared, and God tells us not to do that Jeremiah 4:3. There is much prayer for showers of blessings that is amiss, for God will not waste showers on fallow ground. Christians and churches today do not like to be disturbed; they do not want the plow put in, but there can be no harvest without it! There is much talk about revival that overlooks this fact. The broken and contrite heart is God’s accepted sacrifice on our part. It takes broken clouds to give rein in broken clods to bear fruit. Do not look for harvest without first breaking up the ground.
Our Lord’s parable of the sower in Matthew 13 is fairly familiar as a Sunday school lesson, but not so as its searching message. Our old adversaries, the world, the flesh and the devil are in evidence in this parable, but the order is reversed.
The devil comes first, stealing away the seed sown by the wayside. He is the thief of sermons as well as of souls, and is at every church. Those who do not understand the word are simply those who make no effort to understand. The trouble is not ignorance or inability to understand, for them the fault would not be theirs. They are not in earnest; they merely come to church in here and go away. The message went in one ear and out the other, and often there is little between the ears to stop it. It is true that the word is spiritually discerned, but these are not willing to be made spiritual; they do not give more earnest heed, and the word does not profit them, not being mixed with faith. What booty they are for the devil, and how quickly he snatches away the seed!
Then there are those who hear the Word and receive it with joy. They not only hear, the Word makes an impression. They swallow it whole, but they merely enjoyed the sermon, and while they may excitedly make a move, they have no real principle, and a profession fails for lack of perseverance. These lack patient “continuance” and failed to continue in the perfect law of liberty, though they joyfully looked at it. Tribulation and persecution show them up and they are soon offended. Theirs is weakness of the flesh.
Others hear the Word, but the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches are a problem. Just as it is not money, but the love of money that God warns against, here it is not the world, but the love of the world that hinders the Word. But, thank God, there is the good soil. There are those who was an honest and good heart receives the Word Luke 8:15, and they bear fruit in different degrees. Some are more faithful than others, but the heart is honest and they mean business.
Consider also, Hosea 10:12 “Break up your fallow ground.” Good ground must be broken. There is fallow ground that looks very solid and permanent, but it never can be productive until it has been plowed. Only weeds and thorns grow on fallow ground. There is much preaching today that is wasting this feed on ground that never has been prepared, and God tells us not to do that Jeremiah 4:3. There is much prayer for showers of blessings that is amiss, for God will not waste showers on fallow ground. Christians and churches today do not like to be disturbed; they do not want the plow put in, but there can be no harvest without it! There is much talk about revival that overlooks this fact. The broken and contrite heart is God’s accepted sacrifice on our part. It takes broken clouds to give rein in broken clods to bear fruit. Do not look for harvest without first breaking up the ground.
Page 27
Saving Grace
For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8
Someone has spelled out the word grace to say that:
G stands for gift, the principle of grace
R stands for redemption, the purpose of grace.
A stands for access, the privilege of grace.
C stands for character the product of grace.
E stands for eternal life, the prospect of grace.
For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8
Someone has spelled out the word grace to say that:
G stands for gift, the principle of grace
R stands for redemption, the purpose of grace.
A stands for access, the privilege of grace.
C stands for character the product of grace.
E stands for eternal life, the prospect of grace.
Page 26
"One Thing”
One thing you lack… Mark 10:21
One thing is needful… Luke 10:42
One thing I know…John 9:25
One thing I do… Philippians 3:13
One thing you lack… Mark 10:21
One thing is needful… Luke 10:42
One thing I know…John 9:25
One thing I do… Philippians 3:13
Page 25
The Sower Matthew 13:1-9
Here our Lord reaches a turning point in his teaching. He had come to the Jew first, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and I presented himself as the Messiah, and they had refused him. He then presents an parable form the mystery of the gospel in the church age – a truth that had not been revealed to the prophets, having been kept secret from the beginning, as our Lord plainly stated. He spoke in parables that his disciples might catch the deeper meanings, while blinded Jews – as Isaiah had prophesied – would hear but not understand.
These parables do not teach world conversion, but rather the saving of a few, and a final judgment and separation. The parable of the sewer, interpreted by our Lord himself, shows four root types: the superficial, upon whom no lasting impression is made; the emotional, making a fine start, but not persevering; the preoccupied, soon choked out by earthly cares; and a truly receptive and productive.
Here is encouragement in preaching, for at least one out of four will receive the seed and bear fruit. Yet here is a warning against expecting universal acceptance of the gospel, for the three other types will last until the end.
Seed falling by the wayside indicates that there are those who do not understand the message and you do not care or even try to understand. They hear but heed not, and the devil, ever watchful, snatches away the word before they get home from church. Then there are those of the stony ground, who go further than the first group. They receive the word, a good beginning is made, but they do not hold fast that which is good. They taste the good word of God, but they do not endure until the end. When trouble – which works for the faithful a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory – arrives, these fall away. The third kind also springs up; there is a beginning made, but worldly cares distract – as they did to Martha, so that she neglected to maintain. The deceitfulness of riches, the love of money which is the root of all evil, soon chokes the word, and a young inquirer goes away grieved, having great possessions – and having nothing! It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom because of the exceeding danger of earthly cares and fortunes.
The true believer hears the word and understands it, being taught of the spirit. He is also a fruitful believer although there are degrees of fruitfulness. Their hearts are honest and good, and they bring forth fruit with patience Luke 8:15. Therefore we should take heed how we hear; for whosoever has to him shall be given; and whosoever has not, from him shall be taken even that which he seems to have.
Here our Lord reaches a turning point in his teaching. He had come to the Jew first, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and I presented himself as the Messiah, and they had refused him. He then presents an parable form the mystery of the gospel in the church age – a truth that had not been revealed to the prophets, having been kept secret from the beginning, as our Lord plainly stated. He spoke in parables that his disciples might catch the deeper meanings, while blinded Jews – as Isaiah had prophesied – would hear but not understand.
These parables do not teach world conversion, but rather the saving of a few, and a final judgment and separation. The parable of the sewer, interpreted by our Lord himself, shows four root types: the superficial, upon whom no lasting impression is made; the emotional, making a fine start, but not persevering; the preoccupied, soon choked out by earthly cares; and a truly receptive and productive.
Here is encouragement in preaching, for at least one out of four will receive the seed and bear fruit. Yet here is a warning against expecting universal acceptance of the gospel, for the three other types will last until the end.
Seed falling by the wayside indicates that there are those who do not understand the message and you do not care or even try to understand. They hear but heed not, and the devil, ever watchful, snatches away the word before they get home from church. Then there are those of the stony ground, who go further than the first group. They receive the word, a good beginning is made, but they do not hold fast that which is good. They taste the good word of God, but they do not endure until the end. When trouble – which works for the faithful a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory – arrives, these fall away. The third kind also springs up; there is a beginning made, but worldly cares distract – as they did to Martha, so that she neglected to maintain. The deceitfulness of riches, the love of money which is the root of all evil, soon chokes the word, and a young inquirer goes away grieved, having great possessions – and having nothing! It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom because of the exceeding danger of earthly cares and fortunes.
The true believer hears the word and understands it, being taught of the spirit. He is also a fruitful believer although there are degrees of fruitfulness. Their hearts are honest and good, and they bring forth fruit with patience Luke 8:15. Therefore we should take heed how we hear; for whosoever has to him shall be given; and whosoever has not, from him shall be taken even that which he seems to have.
Page 24
Suffering
It will last forever but we will!
Now for a season and… You are in heaviness… I Peter 1:6
After that you have suffered a while… I Peter 5:10
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment… II Corinthians 4:17
It will last forever but we will!
Now for a season and… You are in heaviness… I Peter 1:6
After that you have suffered a while… I Peter 5:10
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment… II Corinthians 4:17
Page 23
What Is Your Life Philippians 1:21
In the book of James we are asked, “what is your life”? In Philippians 1:21, Paul says, “for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”.
There are three false estimates of life:
1. THINGS There are those who live for things, but that is a mistake, for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of things which he possesses. The leading business in America is the junk business. We do not call it junk today; it is cars enclosing finery and furnishings; but tomorrow it is rusty or moth-eaten, for men storing up their treasures on earth where moth and rust corrupt and where thieves break through and steal.
