July 2010
July 31, 2010
The unity of mankind
Psalm 133
1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for
brethren to dwell together in unity! 2It is like the precious ointment
upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that
went down to the skirts of his garments;
3As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains
of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for
evermore.
Amen. Unity of brotherhood (which includes all of mankind, men, women
and children) is pictured as being as precious as the oil of priestly
consecration and as refreshing as the early morning dew and the ointment
= anointing oil for the High Priest (See Exodus 29:7) made from olives.
The oil would have also run down on the High Priests breastplate
(breastplate = Ephod - see Exodus 28) where the names of the 12 tribes
of Israel were inscribed, further signifying the unity of the nation.
Let us always keep in mind that ALL people are God's creation and treat
them as such, showing them the patience, mercy, love and compassion that
Jesus showed for us all, amen.
July 30, 2010
19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and
foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of
God;
20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy
temple in the Lord:
22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through
the Spirit.
Amen. In the figure of the church as a temple,
Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the apostles and New Testament prophets
are the foundation, and each Christian is a stone in the building. Let
us (first) keep our individual stone clean and then... with love,
patience and compassion... assist our fellow believers in keeping theirs
clean as well, amen.
July 29, 2010
1Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever
thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest
thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
2But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against
them which commit such things.
Amen. Have you ever looked at someone, got really
upset at them for what they were doing or the way they were living and
judged them because of it? Of course you have and, sadly to say, in the
past, so have I. The key here is to catch ourselves when we find
ourselves in this judgmental state of mind. Let us always remember not
to judge others, lest we be judged (Luke 6:37), amen.
July 28, 2010
Guarding our tongues
James
3
1 through 6
1My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the
greater condemnation.
2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the
same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and
we turn about their whole body.
4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of
fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm,
whithersoever the governor listeth.
5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.
Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among
our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the
course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
Amen. Since teachers (vs. 1 masters) use their tongues more (to instruct
others), they will be judged more strictly. Small but powerful is the
tongue, like a bit, a helm (rudder), and a little fire (spark). The
tremendously destructive power of the tongue comes from hell (lit.,
Gehenna, see note on Matthew 5:22). Let us ever guard our tongues and
may the Holy Spirit inspire ever word we say, amen.
we offend all = we all
stumble
the
course
of nature = the whole course of human existence
whithersoever
the
governor listeth = wherever the pilot or captain directs
July 27, 2010
24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross, and follow me.
25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:
and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the
whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in
exchange for his soul?
27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of
his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according
to his works.
28Verily I say unto you, There be some standing
here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man
coming in his kingdom.
Amen. Jesus' reference to a cross (vs. 25) needed no explanation, for
the Jews had seen thousands of their fellow countrymen crucified by the
Romans. Allegiance, even at the possibility of death, (whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it),
is
demanded of Christ's followers. Here in vs.28 (see
the
Son of man coming in his kingdom) was fulfilled when the
disciples witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus (see Matthew 17:1-8),
which was, in miniature, a preview of the kingdom to come, with the Lord
Jesus appearing in a state of glory (Daniel 7:9-14). Even so, Lord,
come, amen.
July 26, 2010
Rejoicing in the Lord
always
Habakkuk
3
17 through 19
17Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the
vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield
no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no
herd in the stalls:
18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
19The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds'
feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief
singer on my stringed instruments.
Amen. Though the Chaldean invasion would strip
the land (vs 17), the prophet Habakkuk (which means "Embracer," because
of his love for God), would, none the less, rejoice in the Lord (vs 18),
who makes his feet like hinds' feet (Lit., gazelles' feet, signifying
surefooted confidence). The message here, have faith, confidence and
rejoice in the Lord always, in the good times as well as the bad, amen.
July 25, 2010
1Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary
to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in
reputation for wisdom and honour.
2A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his
left.
3Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth
him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.
Amen. Just as
dead flies cause the ointment (perfume) of the apothecary (Perfumer) to
stink (stinking savour), so, also, does the
folly (foolish words or
actions) of someone who seems to be honorable, prove there heart and
intentions. Let us always be aware of what we say and do, guarding our
hearts and minds and living in the way that Christ Jesus did, amen and
amen.
right = the
place of protection and effectiveness
left = the place
of ineffectiveness and no protection
saith to everyone
(= says to everyone) = demonstrates by their speech
July 24, 2010
Overcome any
trial through Christ Jesus
John 1
32 and 33
32Behold, the hour
cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his
own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the
Father is with me.
33These things I have
spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall
have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Amen. Though we may encounter tribulations in this life, the Lord
conquered death, hell and the grave and is seated at the right hand of
the Father and we, as believers, can overcome any trial through Christ
Jesus who strengthens us, amen.
July 23, 2010
Judging and Giving
Luke 6
37 and 38
37Judge not, and ye
shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned:
forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
38Give, and it shall
be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and
running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure
that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Amen. Here, where
Jesus says "pressed
down, and shaken together, and running over", He is giving the
imagery of a container of grain filled to the brim and running over the
edge. Our generosity should be genuine, giving wherever we can and
expecting nothing in return. We are also never to judge someone else,
for the way we judge others is the same way that God will judge us on
Judgment Day, and even more so to the believer, amen.
July 22, 2010
The heart of the believer
Psalm
139
1 through 6
1O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my
thought afar off.
3Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all
my ways.
4For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it
altogether. 5Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand
upon me.
6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain
unto it.
Amen. This beautiful Psalm of David shows the king's inner heart toward
the King of Kings. In the total 24 verses of Psalm 139, David focuses on
the 4 great attributes of God: His knowledge of all things (verses 1
through 6), His presence everywhere (see vv. 7-12), His power in the
formation of mankind (vv. 13-18), and His holiness, which destroys evil
men and searches the heart of the believer, amen.
July 21, 2010
4And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of
ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
6Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the
letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth
life.
Amen. The letter (the
letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life) stands for the whole
Mosaic Law. It kills because, of itself, it could not give life (see Acts
13:39 and Romans
3:20). The work of the Law was to make us conscious of sin (Galatians
3:21 and 1
Timothy 1:9). The spirit (= Holy Spirit), by contrast, gives life
to the believer, amen.
to God-ward = towards God
able ministers = sufficient or
competent
the new testament = a new covenant, the message
of the grace of Christ
July 20, 2010
1I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am
found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a
nation that was not called by my name.
2I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which
walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;
3A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that
sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;
4Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat
swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
5Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than
thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
6Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will
recompense, even recompense into their bosom,
7Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the
LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me
upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their
bosom.
Amen. Verse 1
refers to the Gentile's (Gentile = non-Jewish / non- Semite) seeking
God, whereas verse 2 reiterates God's willingness (spread
out
my hands) to receive Israel (see Romans 10: 20-21). The
rebellious people of Israel (v. 2) are indicted for idol worship (vv.
3,7) which is the breaking of the 1st of the 10
Commandments... (Thou
shalt
have no other god's before me), consulting with the dead
(v.4), and eating forbidden swine's flesh (v.4; cf. Leviticus 11:7). Let
us ask God, everyday, to forgive us if we have sinned in any way, amen.
July 19, 2010
The participles of the Christian
Jude 1
17 through 23
17But, beloved, remember ye the words which were
spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who
should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith,
praying in the Holy Ghost,
21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23And others save
with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted
by the flesh.
Amen. To keep oneself in the love of God (a
command) is done by building on the truth of God (His Word), praying
(while guided by the Holy Spirit), and looking (with an eternal
perspective). All 3 activities are participles in the Greek. We are to
show mercy to the unsaved while ever being careful of contamination.
have compassion = convince those (others =
the unsaved) in doubt and snatch them from hell and damnation
July 18, 2010
11And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your
own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye
may have lack of nothing.
Amen. Here, study =
to be ambitious, to aspire. The Greek word is used only here and in
Romans 15:20 and 2 Corinthians 5:9. The problems mentioned in 2
Thessalonians 3:11 (some church members that did not work and were
busybodies, meddling in the affairs of others) gave rise to these
exhortations from the apostle Paul. May we always aspire to grow in
wisdom and understanding of the Word and to shine the light of God in
this ever dimming world of darkness and sin, amen.
July 17, 2010
The engrafted Word
James 1
19 through 21
19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow
to speak, slow to wrath:
20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and
receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your
souls.
Amen. Here,
superfluity of naughtiness =
remainder of wickedness and engrafted word = implanted word, i.e., the
gospel received as the Word of truth from the Lord to further our
Christian growth, amen.
brethren = fellow human being = man - woman
- child
every man = every human
being = man - woman - child
July 16
Idolatry in today's world
Romans 1
22 through 25
22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like
to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping
things. 24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the
lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between
themselves:
25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the
creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Amen. The apostle Paul is attacking the flagrant idolatry of most of the
Gentile world, in which animals were considered gods and even worshiped
as such. Sexual perversion was prevalent (as in today's world) and sin
in general was rampant (also as in today's world), thus, God also gave
them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts. Let us
guard our hearts vigilantly and resist temptation that we fall not back
on the sinful nature and out of God's grace, amen.
