MERRY CHRISTMAS- HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Well I just love to give and receive hoilday greetings,its sweet and makes me feel good. I try to read my bible and reflect on a daily basis if possible, and I have been reminded of the best gift we all have gotten. What does it mean to truly give, to whom,why,how? Take a look at the following- 'Tis the season!
1. John 3:16 (God's ultimate gift to us)
2. Matthew 19:20-21 (Never be at a loss to surrender 'material things' for the kingdom)
3. Luke 6:30 (Give to all who ask)
4. Malachi 3:10 (Give back to God what He already has given to you)
5. Matthew 22:21 (Give to God what he owns- our very selves)
6. Joel 2:13 (Our hearts are the best gifts to give)
7. Exodus 35:29 (Give of a free will what God commands)
8. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (Be a cheerful giver)
9. James 1:17 (Every gift is from God)
10. Ezekiel 16:49 (A mistake not to give to the needy)
11. Esther 4:4 (Give even when it is rejected)
12. Genesis 27:28 (May you receive all that you truly need)
** Isaiah 9:6
Jesus is the best,true and only reason for the season- Love to the King!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Twelve This Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving is nearing I have become reflective on what the term means and what this special day stands for. I was reading my bible, flipping through scriptures and truly started to understand.... GOD is the reason we are to be thankful and much thanks and praise realy goes to Him! I have gathered some scriptures that really put God, His kingdom, His son,His will & ways - into light. Insight we are never to forget, be joyous in, look forward too & be full of gratitude for. Read,reflect and enjoy... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
1. 1 Corinthians 1:4
2. Psalm 97:12
3. Luke 17:18
4. 2 Samuel 22:50
5. 2 Corinthians 9:11,15
6. 2 Chronicles 6:12-14
7. 1 Corinthians 10:31
8. 1 Timothy 1:17
9. Nehemiah 9:5-6
10. Jonah 2:9
11. Mark 8:6
12. Haggai 1:4-6,9
** O God, help me to live the life of gratitude that you invite me to live. Amen.
1. 1 Corinthians 1:4
2. Psalm 97:12
3. Luke 17:18
4. 2 Samuel 22:50
5. 2 Corinthians 9:11,15
6. 2 Chronicles 6:12-14
7. 1 Corinthians 10:31
8. 1 Timothy 1:17
9. Nehemiah 9:5-6
10. Jonah 2:9
11. Mark 8:6
12. Haggai 1:4-6,9
** O God, help me to live the life of gratitude that you invite me to live. Amen.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Does God Really Care?
Sometimes we humans feel very small - and with good reason!
We are microscopic on our planet. The total human population could stand within a surface area of 200 square miles, whereas earth's volume is 260,000,000,000 cubic miles. Yet "our" Earth is a mere pinhead beside its sun. The sun is but one star among millions across space so vast as to defy comprehension. At jet travel speed, reaching the nearest star would take us about a million years.
In the grand scale of time and space we seem utterly insignificant. When we feel lost and lonely, who feels with us? Who sees our few, fleeting moments? Who cares about our troubles?
Sometimes, beneath the night sky, David also feels small and vulnerable. David hears the Creator's importance loudly announced by the power and order in the universe.
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens! (Psalm 8:1)
David recognizes that the sheer scale of the universe seems to rule out any "importance" for humans. He asks,
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him? (Psalm 8:3-4)
How incredible - that the Creator of all this cares for me! Yet the very proof for God's majesty also shows our place of responsibility. God expects us to read and honor that evidence. Even little children know awe and wonder: "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise" (Psalm 8:2). David recognizes how much God invests in each human:
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of Your hands (Psalm 8:5-6)
Try an experiment: Let the magic of your favorite music play along the edges of your mind. Wonder at your ability to enjoy such ethereal beauty. Picture, in any attractive setting, the meal you find most delicious. Savor it. Appreciate the aesthetic qualities of taste, aroma, color, form and texture. Feel the warmth of embrace, the joy of eyes that meet and understand. Let the gift of "love" fill you with awe.
We are microscopic on our planet. The total human population could stand within a surface area of 200 square miles, whereas earth's volume is 260,000,000,000 cubic miles. Yet "our" Earth is a mere pinhead beside its sun. The sun is but one star among millions across space so vast as to defy comprehension. At jet travel speed, reaching the nearest star would take us about a million years.
In the grand scale of time and space we seem utterly insignificant. When we feel lost and lonely, who feels with us? Who sees our few, fleeting moments? Who cares about our troubles?
Sometimes, beneath the night sky, David also feels small and vulnerable. David hears the Creator's importance loudly announced by the power and order in the universe.
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens! (Psalm 8:1)
David recognizes that the sheer scale of the universe seems to rule out any "importance" for humans. He asks,
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him? (Psalm 8:3-4)
How incredible - that the Creator of all this cares for me! Yet the very proof for God's majesty also shows our place of responsibility. God expects us to read and honor that evidence. Even little children know awe and wonder: "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise" (Psalm 8:2). David recognizes how much God invests in each human:
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of Your hands (Psalm 8:5-6)
Try an experiment: Let the magic of your favorite music play along the edges of your mind. Wonder at your ability to enjoy such ethereal beauty. Picture, in any attractive setting, the meal you find most delicious. Savor it. Appreciate the aesthetic qualities of taste, aroma, color, form and texture. Feel the warmth of embrace, the joy of eyes that meet and understand. Let the gift of "love" fill you with awe.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Can This Be God's Will?
Your success in life's race depends on your reason for running. One of Aesop's fables tells of a dog that stumbled upon a hare. Swift and determined, the hound chased the hare over many miles. Finally, the hound gave up in exhaustion. Seeing the race, a by-stander praised the hero-hare. He mocked the loser. Indignantly the hound replied, "You forget that it is one thing to run for your dinner and another to run for your life."
Many people are "running for their dinner." They are smart and driven. Yet they are pursuing just one more job to pay the bills. Their highest goal is to provide for the body's needs and pleasures. "'Let us eat and drink,' you say, 'for tomorrow we die!'" While this quote sounds like a beer commercial, it actually comes from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah (22:13). He is describing a pervasive view of life in both his day and our own. As many discover the hard way, this worn out view of life is empty and meaningless.
Our bodies will fail and fail far too soon. "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14). What business person would invest in a market he knows to be rapidly and finally declining? Yet that same shrewd investor forgets the greatest truth about profit and loss. "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
Jesus encourages you in your search when he advises, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life" (John 6:27). Don't run for your dinner, run for your life!
While on earth, food was about the last thing on the mind of Jesus. He begins His special work by fasting for forty days (Luke 4:2). Later, He turns down the offer of a much-needed meal. Why? "My food," He answers, "is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work" (John 4:34).
The will of God! This alone fills and satisfies Jesus. He craves soul satisfaction as a starving man craves food. He calls us to have this same priority in our lives: "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:31-33).
Many people are "running for their dinner." They are smart and driven. Yet they are pursuing just one more job to pay the bills. Their highest goal is to provide for the body's needs and pleasures. "'Let us eat and drink,' you say, 'for tomorrow we die!'" While this quote sounds like a beer commercial, it actually comes from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah (22:13). He is describing a pervasive view of life in both his day and our own. As many discover the hard way, this worn out view of life is empty and meaningless.
Our bodies will fail and fail far too soon. "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14). What business person would invest in a market he knows to be rapidly and finally declining? Yet that same shrewd investor forgets the greatest truth about profit and loss. "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
Jesus encourages you in your search when he advises, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life" (John 6:27). Don't run for your dinner, run for your life!
While on earth, food was about the last thing on the mind of Jesus. He begins His special work by fasting for forty days (Luke 4:2). Later, He turns down the offer of a much-needed meal. Why? "My food," He answers, "is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work" (John 4:34).
The will of God! This alone fills and satisfies Jesus. He craves soul satisfaction as a starving man craves food. He calls us to have this same priority in our lives: "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:31-33).
Monday, October 13, 2008
Healing Through Scripture (Pt. 3)
There is a healing for every problem,affliction, heartache and pain....
I have many issues in my life that I have to and have,healed from. I talk to many people that seem so unhealthy and unhappy as they battle everything from satan to grave illnesses. I want to feel good and be enriched through the grace of God- I know you do to! Here are a few issuses many of us,or loved ones might be dealing with. I encourage you to take these scriptures and 'pray-read' them-(using the scriptures as you pray to the Lord). This is a powerful form of healing that connects us to the Father and heaven. We all need healing and no one is better at granting it unto you,than God!
1. Back Problems Luke 13:11-12
2. Diabetes Psalm 107:20, Jeremiah 33:6
3. Eyes Isaiah 35:5,42:16& Mark 8:23,Deut 34:7
4. Feet 1 Samuel 2:9, Psalm 116:8,Proverb 3:23
5. Fire/Flood Isaiah 43:2
** Make a liar out of the devil who has tried to trap you and/or loved ones into thinking there is no way out to your problems,conflicts and suffering- God bless you all!
I have many issues in my life that I have to and have,healed from. I talk to many people that seem so unhealthy and unhappy as they battle everything from satan to grave illnesses. I want to feel good and be enriched through the grace of God- I know you do to! Here are a few issuses many of us,or loved ones might be dealing with. I encourage you to take these scriptures and 'pray-read' them-(using the scriptures as you pray to the Lord). This is a powerful form of healing that connects us to the Father and heaven. We all need healing and no one is better at granting it unto you,than God!
1. Back Problems Luke 13:11-12
2. Diabetes Psalm 107:20, Jeremiah 33:6
3. Eyes Isaiah 35:5,42:16& Mark 8:23,Deut 34:7
4. Feet 1 Samuel 2:9, Psalm 116:8,Proverb 3:23
5. Fire/Flood Isaiah 43:2
** Make a liar out of the devil who has tried to trap you and/or loved ones into thinking there is no way out to your problems,conflicts and suffering- God bless you all!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Scribes,Pharisees, & Sadducees
Read the following to figure out who the scribes,pharisees, and sadducees
Scribes where, their purpose and what role they played in the life of Jesus his apostles
In the days of the Hebrews monarchy this was the title of a court official, a secretary of state (2 Sam. 8: 17; 2 Kgs. 12: 10; 2 Kgs. 18: 18). After the captivity we find the title given to Ezra (Ezra 7: 6, 21) and to others who acted as teachers of the law. Scribes are frequently mentioned in the N.T., being sometimes called lawyers. It was their business to develop the law in detail and apply it to the circumstances of their time; hence grew up the oral or traditional law side by side with the written law. Their method of teaching was catechetical. Their aim was to reproduce and teach others to reproduce accurately the words of the wise (hence the office is a symbol of fidelity in instruction, Matt. 13: 52). The scribes never taught on their own authority (contrast with this the Lord’s method, Matt. 7: 29).
Pharisees
A religious party among the Jews. The name denotes separatists. They prided themselves on their strict observance of the law, and on the care with which they avoided contact with things gentile. Their belief included the doctrine of immortality and resurrection of the body and the existence of angels and spirits. They upheld the authority of oral tradition as of equal value with the written law. The tendency of their teaching was to reduce religion to the observance of a multiplicity of ceremonial rules, and to encourage self-sufficiency and spiritual pride
Sadducees
A party or caste among the Jews. The name is probably derived from Zadok, the high priest in Solomon’s time. The party consisted of old high-priestly families who came to the front during the Maccabean war. They formed the Jewish aristocracy, and were powerful though quite small in numbers. In their treatment of religious questions they held to the letter of the Mosaic revelation and denied the authority of ancient tradition; they taught complete freedom of the will in moral action; they were opposed to the Pharisees as to the belief in angels and spirits; they refused also to accept the doctrine of immortality as a necessary part of the Jewish faith. It was through their influence that Greek culture spread in Israel. Their opposition to our Lord was the result of his action in cleansing the temple, which they regarded as an infringement of their rights. They opposed the work of the apostles because they preached the resurrection (Acts 4: 1-3; cf. Mark 12: 18-27; Acts 23: 7-8).
Scribes where, their purpose and what role they played in the life of Jesus his apostles
In the days of the Hebrews monarchy this was the title of a court official, a secretary of state (2 Sam. 8: 17; 2 Kgs. 12: 10; 2 Kgs. 18: 18). After the captivity we find the title given to Ezra (Ezra 7: 6, 21) and to others who acted as teachers of the law. Scribes are frequently mentioned in the N.T., being sometimes called lawyers. It was their business to develop the law in detail and apply it to the circumstances of their time; hence grew up the oral or traditional law side by side with the written law. Their method of teaching was catechetical. Their aim was to reproduce and teach others to reproduce accurately the words of the wise (hence the office is a symbol of fidelity in instruction, Matt. 13: 52). The scribes never taught on their own authority (contrast with this the Lord’s method, Matt. 7: 29).
Pharisees
A religious party among the Jews. The name denotes separatists. They prided themselves on their strict observance of the law, and on the care with which they avoided contact with things gentile. Their belief included the doctrine of immortality and resurrection of the body and the existence of angels and spirits. They upheld the authority of oral tradition as of equal value with the written law. The tendency of their teaching was to reduce religion to the observance of a multiplicity of ceremonial rules, and to encourage self-sufficiency and spiritual pride
Sadducees
A party or caste among the Jews. The name is probably derived from Zadok, the high priest in Solomon’s time. The party consisted of old high-priestly families who came to the front during the Maccabean war. They formed the Jewish aristocracy, and were powerful though quite small in numbers. In their treatment of religious questions they held to the letter of the Mosaic revelation and denied the authority of ancient tradition; they taught complete freedom of the will in moral action; they were opposed to the Pharisees as to the belief in angels and spirits; they refused also to accept the doctrine of immortality as a necessary part of the Jewish faith. It was through their influence that Greek culture spread in Israel. Their opposition to our Lord was the result of his action in cleansing the temple, which they regarded as an infringement of their rights. They opposed the work of the apostles because they preached the resurrection (Acts 4: 1-3; cf. Mark 12: 18-27; Acts 23: 7-8).
Saturday, August 23, 2008
DAILY AFFIRMATIONS
I encourage you to use the appropriate self-talk to build self-confidence,overcome rejection,have high self esteem and trust in God.
Read these affirmations aloud. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
DAILY AFFIRMATIONS
In spite of the rejection I have experienced, I declare that everything the Heavenly Father says about me is true:
God loves me and accepts me just as I am
From today forward Life is good to me
I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
Everything that I need He has already supplied.
I am chosen by the Heavenly Father (Eph. 1:4).
I am holy and without blame (Eph. 1:4).
I am a child of God according to the good pleasure of His will (Eph. 1:5).
I am accepted in the Beloved (Eph. 1:6).
I am redeemed through the blood of Jesus (Eph. 1:7).
I am a person of wisdom and prudence (Eph. 1:8).
I am an heir (Eph. 1:11).
I am attracting the more abundant life to myself
I have a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ (Eph. 1:17).
I am saved by grace (Eph. 2:5).
I am seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:6).
I am the workmanship of my Heavenly Father (Eph. 2:10).
I am near to the God of the Universe by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13).
I am a new creation (Eph. 2:15).
I am a member of God’s household (Eph. 2:19).
I am a citizen of heaven (Eph. 2:19).
I am a partaker of the promises of God in Christ (2 Pet. 1:4).
I am strengthened with might by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:16).
-I allow Christ to dwell in my heart by faith (Eph. 3:17).
I am rooted and grounded in love (Eph. 3:17).
I speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).
I am renewed in the spirit of my mind (Eph. 4:23).
I am a follower of Jesus (Eph. 5:1).
I walk in love (Eph. 5:2).
I am light (Eph. 5:8).
I walk circumspectly (Eph. 5:15).
I am filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
I am more than a conqueror (Rom. 8:37).
I am an overcomer (Rev. 12:11).
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 1:30).
I am healed (1 Pet. 2:24).
I am free (John 8:36).
I am salt (Matt. 5:13).
I am consecrated (1 Cor. 6:11 amp).
I am sanctified (1 Cor. 6:11).
I am victorious (1 John 5:4).
I love others even as I love myself.
Everything God says about me in His Word is true. Jesus is my Lord.
Read these affirmations aloud. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
DAILY AFFIRMATIONS
In spite of the rejection I have experienced, I declare that everything the Heavenly Father says about me is true:
God loves me and accepts me just as I am
From today forward Life is good to me
I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
Everything that I need He has already supplied.
I am chosen by the Heavenly Father (Eph. 1:4).
I am holy and without blame (Eph. 1:4).
I am a child of God according to the good pleasure of His will (Eph. 1:5).
I am accepted in the Beloved (Eph. 1:6).
I am redeemed through the blood of Jesus (Eph. 1:7).
I am a person of wisdom and prudence (Eph. 1:8).
I am an heir (Eph. 1:11).
I am attracting the more abundant life to myself
I have a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ (Eph. 1:17).
I am saved by grace (Eph. 2:5).
I am seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:6).
I am the workmanship of my Heavenly Father (Eph. 2:10).
I am near to the God of the Universe by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13).
I am a new creation (Eph. 2:15).
I am a member of God’s household (Eph. 2:19).
I am a citizen of heaven (Eph. 2:19).
I am a partaker of the promises of God in Christ (2 Pet. 1:4).
I am strengthened with might by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:16).
-I allow Christ to dwell in my heart by faith (Eph. 3:17).