2. THRILLS We should seek the thrills that God gives, joy unspeakable and full of glory. The blessing of the Lord, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
3. THEORIES The world by wisdom knew not God. Cowboy wisdom says, “I’d rather know a few things for certain than be sure of a lot of things that just ain’t so”.
We try to go ahead first when God’s way is heart first. If life’s true valuation is not to be found in things, thrills, and theories, then where shall we look? The other way is the way of truth. Our Lord on trial before Pilate said my kingdom is not of this world… To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth hears my voice.
Pilate asked wearily, what is truth?
Men still are asking, what is truth? The truth is a whom not a what. Christ is the truth, not merely a truth teller and when Paul said, for me to live is Christ, he was giving us life’s true estimate. It is not to live for Christ or to be Christ minded, but to live is Christ.
In the book of James we are asked, “what is your life”? In Philippians 1:21, Paul says, “for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”.
There are three false estimates of life:
1. THINGS There are those who live for things, but that is a mistake, for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of things which he possesses. The leading business in America is the junk business. We do not call it junk today; it is cars enclosing finery and furnishings; but tomorrow it is rusty or moth-eaten, for men storing up their treasures on earth where moth and rust corrupt and where thieves break through and steal.
2. THRILLS We should seek the thrills that God gives, joy unspeakable and full of glory. The blessing of the Lord, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
3. THEORIES The world by wisdom knew not God. Cowboy wisdom says, “I’d rather know a few things for certain than be sure of a lot of things that just ain’t so”.
We try to go ahead first when God’s way is heart first. If life’s true valuation is not to be found in things, thrills, and theories, then where shall we look? The other way is the way of truth. Our Lord on trial before Pilate said my kingdom is not of this world… To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth hears my voice.
Pilate asked wearily, what is truth?
Men still are asking, what is truth? The truth is a whom not a what. Christ is the truth, not merely a truth teller and when Paul said, for me to live is Christ, he was giving us life’s true estimate. It is not to live for Christ or to be Christ minded, but to live is Christ.
Page 22
Three Kinds Of Burdens Matthew 11:28-30, 23:1-4
The burden business has been misunderstood and overworked by all too many believers. Here are those who invent extra loads and devise all sorts of excess luggage – who think it’s a sign of spirituality to slave through life with up rolled eyes beneath a ton of baggage. Job said it best,” I am a burden to myself”.
The master spoke of the Pharisees, the Orthodox religionists of his day, as binding heavy ingredients burdens and laying them on men’s shoulders, while they themselves would not move them with one of their fingers. Many there are whose religious life is only a dull routine of formal observances, the shadow without the substance. Ritualism without redemption. A load instead of a life!
The word speaks of three kinds of burdens we deal with. There is, first, the burden we share, “bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 What ever we lift, lifts us, and as we get under our brother’s load with him, we find that our own load is lightened. The early church had all things in common.
Then there is the burden we bear. “For every man shall bear his own burden”. Galatians 6:5 our load of personal responsibility, which can’t be saddle off on someone else.
The third type is found in Psalm 55:22 “cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you”. And I Peter 5:7 “casting all your care upon him for he cares for you.” How many trust God with their souls, but never with their burdens. The conquest of care is not a matter of fighting them, but of surrendering them. Victory here begins with surrender. There are obligations we must assume, we must remember that God carries both ourselves and our burden. So, the whole load is his; yet, there is a load that is ours. This is not some heavy burdensome thing, Jesus said my yoke is easy.
Now a yoke is not an extra burden, but a device to make the burden light. Our faith is not to be lugged along as an extra obligation, rather it makes life portable. Finally, the master said, my burden is light. That sums it all. His requirements are not heavy and enslaving. Indeed, he invites all the heavy laden to him to find rest.
The burden business has been misunderstood and overworked by all too many believers. Here are those who invent extra loads and devise all sorts of excess luggage – who think it’s a sign of spirituality to slave through life with up rolled eyes beneath a ton of baggage. Job said it best,” I am a burden to myself”.
The master spoke of the Pharisees, the Orthodox religionists of his day, as binding heavy ingredients burdens and laying them on men’s shoulders, while they themselves would not move them with one of their fingers. Many there are whose religious life is only a dull routine of formal observances, the shadow without the substance. Ritualism without redemption. A load instead of a life!
The word speaks of three kinds of burdens we deal with. There is, first, the burden we share, “bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 What ever we lift, lifts us, and as we get under our brother’s load with him, we find that our own load is lightened. The early church had all things in common.
Then there is the burden we bear. “For every man shall bear his own burden”. Galatians 6:5 our load of personal responsibility, which can’t be saddle off on someone else.
The third type is found in Psalm 55:22 “cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you”. And I Peter 5:7 “casting all your care upon him for he cares for you.” How many trust God with their souls, but never with their burdens. The conquest of care is not a matter of fighting them, but of surrendering them. Victory here begins with surrender. There are obligations we must assume, we must remember that God carries both ourselves and our burden. So, the whole load is his; yet, there is a load that is ours. This is not some heavy burdensome thing, Jesus said my yoke is easy.
Now a yoke is not an extra burden, but a device to make the burden light. Our faith is not to be lugged along as an extra obligation, rather it makes life portable. Finally, the master said, my burden is light. That sums it all. His requirements are not heavy and enslaving. Indeed, he invites all the heavy laden to him to find rest.
Page 21
Warning and Invitations Matthew 11:20-30
Here our Lord reaches one of the crossroads in his ministry. Before this he had preached to the lost sheep of the house of Israel the gospel of the kingdom, offering himself as a long expected Messiah. But Israel has refused him, so now he pronounces judgment upon them and turns to the world at large with a general invitation for all who are weary – the laboring and the laden – to come to him for rest. It is a remarkable fulfillment of prophecy that the cities here condemned live today in ruins and are mute witnesses to the truth of this judgment. That it would be more tolerable for Sodom and Tyre and Sidon indicates that there will be degrees of punishment. Then our Lord thanked God that the deeper truths were hidden from the wise and prudent and revealed unto babes. It has ever been so; the wise in their own conceits pass the gospel by, while the simple receive it. Only those who abandon their pride and become childlike can enter the kingdom. If it were otherwise, men would take credit for being saved, and flesh would glory in his presence. First Jesus states his resources, then invites the laboring and the laden to come to him. Since all belong to these classes, all are invited. Notice, he says he will give us rest; but in the next verse he bids us learn of him and find rest. Rest is both an obtainment and an attainment.
Positionally, we receive his rest when we come to him. But conditionally, in experience, this rest is ours daily as we abide in him and learn of him.
It is not earned, but is learned!
His yoke is not an extra burden to be added to our others, is meant to make all our burdens lighter. Our faith is not weights, but wings! Coming to him, rest is ours; as we practice his rest, it becomes our condition as well as our position.
Here our Lord reaches one of the crossroads in his ministry. Before this he had preached to the lost sheep of the house of Israel the gospel of the kingdom, offering himself as a long expected Messiah. But Israel has refused him, so now he pronounces judgment upon them and turns to the world at large with a general invitation for all who are weary – the laboring and the laden – to come to him for rest. It is a remarkable fulfillment of prophecy that the cities here condemned live today in ruins and are mute witnesses to the truth of this judgment. That it would be more tolerable for Sodom and Tyre and Sidon indicates that there will be degrees of punishment. Then our Lord thanked God that the deeper truths were hidden from the wise and prudent and revealed unto babes. It has ever been so; the wise in their own conceits pass the gospel by, while the simple receive it. Only those who abandon their pride and become childlike can enter the kingdom. If it were otherwise, men would take credit for being saved, and flesh would glory in his presence. First Jesus states his resources, then invites the laboring and the laden to come to him. Since all belong to these classes, all are invited. Notice, he says he will give us rest; but in the next verse he bids us learn of him and find rest. Rest is both an obtainment and an attainment.
Positionally, we receive his rest when we come to him. But conditionally, in experience, this rest is ours daily as we abide in him and learn of him.
It is not earned, but is learned!
His yoke is not an extra burden to be added to our others, is meant to make all our burdens lighter. Our faith is not weights, but wings! Coming to him, rest is ours; as we practice his rest, it becomes our condition as well as our position.