July 15, 2010
Blessed assurance through faith
Hebrews 4
11 through 14
11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest,
lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and
spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts
and intents of the heart.
13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but
all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have
to do.
14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Amen. Here, let us labour
= let us make every effort to rest in the assurances of Christ and keep
the faith so that we don't fall into unbelief. In verse 12, the word of God = His inspired Word, the
Scriptures and quick, and powerful =
living, breathing and operative. The Word has the power to reach into
the innermost part's of one's personality and to judge the innermost
thoughts. Here, soul and spirit = the Word
pierces to the depths of soul and spirit, not between the two. Verse 13,
with whom we have to do = to whom (God) we
have to give an account, i.e., if our lives conform to the Word of God,
then our word (account) in the day of judgment will be acceptable to
God, amen.
July 14, 2010
The
Beatitudes
of Christ
Matthew 5
3 through 12
3Blessed are the poor in
spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be
comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the
earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after
righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain
mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see
God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be
called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are
persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and
persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for
my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is
your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were
before you.
Amen. The beatitudes (blessed means "happy") describe the inner
qualities of a follower of Jesus and promises the believer blessings in
the future eternal kingdom to come. They contrast sharply with the
characteristics of the Pharisees, who were proud, thinking they had
already attained righteousness.
July 13, 2010
4That every one of you should know how to possess
his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not
God:
6That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because
that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you
and testified.
Amen. Here, possess his vessel = mastery
over one's body, keeping it pure (as in 1 Cor. 9:24-27), and can also
refer to an honorable marriage (vessel = wife, as in 1 Peter 3:7). Verse
5, lust of concupiscence = passion of
lust. In vs. 6, go beyond and defraud =
transgress and is a reference to sexual conduct and brother = any other human being, male or female,
believer or non-believer, who is a partner in illicit sex.
July 12, 2010
Who is the Shepherd?
Ezekiel 34
22 through 24
22Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall
no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle.
23And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even
my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
24And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among
them; I the LORD have spoken it.
Amen. God not only judges false leaders, but also
those who trample on the poor. Here in verses 23 and 24, my servant
David = not King David resurrected, but David's greatest descendant, the
Messiah (see notes on Isaiah 55:3 and Jeremiah 23:5) which is Christ
Jesus, amen.
July 11, 2010
The protection of God
1
John 5
18 through 21
18We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth
not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one
toucheth him not.
19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in
wickedness. 20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us
an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him
that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and
eternal life.
21Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
Amen. The believer can not lead a life of sin
because God's Son keeps him, and satan cannot hold onto him. (The Greek verb translated "toucheth," is only used here and in John 20:17
and does not indicate a superficial touch but a grasping and holding
onto.)
idols = anything that someone
substitutes for God
him = mankind =
fellow human being = man - woman - child
whole world = The world system with its godless
ruler, teachings, people, ideas and temptations
July 10, 2010
17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark
them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even
weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is
in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the
Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his
glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to
subdue all things unto himself.
Amen. The destiny of the wicked is destruction (vs 19) by way of their
own choosing... knowing that God exists and that they are doing evil yet
still choosing that path of evil by way of their own free will. Let us
us choose the straight and narrow path, ever keeping our eyes on the
prize which is eternal life with Christ Jesus, amen.
enemies
of the cross =
evil living by way of all sensual indulgences
vile
body = body of humiliation, ie, our present state of mortality
is a lowly one
July 9, 2010
The permanent benefits of the believer
1 Timothy 4
7 through 10
7But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and
exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto
all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is
to come.
9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in
the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that
believe.
Amen. The benefits of bodily training are limited
(little) and transient when contrasted with the extensive and permanent
benefits of godliness. Here in v. 10, the Saviour of all men = the fact
that He paid the ransom for all of mankind when Jesus took our sins upon
Himself on the cross, though only those that believe and call upon Him
are born again, amen.
old wives' fables - See note on 1 Timothy 1:4
July 8, 2010
8Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and
the deaf that have ears.
9Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be
assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things?
let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let
them hear, and say, It is truth.
10Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have
chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he:
before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
11I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
Amen. Here, God
declares His ultimate authority, majesty, love and saving grace by way
of the savior, the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Lord, we ask that you
fill us with your sweet Holy Spirit and dwell within us forever, amen
and amen.
July 7, 2010
1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory
that shall be revealed: 2Feed the flock of God which is among you,
taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for
filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the
flock.
4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of
glory that fadeth not away.
5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you
be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God
resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may
exalt you in due time:
7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Amen. Here, elders (see note on 1 Tim 3:1 concerning
Elders) are urged to feed, lead (but not lord it over), and be an
example to their people. Christ is also the Good Shepherd (John 10:
11-14) and the Great Shepherd (Heb 13:20). Faithful church leaders, who
are often dishonored on earth, will receive an eternal crown and glory
in heaven from Christ, the Chief Shepherd, amen.
humility
= Humility for a Christian is a major virtue
he
careth
for
you = it matters to Him concerning you; He loves you
constraint
= compulsion not for filthy lucre = not in fondness for dishonest gain
crown
of
glory = The faithfuls eternal crown in heaven that will never
fade as an earthly crown does
July 6, 2010
Conqueror's Through Christ
Romans
8
35 through 39
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness,
or peril, or sword?
36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are
accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that
loved us. 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things
to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen. Difficulties are not necessarily
obstacles for God's children, but are His appointed way to try us as a
goldsmith tries ore... ridding it of all the ugly dross and sediment
and, eventually, revealing it as a beautiful and spotless work of art,
amen.
July 5, 2010
13But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for
you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning
chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief
of the truth:
14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have
been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Amen. God's activity (the Holy Spirit's work of
regeneration) and man's responsibility (faith) are equally necessary in
salvation = through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth
traditions = Biblical teachings on how we are to live as Christians.
ye = you
brethren = brother = fellow human being =
man - woman - child
July 4, 2010
17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith;
that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and
length, and depth, and height;
19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might
be filled with all the fulness of God.
20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we
ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages,
world without end. Amen.
Amen. The love of Christ Jesus includes all of His
creation, extends from eternity to eternity, seats us (the believers) in
the heavenlies, and reaches down to our alienated position, amen.
dwell = to be completely at home
the power that worketh in us = the Holy Spirit of God
exceeding
abundantly =
A double compound word meaning super-superabundantly
July 3, 2010
The revelation in
contrast to law
Hebrews
2
1 through 4
1Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed
to the things which
we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression
and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the
first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them
that heard him;
4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with
divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Amen. The revelation in contrast to law came through
the Lord (see John 1:17) and was confirmed to the writer and readers of
Hebrews by those who heard Him and by God, who authenticated it by signs
and wonders.
slip = drift away from the faith
the word spoken by angels = Later Judaism held that the law was
delivered by angels
July 2, 2010
1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you
ignorant.
2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even
as ye were led.
3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit
of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the
Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Amen. Paul deals with the subject of spiritual
gifts against the background of divisions and moral laxity in a church
that lacked no gift (see note on 1:7). In verses 12:2-3, Paul infers
that in their pagan days they were carried away to worship idols by
powers outside themselves; i.e., demons. A believer, led by the Spirit
of God, would never curse Jesus but rather acknowledge His supreme
Lordship; i.e., His complete deity as Yawweh, amen.
July 1, 2010
Everything that has breath praise the Lord
Psalm 150
1Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary:
praise him in the firmament of his power.
2Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent
greatness. 3Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with
the psaltery and harp. 4Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise
him with stringed instruments and organs.
5Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding
cymbals. 6Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye
the LORD.
Amen. Yes, times are tough all around the world right
now and they may be even worse for some than for others. The key here
is to count it all joy and praise God at all times... He knows what's
going on and He knows what you need even before you ask it. It's easy to
praise God when everything is going great but the sign of real
spiritual growth is when you can praise Him, from a merry heart, even in
times of trouble, amen.
June
30, 2010
You are a stone in the temple
Ephesians 2
19 through 22
19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and
foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of
God;
20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy
temple in the Lord:
22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through
the Spirit.
Amen. In the figure of the church as a temple, Jesus
is the chief cornerstone, the apostles and New Testament prophets are
the foundation, and each Christian is a stone in the building. Let us
(first) keep our individual stone clean and then... with love, patience
and compassion... assist our fellow believers in keeping theirs clean as
well, amen.
June 29, 2010
1Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever
thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest
thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
2But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against
them which commit such things.
Amen. Have you ever looked at someone, got really
upset at them for what they were doing or the way they were living and
judged them because of it? Of course you have and, sadly to say, in the
past, so have I. The key here is to catch ourselves when we find
ourselves in this judgmental state of mind. Let us always remember not
to judge others, lest we be judged (Luke
6:37), amen.
man= mankind = human being = man - woman - child
June 28, 2010
26A righteous man falling down before the wicked
is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
27It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory
is not glory.