I am rooted and grounded in love (Eph. 3:17).
I speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).
I am renewed in the spirit of my mind (Eph. 4:23).
I am a follower of Jesus (Eph. 5:1).
I walk in love (Eph. 5:2).
I am light (Eph. 5:8).
I walk circumspectly (Eph. 5:15).
I am filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
I am more than a conqueror (Rom. 8:37).
I am an overcomer (Rev. 12:11).
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 1:30).
I am healed (1 Pet. 2:24).
I am free (John 8:36).
I am salt (Matt. 5:13).
I am consecrated (1 Cor. 6:11 amp).
I am sanctified (1 Cor. 6:11).
I am victorious (1 John 5:4).
I love others even as I love myself.
Everything God says about me in His Word is true. Jesus is my Lord.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
HEALING THROUGH SCRIPTURE (PT.2)
I have many issues in my life that I have to and have,healed from. I talk to many people that seem so unhealthy and unhappy as they battle everything from satan to grave illnesses. I want to feel good and be enriched through the grace of God- I know you do to! Here are a few issuses many of us,or loved ones might be dealing with. I encourage you to take these scriptures and 'pray-read' them-(using the scriptures as you pray to the Lord). This is a powerful form of healing that connects us to the Father and heaven. We all need healing and no one is better at granting it unto you,than God!
1. Absentmindness: (Prov. 16:3,John 14:26, 1 Cor. 2:16)
2. Accidents: (Psalm 91:10-12, Mark 3:5,Isaiah 43:2)
3. Cancer: (Exodus 23:25,1 Peter 2:24,Matthew 8:17)
4. Death: (Psalm 33:18-19,Psalm 118:17)
5. Finances: (Phil. 4:19, Prov. 11:31, Prov.15:6,Prov. 8:21,Matt.6:24-25&33)
* Take good care of yourselves and one another,God bless you all!
1. Absentmindness: (Prov. 16:3,John 14:26, 1 Cor. 2:16)
2. Accidents: (Psalm 91:10-12, Mark 3:5,Isaiah 43:2)
3. Cancer: (Exodus 23:25,1 Peter 2:24,Matthew 8:17)
4. Death: (Psalm 33:18-19,Psalm 118:17)
5. Finances: (Phil. 4:19, Prov. 11:31, Prov.15:6,Prov. 8:21,Matt.6:24-25&33)
* Take good care of yourselves and one another,God bless you all!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Becoming 1 With The Lord Through Prayers
Heavenly Father, You spoke by the Spirit through Your servant James, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Help me to watch and pray each day, at the beginning, throughout the day and at the end of the day. You will answer; You will guide, protect and sustain me. Thank You for providing strength to resist temptation. My prayers are forceful and effective, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Father-God, I count myself dead to sin, but alive to You, and I refuse to allow sin to reign in my mortal body. Today and every day, I present myself to You as being alive from the dead, and my members as instruments of righteousness. Sin shall not have dominion over me, for I am not under law but under grace in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Father, I desire to be completely abandoned unto You. It's so wonderous to be captivated in your bonds of love, yet completely free from sin's entanglements, free from doubt and fear, free from worry and grief. You are my God, and I will praise you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Father-God, I thank you for flooding my mind with wisdom and creative ideas. You created me for Your pleasure, and I submit to the constant ministry of transformation by the Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, day by day, I am being transformed into the image and likeness of your dear Son! Amen.
*** Take the time fellow Christians to praise the Lord, rejoice for He has risen! Take the time to talk to God, with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and remain open and still to receive His guidance,wisdom and truth- not just our ears and eyes need to be awakened but also our very souls and spirits- deep down we all desire answers and correction and to have purity of heart, as it sustains and balances us which will always lead us to our one and only true Father and savior. As it says in Matthew 5:3 'Blessed is the poor in spirit' and in Matthew 7:7 'Ask, and it will be given to you;seek,and you will find' Prayer is the key that opens the doors to what we need and yearn for- Admitting we are thirsty as it states in Matthew 5:3, and that when we ask and seek as it states in Matthew 7:7 - is how you #1 Know that a 'door' needs to opened for you. #2 That when we need the 'door' to be opened at just the right moment- it WILL BE!
**Give glory and thanks to God always, never forsaking that we can turn to Him for anything,everytime - God bless!!!
Father-God, I count myself dead to sin, but alive to You, and I refuse to allow sin to reign in my mortal body. Today and every day, I present myself to You as being alive from the dead, and my members as instruments of righteousness. Sin shall not have dominion over me, for I am not under law but under grace in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Father, I desire to be completely abandoned unto You. It's so wonderous to be captivated in your bonds of love, yet completely free from sin's entanglements, free from doubt and fear, free from worry and grief. You are my God, and I will praise you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Father-God, I thank you for flooding my mind with wisdom and creative ideas. You created me for Your pleasure, and I submit to the constant ministry of transformation by the Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, day by day, I am being transformed into the image and likeness of your dear Son! Amen.
*** Take the time fellow Christians to praise the Lord, rejoice for He has risen! Take the time to talk to God, with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and remain open and still to receive His guidance,wisdom and truth- not just our ears and eyes need to be awakened but also our very souls and spirits- deep down we all desire answers and correction and to have purity of heart, as it sustains and balances us which will always lead us to our one and only true Father and savior. As it says in Matthew 5:3 'Blessed is the poor in spirit' and in Matthew 7:7 'Ask, and it will be given to you;seek,and you will find' Prayer is the key that opens the doors to what we need and yearn for- Admitting we are thirsty as it states in Matthew 5:3, and that when we ask and seek as it states in Matthew 7:7 - is how you #1 Know that a 'door' needs to opened for you. #2 That when we need the 'door' to be opened at just the right moment- it WILL BE!
**Give glory and thanks to God always, never forsaking that we can turn to Him for anything,everytime - God bless!!!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Christian One Liners
Lets have a laugh as we serve God and love ourselves and others :)
Don't let your worries get the
best of you; remember, Moses started
out as a basket case.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Some people are kind, polite, and
sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Many folks want to serve God,
but only as advisors.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
It is easier to preach ten sermons
than it is to live one.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The good Lord didn't create anything
without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
When you get to your wit's end,
you'll find God lives there.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
People are funny; they want the front
of the bus, the middle of the road, and
the back of the church.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation
bangs on your front door forever.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Quit griping about your church;
if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
If the church wants a better pastor,
it only needs to pray for the one it has.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God Himself does not propose to judge
a man until he is dead. So why should you?
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Some minds are like concrete:
thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Peace starts with a smile.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
I don't know why some people
change churches; what difference does
it make which one you stay home from?
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
A lot of church members who are singing
'Standing on the Promises'
are just sitting on the premises.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
We were called to be witnesses,
not lawyers or judges.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Be ye fishers of men. You catch
them - He'll clean them.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Coincidence is when God
chooses to remain anonymous.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Don't put a question mark
where God put a period.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Don't wait for 6 strong men
to take you to church.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God doesn't call the qualified,
He qualifies the called.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God loves everyone, but probably prefers
'fruits of the spirit' over 'religious nuts!'
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God promises a safe landing,
not a calm passage.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
He who angers you, controls you!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Prayer:
Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The task ahead of us is never as
great as the Power behind us.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The Will of God never takes you to
where the Grace of God will not protect you.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
We don't change the message,
the message changes us.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
You can tell how big a person is
by what it takes to discourage him.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The best mathematical equation
I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Don't let your worries get the
best of you; remember, Moses started
out as a basket case.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Some people are kind, polite, and
sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Many folks want to serve God,
but only as advisors.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
It is easier to preach ten sermons
than it is to live one.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The good Lord didn't create anything
without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
When you get to your wit's end,
you'll find God lives there.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
People are funny; they want the front
of the bus, the middle of the road, and
the back of the church.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation
bangs on your front door forever.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Quit griping about your church;
if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
If the church wants a better pastor,
it only needs to pray for the one it has.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God Himself does not propose to judge
a man until he is dead. So why should you?
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Some minds are like concrete:
thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Peace starts with a smile.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
I don't know why some people
change churches; what difference does
it make which one you stay home from?
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
A lot of church members who are singing
'Standing on the Promises'
are just sitting on the premises.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
We were called to be witnesses,
not lawyers or judges.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Be ye fishers of men. You catch
them - He'll clean them.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Coincidence is when God
chooses to remain anonymous.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Don't put a question mark
where God put a period.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Don't wait for 6 strong men
to take you to church.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God doesn't call the qualified,
He qualifies the called.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God loves everyone, but probably prefers
'fruits of the spirit' over 'religious nuts!'
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God promises a safe landing,
not a calm passage.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
He who angers you, controls you!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Prayer:
Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The task ahead of us is never as
great as the Power behind us.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The Will of God never takes you to
where the Grace of God will not protect you.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
We don't change the message,
the message changes us.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
You can tell how big a person is
by what it takes to discourage him.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The best mathematical equation
I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Monday, June 9, 2008
Knowing Jesus (Pt 3)
Knowing Jesus Through His Prophecies
"Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what
John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did
was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah
(that is, the Christ)'...Philip found Nathanael and told him, 'We have
found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets
also wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' " (John 1:40-41, 45)
God, through the prophets, had drawn a picture of the coming Messiah. Every Jew who heard readings from the Old Testament knew parts of this picture well. When Andrew and Philip met Jesus they began to see ways in which Jesus fit the prophetic picture. Believing Jews had waited centuries for this very moment. This kind of good news had to be shared! Philip soon told his friend, "We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote."
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE NATION OF THE MESSIAH
PROMISES TO ADAM AND ABRAHAM
Moses, in about 1500 B.C., was the opening writer of the Old Testament. He recorded God's first promise of hope for the sinful human family. God said to the snake:
"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your
offspring and hers; He will crush your head, and you will strike His
heel" (Genesis 3:15).
>From the beginning, the prophecies pointed to a male "offspring," a male child. He would crush or destroy the snake, Satan (note Revelation 12:9). Satan would also give Him much pain.
Later, God spoke again of an "offspring" or "seed." God chose Abraham, and God promised him,
"Through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you
have obeyed Me" (Genesis 22:18).
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE PROMISE TO ISRAEL
God repeated this promise to Abraham's son Isaac (Genesis 21:12; 26:4).
God then repeated the promise to Isaac's son Jacob (Genesis 28:14). Jacob was also called Israel, as we can read in Genesis 32:24-28. Israel had twelve sons.
Which one of these twelve would God choose to carry on the promise of the blessing? Just before his death, Israel gave God's blessings to each of his sons. Israel said to his son Judah:
"The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between
his feet, until He comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the
nations is His." (Genesis 49:10)
Israel's son, Judah, would be the family line that would have the "scepter," the stick of royal authority. Kings would come from the line of Judah. Many years after Genesis had been written, this prophecy came true. The kings of Israel did come from the tribe of Judah. Yet there was more to the prophecy. "He would come" - the One to whom that ruler's rod really belongs. He would be more than just Israel's King, for He would be over "the nations."
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE FAMILY OF THE MESSIAH
The first king from Judah's line was David, in about 1000 B.C. God made amazing promises to King David (2 Samuel 7:8-29; Psalm 89:3-37; Psalm 132). These promises were repeated by the prophets (Isaiah 11:1; Amos 9: 11; Ezekiel 37:24-28). Jeremiah, for example, foretold,
"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a
righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and
right in the land" (Jeremiah 23:5).
The New Testament was written over 600 years after Jeremiah. The book of Matthew begins:
"A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of
Abraham." (Matthew 1:1)
It is due to the fact that Israel's laws about owning property that caused Jews to keep strict records of each genealogy. Therefore it was well-known among the Jews that Jesus was from David's family (Matthew 9:27; 15:22; Acts 2:22-36). Was it just by chance that Jesus came into that one nation, that one tribe, and that single family that had been predicted by God?
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE BIRTH PLACE OF THE MESSIAH
The number of places in the world is beyond counting. Who could foretell the exact place of the Messiah's birth? Yet the prophet Micah made an amazing promise: The great Ruler would come from the home village (1 Samuel 16) of His forefather David.
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans
of Judah, out of you will come for Me One who will be Ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2).
The mother of Jesus lived in Nazareth. Government rules forced her to travel many miles to Bethlehem. Her male child was born there, in the very village marked 500 years earlier by Micah (Matthew 2; Luke 2; John 7:42). Did this also happen by chance?
Andrew and Philip knew that only God could foretell and fulfill in such exact ways. They understood enough of the prophecies to be able to say, "We have found the Messiah."
However, some prophecies were more difficult to understand and accept.
________________________
| |
| |
| THE NATION OF ISRAEL |
| |
|______________________ |
| | | |
| | | |
| | THE TRIBE OF JUDAH | |
| | | |
| |_________________ | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | FAMILY OF | | |
| | | DAVID | | |
| | | __________ | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | JESUS | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | |______ | | | |
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
MANY JEWS EXPECTED AN EARTHLY KING
Many Jews thought that the Messiah would be like other kings. They reasoned that if the Messiah would rule all nations, He would do so by armed force. So they looked for One to lead them in battle against their nation's enemy, Rome (Acts 5:36-37). Seeing the great powers of Jesus, they wanted to force Jesus to become their king (John 6:15). They expected earthly Jerusalem to be His capital city. Later, when Jesus came to Jerusalem, large crowds shouted their greetings:
"Hosanna to the Son of David." (Matthew 21:9)
"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David." (Mark 11:10)
"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord." (Luke 19:38)
The crowds were soon disappointed. Instead of joining in their happiness, Jesus wept over the city (Luke 19:43-44). He warned that Jerusalem would soon be destroyed by the Romans (Luke 21:5-24). Instead of marching against the Roman rulers, Jesus came before them as an accused criminal on trial (Luke 23). Many who had welcomed Him began to call for His death. Nails were driven into His hands and feet to hold him onto the raised wood of the cross. There He was left to die slowly, in great pain.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE SUFFERING OF THE MESSIAH
Neither the followers of Jesus, nor His enemies, expected that the Messiah would suffer in such ways. Great kings are supposed to be accepted by their people; Jesus was rejected by His people. Great kings have honor and respect; Jesus died in shame. Great kings defeat their enemies; Jesus was crucified by His enemies. His friends were confused and sad. They said,
"But we had hoped that He was the One who was going to redeem Israel."
(Luke 24:21)
If they had looked more closely at the Old Testament prophecies, they would have realized that it foretold that the Messiah would be rejected. Before He died, Jesus often predicted that He would be killed by the Jewish and Roman leaders (Luke 17:25; 18:31-33; 20:9-15). In proof of this He quoted Psalm 118:22, which spoke of Israel's leaders rejecting God's chosen One. The prophet Isaiah (53:3) had also shown that God's chosen One would be "despised and rejected."
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
HOW THE MESSIAH WOULD SUFFER AND RISE
The Old Testament prophecies did not stop there. They went on to show exact ways in which the Messiah would be hurt. Here are a few, linked with passages in the New Testament:
* A close friend would turn against Him, betraying Him to His enemies
(Psalm 41:9; Luke 22:47-48).
* The price to be paid for this betrayal was thirty pieces of silver
(Zechariah 11:12-13; Matthew 26:14-15).
* His own followers would scatter, leaving Him alone (Zechariah 13:7;
Mark 14:49-50).
* People would strike Him and spit on Him (Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 26:67).
* While treated in the most shameful way, He would endure it in silence
(Isaiah 53:7; Mark 14:61; 15:5).
* He would be falsely judged and punished with criminals (Psalm 35:19;
Isaiah 53:8,12; John 15:24-25; 19:18).
* He would be pierced, even in His hands and feet (Psalm 22:16; Zechariah
12:10; John 19:18, 37; 20:27).
* Those who pierced Him would also gamble for his clothes (Psalm 22:18;
John 19:23-24).
* He would be killed - "cut off from the land of the living" (Isaiah 53:8;
John 19:25-37).
* His death would be the "guilt offering" for removing the sins of us all
(Isaiah 53:10-12; 1 Peter 2:24).
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE PROPHECIES FROM ISAIAH
Old Testament laws allowed only animals to be used as "guilt offerings." Isaiah wrote in about 700 B.C. and he followed those laws. How then could Isaiah speak of this Human as the "guilt offering"? Isaiah 53 said other surprising things. It showed that after His suffering He would enjoy great satisfaction as a result of that suffering. It showed that after His death He would again "see the light of life" (Isaiah 53:10-11).
Some might ask, "Did Christians later write into Isaiah 53 their own ideas about the Christ?" No, this did not come from Christians. Remember that all the Old Testament was translated into the Greek language in about 250 B.C. Long before Jesus' birth Isaiah 53 was already being read in many lands.
OLD MANUSCRIPTS OF ISAIAH
The oldest known Hebrew copy of Isaiah is one of the "Dead Sea Scrolls." It was found in 1947 at Qumran near the Dead Sea, and has been kept in Jerusalem. Scientists have examined this Isaiah scroll. They date this scroll as having been penned over 100 years before the coming of Jesus. Yet this very ancient Isaiah scroll says the same thing in Isaiah 53 as your Bible says today. There is no doubt at all - Isaiah's description of One dying for the sins of others, and then living again, was written long before Christianity began.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
JESUS CLAIMED TO FULFILL PROPHECY
None of us chooses our own family line and place of birth. None of us can choose to return to life after dying. Yet Jesus boldly claimed to fulfill all Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. To His own followers Jesus said,
"How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the
prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and
then enter His glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He
explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself
... He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you:
Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses,
the Prophets and the Psalms" (Luke 24:25-27, 44).