Page 20
The Twelve Sent Forth Matthew 10:1-23
The sending forth of the disciples upon their first preaching tour has been the favorite pretext of misguided fanatics through the centuries. Time and again some erratic soul has taken these commands literally endeavored to practice them even to the point of the sandals and the staff. They overlook the very first statement of our Lord in Matthew’s account – that this mission was purely local and temporary, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Jesus says you shall not have gone over the cities of Israel till the Son of Man become. While there is a sense in which Christ came in the destruction of Jerusalem, or even earlier in the empowering the spirit of Pentecost, we are looking here at the ministry of the faithful remnant of Israel in the last days before our Lord Lord’s second Advent.
Our Lord declares that he came not to bring peace but a sword that he is the great divider, separating even families in their allegiance to or rejection of him. In these days when light and easy things are being set of our Lord and he is pictured as the great pacifist with the gospel of brotherhood, sweetness and light, we need to remember that really Jesus Christ has been and is the most dividing force in all of history! He who is not with him is against him, and he who gathers not with him scatters abroad – so with the sharp, two-edged sword of the word, Jesus Christ that’s the whole human race asunder to the right and the left.
He unifies those who are in him, but he is the great divider of humanity – and this agency division to the end over the supreme issue.
Where do we stand with regard to Christ? Is gospel is the saver of life onto life or of death unto death, and by him the thoughts of all men are revealed. Although many of the literal commands of this commission of the 12 are not for us, it would be a great day if his witnesses now so comfortably settled in established positions could go forth with the abandon of these early missionaries. Alas, with too many of us, the adventure of the cross has become a fixed professionalism. We need the old abandon of those who, have freely received, and freely give.
The sending forth of the disciples upon their first preaching tour has been the favorite pretext of misguided fanatics through the centuries. Time and again some erratic soul has taken these commands literally endeavored to practice them even to the point of the sandals and the staff. They overlook the very first statement of our Lord in Matthew’s account – that this mission was purely local and temporary, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Jesus says you shall not have gone over the cities of Israel till the Son of Man become. While there is a sense in which Christ came in the destruction of Jerusalem, or even earlier in the empowering the spirit of Pentecost, we are looking here at the ministry of the faithful remnant of Israel in the last days before our Lord Lord’s second Advent.
Our Lord declares that he came not to bring peace but a sword that he is the great divider, separating even families in their allegiance to or rejection of him. In these days when light and easy things are being set of our Lord and he is pictured as the great pacifist with the gospel of brotherhood, sweetness and light, we need to remember that really Jesus Christ has been and is the most dividing force in all of history! He who is not with him is against him, and he who gathers not with him scatters abroad – so with the sharp, two-edged sword of the word, Jesus Christ that’s the whole human race asunder to the right and the left.
He unifies those who are in him, but he is the great divider of humanity – and this agency division to the end over the supreme issue.
Where do we stand with regard to Christ? Is gospel is the saver of life onto life or of death unto death, and by him the thoughts of all men are revealed. Although many of the literal commands of this commission of the 12 are not for us, it would be a great day if his witnesses now so comfortably settled in established positions could go forth with the abandon of these early missionaries. Alas, with too many of us, the adventure of the cross has become a fixed professionalism. We need the old abandon of those who, have freely received, and freely give.
Page 19
"According To Your Faith" II Matthew 9:27-34
Worlds of possibilities are wrapped up in our Lord’s statement to the blind men in Matthew 9:29 “according to your faith be it unto you”. Men go from book to book, from lecture to lecture, seeking a more abundant life. We Christians devour devotional literature, always expecting that the next page will unlock the mystic secret. And here’s the key: faith grows as we exercise such faith as we have. The measure of the life abundant is in proportion to our faith. God’s resources are ever available to faith.
If we make our check small, we have only ourselves to blame.
We need to examine just what sort of faith this is, for faith itself has been made a fetish by those who think faith is sufficient no matter what we believe. The value of faith depends upon its object. If the object of confidence turns out unworthy, the one who believed is in worse condition than before, no matter how worthy his faith may have been.
Popular teaching which puts the emphasis upon faith itself, makes it purely subjective, while the real virtue lies in the object. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ was the early message of the apostles, and simple faith in Christ as Son of God and Savior is the condition of salvation.
Every believer has experienced as far as he is trusted, he has found the promises are true. So do not look for something magical about this matter of faith. The value of right faith lies in in whom we trust, not on the quantity or quality of your faith.
All things are possible to him that believes, if he believes in him with whom all things are possible. Here and here only is the way to life victorious and abundant, for ”this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith” I John 5:4
Worlds of possibilities are wrapped up in our Lord’s statement to the blind men in Matthew 9:29 “according to your faith be it unto you”. Men go from book to book, from lecture to lecture, seeking a more abundant life. We Christians devour devotional literature, always expecting that the next page will unlock the mystic secret. And here’s the key: faith grows as we exercise such faith as we have. The measure of the life abundant is in proportion to our faith. God’s resources are ever available to faith.
If we make our check small, we have only ourselves to blame.
We need to examine just what sort of faith this is, for faith itself has been made a fetish by those who think faith is sufficient no matter what we believe. The value of faith depends upon its object. If the object of confidence turns out unworthy, the one who believed is in worse condition than before, no matter how worthy his faith may have been.
Popular teaching which puts the emphasis upon faith itself, makes it purely subjective, while the real virtue lies in the object. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ was the early message of the apostles, and simple faith in Christ as Son of God and Savior is the condition of salvation.
Every believer has experienced as far as he is trusted, he has found the promises are true. So do not look for something magical about this matter of faith. The value of right faith lies in in whom we trust, not on the quantity or quality of your faith.
All things are possible to him that believes, if he believes in him with whom all things are possible. Here and here only is the way to life victorious and abundant, for ”this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith” I John 5:4
Page 18
“According To Your Faith” Matthew 9:27-29
After the raising of Jairus’ daughter our Lord on his departure was followed by two blind men crying for mercy. He asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” And they answered, “yes Lord”. Then he touched their eyes, saying, “according to your faith be it unto you”, and their eyes were opened.
A simple story, so simple that we pass over it and overlook its tremendous revelation. Here is the key to a life of blessing: “according to your faith” but mind you, faith in the Lord Jesus, for he had just asked, “do you believe I’m able to do this?”
The value of faith depends upon the object of faith, and when Christ is the object, faith never fails. All things are possible to the person who believes, if he believes in him with whom all things are possible.
Christians live meager and defeated lives because they believe so little. In the midst of it all stands Jesus, the answer to every problem; but we do not believe like the blind men that he is able to do wonders in our lives or, if we believe it theoretically, we do not believe it practically, so our eyes are not opened. Simple faith in Jesus Christ is the key to every problem, the answer to every issue from the smallest to the greatest.
After the raising of Jairus’ daughter our Lord on his departure was followed by two blind men crying for mercy. He asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” And they answered, “yes Lord”. Then he touched their eyes, saying, “according to your faith be it unto you”, and their eyes were opened.
A simple story, so simple that we pass over it and overlook its tremendous revelation. Here is the key to a life of blessing: “according to your faith” but mind you, faith in the Lord Jesus, for he had just asked, “do you believe I’m able to do this?”
The value of faith depends upon the object of faith, and when Christ is the object, faith never fails. All things are possible to the person who believes, if he believes in him with whom all things are possible.
Christians live meager and defeated lives because they believe so little. In the midst of it all stands Jesus, the answer to every problem; but we do not believe like the blind men that he is able to do wonders in our lives or, if we believe it theoretically, we do not believe it practically, so our eyes are not opened. Simple faith in Jesus Christ is the key to every problem, the answer to every issue from the smallest to the greatest.
Page 17
Don't Miss Your Miracle
We often hear it said that the day of miracles is passed. But every true Christian is a miracle, born again by the Holy Spirit. Of course I mean real Christians, not just church members. If you are what you have always been you are not a Christian. The Christian life is a miracle, Jesus living within the true believer. He is not just our Savior and Lord but also our life. God has many miraculous things for his people, but so many miss them.
· I do not know what Jesus had for the rich young ruler but he missed it.
· The blind man would’ve missed receiving a site if he had not washed in Siloam.
· Demas missed his miracle when he deserted Paul.