28He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken
down, and without walls.
Amen. Here in vs. 26 falling
down = A righteous believer who wavers before the wicked. That
wavering affects those who have come to rely upon them. A person who
indulges in excess (vs. 27) and without self control (vs.28) is an easy
victim when attacked by their desires and impulses. May we humble
ourselves daily that we may be as little children in the sight of God
and worthy of the kingdom, amen.
June 27, 2010
Use the Word to fight temptation
Matthew
4
1 through 4
1Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the
wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2And when he had fasted forty
days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God,
command that these stones be made bread.
4But he answered and said, It is written, Man
shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of
the mouth of God.
Amen. In this, the first temptation of three of which Satan offers Jesus
the world if He will only fall down and worship him in order to thwart
God's plan of eternal salvation for His creation, Jesus throws back the
Word at him in order to defeat the wiles of the devil. The devil, being a
fallen angel (Lucifer), knows the Word of God very well and will try as
often as he can to use others to tempt the believer. This is why it is
VITAL that we read the scriptures and add them to our verbal arsenal
against those that might tempt us to sin, amen.
June 26, 2010
4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity
envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily
provoked, thinketh no evil;
6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth
all things.
Amen. The supremacy of love and charity above all
things is what is important... for without love we can't be truly (from
the heart) charitable, hopeful nor strong in times of trouble. Let us
never be jealous (= envieth not) nor
brag (= vaunteth) or act
unbecomingly (= unseemly), rather,
let us put on the Whole Armor of God that we may be a light of hope to
the lost, drawing all unto the Lord which is Christ Jesus, amen and
amen.
June 25, 2010
1Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile,
and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow
thereby:
3If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but
chosen of God, and precious,
5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ.
6Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a
chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall
not be confounded.
Amen. A proper diet for Christian growth
eliminates the items in verse 1 and has a good appetite (desire) for
pure (sincere) milk as a baby does. Christ is the living stone (v.4) and
corner stone (v.6). Believers (lively ones, v.5) not only make up the
church, but we also serve in it as priests offering spiritual sacrifices
unto God, may He find them acceptable always, amen.
June 24, 2010
26He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that
causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the
words of knowledge.
28An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked
devoureth iniquity.
29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of
fools.
Amen. Not to follow the (good) instruction of one's
parents is bad enough, but to mistreat (wasteth = assault verbally,
emotionally or physically) and drive them away is unspeakably
disgraceful. The person that stops hearing the (good) instruction (v.27)
of ones parents will soon go astray and sin.
June 23, 2010
Making it through the storm
Mark 4
37 through 40
37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the
ship, so that it was now full.
38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and
they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we
perish?
39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there
was a great calm.
40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful?
how is it that ye have no faith?
Amen. Although they feared here during this violent storm, the disciples
would later go on to stand boldly in the faith of our Lord, many, even
unto death. This boldness came by continually hearing the Word of God
and living by it. Have faith, for with the faith of a tiny mustard seed,
you too can calm ANY storm in your life, amen.
June 22, 2010
How deep is your faith?
1Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible
but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
2It were better for him that a millstone were
hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should
offend one of these little ones.
3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass
against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
4And if he trespass against thee seven times in a
day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou
shalt forgive him.
5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
6And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of
mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up
by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Amen. If He commands us to do
this to others, we
can be sure that God does this for us as well. Even though we may slip
time and again and come repeatedly confessing the same sin, when we ask
for forgiveness from a true and contrite spirit, He will wash us clean
as snow. Wow! What an an awesome God we serve.
offend = Cause to stumble or
lead others into sin
sycamine
tree
= The roots are particularly strong, making
it nearly
impossible to uproot
millstone = A pair of circular
stones between which grain or another substance is ground, as in a mill
June 21, 2010
26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on
Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor
free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ
Jesus.
29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according
to the promise.
Amen. In the unity of the Body
of Christ,
differences of race, status, and gender lose their significance.
Spiritual position is the same for all, but that does not mean that
distinctions cease to exist, nor that all have the same functions within
the Body.
children of God = Heirs because
of adoption into God's family by faith
have put on Christ =
Clothing oneself with Christ, behaving Christ like
in all we do
baptized into Christ =
Spirit baptism which brings us into a living
union with Christ
June 20, 2010
Father knows best
John
16
22 through 24
22And ye now therefore have
sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your
joy no man taketh from you.
23And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily,
verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name,
he will give it you.
24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask,
and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Amen. Even when things may seem at their worst and you get sad... don't
worry... the Lord has your best interest at heart. Call on Him right
right now and ask Him to turn that sadness into joy and He will. He
loves you more than you can imagine.
June 19, 2010
10We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise
in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are
despised.
11Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked,
and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
12And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being
persecuted, we suffer it:
13Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and
are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
14I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn
you.
Amen. Here, with biting irony, Paul contrasts
the imagined exaltation of the Corinthians with the degradation and
disgrace that were the apostles daily lot. Even though we, as
Christians, may sometimes be mocked, persecuted or degraded, don't ever
lose faith. God is our defender and our shield and any bad done unto us
will definitely be recompensed. The Lord is coming back for His bride
soon so, until then yes, I will be a fool for Christ, amen.
June 18, 2010
What Do You Treasure?
Matthew
6
19 through 24
19Lay not up for
yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20But lay up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth
nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21For
where
your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
22The light of the body
is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single,
thy whole body shall be full of light.
23But f thine eye be evil,
thy whole body shall be full of darkness.
If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that
darkness!
24No man can serve two
masters: for either he will hate the one, and
love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Amen. We need to ask ourselves "What do I
treasure in my heart?" Is it God? Or is it your car? House? Bank
account? Job? Your mate? Husband? Wife? Your kids? We must be very
careful what we put the most significance on because, if it takes
precedence above God, it can become your god. We must remember to put
God first and foremost above any and all people or possessions, for this
is the 1st
of the 10
Commandments, amen.
June 17, 2010
False
Teachers and Preachers
2
John
7 through 11
7For
many
deceivers
are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ
is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8Look to yourselves,
that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive
a full reward.
9Whosoever
transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.
He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and
the Son.
10If there come any
unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house,
neither bid him God speed:
11For he that
biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Amen. In these the last days before Christ's return (in the clouds, not
as a world leader) many false teachers are springing up everywhere,
teaching all kinds of evil and perverted doctrines (doctrines of
demons) and they do it very subtly. Teachers should be tested as to
whether or not they teach the true Word of Jesus Christ and, if not,
they are not of God but of the devil and we should not receive
them (receive him not
into your house).
To
do so would be investing in that false teachers ministry. Those who
bid such a person Godspeed actually fellowship in the work of the
Antichrist.
transgresseth =
sins
abideth not = does
not live by
hath not God =
does not have God
him = man =
mankind = human being = man -
woman - child
Godspeed = good
fortune,
success, to
a person starting on a journey, a new venture, etc.
June 16, 2010
Spreading
The
Gospel
Romans
10
10 through 17
10For with the
heart man believeth unto righteousness;
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11For the scripture saith,
Whosoever
believeth on him
shall not be ashamed.
12For there is no difference
between
the Jew and the
Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13For whosoever shall call upon
the
name of the Lord
shall be saved.
14How
then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall
they hear without a preacher?
15And
how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and
bring glad tidings of good things!
16But they have not all obeyed
the
gospel. For Esaias
saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
17So then faith cometh by
hearing, and
hearing by the
word of God.
Amen. Though God's election of His people is of His own free choice and
not based on human merit, the elect are not saved without believing the
message that is preached by those that are sent. (see Isaiah 52:7)
Some people, whether by choice or not, will never open a Bible in their
life, this is why God sends preachers into the world to orally profess
His Word to the four corners of the earth, that all may
hear (v. 17 So then faith
cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God), confess
with
their mouth (v.10) and be saved (v.10 salvation), amen and amen.
June 15, 2010
1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we
faint not;
2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in
craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by
manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's
conscience in the sight of God.
3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which
believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the
image of God, should shine unto them.
5For we preach not
ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for
Jesus' sake.
6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined
in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in
the face of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Just as physical light
shined at
creation, so spiritual light shines in the hearts of those who become a
new creation in Jesus.
the god of this world = Satan
dishonesty = shame; i.e., shameful, hidden
things
we faint not = Not a physical fainting but
not losing courage
handling the Word of God deceitfully =
adulterating the Word of God
June 14, 2010
17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a
new creature: old things
are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18And all things are of God, who hath
reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling
the world unto himself,
not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the
word of reconciliation.
20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as
though God did beseech
you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who
knew no sin; that we
might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Amen. The grace of God
not only justifies
but also makes us a new creation, which results in a new style of
life. Verse 19 - reconciliation
- involves a changed relationship because our trespasses are not
counted against us. The heart of the gospel is here in verse 21 as the
sinless Savior took onto Himself our sins that we might have the
righteousness of God. As ambassadors of Jesus Christ, we are now to
announce to others this message of God's grace, amen and amen.