To the leading Jews He said,
"These are the Scriptures that testify about Me...If you believed Moses,
you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me" (John 5:39,46).
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE MESSAGE OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS
The message that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies about the Messiah continued to be the message of the early Christians:
"Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have
foretold these days" (Acts 3:24). (See also Acts 10:43; 13:32; 26:22-23).
Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead.
"This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ," he said (Acts 17:2-3).
"Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what
John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did
was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah
(that is, the Christ)'...Philip found Nathanael and told him, 'We have
found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets
also wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' " (John 1:40-41, 45)
God, through the prophets, had drawn a picture of the coming Messiah. Every Jew who heard readings from the Old Testament knew parts of this picture well. When Andrew and Philip met Jesus they began to see ways in which Jesus fit the prophetic picture. Believing Jews had waited centuries for this very moment. This kind of good news had to be shared! Philip soon told his friend, "We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote."
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE NATION OF THE MESSIAH
PROMISES TO ADAM AND ABRAHAM
Moses, in about 1500 B.C., was the opening writer of the Old Testament. He recorded God's first promise of hope for the sinful human family. God said to the snake:
"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your
offspring and hers; He will crush your head, and you will strike His
heel" (Genesis 3:15).
>From the beginning, the prophecies pointed to a male "offspring," a male child. He would crush or destroy the snake, Satan (note Revelation 12:9). Satan would also give Him much pain.
Later, God spoke again of an "offspring" or "seed." God chose Abraham, and God promised him,
"Through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you
have obeyed Me" (Genesis 22:18).
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE PROMISE TO ISRAEL
God repeated this promise to Abraham's son Isaac (Genesis 21:12; 26:4).
God then repeated the promise to Isaac's son Jacob (Genesis 28:14). Jacob was also called Israel, as we can read in Genesis 32:24-28. Israel had twelve sons.
Which one of these twelve would God choose to carry on the promise of the blessing? Just before his death, Israel gave God's blessings to each of his sons. Israel said to his son Judah:
"The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between
his feet, until He comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the
nations is His." (Genesis 49:10)
Israel's son, Judah, would be the family line that would have the "scepter," the stick of royal authority. Kings would come from the line of Judah. Many years after Genesis had been written, this prophecy came true. The kings of Israel did come from the tribe of Judah. Yet there was more to the prophecy. "He would come" - the One to whom that ruler's rod really belongs. He would be more than just Israel's King, for He would be over "the nations."
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE FAMILY OF THE MESSIAH
The first king from Judah's line was David, in about 1000 B.C. God made amazing promises to King David (2 Samuel 7:8-29; Psalm 89:3-37; Psalm 132). These promises were repeated by the prophets (Isaiah 11:1; Amos 9: 11; Ezekiel 37:24-28). Jeremiah, for example, foretold,
"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a
righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and
right in the land" (Jeremiah 23:5).
The New Testament was written over 600 years after Jeremiah. The book of Matthew begins:
"A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of
Abraham." (Matthew 1:1)
It is due to the fact that Israel's laws about owning property that caused Jews to keep strict records of each genealogy. Therefore it was well-known among the Jews that Jesus was from David's family (Matthew 9:27; 15:22; Acts 2:22-36). Was it just by chance that Jesus came into that one nation, that one tribe, and that single family that had been predicted by God?
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE BIRTH PLACE OF THE MESSIAH
The number of places in the world is beyond counting. Who could foretell the exact place of the Messiah's birth? Yet the prophet Micah made an amazing promise: The great Ruler would come from the home village (1 Samuel 16) of His forefather David.
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans
of Judah, out of you will come for Me One who will be Ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2).
The mother of Jesus lived in Nazareth. Government rules forced her to travel many miles to Bethlehem. Her male child was born there, in the very village marked 500 years earlier by Micah (Matthew 2; Luke 2; John 7:42). Did this also happen by chance?
Andrew and Philip knew that only God could foretell and fulfill in such exact ways. They understood enough of the prophecies to be able to say, "We have found the Messiah."
However, some prophecies were more difficult to understand and accept.
________________________
| |
| |
| THE NATION OF ISRAEL |
| |
|______________________ |
| | | |
| | | |
| | THE TRIBE OF JUDAH | |
| | | |
| |_________________ | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | FAMILY OF | | |
| | | DAVID | | |
| | | __________ | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | JESUS | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | |______ | | | |
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
MANY JEWS EXPECTED AN EARTHLY KING
Many Jews thought that the Messiah would be like other kings. They reasoned that if the Messiah would rule all nations, He would do so by armed force. So they looked for One to lead them in battle against their nation's enemy, Rome (Acts 5:36-37). Seeing the great powers of Jesus, they wanted to force Jesus to become their king (John 6:15). They expected earthly Jerusalem to be His capital city. Later, when Jesus came to Jerusalem, large crowds shouted their greetings:
"Hosanna to the Son of David." (Matthew 21:9)
"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David." (Mark 11:10)
"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord." (Luke 19:38)
The crowds were soon disappointed. Instead of joining in their happiness, Jesus wept over the city (Luke 19:43-44). He warned that Jerusalem would soon be destroyed by the Romans (Luke 21:5-24). Instead of marching against the Roman rulers, Jesus came before them as an accused criminal on trial (Luke 23). Many who had welcomed Him began to call for His death. Nails were driven into His hands and feet to hold him onto the raised wood of the cross. There He was left to die slowly, in great pain.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE SUFFERING OF THE MESSIAH
Neither the followers of Jesus, nor His enemies, expected that the Messiah would suffer in such ways. Great kings are supposed to be accepted by their people; Jesus was rejected by His people. Great kings have honor and respect; Jesus died in shame. Great kings defeat their enemies; Jesus was crucified by His enemies. His friends were confused and sad. They said,
"But we had hoped that He was the One who was going to redeem Israel."
(Luke 24:21)
If they had looked more closely at the Old Testament prophecies, they would have realized that it foretold that the Messiah would be rejected. Before He died, Jesus often predicted that He would be killed by the Jewish and Roman leaders (Luke 17:25; 18:31-33; 20:9-15). In proof of this He quoted Psalm 118:22, which spoke of Israel's leaders rejecting God's chosen One. The prophet Isaiah (53:3) had also shown that God's chosen One would be "despised and rejected."
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
HOW THE MESSIAH WOULD SUFFER AND RISE
The Old Testament prophecies did not stop there. They went on to show exact ways in which the Messiah would be hurt. Here are a few, linked with passages in the New Testament:
* A close friend would turn against Him, betraying Him to His enemies
(Psalm 41:9; Luke 22:47-48).
* The price to be paid for this betrayal was thirty pieces of silver
(Zechariah 11:12-13; Matthew 26:14-15).
* His own followers would scatter, leaving Him alone (Zechariah 13:7;
Mark 14:49-50).
* People would strike Him and spit on Him (Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 26:67).
* While treated in the most shameful way, He would endure it in silence
(Isaiah 53:7; Mark 14:61; 15:5).
* He would be falsely judged and punished with criminals (Psalm 35:19;
Isaiah 53:8,12; John 15:24-25; 19:18).
* He would be pierced, even in His hands and feet (Psalm 22:16; Zechariah
12:10; John 19:18, 37; 20:27).
* Those who pierced Him would also gamble for his clothes (Psalm 22:18;
John 19:23-24).
* He would be killed - "cut off from the land of the living" (Isaiah 53:8;
John 19:25-37).
* His death would be the "guilt offering" for removing the sins of us all
(Isaiah 53:10-12; 1 Peter 2:24).
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE PROPHECIES FROM ISAIAH
Old Testament laws allowed only animals to be used as "guilt offerings." Isaiah wrote in about 700 B.C. and he followed those laws. How then could Isaiah speak of this Human as the "guilt offering"? Isaiah 53 said other surprising things. It showed that after His suffering He would enjoy great satisfaction as a result of that suffering. It showed that after His death He would again "see the light of life" (Isaiah 53:10-11).
Some might ask, "Did Christians later write into Isaiah 53 their own ideas about the Christ?" No, this did not come from Christians. Remember that all the Old Testament was translated into the Greek language in about 250 B.C. Long before Jesus' birth Isaiah 53 was already being read in many lands.
OLD MANUSCRIPTS OF ISAIAH
The oldest known Hebrew copy of Isaiah is one of the "Dead Sea Scrolls." It was found in 1947 at Qumran near the Dead Sea, and has been kept in Jerusalem. Scientists have examined this Isaiah scroll. They date this scroll as having been penned over 100 years before the coming of Jesus. Yet this very ancient Isaiah scroll says the same thing in Isaiah 53 as your Bible says today. There is no doubt at all - Isaiah's description of One dying for the sins of others, and then living again, was written long before Christianity began.
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JESUS CLAIMED TO FULFILL PROPHECY
None of us chooses our own family line and place of birth. None of us can choose to return to life after dying. Yet Jesus boldly claimed to fulfill all Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. To His own followers Jesus said,
"How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the
prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and
then enter His glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He
explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself
... He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you:
Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses,
the Prophets and the Psalms" (Luke 24:25-27, 44).
To the leading Jews He said,
"These are the Scriptures that testify about Me...If you believed Moses,
you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me" (John 5:39,46).
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THE MESSAGE OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS
The message that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies about the Messiah continued to be the message of the early Christians:
"Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have
foretold these days" (Acts 3:24). (See also Acts 10:43; 13:32; 26:22-23).
Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead.
"This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ," he said (Acts 17:2-3).
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Thanks Angel
Has someone ever acted 'like an angel' to you? Now is the time to show your thanks for his or her angelic deed. Angels are God's ever present highly powerful helpers-mirroring their miraculous deeds is one of the best ways to serve God
It is good to be a blessing to others,especially those in need, as well as the ones who have helped you. Have you ever had a time in your life where God puts just the right people around to help,guide and love you through problems and pain? If you are saying 'yes' to this question, then it was an angelic act from God that enabled this help and support for you. I am asking you not to forget their angelic deed and reach out to these people, help and pray for them. God always wants us to be a helping hand, full of love and compassion for each other. Angelic deeds are what helps this earth to have foundation! Not only are you helping God you are helping yourself as well. Proverbs 11:25 says- Whoever brings blessings will be enriched,and one who waters will himself be watered
*May your walk with God be filled with blessings as you hold on tightly to His unchanging hand
It is good to be a blessing to others,especially those in need, as well as the ones who have helped you. Have you ever had a time in your life where God puts just the right people around to help,guide and love you through problems and pain? If you are saying 'yes' to this question, then it was an angelic act from God that enabled this help and support for you. I am asking you not to forget their angelic deed and reach out to these people, help and pray for them. God always wants us to be a helping hand, full of love and compassion for each other. Angelic deeds are what helps this earth to have foundation! Not only are you helping God you are helping yourself as well. Proverbs 11:25 says- Whoever brings blessings will be enriched,and one who waters will himself be watered
*May your walk with God be filled with blessings as you hold on tightly to His unchanging hand
Monday, April 14, 2008
Knowing Jesus( Pt 2)
KNOWING JESUS THROUGH HIS WITNESSES
"The next day John was there again with two of his
disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said,
'Look, the Lamb of God!' When the two disciples
heard him say this, they followed Jesus.
"Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked,
'What do you want?'
"They said, 'Rabbi' (which means Teacher), 'where
are You staying?'
"'Come,' He replied, 'and you will see.' So they went
and saw where He was staying, and spent that day with
Him. It was about the tenth hour" (John 1:34-39).
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WITNESSES
A "witness" is one who tells what he sees and knows to be true. When he gives his report of the truth, he TESTIFIES or gives TESTIMONY. John the Baptizer was such a witness (John 1:7).
"I have seen," he said, "and I testify that this is the
Son of God" (John 1:34).
John, when he saw Jesus, told the people, "Look!" Thus they too became eyewitnesses. Two of John's followers wanted to know Jesus more fully. They were faced with the same problem that any ordinary person has. How does a common person come into the presence of a King?
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COME AND SEE
Since these two were followers of John, they knew John's great respect for the coming King. John was their leader, yet even he was not worthy to carry the shoes of the King (Matthew 3:11). Now, John had pointed to JESUS as that King. How could two ordinary men get close to this King? How could they come to know the high, exalted One of whom John spoke? (After all, have you ever met your nation's highest ruler?)
When they spoke to Jesus, He invited them to come to His place! "Come," He said, "and you will see." The memory of that invitation was so bright that they remembered exactly when it took place - the tenth hour. (If counted in the Jewish way this was at 4:00 P.M., and evening was coming.) So they spent the rest of that day with Jesus. This King wanted to talk with them. More than that, He was willing to let them stay with Him!
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THE OPENNESS OF JESUS
The first lesson the two disciples learned from Jesus was His openness. They were free to KNOW Him personally. He welcomed them. They could see Him, talk with Him, and be close to Him.
John the Baptizer was right about the high honor owed to Jesus. Yet Jesus' greatness did not isolate Him from His people. In this, He was different from most kings. He made Himself poor in earthly things (2 Corinthians 8:9). Sometimes He had no proper place to sleep (Luke 9:58). He was among the ordinary people. He welcomed all, whether great or small. Even children felt very welcome.
"People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him
touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw
this, He was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little
children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom
of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone
who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child
will never enter it.' And He took the children in His arms,
put His hands on them and blessed them" (Mark 10:13-16).
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JESUS WAS COMPASSIONATE
Sinful people found Jesus friendly. He had no sin (John 8:46; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26). He taught them to "repent," to turn away from sin (Luke 13:3). Yet He made it very clear that He truly cared for them. He ate and drank with people known for their corrupt lives. He did the same for the government's tax officials, whom most people treated as enemies. Jesus became known as the "friend of tax-collectors and 'sinners' " (Luke 7:34). Jesus was among the people because of His concern and love for them. This explains why He spent so much time helping each one who came. He helped them, regardless of how great their problems. He helped them even when he was very busy with other important matters (Mark 1:21-34; 2:1-13; 5:21-43; 7:24-30; 10:46-52).
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TO BE WITH HIM
There is another important reason why Jesus worked so openly. The Christian faith would begin as a matter of public knowledge and public record. Since Jesus worked among the people, there were often many eyewitnesses to what He said and did. He had nothing to hide. As He said at His trial,
"I have spoken openly to the world...I said nothing in
secret. Why question Me? Ask those who heard Me. Surely
they know what I said" (John 18:20-21).
When the apostle Paul was later tried in a royal court, he said,
"The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak
freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped
his notice, because it was not done in a corner" (Acts 26:26).
In this Christianity is different from other faiths based on claims of hidden events, and personal ideas or feelings. Such faiths have no way to prove to others that they are true. From the beginning Christianity was a matter of public and historical record, and could be fully examined. Today one can still find out whether it is true or false. Indeed, it demands such study. Christians invite people to check for themselves, to examine the facts. "Come and you will see!"
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THE APOSTLES KNOW JESUS
One of the two disciples who met Jesus on that memorable day was named Andrew (John 1:40-42). He was the brother of Simon Peter. Their partners in the fishing business were Zebedee's sons, James and John (Luke 5:7-10). Jesus chose these four, and eight others, to serve as His special messengers or APOSTLES (Luke 6:12-16). One of the main duties of the apostles was to be WITH Jesus.
"He appointed twelve -- designating them apostles - that
they might be with Him and that He might send them out to
preach" (Mark 3:14).
Being "with Him" meant that they could watch him closely in good times and bad, happy times and sad, crowded times and lonely. They could see how He met every new challenge and trial. Many people are afraid to let others get close. Why? Closeness reveals one's faults. Yet Jesus invited others to be near. By watching, listening and sharing in His life, the apostles could KNOW His true character. They could also learn how to become like Him. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they would carry on Jesus' work after He left. They would be the Spirit's way for others to come to know Jesus. Jesus made this clear in one of His prayers for the apostles.
"My prayer is not for them alone (the first disciples). I pray
also for those who will believe in Me through their message,
that all of them may be one..."(John 17:20-21).
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WITNESSES FOR CHRIST
How would people in later years believe in Christ?
"Through their message" (John 17:20).
That is, through the report of those first disciples, especially the apostles. ("Apostle" is like the word "ambassador." It means one who is sent with a special authority to pass on his leader's message.) Jesus gave to them the task of being witnesses, to testify to the truth about Him (Luke 24:48; Acts 10:39-41). Just before He sent them into the world, Jesus said,
"...You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea
and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
However, at the time when this was said (the first chapter of Acts), one of the twelve was missing. Judas had betrayed Jesus, and then had killed himself. Another had to be chosen to take his place. The importance of finding a real witness was shown by Simon Peter's words,
"Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have
been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out
among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when
Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a
witness with us of his resurrection" (Acts 1:21-22).
Yes, Jesus wanted the apostles to be "with Him" so that they could be true WITNESSES. They were in the best place to see and know the truth about Jesus. They were the kind of witnesses that any good court of law would welcome.