· Jonah almost missed his life mission.
I have him and him I have met many who were called to preach or to be missionaries who never answered. We live doing what comes naturally and miss what comes supernaturally.
The church is a miracle. Today too many of its members are not miraculous but make-believe. Gideon asked, where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of? Judges 6:13
We often hear it said that the day of miracles is passed. But every true Christian is a miracle, born again by the Holy Spirit. Of course I mean real Christians, not just church members. If you are what you have always been you are not a Christian. The Christian life is a miracle, Jesus living within the true believer. He is not just our Savior and Lord but also our life. God has many miraculous things for his people, but so many miss them.
· I do not know what Jesus had for the rich young ruler but he missed it.
· The blind man would’ve missed receiving a site if he had not washed in Siloam.
· Demas missed his miracle when he deserted Paul.
· Jonah almost missed his life mission.
I have him and him I have met many who were called to preach or to be missionaries who never answered. We live doing what comes naturally and miss what comes supernaturally.
The church is a miracle. Today too many of its members are not miraculous but make-believe. Gideon asked, where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of? Judges 6:13
Page 16
The Gadarene Matthew 8:28-34
After mastering a wild sea the Lord Jesus Masters a wild man. There is a beautiful truth in the healed man’s desire to go with the Lord and his disciples. Doubtless he wanted to get away from the scenes of his past, and it looked very inviting – this prospect of sojourning with the Lord in new fields, ever hearing his words and witnessing his miracles. But it was not to be; he must stay in the old, unromantic spot and tell what the Lord had done for his soul and what a witnessing must’ve been.
Many of us have known this experience. We have longed to follow the Lord across the sea or into some more interesting field, but he has commissioned us to stay at home – live down an evil past, perhaps – and be an obscure and unknown witness.
It is not given to everyone to go afar; there must be the disciple who stays at home.
Time and time again we meet with those who went to foreign fields or undertook vast enterprises under mistaken leadings.
It is so easy to confuse our wants with God’s leadings. The work of the gospel is too often made the springboard from which to dive off into water too deep for us. This man obeyed the Lord’s command, and as he proclaimed his story, men marveled, according to Mark’s account.
Together with a marvelous experience of deliverance he had an obedient spirit, and that makes a great combination. Are you willing that Christ should do his wonders in your life at any cost to property and circumstance? Then you need to be willing to let him station you where he will, to be his witness.
After mastering a wild sea the Lord Jesus Masters a wild man. There is a beautiful truth in the healed man’s desire to go with the Lord and his disciples. Doubtless he wanted to get away from the scenes of his past, and it looked very inviting – this prospect of sojourning with the Lord in new fields, ever hearing his words and witnessing his miracles. But it was not to be; he must stay in the old, unromantic spot and tell what the Lord had done for his soul and what a witnessing must’ve been.
Many of us have known this experience. We have longed to follow the Lord across the sea or into some more interesting field, but he has commissioned us to stay at home – live down an evil past, perhaps – and be an obscure and unknown witness.
It is not given to everyone to go afar; there must be the disciple who stays at home.
Time and time again we meet with those who went to foreign fields or undertook vast enterprises under mistaken leadings.
It is so easy to confuse our wants with God’s leadings. The work of the gospel is too often made the springboard from which to dive off into water too deep for us. This man obeyed the Lord’s command, and as he proclaimed his story, men marveled, according to Mark’s account.
Together with a marvelous experience of deliverance he had an obedient spirit, and that makes a great combination. Are you willing that Christ should do his wonders in your life at any cost to property and circumstance? Then you need to be willing to let him station you where he will, to be his witness.
Page 15
Faith and Fear Matthew 8:23 – 27
Jesus says to the alarmed disciples who have awakened him in the storm at sea: “Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith?” They had cried out in alarm, “Lord save us, we perish!” and according to Mark, “Master don’t you care that we perish?”
How true to human nature is that fearfulness. After all the mighty works which they had seen Jesus do, here they could see only the immediate danger. Some have used the sleeping presence of Christ in the boat to indicate that Christ is in every believer and needs only to be called into action by stirring up the gift of God within us. Really? It was fear rather than faith that called upon him here. A stronger faith would've let him sleep. There is more faith in a quiet dependence upon the indwelling Christ, than an excitable anxiousness that wakes him in every storm, as if any real harm could come to us when Christ is within.
Many believers need to learn faith delivers from fear. Theoretically we believe in the Christ within us, but when the crisis comes we grow panicky and cry, "Master we perish!"
But faith and fear are contradictory. In proportion as we have one, we do not have the other.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love I John 4:18
Since love is the outward working of faith, it follows that faith, working by love, drives out fear.
How the Master would cry to us timid and alarmed disciples as he did to these, why are you fearful O ye of little faith? In other words where is your faith?
No Christian need fear anything! For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. We fear misfortune; we fear criticism; we fear others; we fear to undertake things, to speak for Christ; we fear for financial security; we fear sickness; we cross bridges before we reach them; we fear the future. But for every fear Faith is the victory. We are not thinking of fear merely as a feeling, but as an attitude that paralyzes the will and restrains and cramps the life until one becomes a cowering slave.
Neither is faith merely a feeling, but the attitude which steps forth in dependence upon God even though feelings and circumstances may point the other way.
Please understand that fear is not conquered in one day. The Christian who sets out to live by faith will find many nervous qualms and inhibitions trying to choke his courage, but as he exercises faith, faith grows stronger and fear weaker - until it no longer is a serious problem. Here as everywhere else, the practice of being in God’s presence plays its part.
Some believers make the mistake of waiting until they feel all fear disappear before they venture forth by faith. But they never reach the high hills that way.
Faith sets out in the very teeth of adverse circumstances and contrary feelings and makes fear disappear by continually assuming, asserting and practicing the attitude of faith, until it becomes real and fear has been broken. Of course, it’s all done through the indwelling Spirit, but still there must be practice and persistence. God will empower and sustain, but the decision of the will is our part, and all the prayers and devotional readings on earth will not make up for our definite stepping out in faith upon the promises.
Jesus says to the alarmed disciples who have awakened him in the storm at sea: “Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith?” They had cried out in alarm, “Lord save us, we perish!” and according to Mark, “Master don’t you care that we perish?”
How true to human nature is that fearfulness. After all the mighty works which they had seen Jesus do, here they could see only the immediate danger. Some have used the sleeping presence of Christ in the boat to indicate that Christ is in every believer and needs only to be called into action by stirring up the gift of God within us. Really? It was fear rather than faith that called upon him here. A stronger faith would've let him sleep. There is more faith in a quiet dependence upon the indwelling Christ, than an excitable anxiousness that wakes him in every storm, as if any real harm could come to us when Christ is within.
Many believers need to learn faith delivers from fear. Theoretically we believe in the Christ within us, but when the crisis comes we grow panicky and cry, "Master we perish!"
But faith and fear are contradictory. In proportion as we have one, we do not have the other.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love I John 4:18
Since love is the outward working of faith, it follows that faith, working by love, drives out fear.
How the Master would cry to us timid and alarmed disciples as he did to these, why are you fearful O ye of little faith? In other words where is your faith?
No Christian need fear anything! For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. We fear misfortune; we fear criticism; we fear others; we fear to undertake things, to speak for Christ; we fear for financial security; we fear sickness; we cross bridges before we reach them; we fear the future. But for every fear Faith is the victory. We are not thinking of fear merely as a feeling, but as an attitude that paralyzes the will and restrains and cramps the life until one becomes a cowering slave.
Neither is faith merely a feeling, but the attitude which steps forth in dependence upon God even though feelings and circumstances may point the other way.
Please understand that fear is not conquered in one day. The Christian who sets out to live by faith will find many nervous qualms and inhibitions trying to choke his courage, but as he exercises faith, faith grows stronger and fear weaker - until it no longer is a serious problem. Here as everywhere else, the practice of being in God’s presence plays its part.
Some believers make the mistake of waiting until they feel all fear disappear before they venture forth by faith. But they never reach the high hills that way.
Faith sets out in the very teeth of adverse circumstances and contrary feelings and makes fear disappear by continually assuming, asserting and practicing the attitude of faith, until it becomes real and fear has been broken. Of course, it’s all done through the indwelling Spirit, but still there must be practice and persistence. God will empower and sustain, but the decision of the will is our part, and all the prayers and devotional readings on earth will not make up for our definite stepping out in faith upon the promises.