June 13, 2010
Adultery
Proverbs
7
2 through 5
2Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
3Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
4Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy
kinswoman:
5That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which
flattereth with her words.
thy = your
flattereth = flatters
strange woman = harlot - prostitute - whore - adulteress
As an intimate companion, wisdom and understanding will protect the
susceptible person from the adulteress and the adulterer
June 12, 2010
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not
charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2And
though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and
all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove
mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all
my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and
have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity
vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily
provoked, thinketh no evil;
6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth
all things.
Amen.
Charity is from the Latin caritas and means basically "benevolence or
alms-giving" while the Greek word for charity is agape which means
"love." Put the 2 together and we may start to realize just how much God
loves us and what Jesus did for us on the cross.
June 11, 2010
What Is Faith?
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
not seen.
2For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of
God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do
appear.
4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by
which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his
gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
Amen. Faith is described here in this great verse as the
substance (assurance or reality) of things hoped for, and the evidence (proof, as in John 16:8) of things not seen. Faith gives reality
and proof of things unseen, treating them as if they were already
objects of sight rather than of hope, amen.
the elders = the Old Testament patriarchs and heroes
obtained a good report = received divine approval
the worlds were framed = preparation of all that
the successive periods of time would contain
June 10, 2010
1The LORD reigneth; let the earth
rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
2Clouds and darkness
are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of
his throne.
3A fire goeth before
him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
4His lightnings
enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5The hills melted
like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the
whole earth.
6The heavens declare
his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
7Confounded be all
they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship
him, all ye gods.
8Zion heard, and was
glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O
LORD.
9For thou, LORD, art
high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
10Ye that love the
LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth
them out of the hand of the wicked.
11Light is sown for
the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12Rejoice in the
LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Amen. This hymn of
God's kingship opens with a call for all the earth to rejoice at the
establishment of the kingdom of the Lord (v. 1), whose presence is
described in theophany-like language (vv. 2-6); then it describes the
effect of His kingdom in relation to the wicked (v. 7) and the righteous
(vv. 8-9), reminds us of the 1st and 2nd of the 10
Commandments (v. 9) and concludes with an exhortation to hate evil
and praise the Lord (vv. 10-12), amen and amen.
gods
= man made - false
god's (lower case g)
God = The only
true God, maker of heaven and earth and all things therein (upper case
G)
theophany =
a manifestation or
appearance of God
June 9, 2010
Let the Spirit
Guide You
John 16
7 through 15
7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for
you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come
unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of
sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and
ye see me no more;
11Of judgment, because the prince of this world is
judged.
12I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye
cannot bear them now.
13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,
he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but
whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you
things to come.
14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of
mine, and shall shew it unto you.
15All things that the Father hath are mine:
therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto
you.
Amen. The Spirit, through apostles, evangelists, and
preachers, will reprove the world. Here, reprove means to set forth the
truth of the gospel in such a clear light that people are able to accept
(God willing) or reject (God forbid) it intelligently. The Holy Spirit
will help to break down the indifference of the typical pagan who has no
conviction of sin, who holds a low regard for righteousness, and who
pays no heed to warnings of the coming judgment.
June 8, 2010
Getting Along in
the World
Titus 3
1 through 8
1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey
magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all
meekness unto all men.
3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful,
and hating one another.
4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man
appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and
renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to
the hope of eternal life.
8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm
constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to
maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Amen.
When Peter wrote this, Nero had become an evil ruler. In verse 1, be subject means to submit oneself. The
same Greek word is used in Romans 13:1 and 1 Peter 2:13. Also, principalities and powers usually refer to
angels (good angels as in Ephesians 3:10 or evil angels as in Ephesians
6:12), but here the reference is to human, governmental rulers. Though
we, as Christians, are a "special" people elected by God, redeemed from
the world and no longer dependent upon it, we are not above the
necessity of getting along with the civil authorities who govern us.
no
brawlers = no quarreling, arguing, fighting
men
= mankind = fellow human being = man - woman - child
June 7, 2010
1 through 9
1This know also, that in the last days perilous
times shall come.
2For men shall be lovers of their own selves,
covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,
unthankful, unholy,
3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false
accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of
pleasures more than lovers of God;
5Having a form of godliness, but denying the
power thereof: from such turn away.
6For of this sort are they which creep into
houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with
divers lusts,
7Ever learning, and never able to come to the
knowledge of the truth.
8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so
do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate
concerning the faith.
9But they shall proceed no further: for their
folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.
Amen. Here "in the last days"
is the entire periodbetween
the writing of this letter to the Lord's return. As His return draws
near, these characteristics will intensify (see 1 Timothy 4:1-5). The description that follows (vv. 2-9) is of mass
corruption, of a breakdown of law and tradition.
Having a form of
godliness, but denying the power thereof means
having the outer semblance of it without its spiritual dynamic
These silly women,
apparently because of sin, are easily changeable of mind, prone to
accepting new ideas, and swayed by impulses
heady = headstrong - reckless
Jannes and Jambres (see Exodus 7:11)
fierce = the Greek word is really a noun meaning "untamed beasts"
June 6, 2010
4Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say,
Rejoice.
5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and
seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Amen. Just as in
Matthew 6:25, we are reminded to put our full faith and trust in the
Lord, worrying about nothing (Be careful for nothing), for He is our
Father and He will always provide. Just have faith and believe then He
will keep (guard) your feelings and
thoughts, amen.
lovely = winsome
honest
= worthy of respect
June 5, 2010
Be a Light in the Dark
Luke 21
32
through 36
32Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all
be fulfilled. 33Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not
pass away.
34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be
overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life,
and so that day come upon you unawares.
35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the
whole earth.
36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy
to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before
the Son of man.
Amen. Yes, we are the last generation before the return
of Christ Jesus (in the air, not as a political or world leader,
President, etc.) to earth. We are to be a light in this world of
darkness. We are to share the good news with all who have an ear to
hear.
surfeiting = dissipation or excess
June 4, 2010
1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there
shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable
heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon
themselves swift destruction.
2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way
of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3And through covetousness shall they
with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long
time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Amen. Though it may seem that God has delays in judging
these false teachers, that judgment will surely come in God's own time,
for God does not sleep (slumbereth not).
privily = secretly
feigned words = false words
make merchandise of you = exploit you
denying the Lord that bought them = Jesus died
on the cross for all mankind
pernicious way = licentiousness (sexually
unrestrained; lascivious; libertine; lewd)
June 3, 2010
Seek
the Heart of God
Isaiah
1
16 through 20
16Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings
from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
17Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the
fatherless, plead for the widow.
18Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins
be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as wool.
19If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
20But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for
the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Amen. Let us put away
any and all things that cause us to do evil in the sight of God. Let us
wash our hands of any unrighteousness and, instead, seek the heart of
the Lord with all of our mind, heart, spirit, strength and soul and, in
every breath, let us praise the Lord, amen.
June 2, 2010
1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free
course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all
men have not faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from
evil.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and
will do the things which we command you.
5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the
patient waiting for Christ.
Amen. Let us be
patient while waiting for Christ, staying ever focused on the prize,
which is eternal life with the Lord. Let us be in the world but not of
the world and let us be in the Word and of the Word, amen.
men = mankind = human being =
man - woman - child
"unreasonable and wicked men = perverse and
evil men: those "who
disbelieve the truth."
June 1, 2010
The
Qualities Of A True Believer
Psalm
15
1Lord,
who shall abide
in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2He
that walketh uprightly, and
worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3He
that backbiteth not with
his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach
against his neighbour.
4In
whose
eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear
the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5He
that putteth not out his
money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth
these things shall never be moved.
Amen. Here King David describes the character
of the person who qualifies to be a guest of God in His temple. The
synonymous, parallel questions of verse 1 are answered in the following
verses by an eleven fold description of the righteous person who is
upright in deed, word, attitude, and finances. These qualities, not
natural to us due to the fall of Adam and Eve and our, thenceforth,
being born into sin, are imparted to us by God through our acceptance of
Jesus Christ.
doeth = does
putteth = puts
taketh = takes
walketh = walks
speaketh = speaks
backbiteth = slanders
contemned = despised
worketh = works - does
changeth
not = does not
change
neighbour = fellow human being = man -
woman - child
sweareth
to his own hurt = one that keeps their word, even at the risk
of being hurt
May 31, 2010
3Let no man deceive you
by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling
away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4Who
opposeth
and
exalteth
himself
above
all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he
as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5Remember
ye
not,
that,
when
I
was yet with you, I told you these things?
6And
now
ye
know
what
withholdeth
that he might be revealed in his time.
7For
the
mystery
of
iniquity
doth
already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken
out of the way.