Jesus' witnesses were from ordinary positions in life. They had normal questions and doubts when they first heard about Jesus. Yet what they saw for themselves removed doubts and fears. The witnesses were many, coming from different backgrounds and interests. Like all witnesses, they stated their testimonies in different ways. Each spoke from his own viewpoint. When carefully compared these testimonies agree. There is nothing muddled or lacking. The apostles, and those closest to them, gave a full and clear report. They remained united, and true to this report, all of their lives. The collection of their reports and letters is called the New Testament.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
NOT FALSE
As the apostles spread the Good News about Jesus, they reminded the people that they were true witnesses. See the following verses.
Acts 2:32
Acts 3:15
Acts 4:33
Acts 5:32
Acts 10:39, 41
Acts 13:31
They were not ashamed to speak in the presence of others who had been there. When Peter re-told the facts about Jesus, he added,
"...as you yourselves know" (Acts 2:22).
Thousands in Jerusalem proved that they agreed with Peter (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14). From the very beginning, the rapid spread of Christianity showed how many found the testimony to be true. Peter's enemies did not show faults in his testimony. All they could do was to try to stop him by threats (Acts 4, 5,12). Peter later wrote,
"We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told
you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16).
Peter said this when he knew he would soon be killed (2 Peter 1:14; John 21:17-19). What reward could there have been in dying for lies? If Peter was not telling the truth of what he saw, what did he think he could gain? The apostles did not become rich (Acts 3:6; 1 Corinthians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 6:10). Instead of becoming famous they became infamous - they were hated by the world. They suffered great losses and hardships for their message (2 Corinthians 1:9; 6:1-10; 11:23-31). Paul wrote,
"It seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at
the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the
arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe...
Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the
refuse of the world" (1 Corinthians 4:9,13).
No, the apostles received no reward from this world, but only shame and pain. Why then did they keep telling the same story? For the simplest and best reason: They KNEW it was true. They had SEEN it with their own eyes. Their lives matched the honesty of their report. When threatened, they had to reply, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20).
"The next day John was there again with two of his
disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said,
'Look, the Lamb of God!' When the two disciples
heard him say this, they followed Jesus.
"Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked,
'What do you want?'
"They said, 'Rabbi' (which means Teacher), 'where
are You staying?'
"'Come,' He replied, 'and you will see.' So they went
and saw where He was staying, and spent that day with
Him. It was about the tenth hour" (John 1:34-39).
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
WITNESSES
A "witness" is one who tells what he sees and knows to be true. When he gives his report of the truth, he TESTIFIES or gives TESTIMONY. John the Baptizer was such a witness (John 1:7).
"I have seen," he said, "and I testify that this is the
Son of God" (John 1:34).
John, when he saw Jesus, told the people, "Look!" Thus they too became eyewitnesses. Two of John's followers wanted to know Jesus more fully. They were faced with the same problem that any ordinary person has. How does a common person come into the presence of a King?
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
COME AND SEE
Since these two were followers of John, they knew John's great respect for the coming King. John was their leader, yet even he was not worthy to carry the shoes of the King (Matthew 3:11). Now, John had pointed to JESUS as that King. How could two ordinary men get close to this King? How could they come to know the high, exalted One of whom John spoke? (After all, have you ever met your nation's highest ruler?)
When they spoke to Jesus, He invited them to come to His place! "Come," He said, "and you will see." The memory of that invitation was so bright that they remembered exactly when it took place - the tenth hour. (If counted in the Jewish way this was at 4:00 P.M., and evening was coming.) So they spent the rest of that day with Jesus. This King wanted to talk with them. More than that, He was willing to let them stay with Him!
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE OPENNESS OF JESUS
The first lesson the two disciples learned from Jesus was His openness. They were free to KNOW Him personally. He welcomed them. They could see Him, talk with Him, and be close to Him.
John the Baptizer was right about the high honor owed to Jesus. Yet Jesus' greatness did not isolate Him from His people. In this, He was different from most kings. He made Himself poor in earthly things (2 Corinthians 8:9). Sometimes He had no proper place to sleep (Luke 9:58). He was among the ordinary people. He welcomed all, whether great or small. Even children felt very welcome.
"People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him
touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw
this, He was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little
children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom
of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone
who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child
will never enter it.' And He took the children in His arms,
put His hands on them and blessed them" (Mark 10:13-16).
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
JESUS WAS COMPASSIONATE
Sinful people found Jesus friendly. He had no sin (John 8:46; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26). He taught them to "repent," to turn away from sin (Luke 13:3). Yet He made it very clear that He truly cared for them. He ate and drank with people known for their corrupt lives. He did the same for the government's tax officials, whom most people treated as enemies. Jesus became known as the "friend of tax-collectors and 'sinners' " (Luke 7:34). Jesus was among the people because of His concern and love for them. This explains why He spent so much time helping each one who came. He helped them, regardless of how great their problems. He helped them even when he was very busy with other important matters (Mark 1:21-34; 2:1-13; 5:21-43; 7:24-30; 10:46-52).
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
TO BE WITH HIM
There is another important reason why Jesus worked so openly. The Christian faith would begin as a matter of public knowledge and public record. Since Jesus worked among the people, there were often many eyewitnesses to what He said and did. He had nothing to hide. As He said at His trial,
"I have spoken openly to the world...I said nothing in
secret. Why question Me? Ask those who heard Me. Surely
they know what I said" (John 18:20-21).
When the apostle Paul was later tried in a royal court, he said,
"The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak
freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped
his notice, because it was not done in a corner" (Acts 26:26).
In this Christianity is different from other faiths based on claims of hidden events, and personal ideas or feelings. Such faiths have no way to prove to others that they are true. From the beginning Christianity was a matter of public and historical record, and could be fully examined. Today one can still find out whether it is true or false. Indeed, it demands such study. Christians invite people to check for themselves, to examine the facts. "Come and you will see!"
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
THE APOSTLES KNOW JESUS
One of the two disciples who met Jesus on that memorable day was named Andrew (John 1:40-42). He was the brother of Simon Peter. Their partners in the fishing business were Zebedee's sons, James and John (Luke 5:7-10). Jesus chose these four, and eight others, to serve as His special messengers or APOSTLES (Luke 6:12-16). One of the main duties of the apostles was to be WITH Jesus.
"He appointed twelve -- designating them apostles - that
they might be with Him and that He might send them out to
preach" (Mark 3:14).
Being "with Him" meant that they could watch him closely in good times and bad, happy times and sad, crowded times and lonely. They could see how He met every new challenge and trial. Many people are afraid to let others get close. Why? Closeness reveals one's faults. Yet Jesus invited others to be near. By watching, listening and sharing in His life, the apostles could KNOW His true character. They could also learn how to become like Him. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they would carry on Jesus' work after He left. They would be the Spirit's way for others to come to know Jesus. Jesus made this clear in one of His prayers for the apostles.
"My prayer is not for them alone (the first disciples). I pray
also for those who will believe in Me through their message,
that all of them may be one..."(John 17:20-21).
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
WITNESSES FOR CHRIST
How would people in later years believe in Christ?
"Through their message" (John 17:20).
That is, through the report of those first disciples, especially the apostles. ("Apostle" is like the word "ambassador." It means one who is sent with a special authority to pass on his leader's message.) Jesus gave to them the task of being witnesses, to testify to the truth about Him (Luke 24:48; Acts 10:39-41). Just before He sent them into the world, Jesus said,
"...You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea
and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
However, at the time when this was said (the first chapter of Acts), one of the twelve was missing. Judas had betrayed Jesus, and then had killed himself. Another had to be chosen to take his place. The importance of finding a real witness was shown by Simon Peter's words,
"Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have
been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out
among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when
Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a
witness with us of his resurrection" (Acts 1:21-22).
Yes, Jesus wanted the apostles to be "with Him" so that they could be true WITNESSES. They were in the best place to see and know the truth about Jesus. They were the kind of witnesses that any good court of law would welcome.
Jesus' witnesses were from ordinary positions in life. They had normal questions and doubts when they first heard about Jesus. Yet what they saw for themselves removed doubts and fears. The witnesses were many, coming from different backgrounds and interests. Like all witnesses, they stated their testimonies in different ways. Each spoke from his own viewpoint. When carefully compared these testimonies agree. There is nothing muddled or lacking. The apostles, and those closest to them, gave a full and clear report. They remained united, and true to this report, all of their lives. The collection of their reports and letters is called the New Testament.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
NOT FALSE
As the apostles spread the Good News about Jesus, they reminded the people that they were true witnesses. See the following verses.
Acts 2:32
Acts 3:15
Acts 4:33
Acts 5:32
Acts 10:39, 41
Acts 13:31
They were not ashamed to speak in the presence of others who had been there. When Peter re-told the facts about Jesus, he added,
"...as you yourselves know" (Acts 2:22).
Thousands in Jerusalem proved that they agreed with Peter (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14). From the very beginning, the rapid spread of Christianity showed how many found the testimony to be true. Peter's enemies did not show faults in his testimony. All they could do was to try to stop him by threats (Acts 4, 5,12). Peter later wrote,
"We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told
you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16).
Peter said this when he knew he would soon be killed (2 Peter 1:14; John 21:17-19). What reward could there have been in dying for lies? If Peter was not telling the truth of what he saw, what did he think he could gain? The apostles did not become rich (Acts 3:6; 1 Corinthians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 6:10). Instead of becoming famous they became infamous - they were hated by the world. They suffered great losses and hardships for their message (2 Corinthians 1:9; 6:1-10; 11:23-31). Paul wrote,
"It seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at
the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the
arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe...
Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the
refuse of the world" (1 Corinthians 4:9,13).
No, the apostles received no reward from this world, but only shame and pain. Why then did they keep telling the same story? For the simplest and best reason: They KNEW it was true. They had SEEN it with their own eyes. Their lives matched the honesty of their report. When threatened, they had to reply, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20).
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Healing Through Scripture (Pt.1)
I have many issues in my life that I have to and have,healed from. I talk to many people that seem so unhealthy and unhappy as they battle everything from satan to grave illnesses. I want to feel good and be enriched through the grace of God- I know you do to! I will start this series with a few things I know many of us,or loved ones might be dealing with. I encourage you to take these scriptures and pray-read them (taking the paragraphs and speak to God as a prayer). This is a powerful form of healing that connects us to God and heaven. We all need healing and no one is better at granting it unto you,than God!
1. Backsliding (Prov.4:23,Jer. 3:22,Hosea 14:4)
2. Depression (Isaisah 53:4-5, 61:3,51:1,Psalm 34:18,128:2,16:11,Jer. 31:13)
3. Fear (Det. 33:27,Isaisah 26:3,John 14:27)
4. Smoking,drugs,drinking (2 Cor. 7:1, Phil. 4:13,Psalm 27:1, Romans 8:35-38)
1. Backsliding (Prov.4:23,Jer. 3:22,Hosea 14:4)
2. Depression (Isaisah 53:4-5, 61:3,51:1,Psalm 34:18,128:2,16:11,Jer. 31:13)
3. Fear (Det. 33:27,Isaisah 26:3,John 14:27)
4. Smoking,drugs,drinking (2 Cor. 7:1, Phil. 4:13,Psalm 27:1, Romans 8:35-38)
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
April Prayer Assignments
Nations are changed because of prayer. Individuals and families are healed and restored because of prayer. In spite of what we may hear in the daily news remember we serve a God who is continually moving behind the scenes to bring about His perfect will for creation. Let us “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”(Hebrews 10:23, NKJV)
Please remember to pray for the armed forces stationed all over the world and their families.
APRIL:
1-5: The United States of America: Pray this month for recovery from natural disasters of tornadoes, floods and storms across the country.
Pray throughout this year as we elect new leaders including the next President of the United States of America
Pray for revival in our churches, communities and marketplaces.
6: China; Hong Kong: There is a real need for people to reach out to the 25 million Muslim believers in China. The Communist Party has used a ‘one child’ policy to try and control the growing population. This policy has had devastating effect on society; hundreds of baby girls are abandoned and in some areas where young men outnumber women by up to 40% young women have been abducted, taken as slaves or raped. There are over 60 million members of the Chinese Communist Party who are the ‘top dogs’ of Chinese society. Officially they are not allowed to believe in God, but there are many who secretly believe in Jesus despite opposition.
Pray for a visitation of the redemptive love of Jesus Christ to this nation.
7: China, Macau: There are over 60 million members of the Chinese Communist Party who are the ‘top dogs’ of Chinese society. Officially they are not allowed to believe in God, but there are many who secretly believe in Jesus despite opposition.
The government has tried to make churches loyal to the Communist Party. Many leaders have compromised their faith in order to obey their rules; they aren’t allowed to pray for healings or tell people that Jesus is coming again!
Pray for the hand of God to touch every person on this continent so they can experience a living Saviour.
8-9: China, Taiwan: China has always treated Taiwan as a renegade province. When Taiwan has talked about becoming independent China has threatened military action.
Most of the population follows a Chinese religion which is a mix of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Many rural churches in Taiwan don’t have a pastor.
Pray that more Christians would be able to train and be released to serve these churches.
There are over a million young people in colleges or universities across Taiwan.
Pray that during this critical time in their lives they would explore what Christianity really means and meet with the living God.
10-11: Columbia: There is a growing number of Christians in Colombia. This is a miraculous sign of God’s faithfulness and protection because Christians are often targets of violence by drug cartels and guerrillas.
Bellavista Prison is a maximum security prison in city of Medellin. It is home to some of Colombia’s most hardened and violent criminals; the murder rate inside the prison used to be as high as one per day! Many prisoners are hearing about God and becoming Christians. In a place that was called “hell on earth” prisoners are praying round the clock, the murder rate has dramatically fallen and inmates are being trained in their very own Bible school!
In some cities the number of evangelical Christians has multiplied by twenty times in the last 10 years. This sort of growth can be threatening to whatever group is in control of the area. Many church leaders are targets of violence and many have been martyred. Many Christian leaders have left the country.
Pray that those who have stayed would be given strength and protection.
12: Comoros: The Comoro Islands lie off the east African coast between Mozambique and the island of Madagascar. The Comores declared themselves independent from France in 1975. One island, Mayotte, decided to stay with France, but the rest of the islands still claim Mayotte as part of their territory. Frequent military takeovers and times of violence trouble the islands – tension exists on the two smaller islands who want to be separate.
Almost the entire population of the Comores is Muslim, with 780 mosques but no official churches. Although many people are disillusioned with Islamic society telling people about Christianity is absolutely forbidden.
Pray that the few Christians on the island would still find opportunities to share their faith.
Mayotte also has a Muslim majority, but mosque attendance is low and there is complete freedom for Christians to meet openly and tell others about Jesus.
Pray for revival to cover these Islands and a rich harvest results.
13: Congo: Under communist rule, all young people were brainwashed against religion, churches were closed and missionaries forced to leave the country. Since 1992 freedom of religion has been restored.
Missionaries have greater freedom to be resident in the country and are seeing successes in the capital and port towns.
Pray for the lasting peace that the Congo desperately needs.
The civil war has stopped many missionaries from returning to the Congo.
Pray that more will able to return in safety to support struggling churches and reach people who haven’t heard about Jesus.
14-15: Congo-DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo, (formerly Zaire), is the size of Western Europe and rich in minerals, oil and fertile land. The DRC should be a wealthy country. Instead it is one of the poorest and most dangerous countries in the world; where even the desperately needed aid agencies fear to tread.
Pray for PEACE.
At least 30 and maybe as many as 147 language translations of the Bible are still needed.
There is a growing Muslim population and still a large number of people of tribal beliefs
Pray for them.
16: Cook Islands: The Cook Islands , Niue, Tokelau and Pitcairn are all officially or unofficially related to New Zealand. There has been a strong Christian influence on the islands for 150 years and lots of people go to church but many of the smaller islands don't have any evangelistic Christians.
Pray for new spiritual life on these islands.
17: Costa Rica: The country’s economy depends heavily on exporting basic produce like coffee and bananas. 20% of the population lives in deep poverty. The majority of Costa Ricans have grown up in a Catholic society, but most do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. Some Catholics, however, do have a personal and living faith in God.
Pray that many more Costa Ricans in the Catholic Church will be impacted by the gospel and give their lives to God.
Pray for bible-believing churches to be established amongst all Amerindian tribes.
Pray that these churches would encourage indigenous leaders and express the unique languages and cultures of each tribe.
18: Cote d’Ivoire: The number of evangelical Christians has nearly doubled since 1990 – there are now over 700 churches in the capital Abidjan. Worshipping spirits and objects has a strong hold in Cote d’Ivoire and gets mixed up in the churches as well.
Pray that Christians would break free from spirit worship and find greater freedom in Jesus.
The urban population is exploding, doubling every 10 years, with every people group from Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Burkina Faso living in the capital.
Pray for the resources and vision to see new disciples and churches grow.
19: Croatia: Croatia lies on the Adriatic coastline to the west of Yugoslavia. Religion and ethnicity are really closely linked for Orthodox Serbs, Muslim Bosnians and Catholic Croats.
Pray for spiritual breakthrough, so that people’s ‘religion’ would not be a barrier for them seeking Jesus.
Pray for the growing number of Christian students in colleges and universities.
20: Cuba: Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Cuban economy has struggled to keep much of the population out of poverty.
During the ‘90s there has been rapid church growth and many churches are filled with young people despite the fact that Cuba’s communist ideals have opposed Christianity for 40 years.