Page 14
A New Race Matthew 8:23-27
Three times the phrase” what manner of…?”Is used in the New Testament, with meanings very precious to us. In this portion of Scripture our Lord, asleep in a boat and awakened by his disciples when a storm arose, and rebuked the waves and then his disciples for their lack of faith. They marveled, saying,” what manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!”
A new race began with Jesus Christ. He was Son of Man and son of God, the Word made flesh, Emmanuelle. The old race was a failure, and so God chose Israel as a channel for a new Adam. The first Adam was innocent the new Adam was perfect, sinless. The world has marveled through the ages concerning Christ, ”What manner of man is this?”
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” thank God that we can be members of this new race.
When I trust Christ as Savior I enter a new race with God my Father and Jesus my elder brother, and I am saved that I might be conformed to the image of God’s son.
“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness?”
Too many professing Christians are better known to the world than to the church.
Born again Christians do not practice sin because “His seed remains” in us, and we cannot sin because we are born of God. I believe in this kind of family pride! May we live in keeping with our new family name.
Three times the phrase” what manner of…?”Is used in the New Testament, with meanings very precious to us. In this portion of Scripture our Lord, asleep in a boat and awakened by his disciples when a storm arose, and rebuked the waves and then his disciples for their lack of faith. They marveled, saying,” what manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!”
A new race began with Jesus Christ. He was Son of Man and son of God, the Word made flesh, Emmanuelle. The old race was a failure, and so God chose Israel as a channel for a new Adam. The first Adam was innocent the new Adam was perfect, sinless. The world has marveled through the ages concerning Christ, ”What manner of man is this?”
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” thank God that we can be members of this new race.
When I trust Christ as Savior I enter a new race with God my Father and Jesus my elder brother, and I am saved that I might be conformed to the image of God’s son.
“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness?”
Too many professing Christians are better known to the world than to the church.
Born again Christians do not practice sin because “His seed remains” in us, and we cannot sin because we are born of God. I believe in this kind of family pride! May we live in keeping with our new family name.
Page 13
The Healer Matthew 8:14-17
Our Lord’s ministry was threefold; teaching, preaching and healing. Matthew lists different classes of the sick – those taken with diverse diseases and torments, the demon possessed lunatics, those who had palsy, and then adds: and he healed them. No case was too difficult.
We read that the people were astonished at his doctrine, for his Word was with power. We have the same message, which is to be given in demonstration of the Spirit and of power – but, alas, few are astonished today. It is not that they have become accustomed to it. No, the trouble is that it is not preached with power. The bench warmers in the pews would sit up and take notice, and hungry souls would be fed and sinners convicted if we recovered that note of authority.
I think the secret, is that Jesus took time to be alone and prayed. He knew that if he was to give forth power he must receive power from the father. If he needed to pray in that manner how can we expect to minister in power without the early retreat to that solitary place?
There must be solitude if there is to be a testimony of power.
Our Lord’s ministry was threefold; teaching, preaching and healing. Matthew lists different classes of the sick – those taken with diverse diseases and torments, the demon possessed lunatics, those who had palsy, and then adds: and he healed them. No case was too difficult.
We read that the people were astonished at his doctrine, for his Word was with power. We have the same message, which is to be given in demonstration of the Spirit and of power – but, alas, few are astonished today. It is not that they have become accustomed to it. No, the trouble is that it is not preached with power. The bench warmers in the pews would sit up and take notice, and hungry souls would be fed and sinners convicted if we recovered that note of authority.
I think the secret, is that Jesus took time to be alone and prayed. He knew that if he was to give forth power he must receive power from the father. If he needed to pray in that manner how can we expect to minister in power without the early retreat to that solitary place?
There must be solitude if there is to be a testimony of power.
Page 12
“As you have believed” Matthew 8:5-13
Here we find the account of the healing of the centurion’s servant. This man showed concern. If we are to receive anything from the Lord for ourselves or others, we must first be concerned. It’s funny their salesman selling toothpaste and hair shampoo over the radio and television with more zeal than many of us who share the gospel.
This man also knew his place, he said I’m not worthy that you should, under my roof. Far too many of us have never been humbled enough.
Then the centurion and showed confidence. He asked Jesus merely to speak the word and is several would be healed. Jesus replied,” as you have believed, so be it done to you.” Faith is the only hand that can receive anything from God. Without faith, we cannot please God. Jesus complimented this man’s faith; Jesus always told those who he blessed that their faith had done it. We keep thinking that there is some other key to blessing, but it is simply according to our faith.
Then the centurion obeyed Jesus and went his way. He took the word for the deed and went home to find it so. When Jesus cursed the fig tree, he did not stay there to see whether it died or not. He went his way, And when he came back it was dead.
As the lepers went they were cleansed and so are we.
Here we find the account of the healing of the centurion’s servant. This man showed concern. If we are to receive anything from the Lord for ourselves or others, we must first be concerned. It’s funny their salesman selling toothpaste and hair shampoo over the radio and television with more zeal than many of us who share the gospel.
This man also knew his place, he said I’m not worthy that you should, under my roof. Far too many of us have never been humbled enough.
Then the centurion and showed confidence. He asked Jesus merely to speak the word and is several would be healed. Jesus replied,” as you have believed, so be it done to you.” Faith is the only hand that can receive anything from God. Without faith, we cannot please God. Jesus complimented this man’s faith; Jesus always told those who he blessed that their faith had done it. We keep thinking that there is some other key to blessing, but it is simply according to our faith.
Then the centurion obeyed Jesus and went his way. He took the word for the deed and went home to find it so. When Jesus cursed the fig tree, he did not stay there to see whether it died or not. He went his way, And when he came back it was dead.
As the lepers went they were cleansed and so are we.
Page 11
How Are You Building? Matthew 7:24-27
Our Lord pointed out in these scriptures the contrast between having built on the sand and building on the rock. The same storm came to both because in the world the believer is promised tribulation, but he who heard his Lord’s words and practiced them stood fast.
We need to be careful how we build in. Christ is the only sure foundation. He is the chief cornerstone the tried stone, the sure foundation. But the building must not only be on the Lord, but must be built by him. And except the Lord build the house, those who labor, labor in vain. Every Christian should take heed how he builds. Far more build with wood, hay and stubble than with prayer and study. As a preacher, every sermon ought to be my very best under God’s direction. I think this applies to the Sunday school teacher, the board member, the usher, the greeter, and so on. I think you get my point.
In conversation with the ungodly, how often have we talked weather, sports, or politics and laughed over trivialities and missed a chance to redeem the time with the word fitly spoken, which is like apples of gold in pitchers of silver. Think of how we waste our spare time, when we could make it a permanent blessing.
I know this story talks about our spiritual building standing against the waves and wind, but how about the coming fire? It takes hours of prayer and Bible study and obedience and self-denial for our life work to be fireproof. Sentence prayers and one minute Bible readings before breakfast won’t cut it.
One day we shall thank God we built with “lasting” material. That time you waited in intercessory prayer when the devil said, “go to bed”: the time you called on a certain person to lead them to Christ though you were so nervous; that time you were reconciled to an offended brother; the time you gave $10 when Satan suggested 50 cents: that time you gave up that job because it was doubtful in a spiritual way – at such times we build for eternity! And that soon coming Day shall declare it.
It is so easy to let up here and there and work in a little wood, hay or stubble, but blessed is the man who will not substitute even the good for the best.
How are you building?
Our Lord pointed out in these scriptures the contrast between having built on the sand and building on the rock. The same storm came to both because in the world the believer is promised tribulation, but he who heard his Lord’s words and practiced them stood fast.
We need to be careful how we build in. Christ is the only sure foundation. He is the chief cornerstone the tried stone, the sure foundation. But the building must not only be on the Lord, but must be built by him. And except the Lord build the house, those who labor, labor in vain. Every Christian should take heed how he builds. Far more build with wood, hay and stubble than with prayer and study. As a preacher, every sermon ought to be my very best under God’s direction. I think this applies to the Sunday school teacher, the board member, the usher, the greeter, and so on. I think you get my point.