8And
then
shall
that
Wicked
be
revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with
the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his
coming:
9Even
him,
whose
coming
is
after
the working of Satan with all power and signs and
lying wonders,
10And
with
all
deceivableness
of
unrighteousness
in them that perish; because
they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Amen. The Anti-Christ is now being held by a restrainer. Some understand
this to be God indwelling the church by the Holy Spirit, while others
see human government as the restraint. According to the former view, the
removal will be at the rapture of the church (1
Thessalonians 4:13-18) but, according to the latter, at the
overthrow of human government by the Ant-Christ himself. By looking
around at the world in which we live today, the wicked being praised and
the godly being thought of as "fanatics", it is all too clear that the
Anti-Christ can not be that far away from being revealed on the world
stage and, when that happens, I pray you are prepared, amen.
May 30, 2010
Today Let Us Choose Our Own
Eternal Destiny
Philippians
3
15 through 21
15Let
us
therefore,
as
many
as
be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise
minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16Nevertheless,
whereto
we
have
already
attained,
let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same
thing.
17Brethren,
be
followers
together
of
me,
and mark them which walk so as ye have us
for an ensample.
18(For
many
walk,
of
whom
I
have told you often, and now tell you even
weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19Whose
end
is
destruction,
whose
God
is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind
earthly things.)
20For
our
conversation
is
in
heaven;
from whence also we look for the
Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21Who
shall
change
our
vile
body, that it may be
fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby
he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Amen. The apostle Paul assures us here "if in any thing ye be otherwise
minded" (If you don't agree) that God will give you light on
the subject. The destiny of the wicked is destruction,
not annihilation but ruin int the lake of fire forever.
perfect = mature
vile body
= body of humiliation
enemies of the cross = evil living - those that
reject Jesus
May 29, 2010
Who are the children of God?
1
John 3
1 through 8
1Behold,
what
manner
of
love
the
Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the
sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him
not.
2Beloved,
now
are
we
the
sons
of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:
but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we
shall see him as he is.
3And
every
man
that
hath
this
hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is
pure.
4Whosoever
committeth
sin
transgresseth
also
the
law: for sin is the transgression
of the law.
5And
ye
know
that
he
was
manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no
sin.
6Whosoever
abideth
in
him
sinneth
not:
whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither
known him.
7Little
children,
let
no
man
deceive
you: he that doeth righteousness is
righteous, even as he is righteous.
8He
that
committeth
sin
is
of the devil; for the
devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was
manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Amen. After sons of God should be
inserted the words "and we are" and sons = children, born ones of God = (the children of God),
as in John
1:12. We can even now know Him as a child knows its father, the
future relationship no words can describe. Verse 2 "like him" includes both physical
changes of the resurrection body and spiritual changes of purity (v.3),
no sin (v.5) and righteousness (v.7), amen.
May 28, 2010
What is
Salvation?
Titus
3
2 through 8
2To
speak
evil
of
no
man,
to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3For
we
ourselves
also
were
sometimes
foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and
pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4But
after
that
the
kindness
and
love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5Not
by
works
of
righteousness
which
we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the
washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6Which
he
shed
on
us
abundantly
through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7That
being
justified
by
his
grace, we should be
made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8This
is
a
faithful
saying,
and
these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have
believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things
are good and profitable unto men.
Amen. Salvation is God's gracious work, not a reward for our good and
worthwhile acts. Personal salvation is not achieved by good deeds but
through the cleansing of the new birth when we accept Jesus Christ into
our hearts as our Lord and Savior, amen.
May 27, 2010
11Wherefore
remember,
that
ye
being
in
time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called
Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh
made by hands;
12That
at
that
time
ye
were
without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth
of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope,
and without God in the world:
13But
now
in
Christ
Jesus
ye who sometimes were
far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14For
he
is
our
peace,
who hath
made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition
between us;
15Having
abolished
in
his
flesh
the
enmity, even the law of commandments
contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so
making peace;
16And
that
he
might
reconcile
both
unto God in one body by the cross, having
slain the enmity thereby:
17And
came
and
preached
peace
to you which were
afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18For
through
him
we
both
have access by one
Spirit unto the Father.
19Now
therefore
ye
are
no
more
strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens
with the saints, and of the household of God;
20And
are
built
upon
the
foundation
of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the
chief corner stone;
21In
whom
all
the
building
fitly
framed together groweth unto an holy temple
in the Lord:
22In
whom
ye
also
are
builded
together for an habitation of God through the
Spirit.
Amen. Paul now expands on the concept of the body of Christ. Christ
brings us near, He gives us peace, He gives us access, and He gives us a
new family. In the figure of the church as a temple, Christ is the
chief corner stone, the apostles
and the New Testament prophets are
the foundation, and each Christian
is a stone in the building, amen.
May 26, 2010
1Whoso
loveth
instruction
loveth
knowledge:
but
he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2A
good man obtaineth favour
of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3A
man shall not be established
by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4A
virtuous woman is a crown
to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his
bones.
5The
thoughts
of
the
righteous
are
right: but the counsels of the wicked are
deceit.
6The
words
of
the
wicked
are
to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the
upright shall deliver them.
7The
wicked
are
overthrown,
and
are not: but the
house of the righteous shall stand.
Amen. We should live our lives with love, kindness, mercy, charity,
faith and righteousness... using every opportunity to share the gospel
with all who will hear... keeping our "house" in order at all times that
it, too, may forever stand, amen.
May 25, 2010
9But
as
it
is
written,
Eye
hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of
man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10But
God
hath
revealed
them
unto
us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the
deep things of God.
11For
what
man
knoweth
the
things
of a man, save the spirit of man which is
in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12Now
we
have
received,
not
the
spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God;
that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13Which
things
also
we
speak,
not
in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost
teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14But
the
natural
man
receiveth
not
the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him:
neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15But
he
that
is
spiritual
judgeth
all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16For
who
hath
known
the
mind
of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
Amen. The mature Cristian (that is spiritual), who is led and taught by the
Spirit ( judgeth
all things) ; i.e. can scrutinize, sift, and thereby understand
all things; but unbelievers and even carnally-minded Christians cannot
judge (understand) that Christian. Where are you as a "Christian"?
May 24, 2010
What is the Christian Guide Book?
James
1
19 through 27
19Wherefore,
my
beloved
brethren,
let
every
man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20For
the
wrath
of
man
worketh
not the righteousness of God.
21Wherefore
lay
apart
all
filthiness
and
superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the
engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22But
be
ye
doers
of
the word,
and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23For
if
any
be
a
hearer of the
word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face
in a glass:
24For
he
beholdeth
himself,
and
goeth
his way, and straightway forgetteth what
manner of man he was.
25But
whoso
looketh
into
the
perfect
law of liberty, and continueth therein,
he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall
be blessed in his deed.
26If
any
man
among
you
seem
to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue,
but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
27Pure
religion
and
undefiled
before
God
and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in
their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Amen. The Bible (the
perfect
law
of
liberty) itself is the means of regeneration, the
vehicle for Christian growth, a mirror reflecting our defects, the
ethical guide for Christian living, and the standard for judgment. The
Bible (the Word) is our "guide book", if you will, of how we are to
live, amen.
May 23, 2010
How Many Are the Ways
to Heaven?
1
Timothy 2
1 through 8
1I
exhort therefore,
that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
thanks, be made for all men;
2For
kings,
and
for
all
that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
honesty.
3For
this
is
good
and
acceptable
in the sight of God our Saviour;
4Who
will
have
all
men
to be
saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5For
there
is
one
God,
and one
mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6Who
gave
himself
a
ransom
for
all, to be testified in due time.
7Whereunto
I
am
ordained
a
preacher, and an
apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the
Gentiles in faith and verity.
8I
will therefore that men pray every where,
lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Amen. "Who will
have" is an expression of God's wish, not His
decree, that all would accept His Son, since not all will be saved,
because they refuse to believe. All other mediators are ruled out "one
mediator between God and men" in bringing God and mankind
together. Jesus mediates through His death on the cross. Though we sin
(since the fall of Adam and Eve, all are born into sin and
are worthy of death - Genesis
1),
Jesus gave himself as a ransom
(=
literally "a substitute payment") for our sins that we may be
reconciled to the Father and have eternal life in heaven. Thus, one God
and one way to heaven, and that one way is Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
amen.
May 22, 2010
Let Everything That Has breath Praise the
Lord
1Praise
ye
the
LORD.
Praise
God
in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2Praise
him
for
his
mighty
acts:
praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3Praise
him
with
the
sound
of
the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4Praise
him
with
the
timbrel
and
dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5Praise
him
upon
the
loud
cymbals:
praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6Let
every
thing
that
hath
breath
praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Amen. In the last of the psalms, this final doxology, the psalmist calls
for praise in God's sanctuary, because of His deeds and His greatness,
with all kinds of musical instruments, and by everything that has
breath. It's easy to praise God when all is well... can you praise Him
in the storm? Of course you can... lift up your hands and your voice and
praise Him now and may He bless you and keep you and make His face to
shine upon you, in Jesus name, amen and amen.
May 21, 2010
The Faith-righteousness Principle
Romans
4
1 through 8
1What
shall
we
say
then
that
Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
2For
if
Abraham
were
justified
by
works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3For
what
saith
the
scripture?