For many years Christians faced imprisonment and discrimination under Communist rule. In the last ten years this persecution has really reduced (although it has not stopped completely).
Pray for complete freedom for Christians in Cuba.
21: Cyprus: The Greek Cypriot majority (77% of the population) are mainly Christian, while the Turkish minority in the north are Muslim. Although both groups are free to meet and worship, any evangelism is closely monitored.
There is a small group of about 20 new Christians in the Muslim north.
Pray that this group will be able to witness to their friends and families and grow!
22: Czech Republic: In recent polls 50% of the population described themselves as atheists.
Pray for the leadership of the Catholic and Protestant churches in the Czech Republic. The average age for Catholic priests is 69!
Pray that God can equip a new generation of spiritual leaders for this nation.
Many young people are really searching for answers
Pray that Christians would be motivated and excited about sharing their faith.
23: Denmark: Denmark is the most southerly country in Scandinavia - it is made up of the Jutland peninsula and more than 400 islands. The Faroe Islands and Greenland are still part of Denmark, but govern themselves independently. Denmark also leads the world in providing financial help to poorer countries – contributing 1% of its national income (that’s ten times as much as the USA)
90% of the population belongs to a church – but less than 4% regularly go along. The good news is that half the population prays to God!
Pray that Jesus would be real to people and transform their lives as they pray.
Pray for immigrant communities in Denmark – a small but significant part of society. Many of them are Arabic or Turkish Muslims.
Pray for opportunities for them to hear about Jesus.
24: Djibouti: Sandwiched between Ethiopia and Eritrea to the north and Somalia to the south, Djibouti has a strategic location – as a handy port to get to the Middle East. The country’s economy depends heavily on its port and on foreign help. Although officially an Islamic state, other religions are given freedom to worship. There are many Christians amongst the Ethiopian refugees living in Djibouti.
Pray that that would have enormous faith to see others come to know God.
There are a few Afar and Somali Christians – many of them are jobless and cannot read or write.
Pray that these small communities would not feel isolated but would be encouraged and grow.
25: Dominica: Dominica is located between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Windward Islands. Colonized first by the French, Dominica came under British rule in 1759.
Pray for church leaders in Dominica - because the country is quite poor, many have to take on a second job to support themselves.
25: Dominican Rep: The Dominican Republic is the largest tourist destination in the Caribbean. It is the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola; shared with Haiti. Thirty years of repressive dictatorship ended in 1961 but civil war continued for a further five years. Recent governments have been corrupt and haven't managed to make life any better for Haitian immigrants who are the lowest of the low.
The Dominican Republic has depended on its sugar cane crops for over 500 years. Although it has made some rich it is also the reason why so many slaves were brought here against their will. Today Haitian immigrants are still exploited and poorly paid.
The number of bible-believing Christians and churches is growing!
Pray for a fairer wage for these workers and for fairer trade from richer countries who buy the sugar.
Many church leaders leave the Dominican Republic to work abroad in Puerto Rico of the United States, because it can be tough to live and work here.
Pray that the right people will be called with a heart to serve in the poorest areas that have the greatest need.
26: Ecuador: Ecuador is lies on the Pacific on the west of Latin America. It also includes the tiny Galapagos Islands, which are home to 6,000 people, thousands of sea turtles and one church (with two members!). Oil is big business in Ecuador. The discovery of oil has meant more money for a few people, but the poor have become poorer and the destruction to the Amazon rainforest has been massive. 40% of the people in Ecuador are Quichua (native Amerindians). In the 1960s only 120 of the Quichua were Christians, but since then thousands have turned to Jesus. In some areas nearly 50% of the Quichua are bible-believing Christians. This kind of growth is a modern day miracle!
Pray that the church would be able to reach out to the children and young people in Ecuador.
Most of the people in Ecuador live near the big cities of Quito and Guayaquil. Over a million people live in horrendous conditions in the city slums built on polluted marshes. Unfortunately very few Christians have a vision to work with these people.
Pray that people would be called and equipped to go to the slums and live with the people there to show them how much God loves them.
27-29: Egypt: Egypt is well known for its pyramids, Pharaohs and the Nile. It is a country that has barely changed for hundreds of years and at the same time it is rushing ahead to become westernized.
The Church in Egypt has survived for nearly 2,000 years, despite times of discrimination and severe persecution! Praise God for his faithfulness in Egypt.
Egyptian Christians could play a unique role in reaching other Muslim lands in the Middle East.
Pray for vision and resources that would equip people for this strategic challenge.
There have been Coptic Christians in Egypt for over a thousand years and it is by far one of the biggest groups of Christians anywhere in the Middle East.
Pray that Coptic Christians today would be filled with the Holy Spirit and have a strong relationship with God.
30: El Salvador: Since signing a peace deal in 1992 both sides are now in government, but they face huge challenges. 80% of the population lives in poverty while the rest are extremely wealthy. During the civil war loads of people became Christians. 22% of the population are now committed Christians.
Pray that leaders can find enough money and training to equip new leaders as the church grows.
The civil war has scarred El Salvador. Years of hate, violence, suspicion and devastation continue to affect society.
Pray that through peace, forgiveness and reconciliation El Salvador can build a fairer society for everyone.
Over 350,000 children were abandoned during the war.
Pray that they would be cared for and supported as they cope with trauma and loss.
Please remember to pray for the armed forces stationed all over the world and their families.
APRIL:
1-5: The United States of America: Pray this month for recovery from natural disasters of tornadoes, floods and storms across the country.
Pray throughout this year as we elect new leaders including the next President of the United States of America
Pray for revival in our churches, communities and marketplaces.
6: China; Hong Kong: There is a real need for people to reach out to the 25 million Muslim believers in China. The Communist Party has used a ‘one child’ policy to try and control the growing population. This policy has had devastating effect on society; hundreds of baby girls are abandoned and in some areas where young men outnumber women by up to 40% young women have been abducted, taken as slaves or raped. There are over 60 million members of the Chinese Communist Party who are the ‘top dogs’ of Chinese society. Officially they are not allowed to believe in God, but there are many who secretly believe in Jesus despite opposition.
Pray for a visitation of the redemptive love of Jesus Christ to this nation.
7: China, Macau: There are over 60 million members of the Chinese Communist Party who are the ‘top dogs’ of Chinese society. Officially they are not allowed to believe in God, but there are many who secretly believe in Jesus despite opposition.
The government has tried to make churches loyal to the Communist Party. Many leaders have compromised their faith in order to obey their rules; they aren’t allowed to pray for healings or tell people that Jesus is coming again!
Pray for the hand of God to touch every person on this continent so they can experience a living Saviour.
8-9: China, Taiwan: China has always treated Taiwan as a renegade province. When Taiwan has talked about becoming independent China has threatened military action.
Most of the population follows a Chinese religion which is a mix of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Many rural churches in Taiwan don’t have a pastor.
Pray that more Christians would be able to train and be released to serve these churches.
There are over a million young people in colleges or universities across Taiwan.
Pray that during this critical time in their lives they would explore what Christianity really means and meet with the living God.
10-11: Columbia: There is a growing number of Christians in Colombia. This is a miraculous sign of God’s faithfulness and protection because Christians are often targets of violence by drug cartels and guerrillas.
Bellavista Prison is a maximum security prison in city of Medellin. It is home to some of Colombia’s most hardened and violent criminals; the murder rate inside the prison used to be as high as one per day! Many prisoners are hearing about God and becoming Christians. In a place that was called “hell on earth” prisoners are praying round the clock, the murder rate has dramatically fallen and inmates are being trained in their very own Bible school!
In some cities the number of evangelical Christians has multiplied by twenty times in the last 10 years. This sort of growth can be threatening to whatever group is in control of the area. Many church leaders are targets of violence and many have been martyred. Many Christian leaders have left the country.
Pray that those who have stayed would be given strength and protection.
12: Comoros: The Comoro Islands lie off the east African coast between Mozambique and the island of Madagascar. The Comores declared themselves independent from France in 1975. One island, Mayotte, decided to stay with France, but the rest of the islands still claim Mayotte as part of their territory. Frequent military takeovers and times of violence trouble the islands – tension exists on the two smaller islands who want to be separate.
Almost the entire population of the Comores is Muslim, with 780 mosques but no official churches. Although many people are disillusioned with Islamic society telling people about Christianity is absolutely forbidden.
Pray that the few Christians on the island would still find opportunities to share their faith.
Mayotte also has a Muslim majority, but mosque attendance is low and there is complete freedom for Christians to meet openly and tell others about Jesus.
Pray for revival to cover these Islands and a rich harvest results.
13: Congo: Under communist rule, all young people were brainwashed against religion, churches were closed and missionaries forced to leave the country. Since 1992 freedom of religion has been restored.
Missionaries have greater freedom to be resident in the country and are seeing successes in the capital and port towns.
Pray for the lasting peace that the Congo desperately needs.
The civil war has stopped many missionaries from returning to the Congo.
Pray that more will able to return in safety to support struggling churches and reach people who haven’t heard about Jesus.
14-15: Congo-DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo, (formerly Zaire), is the size of Western Europe and rich in minerals, oil and fertile land. The DRC should be a wealthy country. Instead it is one of the poorest and most dangerous countries in the world; where even the desperately needed aid agencies fear to tread.
Pray for PEACE.
At least 30 and maybe as many as 147 language translations of the Bible are still needed.
There is a growing Muslim population and still a large number of people of tribal beliefs
Pray for them.
16: Cook Islands: The Cook Islands , Niue, Tokelau and Pitcairn are all officially or unofficially related to New Zealand. There has been a strong Christian influence on the islands for 150 years and lots of people go to church but many of the smaller islands don't have any evangelistic Christians.
Pray for new spiritual life on these islands.
17: Costa Rica: The country’s economy depends heavily on exporting basic produce like coffee and bananas. 20% of the population lives in deep poverty. The majority of Costa Ricans have grown up in a Catholic society, but most do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. Some Catholics, however, do have a personal and living faith in God.
Pray that many more Costa Ricans in the Catholic Church will be impacted by the gospel and give their lives to God.
Pray for bible-believing churches to be established amongst all Amerindian tribes.
Pray that these churches would encourage indigenous leaders and express the unique languages and cultures of each tribe.
18: Cote d’Ivoire: The number of evangelical Christians has nearly doubled since 1990 – there are now over 700 churches in the capital Abidjan. Worshipping spirits and objects has a strong hold in Cote d’Ivoire and gets mixed up in the churches as well.
Pray that Christians would break free from spirit worship and find greater freedom in Jesus.
The urban population is exploding, doubling every 10 years, with every people group from Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Burkina Faso living in the capital.
Pray for the resources and vision to see new disciples and churches grow.
19: Croatia: Croatia lies on the Adriatic coastline to the west of Yugoslavia. Religion and ethnicity are really closely linked for Orthodox Serbs, Muslim Bosnians and Catholic Croats.
Pray for spiritual breakthrough, so that people’s ‘religion’ would not be a barrier for them seeking Jesus.
Pray for the growing number of Christian students in colleges and universities.
20: Cuba: Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Cuban economy has struggled to keep much of the population out of poverty.
During the ‘90s there has been rapid church growth and many churches are filled with young people despite the fact that Cuba’s communist ideals have opposed Christianity for 40 years.
For many years Christians faced imprisonment and discrimination under Communist rule. In the last ten years this persecution has really reduced (although it has not stopped completely).
Pray for complete freedom for Christians in Cuba.
21: Cyprus: The Greek Cypriot majority (77% of the population) are mainly Christian, while the Turkish minority in the north are Muslim. Although both groups are free to meet and worship, any evangelism is closely monitored.
There is a small group of about 20 new Christians in the Muslim north.
Pray that this group will be able to witness to their friends and families and grow!
22: Czech Republic: In recent polls 50% of the population described themselves as atheists.
Pray for the leadership of the Catholic and Protestant churches in the Czech Republic. The average age for Catholic priests is 69!
Pray that God can equip a new generation of spiritual leaders for this nation.
Many young people are really searching for answers
Pray that Christians would be motivated and excited about sharing their faith.
23: Denmark: Denmark is the most southerly country in Scandinavia - it is made up of the Jutland peninsula and more than 400 islands. The Faroe Islands and Greenland are still part of Denmark, but govern themselves independently. Denmark also leads the world in providing financial help to poorer countries – contributing 1% of its national income (that’s ten times as much as the USA)
90% of the population belongs to a church – but less than 4% regularly go along. The good news is that half the population prays to God!
Pray that Jesus would be real to people and transform their lives as they pray.
Pray for immigrant communities in Denmark – a small but significant part of society. Many of them are Arabic or Turkish Muslims.
Pray for opportunities for them to hear about Jesus.
24: Djibouti: Sandwiched between Ethiopia and Eritrea to the north and Somalia to the south, Djibouti has a strategic location – as a handy port to get to the Middle East. The country’s economy depends heavily on its port and on foreign help. Although officially an Islamic state, other religions are given freedom to worship. There are many Christians amongst the Ethiopian refugees living in Djibouti.
Pray that that would have enormous faith to see others come to know God.
There are a few Afar and Somali Christians – many of them are jobless and cannot read or write.
Pray that these small communities would not feel isolated but would be encouraged and grow.
25: Dominica: Dominica is located between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Windward Islands. Colonized first by the French, Dominica came under British rule in 1759.
Pray for church leaders in Dominica - because the country is quite poor, many have to take on a second job to support themselves.
25: Dominican Rep: The Dominican Republic is the largest tourist destination in the Caribbean. It is the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola; shared with Haiti. Thirty years of repressive dictatorship ended in 1961 but civil war continued for a further five years. Recent governments have been corrupt and haven't managed to make life any better for Haitian immigrants who are the lowest of the low.
The Dominican Republic has depended on its sugar cane crops for over 500 years. Although it has made some rich it is also the reason why so many slaves were brought here against their will. Today Haitian immigrants are still exploited and poorly paid.
The number of bible-believing Christians and churches is growing!
Pray for a fairer wage for these workers and for fairer trade from richer countries who buy the sugar.
Many church leaders leave the Dominican Republic to work abroad in Puerto Rico of the United States, because it can be tough to live and work here.
Pray that the right people will be called with a heart to serve in the poorest areas that have the greatest need.
26: Ecuador: Ecuador is lies on the Pacific on the west of Latin America. It also includes the tiny Galapagos Islands, which are home to 6,000 people, thousands of sea turtles and one church (with two members!). Oil is big business in Ecuador. The discovery of oil has meant more money for a few people, but the poor have become poorer and the destruction to the Amazon rainforest has been massive. 40% of the people in Ecuador are Quichua (native Amerindians). In the 1960s only 120 of the Quichua were Christians, but since then thousands have turned to Jesus. In some areas nearly 50% of the Quichua are bible-believing Christians. This kind of growth is a modern day miracle!
Pray that the church would be able to reach out to the children and young people in Ecuador.
Most of the people in Ecuador live near the big cities of Quito and Guayaquil. Over a million people live in horrendous conditions in the city slums built on polluted marshes. Unfortunately very few Christians have a vision to work with these people.
Pray that people would be called and equipped to go to the slums and live with the people there to show them how much God loves them.
27-29: Egypt: Egypt is well known for its pyramids, Pharaohs and the Nile. It is a country that has barely changed for hundreds of years and at the same time it is rushing ahead to become westernized.
The Church in Egypt has survived for nearly 2,000 years, despite times of discrimination and severe persecution! Praise God for his faithfulness in Egypt.
Egyptian Christians could play a unique role in reaching other Muslim lands in the Middle East.
Pray for vision and resources that would equip people for this strategic challenge.
There have been Coptic Christians in Egypt for over a thousand years and it is by far one of the biggest groups of Christians anywhere in the Middle East.
Pray that Coptic Christians today would be filled with the Holy Spirit and have a strong relationship with God.
30: El Salvador: Since signing a peace deal in 1992 both sides are now in government, but they face huge challenges. 80% of the population lives in poverty while the rest are extremely wealthy. During the civil war loads of people became Christians. 22% of the population are now committed Christians.
Pray that leaders can find enough money and training to equip new leaders as the church grows.
The civil war has scarred El Salvador. Years of hate, violence, suspicion and devastation continue to affect society.
Pray that through peace, forgiveness and reconciliation El Salvador can build a fairer society for everyone.
Over 350,000 children were abandoned during the war.
Pray that they would be cared for and supported as they cope with trauma and loss.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Strength Of Angels
Just How Strong Are Angels?
Find Out:
How strong and powerful are angels?
When did God create angels?
Do angels come at a certain time during death?
Peter puts the case mildly when he says angels are "stronger and more powerful" than humans (2 Peter 2:11). In the Bible they are better known for their power than their beauty or anything else. An angel rolled back the stone that covered Jesus' tomb—a real exhibition of strength (Matthew 28:2). An angel opened locked prison doors (Acts 5:17-20). Only one angel was sent to destroy the entire city of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 21:15) and only two angels were needed to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:13, 24, 25). Angels were also responsible for the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 12:13-30; Psalm 78:43, 49; Hebrews 11:28). As you can see, angels "excel in strength" (Psalm 103:20).