In conversation with the ungodly, how often have we talked weather, sports, or politics and laughed over trivialities and missed a chance to redeem the time with the word fitly spoken, which is like apples of gold in pitchers of silver. Think of how we waste our spare time, when we could make it a permanent blessing.
I know this story talks about our spiritual building standing against the waves and wind, but how about the coming fire? It takes hours of prayer and Bible study and obedience and self-denial for our life work to be fireproof. Sentence prayers and one minute Bible readings before breakfast won’t cut it.
One day we shall thank God we built with “lasting” material. That time you waited in intercessory prayer when the devil said, “go to bed”: the time you called on a certain person to lead them to Christ though you were so nervous; that time you were reconciled to an offended brother; the time you gave $10 when Satan suggested 50 cents: that time you gave up that job because it was doubtful in a spiritual way – at such times we build for eternity! And that soon coming Day shall declare it.
It is so easy to let up here and there and work in a little wood, hay or stubble, but blessed is the man who will not substitute even the good for the best.
How are you building?
Page 10
Faith and Care Matthew 6:30
Four times in Matthew our Lord uses the expression “O ye of little faith”, and each time the application is to different problems. The first occurrence is wherefore, if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is an tomorrow is cast in the oven, shall he not much more clothe you? O ye of little faith?
This is dealing with our daily anxieties. Many Christians seem to think of worry as a white sin, as though God had made an exception in that case and we were allowed to fret and grieve, with no provision being made for our relief.
People think they simply must worry, but God’s Word is explicit that we are to be anxious about nothing, casting all our care upon God. Why did Jesus say, “let not your hearts be troubled, if we cannot help it?”
So our Lord tells us; take no thought for your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink. Of course we know that “thought” here means anxious thought and not the forethought and planning that are necessary for any business. It is not work but worry that kills. The man who lives in the will of God need never worry about food, clothes and the multiple needs of daily life.
The Lord Jesus speaks in this passage of the birds and the lease as illustrations of God’s care. Here cynics have objected that the sparrow falls just the same. But the idea is that no matter what happens, we are in God’s care. The mistake is in our limiting his care to temporal welfare. God does not guarantee to save us from trouble and danger. His care goes beyond that, come what may, our lives are hid with Christ, and no matter what happens, to our health, to our money, we ourselves – our spirits – are safe in him.
Four times in Matthew our Lord uses the expression “O ye of little faith”, and each time the application is to different problems. The first occurrence is wherefore, if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is an tomorrow is cast in the oven, shall he not much more clothe you? O ye of little faith?
This is dealing with our daily anxieties. Many Christians seem to think of worry as a white sin, as though God had made an exception in that case and we were allowed to fret and grieve, with no provision being made for our relief.
People think they simply must worry, but God’s Word is explicit that we are to be anxious about nothing, casting all our care upon God. Why did Jesus say, “let not your hearts be troubled, if we cannot help it?”
So our Lord tells us; take no thought for your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink. Of course we know that “thought” here means anxious thought and not the forethought and planning that are necessary for any business. It is not work but worry that kills. The man who lives in the will of God need never worry about food, clothes and the multiple needs of daily life.
The Lord Jesus speaks in this passage of the birds and the lease as illustrations of God’s care. Here cynics have objected that the sparrow falls just the same. But the idea is that no matter what happens, we are in God’s care. The mistake is in our limiting his care to temporal welfare. God does not guarantee to save us from trouble and danger. His care goes beyond that, come what may, our lives are hid with Christ, and no matter what happens, to our health, to our money, we ourselves – our spirits – are safe in him.
Page 9
“When Thou Prayest” Matthew 6:5-13
In the sermon on the Mount our Lord reproved all worship done with an eye to the public. Those who worship like that, have their reward; they did it to be noticed and notice is what they get.
He said little concerning public prayer, but commended the secret place with the closed-door. That our Father knows what we need before we ask, is not an excuse for not asking; it is an incentive to asking. The Lord’s prayer is his only in that he gave it to us. He did not need to pray it, for it asks for forgiveness which he certainly didn't need. But it is a fitting prayer for us.
Jesus cautions us that an unforgiving spirit on our part hinders God forgiving us. Then he holds up the ideal of true riches into heavenly investment, where misfortune and depressions cannot reach. We are to have a single purpose; our eye must be single, this one thing we must do. We cannot serve God and the things of earth.
We are not to live in anxious care about tomorrow – what we should eat, drink and wear. The birds and the lilies are examples of our Father’s provision. The true believer knows God has promised to supply all his needs, and he reckons on God’s faithfulness. Trusting in the Lord and doing good he dwells the land and is fed. The things of God are put first and all else is added.
Each day has enough trouble of its own. Care is that “little white sin” of most believers – you imagine that worry cannot be prevented. But we are expressly told to cast our care upon him for he cares for us. The caring is his business, but most of us insist on helping him attend to it.
We are assured that God answers prayer verses 7 to 11.
The way to heaven is narrow and few travel it verses 13 to 14.
False prophets can be known by the fruits of their ministry verses 15 to 20.
And is not lip worship but obedience accounts verses 21 to 23.
In the sermon on the Mount our Lord reproved all worship done with an eye to the public. Those who worship like that, have their reward; they did it to be noticed and notice is what they get.
He said little concerning public prayer, but commended the secret place with the closed-door. That our Father knows what we need before we ask, is not an excuse for not asking; it is an incentive to asking. The Lord’s prayer is his only in that he gave it to us. He did not need to pray it, for it asks for forgiveness which he certainly didn't need. But it is a fitting prayer for us.
Jesus cautions us that an unforgiving spirit on our part hinders God forgiving us. Then he holds up the ideal of true riches into heavenly investment, where misfortune and depressions cannot reach. We are to have a single purpose; our eye must be single, this one thing we must do. We cannot serve God and the things of earth.
We are not to live in anxious care about tomorrow – what we should eat, drink and wear. The birds and the lilies are examples of our Father’s provision. The true believer knows God has promised to supply all his needs, and he reckons on God’s faithfulness. Trusting in the Lord and doing good he dwells the land and is fed. The things of God are put first and all else is added.
Each day has enough trouble of its own. Care is that “little white sin” of most believers – you imagine that worry cannot be prevented. But we are expressly told to cast our care upon him for he cares for us. The caring is his business, but most of us insist on helping him attend to it.
We are assured that God answers prayer verses 7 to 11.
The way to heaven is narrow and few travel it verses 13 to 14.
False prophets can be known by the fruits of their ministry verses 15 to 20.
And is not lip worship but obedience accounts verses 21 to 23.
Page 8
The law and the prophets Matthew 5:17
Our Lord’s relation to the Mosaic law has been misunderstood grievously. He declared that he came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it, and that is the key to the whole matter. Our Lord did not dis-annul the law he declared it sacred.
The law is holy, just and good, but believers are not under law but under grace.
Christ was born under the law, lived under the law, perfectly bore the curse of the law in his death and thereby redeemed us from it that we might be dead to it and bear fruit under God.
Christ declared that every part of the law should be fulfilled. Our Lord showed us that the real offense lay in a person’s evil motive, the cause of sin. He showed that murder went back to hatred and anger, adultery to lust. He then laid down the only reason for divorce; fornication. He stated that our “yes” should be yes, our “no” should be no.
He condemned revenge.
Christ met the demands of the law, and it is only Christ living within the believer who can live out the principles he himself laid down.
As I receive them by faith and abide in him, the Holy Spirit produces in me the fruits which the law demanded, but could not create.
Nothing is more discouraging than the sermon on the mount, unless we see it through the light of the cross. Only Christ can meet his own ideals, but this he will do in everyone who receives him. The spiritual application is not for heaven, but for today and is met by Christ through the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer.
Our Lord’s relation to the Mosaic law has been misunderstood grievously. He declared that he came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it, and that is the key to the whole matter. Our Lord did not dis-annul the law he declared it sacred.
The law is holy, just and good, but believers are not under law but under grace.
Christ was born under the law, lived under the law, perfectly bore the curse of the law in his death and thereby redeemed us from it that we might be dead to it and bear fruit under God.