Abraham
believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4Now
to
him
that
worketh
is
the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5But
to
him
that
worketh
not,
but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted
for righteousness.
6Even
as
David
also
describeth
the
blessedness of the man, unto whom God
imputeth righteousness without works,
7Saying,
Blessed
are
they
whose
iniquities are
forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8Blessed
is
the
man
to
whom the Lord will not
impute sin.
Amen. Paul's point in this chapter is that the faith-righteousness
principle is not new, and he uses Abraham as proof. Abraham was
justified by faith, not by works (Genesis
15:6). Wages have nothing to do with grace (unmerited favor) but
with what is due. Like Abraham, King David also knew the righteousness
of God apart from any works (Psalm
32:1-2), amen.
May 20, 2010
Have you Chosen Your Destiny Yet?
Romans
1
18 through 32
18For
the
wrath
of God
is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of
men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19Because
that
which
may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed
it unto them.
20For
the
invisible
things
of him from the creation of the world are clearly
seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal
power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21Because
that,
when
they
knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish
heart was darkened.
22Professing
themselves
to
be wise, they became fools,
23And
changed
the
glory
of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to
corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping
things.
24Wherefore
God
also
gave
them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own
hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25Who
changed
the
truth
of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the
creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26For
this
cause
God
gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women
did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27And
likewise
also
the
men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in
their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is
unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error
which was meet.
28And
even
as
they
did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave
them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not
convenient;
29Being
filled
with
all
unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness,
maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity;
whisperers,
30Backbiters,
haters
of
God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things,
disobedient to parents,
31Without
understanding,
covenantbreakers,
without natural affection, implacable,
unmerciful:
32Who
knowing
the
judgment
of God, that they which commit such things are
worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that
do them.
Amen. From 1:8 to 3:20 is God's indictment of the sinning world,
showing why mankind needs the righteousness of the Lord. Mankind is
condemned because the truth of Jesus is given though some, even knowing
He is Lord, choose sin over eternal salvation, and they do so
willingly, knowing that their final destiny is eternal damnation. The
Good News is, we have a choice about where we will spend eternity. I
don't know about you... but I choose eternal life with Jesus Christ and
our heavenly Father, amen and amen.
May 19, 2010
14Be ye not unequally
yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness
with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15And
what
concord
hath
Christ
with
Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16And
what
agreement
hath
the
temple
of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as
God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be
their God, and they shall be my people.
17Wherefore
come
out
from
among
them, and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will
receive you.
18And
will
be
a
Father
unto
you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith
the Lord Almighty.
Amen. Primarily "Be
ye not unequally
yoked together with unbelievers" relates to the separation
from the false teachers troubling the church, though it can also apply
to other alliances such as marriage and business. Personal separation
means:
1. Not loving the "unclean
thing", which is what we know as anything evil
2. Not loving the world
(1 john 2:15-17) but using it (1
Corinthians 7:31)
3. Not having fellowship
with sinning brothers or sisters in the church (1 Corinthians 5:11)
4. Exhibiting Christlikeness (see note on Acts 15:39)
ye = you
Belial = Satan
believeth = believes
infidel = one that does knot believe in God
May 18, 2010
Are you in God's Family?
Romans
8
12 through 17
12Therefore,
brethren,
we
are
debtors,
not
to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13For
if
ye
live
after
the
flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds
of the body, ye shall live.
14For
as
many
as
are
led by the Spirit of God,
they are the sons of God.
15For
ye
have
not
received
the spirit of bondage
again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we
cry, Abba, Father.
16The
Spirit
itself
beareth
witness
with
our spirit, that we are the children
of God:
17And
if
children,
then
heirs;
heirs
of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so
be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Amen. As we accept Jesus as Lord an "adoption" occurs and that adoption is
the act of God placing us in His family for all eternity. We are first
born into the family as a child who needs to grow and develop. Our
position is one of full privilege and our practice should involve full
growth in grace and love, amen.
ye = you
beareth = bears
Abba = Aramaic for Father
May 17, 2010
How to
Please God
Hebrews
11
7 through 12
7By
faith
Noah,
being
warned
of
God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an
ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and
became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8By
faith
Abraham,
when
he
was
called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an
inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9By
faith
he
sojourned
in
the
land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with
Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10For
he
looked
for
a
city
which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11Through
faith
also
Sara
herself
received
strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child
when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had
promised.
12Therefore
sprang
there
even
of
one,
and him as good as dead, so many as the stars
of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore
innumerable.
Amen. To please God, one must believe that the true God (not a god =
lower case meaning a man made god), exists and that He rewards the
faithful. God in Hebrew is Hashem (= The Name). This was God's secondary
name given to the Hebrews in place of His holiest name, J-hovah, which
is so holy as to never be voiced by mankind since we now are born into
sin due to Adam and Eve eating from the tree of knowledge of good and
evil (Genesis 2:17), amen.
May 16, 2010
Faith and Praise in
Times of Trouble
Psalm
108
1 through 6
1O God, my heart is fixed;
I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
2Awake,
psaltery
and
harp: I myself will awake early.
3I
will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises
unto thee among the nations.
4For
thy
mercy
is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the
clouds.
5Be
thou
exalted,
O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the
earth;
6That
thy
beloved
may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.
Amen. King David vows to praise God (vv. 1-5), and voices his petition
to the Lord for deliverance. Since childhood and his constant and
unjust persecution by King Saul, King David never ceased to praise the
Lord nor did his faith ever waiver, even when faced what seemed like
imminent death. Let us take note of King David's never ending praise
and faith in God and apply it to our own lives, amen.
May 15, 2010
What Is Your Choice For Eternity?
Romans
1
18 through 32
18For
the
wrath
of God
is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of
men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19Because
that
which
may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed
it unto them.
20For
the
invisible
things
of him from the creation of the world are clearly
seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal
power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21Because
that,
when
they
knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish
heart was darkened.
22Professing
themselves
to
be wise, they became fools,
23And
changed
the
glory
of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to
corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping
things.
24Wherefore
God
also
gave
them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own
hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25Who
changed
the
truth
of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the
creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26For
this
cause
God
gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women
did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27And
likewise
also
the
men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in
their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is
unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error
which was meet.
28And
even
as
they
did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave
them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not
convenient;
29Being
filled
with
all
unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness,
maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity;
whisperers,
30Backbiters,
haters
of
God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things,
disobedient to parents,
31Without
understanding,
covenantbreakers,
without natural affection, implacable,
unmerciful:
32Who
knowing
the
judgment
of God, that they which commit such things are
worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that
do them.
Amen. From 1:8 to 3:20 is God's indictment of the sinning world,
showing why mankind needs the righteousness of the Lord. Mankind is
condemned because the truth of Jesus is given though some, even knowing
He is Lord, choose sin over eternal salvation, and they do so
willingly, knowing that their final destiny is eternal damnation. The
Good News is, we have a choice about where we will spend eternity. I
don't know about you... but I choose eternal life with Jesus Christ and
our heavenly Father, amen and amen.
May 14, 2010
The Sloth
(The Lazy Person)
Proverbs
6
6 through 11
6Go to the ant, thou
sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7Which
having
no
guide, overseer, or ruler,
8Provideth
her
meat
in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
9How
long
wilt
thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy
sleep?
10Yet
a
little
sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to
sleep:
11So
shall
thy
poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed
man.
Amen. The wise teacher rebukes the slothful (lazy) person, who
characteristically does not begin things (6:9), does not complete
things (Proverbs
12:27), and makes excuses for their laziness (Proverbs
22:13). Go to the ant = Consider the
ant.
The ant is mentioned only here and in 30:25 in the Bible. It has no
physically present leader, yet it works with initiative, diligence, and
foresight (in contrast to the sluggard, amen.)
May 13, 2010
Sanctification
in the Last Days
(latter times)
1
Timothy 4
1 through 5
1Now
the
Spirit
speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall
depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of
devils;
2Speaking
lies
in
hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3Forbidding
to
marry,
and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created
to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the
truth.
4For
every
creature
of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be
received with thanksgiving:
5For
it
is
sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
Amen. Both marriage and food
are gifts from God to be gratefully used and setting things apart (the
meaning of sanctify) by the word and prayer guards the believer from misusing
even good things, amen.
speaketh = speaks
May 12, 2010
Eternal Security
John
6
37 through 40
37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him
that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will,
but the will of him that sent me.
39And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that
of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it
up again at the last day.
40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every
one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting
life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Amen. This verse (37) combines God's
sovereignty, mankind's responsibility to come, and eternal security for
those who do His will. It is the Father's will to preserve those who
come to Christ, amen.
hath = has
seeth = sees
giveth = gives
cometh = comes
believeth on = believes in - accepts Him
May 11, 2010
Faith and
Deliverance
James
5
13 through 18
13Is
any
among
you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing
psalms.