Since angels are spirit beings, they take on a physical form only when carrying out God's will. This can be of any shape and size. See my article "What Do Angels Look Like?" So how tall are angels? Even though angels are described in the Bible, we do not know how tall they were. Still, we do find measurements of the angel figures in Solomon's temple—two cherubim figures that were each 15 feet tall with a wingspan of 15 feet (1 Kings 6:23-28). Both figures were carved from olive wood and covered with gold. Solomon's cherubim were certainly different from the cute pictures of cherubs we see on greeting cards today.
The reason you could not easily find such text is because verses stating the creation of angels often do not use the word angel. Although the word angel is used almost 300 times in the Bible, many synonyms such as "the heavenly hosts" are used. In Colossians 1:16 Jesus Christ is called the creator of angels, and the angels referred to as "things invisible, thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities." Psalm 148 also states, "Praise him, all his angels, praise him all his heavenly hosts. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created." (Psalm 148:2, 5). This is the basis for the statement of faith found in the Nicene Creed which is affirmed every Sunday in many churches: "We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen."
Most theologians hold that all of the angels were created at the same time. There are no hints in scripture of angels being continually created. Angels do not reproduce. There are no baby angels. In Matthew 22:28-30 Jesus taught that angels do not procreate, so we can conclude that each angel is a direct creation of God. We know that "the morning stars" (another term for angels in the Bible) sang together, and all the angels shouted with joy at the creation of Earth (Job 38:7). So it follows that angels were created before the planet.
Augustine, writing in the fifth century, made an interesting argument that angels were formed on the first day of creation. He reasoned that since "all things were created and ordered and the work of creation was completed in six days," the angels must have been created during the six days as well. He also said that because God made light on the first day and angels are "participators of [God's] eternal light," they must have been created in that time span.
But many, including myself, are not convinced by Augustine's reasoning. The Bible never tells us when angels were created, but it does teach that God created the angels before the world. What point is there in speculating any further?
Nowhere in the Bible are there any verses about the "time the angels come." Death records indicate that people die at all hours and minutes of the day and night.
Find Out:
How strong and powerful are angels?
When did God create angels?
Do angels come at a certain time during death?
Peter puts the case mildly when he says angels are "stronger and more powerful" than humans (2 Peter 2:11). In the Bible they are better known for their power than their beauty or anything else. An angel rolled back the stone that covered Jesus' tomb—a real exhibition of strength (Matthew 28:2). An angel opened locked prison doors (Acts 5:17-20). Only one angel was sent to destroy the entire city of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 21:15) and only two angels were needed to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:13, 24, 25). Angels were also responsible for the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 12:13-30; Psalm 78:43, 49; Hebrews 11:28). As you can see, angels "excel in strength" (Psalm 103:20).
Since angels are spirit beings, they take on a physical form only when carrying out God's will. This can be of any shape and size. See my article "What Do Angels Look Like?" So how tall are angels? Even though angels are described in the Bible, we do not know how tall they were. Still, we do find measurements of the angel figures in Solomon's temple—two cherubim figures that were each 15 feet tall with a wingspan of 15 feet (1 Kings 6:23-28). Both figures were carved from olive wood and covered with gold. Solomon's cherubim were certainly different from the cute pictures of cherubs we see on greeting cards today.
The reason you could not easily find such text is because verses stating the creation of angels often do not use the word angel. Although the word angel is used almost 300 times in the Bible, many synonyms such as "the heavenly hosts" are used. In Colossians 1:16 Jesus Christ is called the creator of angels, and the angels referred to as "things invisible, thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities." Psalm 148 also states, "Praise him, all his angels, praise him all his heavenly hosts. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created." (Psalm 148:2, 5). This is the basis for the statement of faith found in the Nicene Creed which is affirmed every Sunday in many churches: "We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen."
Most theologians hold that all of the angels were created at the same time. There are no hints in scripture of angels being continually created. Angels do not reproduce. There are no baby angels. In Matthew 22:28-30 Jesus taught that angels do not procreate, so we can conclude that each angel is a direct creation of God. We know that "the morning stars" (another term for angels in the Bible) sang together, and all the angels shouted with joy at the creation of Earth (Job 38:7). So it follows that angels were created before the planet.
Augustine, writing in the fifth century, made an interesting argument that angels were formed on the first day of creation. He reasoned that since "all things were created and ordered and the work of creation was completed in six days," the angels must have been created during the six days as well. He also said that because God made light on the first day and angels are "participators of [God's] eternal light," they must have been created in that time span.
But many, including myself, are not convinced by Augustine's reasoning. The Bible never tells us when angels were created, but it does teach that God created the angels before the world. What point is there in speculating any further?
Nowhere in the Bible are there any verses about the "time the angels come." Death records indicate that people die at all hours and minutes of the day and night.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Knowing Jesus: (Pt 1)
KNOWING JESUS THROUGH HIS MESSENGER
"'See, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way
before Me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come
to His temple; the Messenger of the covenant, whom you desire,
will come,' says the LORD Almighty" (Malachi 3:1).
The prophet Malachi gave God's final promises of the Old Testament. One of the greatest of these promises is found in Malachi chapter three, verse one. God assured His people that He would send a messenger. This messenger would have a special task--"to prepare the way." For whom? He "will prepare the way before ME," said the LORD (Yahweh)!
VOICE IN THE DESERT
Also in the book of Malachi (4:5) God promised to send a prophet, "Elijah." Elijah had lived in dry, desert places. An earlier prophet, Isaiah, had foretold the coming of a voice in the desert.
"A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for
the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our
God....And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all
mankind will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken'"
(Isaiah 40:3-5).
For over a thousand years, from Moses to Malachi, God had spoken often. He had sent many prophets to Israel. Their work had resulted in the Old Testament. But after the prophet Malachi there were about 400 years of silence--no recognized prophets spoke from God. There were no new writers from God for the Old Testament. God's people wondered when God would fulfill His promises. When would the messenger come to make preparation? When would God's glory be revealed?
THE YEARS OF SILENCE
During those long years more and more people were hearing about God's promises. New rulers captured the land of Israel. While some Israelites (by then called Jews) stayed in their homeland, others were scattered far and wide. In distant countries they told others of the one true God. They were able to use Greek, the language that many peoples shared at that time.
OLD TESTAMENT IS TRANSLATED INTO GREEK
About 150 years after Malachi the full Old Testament was translated from the Hebrew language into the Greek language. During the following 250 years, trained workers made copies of this Greek Bible. The copies were carried to many places. In their weekly meetings, Jews read the Old Testament aloud (Acts 15:21). Even some non-Jews came to believe in God's promises. More and more people looked forward to the Lord's coming.
GOD SPEAKS AGAIN
Then people in Israel began to hear of amazing events. A child named John was born to a couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-24, 57-80). Yet Elizabeth was well beyond the age for giving birth! An angel, using words from Malachi 4:5-6, had announced,
"He (John) will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power
of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make
ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17).
John's father, Zechariah, had also used words from Malachi 3:1. By God's Spirit Zechariah prophesied:
"And you, my child (John), will be called a prophet of the
Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare
the way for Him" (Luke 1:76).
God's promises, made through Malachi 400 years earlier, were coming true! God was ending His long silence! He was speaking again. Just as He promised, He was speaking through an "Elijah."
THE NEW ELIJAH
John was not the Elijah of the past (John 1:21; Luke 9:30). But John was like that ancient prophet in many ways. Those who knew the Old Testament could recognize John, not only as a true prophet, but as a new "Elijah" (Matthew 11:7-14; 21:26).
Elijah spent much time in the wilderness -- 1 Kings 17-19
John spent much time in the wilderness -- Luke 1:80;Matthew 3:1
Elijah dressed in rough clothes -- 2 Kings 1:8
Like Elijah, John dressed in rough clothes -- Matthew 3:4
Like Elijah, John's preaching was full of courage. He had "the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17). He spoke out against all sin, even the king's sin (Luke 3; Matthew 14). John commanded the people of Israel to prepare for the Lord's coming. John himself quoted from the prophet Isaiah (40:30),
"I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight
the way for the Lord' " (John 1:23).
How could they make the way straight? How could they prepare for the King?
JOHN THE BAPTIZER
John told them to prepare by repenting and being baptized.
"In those days John the Baptist came preaching..."Repent, for
the kingdom of heaven is near' " (Matthew 3:1-2).
John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a
baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4).
"Repentance" is making up one's mind to leave sin and to live for God. By repenting the people promised to do right in the future. Yet that decision alone could not change their wrongs of the past. For the pure and holy King there had to be FULL preparation. Even past sins had to be removed, by forgiveness.
Those who repented had to be baptized. John thus became known as "John the Baptizer," or "John the Baptist." (The word "baptize" comes from the Greek Language. In that language it means to immerse or plunge under water. That is why John baptized "in the Jordan River" and there was "much water," Mark 1:5; John 3:23).
Through baptism John separated the people. Those who wanted to get ready for the Messiah confessed their sins and were baptized. But others, especially the religious leaders, were too proud. They would not admit how sinful they were. They refused to be humbled by being dipped under the water. Baptism required simple obedience to God's command. It meant trusting God for forgiveness. Their hard hearts had no room for such trust and obedience.
All the people, even the tax collectors...acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John (Luke 7:29-30).
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
ONE GREATER THAN JOHN
The leaders should have listened to John. He was "a prophet...and more than a prophet," a truly great man (Matthew 11:9-11). Yet, as great as John was, the Coming One would be much greater. John himself said,
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will
come One who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am
not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and
fire" (Matthew 3:11).
John hardly dared to touch the shoes of the Coming One. John used water for baptism; the Coming One could do something far greater--he would baptize using God's Spirit! The Holy Spirit is part of God Himself. Who would be so high and exalted that He could use the Holy Spirit as John used water?
Yet this Coming One looked like an ordinary man. So John, by himself, had no way to recognize Him. God told John to look for this sign: The Holy Spirit would take the shape of a dove and come down on the Coming One, the One about whom John preached (John 1:33).
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
While John was prophesying about the Coming One, Jesus was over 100 kilometers (62 miles) away, at the village of Nazareth. He was a humble carpenter, helping to care for his mother, brothers and sisters.
Jesus then traveled to meet John and to be baptized by him. John knew of Jesus' goodness. He did not want to baptize Jesus. John said,
"...I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to
me?" (John 3:14).
Jesus had no sins to confess. He had no need of forgiveness. But He always fulfilled God's righteous will. He commanded John to baptize Him (Matthew 3:13-15). When Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of God came down and settled on Him. A voice from heaven said,
"You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased"
(Luke 3:21-22).
John realized then that the Coming One was JESUS. The One for whom John had been looking had arrived!
"...John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is
the One I meant when I said, A Man who comes after me has
surpassed me because He was before me. I myself did not
know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was
that He might be revealed to Israel.' Then John gave this
testimony: 'I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a
dove and remain on Him. I would not have known Him, except
that the One who sent me to baptize with water told me,
testify that this is the Son of God" (John 1:29-34).
LISTENING TO JOHN
Isaiah and Malachi had drawn a picture of the special messenger who would prepare the way. John the Baptizer was the only one who fit that picture. John prepared for the Great One to come.
For whom did he prepare? Jesus!
John led all the people toward Jesus (John 3:22-36). John's part is so important that it helps to begin each of the first four books of the New Testament -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Anyone who seeks to know the truth about Jesus should give careful thought to the report of John. For John too was a lover of truth.
John spoke the truth so boldly that he was later killed by King Herod (Mark 6:14-29). He was an eyewitness of heaven's sign, which pointed to Jesus. Through John's testimony we can be sure that the Coming One promised by the Old Testament is JESUS. John helps us to see the Light.
"There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.
He came as a witness to testify concerning that Light, so
that through him all men might believe. He himself was not
the Light; he came only as a witness to the Light"
(John 1:6-7).
"'See, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way
before Me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come
to His temple; the Messenger of the covenant, whom you desire,
will come,' says the LORD Almighty" (Malachi 3:1).
The prophet Malachi gave God's final promises of the Old Testament. One of the greatest of these promises is found in Malachi chapter three, verse one. God assured His people that He would send a messenger. This messenger would have a special task--"to prepare the way." For whom? He "will prepare the way before ME," said the LORD (Yahweh)!
VOICE IN THE DESERT
Also in the book of Malachi (4:5) God promised to send a prophet, "Elijah." Elijah had lived in dry, desert places. An earlier prophet, Isaiah, had foretold the coming of a voice in the desert.
"A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for
the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our
God....And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all
mankind will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken'"
(Isaiah 40:3-5).
For over a thousand years, from Moses to Malachi, God had spoken often. He had sent many prophets to Israel. Their work had resulted in the Old Testament. But after the prophet Malachi there were about 400 years of silence--no recognized prophets spoke from God. There were no new writers from God for the Old Testament. God's people wondered when God would fulfill His promises. When would the messenger come to make preparation? When would God's glory be revealed?
THE YEARS OF SILENCE
During those long years more and more people were hearing about God's promises. New rulers captured the land of Israel. While some Israelites (by then called Jews) stayed in their homeland, others were scattered far and wide. In distant countries they told others of the one true God. They were able to use Greek, the language that many peoples shared at that time.
OLD TESTAMENT IS TRANSLATED INTO GREEK
About 150 years after Malachi the full Old Testament was translated from the Hebrew language into the Greek language. During the following 250 years, trained workers made copies of this Greek Bible. The copies were carried to many places. In their weekly meetings, Jews read the Old Testament aloud (Acts 15:21). Even some non-Jews came to believe in God's promises. More and more people looked forward to the Lord's coming.
GOD SPEAKS AGAIN
Then people in Israel began to hear of amazing events. A child named John was born to a couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-24, 57-80). Yet Elizabeth was well beyond the age for giving birth! An angel, using words from Malachi 4:5-6, had announced,
"He (John) will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power
of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make
ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17).
John's father, Zechariah, had also used words from Malachi 3:1. By God's Spirit Zechariah prophesied:
"And you, my child (John), will be called a prophet of the
Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare
the way for Him" (Luke 1:76).
God's promises, made through Malachi 400 years earlier, were coming true! God was ending His long silence! He was speaking again. Just as He promised, He was speaking through an "Elijah."
THE NEW ELIJAH
John was not the Elijah of the past (John 1:21; Luke 9:30). But John was like that ancient prophet in many ways. Those who knew the Old Testament could recognize John, not only as a true prophet, but as a new "Elijah" (Matthew 11:7-14; 21:26).
Elijah spent much time in the wilderness -- 1 Kings 17-19
John spent much time in the wilderness -- Luke 1:80;Matthew 3:1
Elijah dressed in rough clothes -- 2 Kings 1:8
Like Elijah, John dressed in rough clothes -- Matthew 3:4
Like Elijah, John's preaching was full of courage. He had "the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17). He spoke out against all sin, even the king's sin (Luke 3; Matthew 14). John commanded the people of Israel to prepare for the Lord's coming. John himself quoted from the prophet Isaiah (40:30),
"I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight
the way for the Lord' " (John 1:23).
How could they make the way straight? How could they prepare for the King?
JOHN THE BAPTIZER
John told them to prepare by repenting and being baptized.
"In those days John the Baptist came preaching..."Repent, for
the kingdom of heaven is near' " (Matthew 3:1-2).
John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a
baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4).
"Repentance" is making up one's mind to leave sin and to live for God. By repenting the people promised to do right in the future. Yet that decision alone could not change their wrongs of the past. For the pure and holy King there had to be FULL preparation. Even past sins had to be removed, by forgiveness.
Those who repented had to be baptized. John thus became known as "John the Baptizer," or "John the Baptist." (The word "baptize" comes from the Greek Language. In that language it means to immerse or plunge under water. That is why John baptized "in the Jordan River" and there was "much water," Mark 1:5; John 3:23).
Through baptism John separated the people. Those who wanted to get ready for the Messiah confessed their sins and were baptized. But others, especially the religious leaders, were too proud. They would not admit how sinful they were. They refused to be humbled by being dipped under the water. Baptism required simple obedience to God's command. It meant trusting God for forgiveness. Their hard hearts had no room for such trust and obedience.
All the people, even the tax collectors...acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John (Luke 7:29-30).
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
ONE GREATER THAN JOHN
The leaders should have listened to John. He was "a prophet...and more than a prophet," a truly great man (Matthew 11:9-11). Yet, as great as John was, the Coming One would be much greater. John himself said,
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will
come One who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am
not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and
fire" (Matthew 3:11).
John hardly dared to touch the shoes of the Coming One. John used water for baptism; the Coming One could do something far greater--he would baptize using God's Spirit! The Holy Spirit is part of God Himself. Who would be so high and exalted that He could use the Holy Spirit as John used water?
Yet this Coming One looked like an ordinary man. So John, by himself, had no way to recognize Him. God told John to look for this sign: The Holy Spirit would take the shape of a dove and come down on the Coming One, the One about whom John preached (John 1:33).
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
While John was prophesying about the Coming One, Jesus was over 100 kilometers (62 miles) away, at the village of Nazareth. He was a humble carpenter, helping to care for his mother, brothers and sisters.
Jesus then traveled to meet John and to be baptized by him. John knew of Jesus' goodness. He did not want to baptize Jesus. John said,
"...I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to
me?" (John 3:14).
Jesus had no sins to confess. He had no need of forgiveness. But He always fulfilled God's righteous will. He commanded John to baptize Him (Matthew 3:13-15). When Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of God came down and settled on Him. A voice from heaven said,
"You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased"
(Luke 3:21-22).