Christ declared that every part of the law should be fulfilled. Our Lord showed us that the real offense lay in a person’s evil motive, the cause of sin. He showed that murder went back to hatred and anger, adultery to lust. He then laid down the only reason for divorce; fornication. He stated that our “yes” should be yes, our “no” should be no.
He condemned revenge.
Christ met the demands of the law, and it is only Christ living within the believer who can live out the principles he himself laid down.
As I receive them by faith and abide in him, the Holy Spirit produces in me the fruits which the law demanded, but could not create.
Nothing is more discouraging than the sermon on the mount, unless we see it through the light of the cross. Only Christ can meet his own ideals, but this he will do in everyone who receives him. The spiritual application is not for heaven, but for today and is met by Christ through the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer.
Page 7
Good for nothing Christians Matthew 5:13
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
The Christian has many Saline characteristics. Salt is cleansing, and every believer – himself cleansed by the word and the blood – should cast a purifying influence wherever he goes. Every believer should have an antiseptic influence; the very air should clear up with his presence and conversation.
Our work is to cleanse and purify by the outliving of Christ within.
Salt gives flavor. And the believer should have salt in himself and not be flat.
Many Christians get a negative slant, and go about so dead and dull that they repel any who might be considering the claims of Christ. There should be as zest, a relish, a good flavor to our faith that puts color into life and gives it tone and makes it tasty.
Salt preserves it keeps from spoiling and putrefaction. We should be a preservative to society. The world would have been a rotten long ago but for the presence of the Holy Spirit in Christians, the salt of the earth.
It is the church that saves the world from decay, little does the world appreciate it.
Unfortunately the believer can become tasteless and the salt loses its savor. It is good for nothing. Unsavory meat can be remedied, but what can you do with unsavory salt? The Bible says it is good for nothing.
Here is a grievous reality in our world today, a person professing what he’s not possessing. Christians who carry no flavor whatsoever - tasteless, lifeless, and flat. Think of the churches that merely carry on an order of service, but are devoid of any seasoning grace. Such are headed for judgment, they are good for nothing. Let your life be salted with the knowledge of Christ. Let your speech be with grace, seasoned with salt. Don’t be a good for nothing Christian.
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
The Christian has many Saline characteristics. Salt is cleansing, and every believer – himself cleansed by the word and the blood – should cast a purifying influence wherever he goes. Every believer should have an antiseptic influence; the very air should clear up with his presence and conversation.
Our work is to cleanse and purify by the outliving of Christ within.
Salt gives flavor. And the believer should have salt in himself and not be flat.
Many Christians get a negative slant, and go about so dead and dull that they repel any who might be considering the claims of Christ. There should be as zest, a relish, a good flavor to our faith that puts color into life and gives it tone and makes it tasty.
Salt preserves it keeps from spoiling and putrefaction. We should be a preservative to society. The world would have been a rotten long ago but for the presence of the Holy Spirit in Christians, the salt of the earth.
It is the church that saves the world from decay, little does the world appreciate it.
Unfortunately the believer can become tasteless and the salt loses its savor. It is good for nothing. Unsavory meat can be remedied, but what can you do with unsavory salt? The Bible says it is good for nothing.
Here is a grievous reality in our world today, a person professing what he’s not possessing. Christians who carry no flavor whatsoever - tasteless, lifeless, and flat. Think of the churches that merely carry on an order of service, but are devoid of any seasoning grace. Such are headed for judgment, they are good for nothing. Let your life be salted with the knowledge of Christ. Let your speech be with grace, seasoned with salt. Don’t be a good for nothing Christian.
Page 6
The Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-12
The sermon on the mount has a personal spiritual application for us now.
The poor in spirit are those who know themselves to be nothing and that their only sufficiency is in him. This is not necessarily the poor in pocketbook
The mournful are not merely those who mourn in trouble but rather those who lament their own spiritual weakness and poverty.
The meek are the lonely and gentle, not weak dishrag character.
To hunger and thirst after righteousness is a lost experience with most professing Christians – who are too shallow and superficial, or else to set up with the lollipops of Earth really to crave deeper blessings.
The merciful to those who are long-suffering towards others, considerate of human weakness, full of love which is patient and kind.
The pure in heart are those who follow holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. If the heart be pure there’ll be no trouble with the conduct, for out of the heart are the issues of life.
The peacemakers are not merely those who arbitrate and settle quarrels, although that is included, but those who spirit creates an atmosphere of peace. Having peace with God and the peace of God, they make for peace wherever they go.
Few are persecuted and reviled today for his sake. And mind you, we are blessed only when we are evil spoken against falsely for his sake.” Falsely for His sake” brings in two important qualifications.
Christians are the salt of the earth, purifying, preserving, creating a thirst for the Water of Life. They keep the earth from putrefaction, as will be proven when the church is removed. When it is without savor – an empty profession –it is trodden underfoot in contempt.
We are also the light of the world even as He is the light of the world, and our business is not to uniquely shine our light, but simply to let it shine that others, seeing, may glorify not us, but our Heavenly Father.
The sermon on the mount has a personal spiritual application for us now.
The poor in spirit are those who know themselves to be nothing and that their only sufficiency is in him. This is not necessarily the poor in pocketbook
The mournful are not merely those who mourn in trouble but rather those who lament their own spiritual weakness and poverty.
The meek are the lonely and gentle, not weak dishrag character.
To hunger and thirst after righteousness is a lost experience with most professing Christians – who are too shallow and superficial, or else to set up with the lollipops of Earth really to crave deeper blessings.
The merciful to those who are long-suffering towards others, considerate of human weakness, full of love which is patient and kind.
The pure in heart are those who follow holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. If the heart be pure there’ll be no trouble with the conduct, for out of the heart are the issues of life.
The peacemakers are not merely those who arbitrate and settle quarrels, although that is included, but those who spirit creates an atmosphere of peace. Having peace with God and the peace of God, they make for peace wherever they go.
Few are persecuted and reviled today for his sake. And mind you, we are blessed only when we are evil spoken against falsely for his sake.” Falsely for His sake” brings in two important qualifications.
Christians are the salt of the earth, purifying, preserving, creating a thirst for the Water of Life. They keep the earth from putrefaction, as will be proven when the church is removed. When it is without savor – an empty profession –it is trodden underfoot in contempt.
We are also the light of the world even as He is the light of the world, and our business is not to uniquely shine our light, but simply to let it shine that others, seeing, may glorify not us, but our Heavenly Father.
Page 5
Divine Healing Matthew 4:23 The very words are misleading, as though all healing were not the work of God. Our Lord’s ministry upon earth was one of preaching, teaching, and healing. Power to heal was to be a sign for believers Mark 16:18.
Healing is listed as one of the spiritual gifts. James declares, “the prayer of faith shall save the sick”.
That God heals today in direct answer to prayer is proven again and again. In some cases He heals through the agencies of doctors and medicines. In other cases where healing is asked for just as earnestly, for some reason best known to Himself, He does not heal at all. There is no uniform rule here that fits all cases.
Paul healed, yet he himself carried a thorn in the flesh which God did not take away in answer to prayer. He advised Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach sake and his many infirmities. These facts, with the facts of everyday experience, bear out the truth that God is not always pleased to heal the sick even in answer to earnest prayer.
The prayer of faith that shall save the sick is prayer that is in line with God’s will to heal in a given case. The true attitude of faith is, “Thy will be done” and when it is God’s will to heal in a certain case and the prayer is in harmony with his will is a true prayer of faith. Our son Casey was healed of asthma after a simple prayer of faith. However, our daughter Rebecca still struggles, in fact I still struggle with asthma.
If everyone got from God what he desired we should have hopeless confusion; one man prays for rain, one prays for sunshine… Who does not answer?
The true attitude toward healing is to trust one’s condition with the Lord. Committing one’s case to a doctor does not exclude God’s participation, for whatever good results are obtained come from the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Healing is listed as one of the spiritual gifts. James declares, “the prayer of faith shall save the sick”.
That God heals today in direct answer to prayer is proven again and again. In some cases He heals through the agencies of doctors and medicines. In other cases where healing is asked for just as earnestly, for some reason best known to Himself, He does not heal at all. There is no uniform rule here that fits all cases.