14Is
any
sick
among
you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let
them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15And
the
prayer
of
faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him
up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16Confess
your
faults
one
to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be
healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
17Elias
was
a
man
subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly
that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of
three years and six months.
18And
he
prayed
again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth
her fruit.
Amen. No matter what sickness may attack you, call upon the Lord, maker
of heaven and earth. Call on Him with genuine faith and without doubt
and He will heal you. I say this with 100% faith and assurance as I
speak from personal experience, amen.
Elias = Elijah, the Old Testament
prophet (see 1
Kings 17)
him
= man = mankind = human being = man - woman - child
May 10, 2010
Praying in the Will of God
James
5
13 through 18
13Is
any
among
you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing
psalms.
14Is
any
sick
among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let
them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15And
the
prayer
of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him
up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16Confess
your
faults
one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be
healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
17Elias
was
a
man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly
that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of
three years and six months.
18And
he
prayed
again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth
her fruit.
Amen. God may heal directly, through
medicine, or in answer to prayer, as here. The
oil is
a
symbol
of the presence of God (cf.
Psalm
23:5); though hardly being effective for all diseases. Prayers of
faith are answered not simply because they are prayed in faith but only
if they are prayed in the will of God, amen.
May 9, 2010
8Now
I
say
that
Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the
truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
9And
that
the
Gentiles
might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written,
For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto
thy name.
10And
again
he
saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
11And
again,
Praise
the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
12And
again,
Esaias
saith,
There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall
rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
13Now
the
God
of
hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye
may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Jesus ministered to his fellow-Jews (a minister of the circumcision) to confirm the promises made
to Israel and to Gentiles who, although without covenants, received the
mercy of God, amen.
ye = you
Esaias = Isaiah
a
root of Jesse = Jesus Christ the Messiah (Isaiah 11:
1-10)
May 8, 2010
1 through 8
1Through
desire
a
man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with
all wisdom.
2A
fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover
itself.
3When
the
wicked
cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy
reproach.
4The
words
of
a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom
as a flowing brook.
5It
is
not
good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the
righteous in judgment.
6A
fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7A
fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his
soul.
8The
words
of
a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the
innermost parts of the belly.
Amen. The fool has no desire to learn, but
desires only to air their personal opinions. Contempt, dishonor, and
reproach are the three companions of wickedness.
calleth = calls
overthrow = turn aside
cometh = comes - shows up
accept
the
person
of =
show partiality to
man = mankind =
human being = man - woman - child
May 7, 2010
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no
law.
24And they that are Christ's have crucified the
flesh with the affections and lusts.
25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in
the Spirit.
26Let us not be desirous of vain glory,
provoking one another, envying one another.
Amen. Notice that the fruit of the Spirit is singular, indicating a crop
of nine qualities produced by the Spirit in those who walk in
dependence on Him. Since they also depict our Lord, it should be
obvious that He should be seen in our everyday lives, amen.
Meekness = gentleness
longsuffering = patience
faith = faithfulness - trustworthiness
temperance = Here it means "
self-control "
May 6, 2010
Everything
you Need
1Blessed
are
the
undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
2Blessed
are
they
that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole
heart.
3They
also
do
no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
4Thou
hast
commanded
us to keep thy precepts diligently.
5O
that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
6Then
shall
I
not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7I
will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned
thy righteous judgments.
8I
will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
Amen. This wisdom psalm (the
longest psalm in the Bible) concerning the law of the Lord is an
alphabetic acrostic in which each stanza of eight verses is devoted to
successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, each verse of a particular
stanza beginning with the same letter. The psalm contains the thought
that the Word of God contains everything we need, amen.
May 5, 2010
18For
through
him
we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19Now
therefore
ye
are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens
with the saints, and of the household of God;
20And
are
built
upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21In
whom
all
the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple
in the Lord:
22In
whom
ye
also are builded together for an habitation of God through the
Spirit.
Amen. In the figure of the
church as a temple, Christ is the chief corner stone, the
apostles and
the New Testament prophets are the foundation, and each Christian is a stone
in the building (1
Peter 2: 4-8). In 1
Corinthians 3:11 the apostle Paul speaks of Christ as the sole
foundation, amen.
ye = you
groweth = grows
Spirit = the Holy Spirit of God
May 4, 2010
8For
to
one
is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word
of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9To
another
faith
by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by
the same Spirit;
10To
another
the
working
of miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another
the interpretation of tongues:
11But
all
these
worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every
man severally as he will.
Amen. All of us are given at least one gift from the Spirit (the Holy
Spirit) while others are given many. It is vital that we spend our
lives finding out what our gift or gifts are and then using it / them
to draw all people that we come in contact with unto the Father that
they, too, might have eternal life through Christ Jesus, amen and amen.
May 3, 2010
Praise Him in the Storm
Psalm
57
5 through 11
5Be
thou
exalted,
O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the
earth.
6They
have
prepared
a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have
digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen
themselves. Selah.
7My
heart
is
fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
8Awake
up,
my
glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
9I
will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among
the nations.
10For
thy
mercy
is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
11Be
thou
exalted,
O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the
earth.
Amen. Fleeing King Saul, David
voices praise and prayer for deliverance. We should take note that,
although he was constantly and unjustly pursued by King Saul that he
might capture and kill him, David never wavered in his faith in the
Lord. Selah was a brief, musical pause in
the psalm for contemplation of what was just sung (said).
thou = you
thee = you
May 2, 2010
14Now
thanks
be
unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and
maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
15For
we
are
unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and
in them that perish:
16To
the
one
we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the
savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
17For
we
are
not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity,
but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Amen. What the apostle Paul is saying here is
that, similar to the incense burned in a Roman parade, the believer's
service in spreading the gospel is a sweet fragrance to the Lord. The
same gospel brings life to the believer and death to the rejector.
causeth = causes
savour = fragrance
by us = through us
May 1, 2010
14Now
thanks
be
unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and
maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
15For
we
are
unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and
in them that perish:
16To
the
one
we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the
savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
17For
we
are
not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity,
but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Amen. What the apostle Paul is saying here is
that, similar to the incense burned in a Roman parade, the believer's
service in spreading the gospel is a sweet fragrance to the Lord. The
same gospel brings life to the believer and death to the rejector.
causeth = causes
savour = fragrance
by us = through us
April 30, 2010
Wisdom and Folly Contrasted
The qualities of wisdom
Proverbs
8
1 through 21
1Doth
not
wisdom cry?
and understanding put forth her voice?
2She
standeth
in the top of high places, by the
way in the places of the paths.
3She
crieth
at the gates, at the entry of the
city, at the coming in at the doors.
4Unto
you,
O men, I call; and my voice is to the
sons of man.
5O
ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding
heart.
6Hear;
for
I
will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be
right things.
7For
my
mouth
shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my
lips.
8All
the
words
of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or
perverse in them.
9They
are
all
plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find
knowledge.
10Receive
my
instruction,
and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11For
wisdom
is better than
rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to
it.
12I
wisdom
dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
13The
fear
of the LORD is to
hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward
mouth, do I hate.
14Counsel
is
mine,
and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
15By
me
kings reign, and
princes decree justice.
16By
me
princes
rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
17I
love them that love me;
and those that seek me early shall find me.
18Riches
and
honour are with
me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
19My
fruit
is better than gold, yea, than fine
gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
20I
lead in the way of righteousness, in the
midst of the paths of judgment:
21That
I
may cause those that love me to inherit
substance; and I will fill their treasures.
judgment = justice
lead in the way = walk
revenue = produce - yield
seek me early = seek me
diligently
froward
= twisted = morally perverse
witty inventions = prudence - shrewdness
April 29, 2010
3Jesus
knowing
that
the Father had given all things into his hands, and that
he was come from God, and went to God;
4He
riseth
from
supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and
girded himself.
5After
that
he
poureth
water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples'
feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6Then
cometh
he
to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou
wash my feet?
7Jesus
answered
and
said unto him, What I do thou
knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8Peter
saith
unto
him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9Simon
Peter
saith
unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my
head.
10Jesus
saith
to
him, He that is washed needeth not save
to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not
all.
11For
he
knew
who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye
are not all clean.
Amen. This dramatic scene of the foot-washing is an acted out parable,
a lesson in humility, and a vivid portrayal of Christ's
self-humiliation. Normally a servant performed this lowly task, further
highlighting Christ's coming to serve mankind (see Mark
10:45), amen.
Ye
are
not
all clean = Judas, who would betray Jesus
to the Romans
April 28, 2010
The Love Of Christ
2 Corinthians 5
17 through 21
17Therefore
if
any man
be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold,
all things are become new.
18And
all
things are of God, who hath reconciled
us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of
reconciliation;
19To
wit,
that
God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word
of reconciliation.
20Now
then
we
are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by
us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21For
he
hath made him to be
sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of
God in him.
If you do not know Jesus, you can right here and now...
If you accept Jesus today, let me know right HERE so I can celebrate you new Birthday with you.