John realized then that the Coming One was JESUS. The One for whom John had been looking had arrived!
"...John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is
the One I meant when I said, A Man who comes after me has
surpassed me because He was before me. I myself did not
know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was
that He might be revealed to Israel.' Then John gave this
testimony: 'I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a
dove and remain on Him. I would not have known Him, except
that the One who sent me to baptize with water told me,
testify that this is the Son of God" (John 1:29-34).
LISTENING TO JOHN
Isaiah and Malachi had drawn a picture of the special messenger who would prepare the way. John the Baptizer was the only one who fit that picture. John prepared for the Great One to come.
For whom did he prepare? Jesus!
John led all the people toward Jesus (John 3:22-36). John's part is so important that it helps to begin each of the first four books of the New Testament -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Anyone who seeks to know the truth about Jesus should give careful thought to the report of John. For John too was a lover of truth.
John spoke the truth so boldly that he was later killed by King Herod (Mark 6:14-29). He was an eyewitness of heaven's sign, which pointed to Jesus. Through John's testimony we can be sure that the Coming One promised by the Old Testament is JESUS. John helps us to see the Light.
"There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.
He came as a witness to testify concerning that Light, so
that through him all men might believe. He himself was not
the Light; he came only as a witness to the Light"
(John 1:6-7).
Betrayal Of Jesus
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Matthew 26:36-56
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”
The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.” At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Matthew 26:36-56
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”
The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.” At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Daily Prayer
In Praise of God
You are holy, Lord, the only God,
and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong.
You are great.
You are the Most High.
You are Almighty.
You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.
You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
You are Good, all Good, supreme Good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love. You are wisdom.
You are humility. You are endurance.
You are rest. You are peace.
You are joy and gladness.
You are justice and moderation.
You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.
You are beauty.
You are gentleness.
You are our protector.
You are our guardian and defender.
You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope.
You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord,
God Almighty, Merciful Saviour.
You are holy, Lord, the only God,
and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong.
You are great.
You are the Most High.
You are Almighty.
You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.
You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
You are Good, all Good, supreme Good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love. You are wisdom.
You are humility. You are endurance.
You are rest. You are peace.
You are joy and gladness.
You are justice and moderation.
You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.
You are beauty.
You are gentleness.
You are our protector.
You are our guardian and defender.
You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope.
You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord,
God Almighty, Merciful Saviour.
God Has Spoken: (Pt. 4)
"Only One God Has Spoken"
"Hear, O Israel; the LORD our God, the LORD is one.
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your strength."
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
When God revealed Himself through His prophet Moses, God described Himself. He said that He is ONE God, not many "gods." The one and only God deserves ALL of our love, not just a part of it.
Confirmed by Jesus
When Jesus, the Prophet like Moses, came, He drew special attention to these verses from the sixth chapter of Deuteronomy. A leader asked Jesus about the most important command of the law. Mark 12:29 reports Jesus' reply:
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this:
'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.
Love the LORD your God with all your heart...'"
Jesus continued then to quote from God's message in Deuteronomy 6. This truth is the foundation for all God's other commands. If many gods had made us, they might all have a right to our love. But the greatest fact of God is that He is ONE! One ALONE has the right to our love, That leads to the greatest command: That our WHOLE heart, soul, mind and strength should go to Him alone.
Can We Love Anyone Else?
If _all_ our love goes to God, then it cannot be divided. Does this mean that we should never love anyone else? What about loving one's own husband or wife or children? What about loving other people? Jesus went on immediately to say that the second most important command is this:
"Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31, quoting
Leviticus 19:18).
The Christian husband should love his wife (Ephesians 5:25). Neither Moses nor Jesus thought that these kinds of love took love away from God. Why? Because it is GOD'S WILL that we so love others. The true way to show LOVE for God is to OBEY God.
"For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments"
(1 John 5:3).
If God is truly "Lord," He deserves our full obedience. We cannot claim to love Him while forgetting who He is and what He deserves. Real love treats Him as the real God He is. So, when we love others, as HE commanded, that fits perfectly into true love and devotion to Him.
What, Then, is Divided Love?
By this we mean: What kind of love takes away from the full love we owe to God? The prophets of the Old and New Testaments answered this question very clearly. We take love away from God by treating God as if He were "second best." We do it when we trust people or things more than we trust the God who made us. We do it when we worship or pray to others. When an enemy tried to make Jesus divide His love in these ways, Jesus replied, "Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only" (Matthew 4:10).
God desires and demands *first place* in our lives. He cannot accept second place, for that would be a lie. Simple honesty requires that God alone be recognized and treated with highest honor. No other can claim the kind of honor that should go to God.
"I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not give My
glory to another or My praise to idols" (Isaiah 42:8).
The Name of the One God
The prophet Isaiah, in the passage just mentioned, was very certain of the true God. He is the One named "the LORD." Isaiah wrote in the Hebrew language, and in Hebrew that name is YHWH. (YHWH may be pronounced as YAHWEH). In many English Bibles, when you see the word LORD in large letters, it stands for this great name of God, YHWH.
When Eve gave birth to a child she said, "With the help of the LORD (YHWH) I have brought forth a man" (Genesis 4:1). She knew God's name, for He had dealt personally with her and her husband, Adam. Later, her children who turned to God "began to call on the name of the LORD (YHWH)" (Genesis 4:26). So "the LORD" is the One known from the very beginning as man's Creator.
When God told Moses to go to Egypt, Moses asked what name to use for God. In answer (Exodus 3:14-15) God said to Moses,
"I AM Who I AM. This is what you are to say to the
Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites,
'The LORD (YHWH), the God of Abraham, the God of
Isaac and the God of Jacob -- has sent me to you.'
This is MY name forever, the name by which I am to
be remembered from generation to generation."
The name YHWH shows that God is the "I AM," that He continues TO BE. (The name YHWH sound like the verb TO BE in the Hebrew language.) As the self-existing One, God does not depend on anything else for His being.
Instead, all others -- whether spirits or humans or material things -- depend on Him for their being or existence.
"I am He; I am the first and I am the last; apart
from Me there is no God....I am the LORD (YHWH),
who made all things, who alone stretched out the
heavens, who spread out the earth by Himself"
(Isaiah 44:6, 24; 48:12-13).
No Other Gods
The first of the Ten Commandments given at Mount Sinai was this:
"You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3).
When we understand who the LORD is, it is easy to see what is wrong with having other "gods." No one else can compare with God! Yes, there are some beings who have power. But all their power simply points to the far, far greater power of the true God who made them. He who gave them life can just as easily end it. Before Him, they are powerless!
The apostle Paul helped people to leave their useless "gods." He wrote letters to those who believed his message. Here is what Paul said:
"We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and
that there is no God but one" (1 Corinthians 8:4).
"You turned to God from idols to serve the living and
true God" (1 Thessalonians 1:9).
"Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to
those who by nature are not gods" (Galatians 4:8).
God is Spirit
Why have people made up their own ideas of "god"? Perhaps they feel that they can more easily understand and control such a "god." The true God is so great that He is beyond all that we can imagine. When King Solomon built a temple for God, he prayed to God,
"The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You.
How much less this temple I have built!" (1 Kings 8:27).
When we think of just that part of the heavens we see, this is truly amazing. How can one Person fill the whole universe, and even go beyond it? Yet Paul also said of God,
"For in Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts
17:28).
How can He be so far away, and yet also be all around us? If "He is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:27) why do we not see Him?
The answer is in the basic truth of God's nature. Jesus clearly stated,
"God is Spirit" (John 4:24).
How is "spirit" different from an earthly "body?" Jesus said that a spirit does not have flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). The normal human body is very limited by the weaknesses of its flesh. It is tied down to one time and place. It cannot see or be in two places at the same time. Such limits do not have to apply to spirit. They especially do not limit the One who is called the Father of spirits (Hebrews 12:9).
God, as spirit, is so great that He is always present at all places. He can hold all in His control. There is no way to ever hide from Him.
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your
presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I
make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the
wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me" (Psalm 139:7-10).
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything
is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to
whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13).
Does God Have Hands and Eyes?
If God is spirit, and not fleshly body, how can the Bible speak of His "hands," "arms," "eyes" and other parts? The following picture may help us to see the answer.
Imagine a man talking to an ant. He is trying to explain to the ant what a human city is like. The ant has never seen anything as large as our city streets. Yet the ant does have small paths and tunnels in its ants' nest in the ground. So the man speaks of his streets as if they were like those ant paths. He speaks of the human city as if it were like a very large ants' nest.
In the same way, God uses things that we can understand to talk of things much greater. He does not have our earthly kind of eyes and hands. But He uses "eyes" to speak of His seeing. He uses "hands" to speak of His power and action.
Though He uses these helpful words we should remember that we are still so very small beside Him. Like the ant with the man, some things about God will remain beyond our full understanding. We accept what God says in the simple trust that He knows how best to tell us of things far greater than us.
The Holy Spirit
One of the things that may be difficult to understand is how God is one, and yet ABOVE our limited idea of one. For example, the first verses of the Bible speak of both "God" and "the Spirit of God."
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...
and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters"
(Genesis 1:1-2).
Look again at the quotation from Psalm 139. The writer of that Psalm asks God, "Where can I go from your Spirit?" Then he says, "If I go up to the heavens, YOU are there." Why say "You" and, "Your Spirit"? why speak in two ways of God? We may not fully understand why. Yet God surely knows most about Himself. He knows how best to describe Himself.
Scripture talks often about the Holy Spirit. He is not just some tool or force of God. His is not a "thing." Instead He is Divine Person, described in ways that can only fit a person. Although He is sometimes spoken of as if He is part of God, yet the Holy Spirit is truly GOD, the only God.
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the
Lord is, there is freedom...which comes from the Lord,
who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
God has revealed Himself as both "Lord" and Spirit." This in no way goes against the truth He also revealed, that He is ONE. This oneness is above our full understanding. He is one, and there is no other God besides Him. Since He alone made us and cares for us, our hearts and lives belong wholly to Him.
"Hear, O Israel; the LORD our God, the LORD is one.
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your strength."
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
When God revealed Himself through His prophet Moses, God described Himself. He said that He is ONE God, not many "gods." The one and only God deserves ALL of our love, not just a part of it.
Confirmed by Jesus
When Jesus, the Prophet like Moses, came, He drew special attention to these verses from the sixth chapter of Deuteronomy. A leader asked Jesus about the most important command of the law. Mark 12:29 reports Jesus' reply:
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this:
'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.
Love the LORD your God with all your heart...'"
Jesus continued then to quote from God's message in Deuteronomy 6. This truth is the foundation for all God's other commands. If many gods had made us, they might all have a right to our love. But the greatest fact of God is that He is ONE! One ALONE has the right to our love, That leads to the greatest command: That our WHOLE heart, soul, mind and strength should go to Him alone.
Can We Love Anyone Else?
If _all_ our love goes to God, then it cannot be divided. Does this mean that we should never love anyone else? What about loving one's own husband or wife or children? What about loving other people? Jesus went on immediately to say that the second most important command is this:
"Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31, quoting
Leviticus 19:18).
The Christian husband should love his wife (Ephesians 5:25). Neither Moses nor Jesus thought that these kinds of love took love away from God. Why? Because it is GOD'S WILL that we so love others. The true way to show LOVE for God is to OBEY God.
"For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments"
(1 John 5:3).
If God is truly "Lord," He deserves our full obedience. We cannot claim to love Him while forgetting who He is and what He deserves. Real love treats Him as the real God He is. So, when we love others, as HE commanded, that fits perfectly into true love and devotion to Him.
What, Then, is Divided Love?
By this we mean: What kind of love takes away from the full love we owe to God? The prophets of the Old and New Testaments answered this question very clearly. We take love away from God by treating God as if He were "second best." We do it when we trust people or things more than we trust the God who made us. We do it when we worship or pray to others. When an enemy tried to make Jesus divide His love in these ways, Jesus replied, "Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only" (Matthew 4:10).
God desires and demands *first place* in our lives. He cannot accept second place, for that would be a lie. Simple honesty requires that God alone be recognized and treated with highest honor. No other can claim the kind of honor that should go to God.
"I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not give My
glory to another or My praise to idols" (Isaiah 42:8).
The Name of the One God
The prophet Isaiah, in the passage just mentioned, was very certain of the true God. He is the One named "the LORD." Isaiah wrote in the Hebrew language, and in Hebrew that name is YHWH. (YHWH may be pronounced as YAHWEH). In many English Bibles, when you see the word LORD in large letters, it stands for this great name of God, YHWH.
When Eve gave birth to a child she said, "With the help of the LORD (YHWH) I have brought forth a man" (Genesis 4:1). She knew God's name, for He had dealt personally with her and her husband, Adam. Later, her children who turned to God "began to call on the name of the LORD (YHWH)" (Genesis 4:26). So "the LORD" is the One known from the very beginning as man's Creator.
When God told Moses to go to Egypt, Moses asked what name to use for God. In answer (Exodus 3:14-15) God said to Moses,
"I AM Who I AM. This is what you are to say to the
Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites,
'The LORD (YHWH), the God of Abraham, the God of
Isaac and the God of Jacob -- has sent me to you.'
This is MY name forever, the name by which I am to
be remembered from generation to generation."
The name YHWH shows that God is the "I AM," that He continues TO BE. (The name YHWH sound like the verb TO BE in the Hebrew language.) As the self-existing One, God does not depend on anything else for His being.
Instead, all others -- whether spirits or humans or material things -- depend on Him for their being or existence.
"I am He; I am the first and I am the last; apart
from Me there is no God....I am the LORD (YHWH),
who made all things, who alone stretched out the
heavens, who spread out the earth by Himself"
(Isaiah 44:6, 24; 48:12-13).
No Other Gods
The first of the Ten Commandments given at Mount Sinai was this:
"You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3).
When we understand who the LORD is, it is easy to see what is wrong with having other "gods." No one else can compare with God! Yes, there are some beings who have power. But all their power simply points to the far, far greater power of the true God who made them. He who gave them life can just as easily end it. Before Him, they are powerless!
The apostle Paul helped people to leave their useless "gods." He wrote letters to those who believed his message. Here is what Paul said:
"We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and
that there is no God but one" (1 Corinthians 8:4).
"You turned to God from idols to serve the living and
true God" (1 Thessalonians 1:9).
"Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to
those who by nature are not gods" (Galatians 4:8).
God is Spirit
Why have people made up their own ideas of "god"? Perhaps they feel that they can more easily understand and control such a "god." The true God is so great that He is beyond all that we can imagine. When King Solomon built a temple for God, he prayed to God,
"The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You.
How much less this temple I have built!" (1 Kings 8:27).
When we think of just that part of the heavens we see, this is truly amazing. How can one Person fill the whole universe, and even go beyond it? Yet Paul also said of God,
"For in Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts
17:28).
How can He be so far away, and yet also be all around us? If "He is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:27) why do we not see Him?
The answer is in the basic truth of God's nature. Jesus clearly stated,
"God is Spirit" (John 4:24).
How is "spirit" different from an earthly "body?" Jesus said that a spirit does not have flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). The normal human body is very limited by the weaknesses of its flesh. It is tied down to one time and place. It cannot see or be in two places at the same time. Such limits do not have to apply to spirit. They especially do not limit the One who is called the Father of spirits (Hebrews 12:9).
God, as spirit, is so great that He is always present at all places. He can hold all in His control. There is no way to ever hide from Him.
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your
presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I
make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the
wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me" (Psalm 139:7-10).
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything
is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to
whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13).
Does God Have Hands and Eyes?
If God is spirit, and not fleshly body, how can the Bible speak of His "hands," "arms," "eyes" and other parts? The following picture may help us to see the answer.
Imagine a man talking to an ant. He is trying to explain to the ant what a human city is like. The ant has never seen anything as large as our city streets. Yet the ant does have small paths and tunnels in its ants' nest in the ground. So the man speaks of his streets as if they were like those ant paths. He speaks of the human city as if it were like a very large ants' nest.
In the same way, God uses things that we can understand to talk of things much greater. He does not have our earthly kind of eyes and hands. But He uses "eyes" to speak of His seeing. He uses "hands" to speak of His power and action.
Though He uses these helpful words we should remember that we are still so very small beside Him. Like the ant with the man, some things about God will remain beyond our full understanding. We accept what God says in the simple trust that He knows how best to tell us of things far greater than us.
The Holy Spirit
One of the things that may be difficult to understand is how God is one, and yet ABOVE our limited idea of one. For example, the first verses of the Bible speak of both "God" and "the Spirit of God."
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...
and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters"
(Genesis 1:1-2).
Look again at the quotation from Psalm 139. The writer of that Psalm asks God, "Where can I go from your Spirit?" Then he says, "If I go up to the heavens, YOU are there." Why say "You" and, "Your Spirit"? why speak in two ways of God? We may not fully understand why. Yet God surely knows most about Himself. He knows how best to describe Himself.
Scripture talks often about the Holy Spirit. He is not just some tool or force of God. His is not a "thing." Instead He is Divine Person, described in ways that can only fit a person. Although He is sometimes spoken of as if He is part of God, yet the Holy Spirit is truly GOD, the only God.