Paul healed, yet he himself carried a thorn in the flesh which God did not take away in answer to prayer. He advised Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach sake and his many infirmities. These facts, with the facts of everyday experience, bear out the truth that God is not always pleased to heal the sick even in answer to earnest prayer.
The prayer of faith that shall save the sick is prayer that is in line with God’s will to heal in a given case. The true attitude of faith is, “Thy will be done” and when it is God’s will to heal in a certain case and the prayer is in harmony with his will is a true prayer of faith. Our son Casey was healed of asthma after a simple prayer of faith. However, our daughter Rebecca still struggles, in fact I still struggle with asthma.
If everyone got from God what he desired we should have hopeless confusion; one man prays for rain, one prays for sunshine… Who does not answer?
The true attitude toward healing is to trust one’s condition with the Lord. Committing one’s case to a doctor does not exclude God’s participation, for whatever good results are obtained come from the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Page 4
The hidden years Matthew 2:23
Matthew covers our Lord’s childhood and youth with one rich sentence, “and he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet’s, he shall be called a Nazarene.” Luke goes more into detail and gives us one rich incident from those hidden years in chapter 2:40-52. This account begins and ends with verses which form a beautiful frame for the pitcher:” and the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.”
“ And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
30 years of simple living, next to nature and amidst humanity, and busy at work with time to read and pray. It is a life that this page does not know, it shows its flavor and many references to sparrows, lilies, the sewer, the fields; it is colored with the atmosphere of the field, the fisherman’s boat and net, the see, the shop, the soil. If we had planned the life of the son of God we would’ve put them through universities, may have a world traveler, put them into society and the places of earthly position and power. Never would we have selected 30 years at Nazareth as the ideal course.
That one incident in the Temple reveals that he knew who his real father was and what his own work was. Mary tells him; my father and I have sought the sorrowing… He replies did you not know I must be about my father’s business? Then he went back to Nazareth, the hidden years and Nazareth carry rich lessons for us. If we would truly be of the sect of Nazarenes (Acts 24:5) we would do well to get into our lives more of the simplicity, the patients, their willingness to tread the common path, the quiet waiting of the Nazarene.
Matthew covers our Lord’s childhood and youth with one rich sentence, “and he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet’s, he shall be called a Nazarene.” Luke goes more into detail and gives us one rich incident from those hidden years in chapter 2:40-52. This account begins and ends with verses which form a beautiful frame for the pitcher:” and the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.”
“ And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
30 years of simple living, next to nature and amidst humanity, and busy at work with time to read and pray. It is a life that this page does not know, it shows its flavor and many references to sparrows, lilies, the sewer, the fields; it is colored with the atmosphere of the field, the fisherman’s boat and net, the see, the shop, the soil. If we had planned the life of the son of God we would’ve put them through universities, may have a world traveler, put them into society and the places of earthly position and power. Never would we have selected 30 years at Nazareth as the ideal course.
That one incident in the Temple reveals that he knew who his real father was and what his own work was. Mary tells him; my father and I have sought the sorrowing… He replies did you not know I must be about my father’s business? Then he went back to Nazareth, the hidden years and Nazareth carry rich lessons for us. If we would truly be of the sect of Nazarenes (Acts 24:5) we would do well to get into our lives more of the simplicity, the patients, their willingness to tread the common path, the quiet waiting of the Nazarene.
Page 3
Thou shalt call his name Jesus
Only Matthew and Luke give us any account of the birth of our Lord. Matthew records, "And Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost and that the angel appearing to Joseph declares the child shall be called Jesus", which is equivalent to the Old Testament Joshua law and means Savior. All this is also fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14.
Luke records more details. Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem for the taxation find no room in the Inn. Alas, there is still no room for the Lord Jesus to be born in the crowded inns of many hearts.
The Lord Jesus was first made known to the shepherds, who represent the working class; to the wise man, who represent the student class; and to Simeon and Anna, who represent the worshiping class. I find it remarkable that the glad tidings were first given to the humble shepherds. As if to declare in advance that these things should be received by the week and the base and the despised, more by babes than by the wise and prudent. Yet the learned are not excluded. For the wise men also came to the young King. This story has been twisted somewhat out of its original shape. It is not said, that there were three, nor are their names given. Their gifts are significant: gold symbolizes royalty; frankincense speaks of the fragrance of our Lord’s life, a sacrifice to the Father; myrrh, used involving the dead, points to his death.
In Isaiah 60:6 similar gifts are spoken of in connection with our Lord’s return, but the myrrh is omitted for his death then this past.
Only Matthew and Luke give us any account of the birth of our Lord. Matthew records, "And Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost and that the angel appearing to Joseph declares the child shall be called Jesus", which is equivalent to the Old Testament Joshua law and means Savior. All this is also fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14.
Luke records more details. Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem for the taxation find no room in the Inn. Alas, there is still no room for the Lord Jesus to be born in the crowded inns of many hearts.
The Lord Jesus was first made known to the shepherds, who represent the working class; to the wise man, who represent the student class; and to Simeon and Anna, who represent the worshiping class. I find it remarkable that the glad tidings were first given to the humble shepherds. As if to declare in advance that these things should be received by the week and the base and the despised, more by babes than by the wise and prudent. Yet the learned are not excluded. For the wise men also came to the young King. This story has been twisted somewhat out of its original shape. It is not said, that there were three, nor are their names given. Their gifts are significant: gold symbolizes royalty; frankincense speaks of the fragrance of our Lord’s life, a sacrifice to the Father; myrrh, used involving the dead, points to his death.
In Isaiah 60:6 similar gifts are spoken of in connection with our Lord’s return, but the myrrh is omitted for his death then this past.
Page 2
Why the Genealogies?
The long lists of our Lord’s ancestry given in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 have puzzled many a Christian. They are not identical and are hard to get your head around. But there is a definite purpose and value to the Scriptures. Matthew, writing to the Jews traces our Lord on his human side back to Abraham. Luke, writing to the Gentiles goes back to Adam. Matthew traces the line to David to our Lord’s legal father Joseph. “Joseph the husband of Mary of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ”. Matthew, representing Christ the King, gives his kingly dissent.
Our Lord is the representative of collective humanity. All of us can find our type in this line of dissent. The Lord Jesus inherited all the common tendencies of humanity so that he might be tempted in all points like as we yet he was without sin.
Unfortunately familiarity with the story has dulled us to the wonder and mystery of this marvel of all time, God becoming man.
The long lists of our Lord’s ancestry given in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 have puzzled many a Christian. They are not identical and are hard to get your head around. But there is a definite purpose and value to the Scriptures. Matthew, writing to the Jews traces our Lord on his human side back to Abraham. Luke, writing to the Gentiles goes back to Adam. Matthew traces the line to David to our Lord’s legal father Joseph. “Joseph the husband of Mary of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ”. Matthew, representing Christ the King, gives his kingly dissent.
Our Lord is the representative of collective humanity. All of us can find our type in this line of dissent. The Lord Jesus inherited all the common tendencies of humanity so that he might be tempted in all points like as we yet he was without sin.
Unfortunately familiarity with the story has dulled us to the wonder and mystery of this marvel of all time, God becoming man.
Page 1 (January 1)
The New Year
A great opportunity has opened for effective work, and there is much opposition. I Corinthians 16:9
Despite the problems, Paul did not lose sight of the opportunities. How appropriate for the beginning of a new year. The future holds great opportunities. But, as Paul says, there are many adversaries. I find it interesting that the apostle did not say fearfully, "but there are many adversaries". Instead he exclaimed, "and there are many adversaries". We may look upon the new year as a threat or like Paul we may consider it a challenge. Which will it be? Whether 2013 is a happy and successful year depends to a great extent on our attitude toward the crisis is that lurk among its days and weeks and months.
A great opportunity has opened for effective work, and there is much opposition. I Corinthians 16:9
Despite the problems, Paul did not lose sight of the opportunities. How appropriate for the beginning of a new year. The future holds great opportunities. But, as Paul says, there are many adversaries. I find it interesting that the apostle did not say fearfully, "but there are many adversaries". Instead he exclaimed, "and there are many adversaries". We may look upon the new year as a threat or like Paul we may consider it a challenge. Which will it be? Whether 2013 is a happy and successful year depends to a great extent on our attitude toward the crisis is that lurk among its days and weeks and months.