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the
Lord is, there is freedom...which comes from the Lord,
who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
God has revealed Himself as both "Lord" and Spirit." This in no way goes against the truth He also revealed, that He is ONE. This oneness is above our full understanding. He is one, and there is no other God besides Him. Since He alone made us and cares for us, our hearts and lives belong wholly to Him.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
God Has Spoken (Pt 3)
"God Has Spoken Through a Prophet Like Moses."
"The Lord said to Moses, 'What they say is good. I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put My words in His mouth, and He will tell them everything I command Him'" (Deuteronomy 18:17-18).
Deuteronomy 18, which gave a test for prophets, also gave this remarkable promise about another future Prophet. He would come from "among their brothers." That is, He also would be an Israelite (also called Hebrew or Jew). Of greatest importance was that He would be like Moses -- this is how He would stand out so that people could recognize Him.
God's Glory Too Great for Man
Why was it so important to have this special Prophet like Moses? The same passage explained:
"The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from
among your own brothers. You must listen to Him. For this is
what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb...when you said,
'Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this
great fire anymore, or we will die'" (Deuteronomy 18:15-16).
God met the Israelites at Mount Horeb (Mount Sinai) after they had left Egypt. He came down in terrible fire and smoke on the mountain. The whole mountain shook. Thunder boomed from mighty flashes of lightning. A trumpet call grew louder and louder, and then God Himself spoke!
God's glory (described in Exodus 19 and Deuteronomy 5) was too great for them. The people trembled with fear. The fire and the voice of God were so awesome that the people thought they were going to die. The begged Moses,
"Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not
have God speak to us or we will die" (Exodus 20:19).
God replied,
"What they say is good" (Deuteronomy 18:17; also 5:28).
The people had seen that God was far too great for them to deal with Him directly. He "lives in unapproachable light" (1 Timothy 6:16).
They needed someone to represent them before God, someone to go between them and God. The first such go-between, or MEDIATOR, was Moses. He went to the people, taking to them God's messages. But a mediator works to bring BOTH sides together. So Moses also went to God. He took the needs of the people to God. In this way Moses did much good for his people. Yet God knew that people in the future also would need a mediator. So He promised in Deuteronomy 18 to send another Prophet from among the Israelites, a Prophet LIKE Moses.
We Need a Mediator, Not Mediums
Deuteronomy 18 shows another important reason for a mediator. God knows that people need answers for solving life's many problems. They need to make the best choices about how to live. God also knows that people often look for answers in the wrong places. For example, many turn to spirit mediums who claim to speak for the dead or other spirits. Many also seek answers in witchcraft, spiritism, magic spells, omens and other signs, such as the stars. In Deuteronomy 18:9-14, God commanded His people NOT to use these methods (also Leviticus 19:31; 1 Chronicles 10:13; Isaiah 8:19; Acts 19:19; Revelation 21:8). Was He trying to keep them from finding spiritual answers? Actually, God was keeping them from these methods because they give FALSE answers, which harm people (Isaiah 47:8-15; Jeremiah 27:9-10).
God's love went even further. Rather than stopping the search for answers, He opened the way for ALL the answers we need. For immediately after speaking against mediums, God promised to send the Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-19). People do not need "mediums" because God gives His Mediator! God assured them,
"I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell
them everything I command him" (Deuteronomy 18:18).
Unlike messages from mediums, this message would be true and trustworthy. For it would be GOD'S OWN WORDS. "Everything" from God would be faithfully passed along to the people by the Prophet like Moses.
No Prophet Like Moses
Weren't all prophets "like Moses"? No. Even at the time of Moses there were other prophets, such as Miriam and Aaron. Yet God made it plain that Moses was quite different from them. God spoke to Moses in a far more open, direct and personal way. This is what God said:
"When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal Myself
to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. But this is
not true of My servant Moses...with him I speak face to
face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the
Lord..."(Numbers 12:6-8).
Joshua came after Moses. Yet even in the passage which speaks of Joshua's greatness, Deuteronomy ends with these words,
"Since then, no prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses,
whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all the miraculous
signs and wonders...For no one has ever shown the mighty
power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the
sight of all Israel" (Deuteronomy 34:10-12).
Clearly, the other prophets were not like Moses. God was more direct with Moses. God used him as His special agent and lawgiver. Because of His unique authority, all other Israelite prophets, from Joshua on, taught their people to follow "the law of Moses." The coming Prophet would serve, like Moses, as God's mediator with special authority to give God's commandments to the people. And here is another important point: From Deuteronomy 34, we learn that being truly, "like Moses" had to include showing miracles of MIGHTY POWER.
Promises of "The Messiah"
After God's promise in Deuteronomy 18, many years passed with no prophet arising who seemed to match Moses. Yet God was not silent. He carefully guided history in the direction He had chosen. Along the way, God used prophets to give the meaning of His actions and to point ahead to what He planned.
Again and again, these prophets told of "One to come." He would be a King from David's family line (2 Samuel 7; Psalm 89; Isaiah 11). He would serve as "Priest forever" (Psalm 110). This same Psalm that said that he would be a Priest also pictured Him as David's "Lord". He would rule from the highest place, at God's right hand. Similar prophecies showed that this coming PROPHET, the coming PRIEST, and the coming KING would be the same Person – the MESSIAH!
Is Jesus that Messiah?
When an Israelite man was officially made a prophet or priest or king, oil was usually poured on his head. Such pouring was called "anointing," and served as a sign of the authority to lead. The Hebrew word Messiah means "Anointed One" (Psalm 2). This same word from the Greek language is CHRIST. Today most people who know the word "Christ" think immediately of JESUS Christ. This is because many proofs point to Jesus as the One promised by God. Jesus fits the descriptions of the Messiah or Christ as foretold by the Old Testament prophets.
Jesus also did the miracles of MIGHTY POWER that we would expect of the Prophet like Moses. He healed the blind, deaf and lame. He stilled storms and walked on the water. He gave life back to the dead! At the town of Nain, Jesus met a funeral group going to bury the only son of a widow. When He saw the widow's great sorrow, He went to the coffin. He touched it and called out, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" Many were present. They saw the boy arise from death! Luke 7:16 reports,
"They were all filled with awe and praised God. 'A great
prophet has appeared among us,' they said. 'God has come
to help His people.'"
The people knew what they had seen. Jesus lived among them. Many were present to see His great works. Here were miraculous "signs" showing more clearly than ever the power that only the Creator has over His creation. Therefore Jesus really was "a great prophet." The people who saw these things reasoned correctly,
“When the Christ comes, will He do more miraculous
signs than this man?” (John 7:31)
Here were the greatest teachings ever heard, and the greatest miracles ever seen. If Jesus was not the Christ, who could possibly do greater things? So even at that time many realized that He had to be the Prophet (John 7:40). If so, that also meant He was the Christ. When Jesus came into the city of Jerusalem for the last time they welcomed Him as "THE SON OF DAVID," "THE KING" and "THE PROPHET" (Matthew 21:8-11; Luke 19:37-38).
THE GREATEST SIGN
Jesus often foretold that He would be killed by the Jewish and Roman leaders (Matthew 16:4; 17:12,23; 20:18-19; 26:2). His death, He said, would be by crucifixion, in which a person was nailed to a wooden cross and left to die in great pain. He explained that His death would allow people to be forgiven of their sins (Matthew 20:28; 26:28). Yet, along with predictions of His death, Jesus promised that His greatest "SIGN" would be to RETURN from death in three days (Matthew 12:38-40; 17:23; John 2:19-22).
As is well-recorded by history, Jesus went on to actually fulfill that promise (Matthew 28; John 20; Acts 2)! Not even the greatest prophet, priest or king had ever dared to make such a promise for himself. And certainly none had been able to raise himself from the grave. Jesus, by God's power, both predicted it and accomplished it. Could there be any doubt that the Prophet foretold by Moses had finally arrived?
Peter was one of the eyewitnesses of these things. He had once fled from the enemies who killed Jesus. But after Jesus had returned from death, Peter knew that death was not to be feared any longer. With the help of God's Spirit, Peter stood before the same enemies and boldly declared,
"Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance,
as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled
what He had foretold through all the prophets, saying
that this Christ should suffer....For Moses said,
'The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet
like me from among your people; you must listen to
everything He tells you. Anyone who does not listen
to Him will be completely cut off from among His people.'
Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as
have spoken, have foretold these days" (Acts 3:17-24).
Peter quoted from the very passage we have studied – Deuteronomy 18. That passage, he said, looked ahead to JESUS CHRIST. "Indeed, all the prophets" had pointed forward to this one great Prophet like Moses! He is now MEDIATOR between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5). That is why we are told, "listen to everything He tells you" (Acts 3:22).
What if we fail to listen to Jesus? We miss God's most important message for life, and that has this terrible result:
"Anyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut
off from among His people" (Acts 3:23).
Such a person can no longer belong with God and His people! This is a serious matter. Our lives depend on listening carefully to the Prophet like Moses.
"The Lord said to Moses, 'What they say is good. I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put My words in His mouth, and He will tell them everything I command Him'" (Deuteronomy 18:17-18).
Deuteronomy 18, which gave a test for prophets, also gave this remarkable promise about another future Prophet. He would come from "among their brothers." That is, He also would be an Israelite (also called Hebrew or Jew). Of greatest importance was that He would be like Moses -- this is how He would stand out so that people could recognize Him.
God's Glory Too Great for Man
Why was it so important to have this special Prophet like Moses? The same passage explained:
"The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from
among your own brothers. You must listen to Him. For this is
what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb...when you said,
'Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this
great fire anymore, or we will die'" (Deuteronomy 18:15-16).
God met the Israelites at Mount Horeb (Mount Sinai) after they had left Egypt. He came down in terrible fire and smoke on the mountain. The whole mountain shook. Thunder boomed from mighty flashes of lightning. A trumpet call grew louder and louder, and then God Himself spoke!
God's glory (described in Exodus 19 and Deuteronomy 5) was too great for them. The people trembled with fear. The fire and the voice of God were so awesome that the people thought they were going to die. The begged Moses,
"Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not
have God speak to us or we will die" (Exodus 20:19).
God replied,
"What they say is good" (Deuteronomy 18:17; also 5:28).
The people had seen that God was far too great for them to deal with Him directly. He "lives in unapproachable light" (1 Timothy 6:16).
They needed someone to represent them before God, someone to go between them and God. The first such go-between, or MEDIATOR, was Moses. He went to the people, taking to them God's messages. But a mediator works to bring BOTH sides together. So Moses also went to God. He took the needs of the people to God. In this way Moses did much good for his people. Yet God knew that people in the future also would need a mediator. So He promised in Deuteronomy 18 to send another Prophet from among the Israelites, a Prophet LIKE Moses.
We Need a Mediator, Not Mediums
Deuteronomy 18 shows another important reason for a mediator. God knows that people need answers for solving life's many problems. They need to make the best choices about how to live. God also knows that people often look for answers in the wrong places. For example, many turn to spirit mediums who claim to speak for the dead or other spirits. Many also seek answers in witchcraft, spiritism, magic spells, omens and other signs, such as the stars. In Deuteronomy 18:9-14, God commanded His people NOT to use these methods (also Leviticus 19:31; 1 Chronicles 10:13; Isaiah 8:19; Acts 19:19; Revelation 21:8). Was He trying to keep them from finding spiritual answers? Actually, God was keeping them from these methods because they give FALSE answers, which harm people (Isaiah 47:8-15; Jeremiah 27:9-10).
God's love went even further. Rather than stopping the search for answers, He opened the way for ALL the answers we need. For immediately after speaking against mediums, God promised to send the Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-19). People do not need "mediums" because God gives His Mediator! God assured them,
"I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell
them everything I command him" (Deuteronomy 18:18).
Unlike messages from mediums, this message would be true and trustworthy. For it would be GOD'S OWN WORDS. "Everything" from God would be faithfully passed along to the people by the Prophet like Moses.
No Prophet Like Moses
Weren't all prophets "like Moses"? No. Even at the time of Moses there were other prophets, such as Miriam and Aaron. Yet God made it plain that Moses was quite different from them. God spoke to Moses in a far more open, direct and personal way. This is what God said:
"When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal Myself
to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. But this is
not true of My servant Moses...with him I speak face to
face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the
Lord..."(Numbers 12:6-8).
Joshua came after Moses. Yet even in the passage which speaks of Joshua's greatness, Deuteronomy ends with these words,
"Since then, no prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses,
whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all the miraculous
signs and wonders...For no one has ever shown the mighty
power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the
sight of all Israel" (Deuteronomy 34:10-12).
Clearly, the other prophets were not like Moses. God was more direct with Moses. God used him as His special agent and lawgiver. Because of His unique authority, all other Israelite prophets, from Joshua on, taught their people to follow "the law of Moses." The coming Prophet would serve, like Moses, as God's mediator with special authority to give God's commandments to the people. And here is another important point: From Deuteronomy 34, we learn that being truly, "like Moses" had to include showing miracles of MIGHTY POWER.
Promises of "The Messiah"
After God's promise in Deuteronomy 18, many years passed with no prophet arising who seemed to match Moses. Yet God was not silent. He carefully guided history in the direction He had chosen. Along the way, God used prophets to give the meaning of His actions and to point ahead to what He planned.
Again and again, these prophets told of "One to come." He would be a King from David's family line (2 Samuel 7; Psalm 89; Isaiah 11). He would serve as "Priest forever" (Psalm 110). This same Psalm that said that he would be a Priest also pictured Him as David's "Lord". He would rule from the highest place, at God's right hand. Similar prophecies showed that this coming PROPHET, the coming PRIEST, and the coming KING would be the same Person – the MESSIAH!
Is Jesus that Messiah?
When an Israelite man was officially made a prophet or priest or king, oil was usually poured on his head. Such pouring was called "anointing," and served as a sign of the authority to lead. The Hebrew word Messiah means "Anointed One" (Psalm 2). This same word from the Greek language is CHRIST. Today most people who know the word "Christ" think immediately of JESUS Christ. This is because many proofs point to Jesus as the One promised by God. Jesus fits the descriptions of the Messiah or Christ as foretold by the Old Testament prophets.
Jesus also did the miracles of MIGHTY POWER that we would expect of the Prophet like Moses. He healed the blind, deaf and lame. He stilled storms and walked on the water. He gave life back to the dead! At the town of Nain, Jesus met a funeral group going to bury the only son of a widow. When He saw the widow's great sorrow, He went to the coffin. He touched it and called out, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" Many were present. They saw the boy arise from death! Luke 7:16 reports,
"They were all filled with awe and praised God. 'A great
prophet has appeared among us,' they said. 'God has come
to help His people.'"
The people knew what they had seen. Jesus lived among them. Many were present to see His great works. Here were miraculous "signs" showing more clearly than ever the power that only the Creator has over His creation. Therefore Jesus really was "a great prophet." The people who saw these things reasoned correctly,
“When the Christ comes, will He do more miraculous
signs than this man?” (John 7:31)
Here were the greatest teachings ever heard, and the greatest miracles ever seen. If Jesus was not the Christ, who could possibly do greater things? So even at that time many realized that He had to be the Prophet (John 7:40). If so, that also meant He was the Christ. When Jesus came into the city of Jerusalem for the last time they welcomed Him as "THE SON OF DAVID," "THE KING" and "THE PROPHET" (Matthew 21:8-11; Luke 19:37-38).
THE GREATEST SIGN
Jesus often foretold that He would be killed by the Jewish and Roman leaders (Matthew 16:4; 17:12,23; 20:18-19; 26:2). His death, He said, would be by crucifixion, in which a person was nailed to a wooden cross and left to die in great pain. He explained that His death would allow people to be forgiven of their sins (Matthew 20:28; 26:28). Yet, along with predictions of His death, Jesus promised that His greatest "SIGN" would be to RETURN from death in three days (Matthew 12:38-40; 17:23; John 2:19-22).
As is well-recorded by history, Jesus went on to actually fulfill that promise (Matthew 28; John 20; Acts 2)! Not even the greatest prophet, priest or king had ever dared to make such a promise for himself. And certainly none had been able to raise himself from the grave. Jesus, by God's power, both predicted it and accomplished it. Could there be any doubt that the Prophet foretold by Moses had finally arrived?
Peter was one of the eyewitnesses of these things. He had once fled from the enemies who killed Jesus. But after Jesus had returned from death, Peter knew that death was not to be feared any longer. With the help of God's Spirit, Peter stood before the same enemies and boldly declared,
"Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance,
as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled
what He had foretold through all the prophets, saying
that this Christ should suffer....For Moses said,
'The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet
like me from among your people; you must listen to
everything He tells you. Anyone who does not listen
to Him will be completely cut off from among His people.'
Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as
have spoken, have foretold these days" (Acts 3:17-24).
Peter quoted from the very passage we have studied – Deuteronomy 18. That passage, he said, looked ahead to JESUS CHRIST. "Indeed, all the prophets" had pointed forward to this one great Prophet like Moses! He is now MEDIATOR between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5). That is why we are told, "listen to everything He tells you" (Acts 3:22).
What if we fail to listen to Jesus? We miss God's most important message for life, and that has this terrible result:
"Anyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut
off from among His people" (Acts 3:23).
Such a person can no longer belong with God and His people! This is a serious matter. Our lives depend on listening carefully to the Prophet like Moses.
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