April 27, 2010
6If
thou
put the
brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister
of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good
doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
7But
refuse
profane and old wives' fables, and
exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
8For
bodily
exercise profiteth little: but
godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that
now is, and of that which is to come.
9This
is
a faithful saying and worthy of all
acceptation.
10For
therefore
we
both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the
living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that
believe.
11These
things
command
and teach.
12Let
no
man despise thy youth; but be thou an
example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in
spirit, in faith, in purity.
13Till
I
come, give attendance to reading, to
exhortation, to doctrine.
14Neglect
not
the gift that is in thee, which
was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the
presbytery.
15Meditate
upon
these
things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may
appear to all.
16Take
heed
unto
thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in
doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Amen. Though staying in shape is important to staying healthy, the
benefits of bodily training are limited and transient when contrasted
to the extensive and permanent benefits of godliness. Jesus is the Saviour of all men (men = mankind = human being =
man - woman - child) in that He paid the ransom for all (2:6), though
only those that
believe are born again, amen.
April 26, 2010
Consolation to the
Believer
13But
we
are bound to
give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because
God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through
sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14Whereunto
he
called you by
our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15Therefore,
brethren,
stand
fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by
word, or our epistle.
16Now
our
Lord
Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath
loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope
through grace,
17Comfort
your
hearts,
and stablish you in every good word and work.
Amen. Here "through
sanctification
of
the Spirit and belief of the truth" means God's activity (the Holy Spirit's work of
regeneration) and our responsibility (faith) are equally necessary in
salvation, amen.
April 25, 2010
1O
sing unto the LORD a
new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his
holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
2The
LORD
hath made known his salvation: his
righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
3He
hath
remembered his mercy
and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have
seen the salvation of our God.
4Make
a
joyful noise unto the LORD, all the
earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
5Sing
unto
the LORD with the
harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
6With
trumpets
and sound of
cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.
7Let
the
sea roar, and the
fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
8Let
the
floods clap their
hands: let the hills be joyful together
9Before
the
LORD; for he cometh to judge the
earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with
equity.
Amen. This psalm encourages us to praise God as our Deliverer (vv. 1-3),
as King (vv. 4-6), and as Ruler (vv. 7-9), amen and amen.
April 24, 2010
12Wherefore,
my
beloved,
as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now
much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling.
13For
it
is
God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good
pleasure.
14Do
all
things
without murmurings and disputings:
15That
ye
may be blameless and harmless, the
sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse
nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16Holding
forth
the word of
life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in
vain, neither laboured in vain.
17Yea,
and
if I be offered upon the sacrifice
and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18For
the
same cause also do
ye joy, and rejoice with me.
Amen. As believers, we must learn to stand on our own feet, with a sense
of human frailty but knowing that God is behind us (v. 13). We can live
in a corrupt human society yet still reflect the light that comes from
our heavenly source while constantly proclaiming the gospel of the new
life (v. 16) which is in Christ Jesus, amen.
April 23, 2010
Chosen and Sealed
3Blessed
be
the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual
blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4According
as
he hath chosen us in him before
the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame
before him in love:
5Having
predestinated
us
unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to
himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6To
the
praise of the glory of
his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7In
whom
we have redemption
through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of
his grace;
8Wherein
he
hath
abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9Having
made
known unto us the
mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath
purposed in himself:
10That
in
the
dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in
one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on
earth; even in him:
11In
whom
also
we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel
of his own will:
12That
we
should
be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Amen. Here "hath
chosen us = elected us" - God's choice of some individuals who
would believe occurred before creation and was for the purpose of those
believers being holy. Having
predestinated
us -
God has determined beforehand that those who believe in Christ will be
adopted into His family and conformed to his Son, amen.
April 22, 2010
Let Everything That Has breath Praise the Lord
1Praise
ye
the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2Praise
him
for his mighty
acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3Praise
him
with the sound of
the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4Praise
him
with the timbrel
and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5Praise
him
upon the loud
cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6Let
every
thing that hath
breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Amen. In the last of the psalms, this final doxology, the psalmist calls
for praise in God's sanctuary, because of His deeds and His greatness,
with all kinds of musical instruments, and by everything that has
breath. It's easy to praise God when all is well... can you praise Him
in the storm? Of course you can... lift up your hands and your voice and
praise Him now and may He bless you and keep you and make His face to
shine upon you, in Jesus name, amen and amen.
April 21, 2010
Characteristics of Fellowship In Relation to Our
Prospect:
Purity
1
John 3
1 through 3
1Behold,
what
manner of
love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the
sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him
not.
2Beloved,
now
are
we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:
but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we
shall see him as he is.
3And
every
man
that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is
pure.
Amen. After sons of
God should be inserted "and we are." (sons = children, born
ones of God, as in John
1:12) We can, even now, know Him as a child know its Father; the
future relationship no words can describe, amen.
man = fellow human being = man -
woman - child
April 20, 2010
Exhortations to
Believers
Jude
17But,
beloved,
remember
ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our
Lord Jesus Christ;
18How
that
they
told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should
walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19These
be
they who separate themselves,
sensual, having not the Spirit.
20But
ye,
beloved, building up yourselves on
your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21Keep
yourselves
in the love
of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal
life.
22And
of
some
have compassion, making a difference:
23And
others
save with fear, pulling them out
of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
24Now
unto
him that is able to
keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence
of his glory with exceeding joy,
25To
the
only wise God our Saviour, be glory and
majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Amen. To keep oneself in the love of God (a command) is done by building (on the truth of God), praying (while guided by the Spirit of
God), and looking (with an eternal
perspective). All three are participles in the Greek.
April 19, 2010
17This
I
say therefore,
and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles
walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18Having
the
understanding darkened, being
alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them,
because of the blindness of their heart:
19Who
being
past feeling have given themselves
over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20But
ye
have not so learned
Christ;
21If
so
be
that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in
Jesus:
22That
ye
put
off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt
according to the deceitful lusts;
23And
be
renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24And
that
ye put on the new
man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Amen. The old is what we were before
we were saved, and the new is the
new life we have in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20),
amen.
ye = you
Gentiles = non believers
man = human = human being = man - woman -
child
April 18, 2010
The Grace, Love, and
Forgiveness of God
1
Timothy 1
12 through 17
12And
I
thank Christ
Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful,
putting me into the ministry;
13Who
was
before a blasphemer, and a persecutor,
and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in
unbelief.
14And
the
grace
of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which
is in Christ Jesus.
15This
is
a
faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus
came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16Howbeit
for
this cause I
obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all
longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on
him to life everlasting.
17Now
unto
the
King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be
honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Amen. The apostle Paul's gratitude was heightened by remembering the
kind of person he was prior to experiencing the awesome grace, love, and
forgiveness that Jesus showered upon him. I can relate as I was a
terrible sinner and, even though I still may slip sometimes, I call upon
the Lord and His grace, love, and forgiveness sustains me. Can you
relate?
April 17, 2010
22The
LORD
possessed me
in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23I
was set up from
everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24When
there
were no depths, I
was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25Before
the
mountains were
settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26While
as
yet he had not made
the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the
world.
27When
he
prepared
the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face
of the depth:
28When
he
established
the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of
the deep:
29When
he
gave
to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his
commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30Then
I
was by him, as one
brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always
before him;
31Rejoicing
in
the
habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons
of men.
Amen. This section has often been interpreted Christologically as
presenting a picture of Christ. Christ is the revelation of God's wisdom
(see 1
Corinthians 1:24). The passage shows that wisdom is older than
creation and is fundamental to it (v. 23), that it assisted in creation
as a master workman (v. 30), and that it rejoiced in creation (vv.
30-31), amen and amen.
the sons
of men
= human beings = man - woman - child
April 16, 2010
False Teachers and
Ant-Christ's
7For
many
deceivers are
entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in
the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8Look
to
yourselves, that we
lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full
reward.
9Whosoever
transgresseth,
and
abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.
He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and
the Son.
10If
there
come
any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not
into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11For
he
that biddeth him God
speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Amen. All teachers should be scrutinized (yes, myself included) as to
whether or not they are teaching the proper teachings of the Word of God
and of His precious gift to us, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, amen and
amen.
April 15, 2010
18For
the
wrath of God
is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of
men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19Because
that
which may be
known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20For
the
invisible things of
him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by
the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that
they are without excuse:
21Because
that,
when
they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart
was darkened.
22Professing
themselves
to
be wise, they became fools,
23And
changed
the glory of the uncorruptible
God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and
fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24Wherefore
God
also
gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to
dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25Who
changed
the truth of God
into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the
Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26For
this
cause God gave them up unto vile
affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that
which is against nature:
27And
likewise
also
the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in
their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is
unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error
which was meet.
28And
even
as
they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave
them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not
convenient;
29Being
filled
with
all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness,
maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity;
whisperers,
30Backbiters,
haters
of
God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things,
disobedient to parents,
31Without
understanding,
covenantbreakers,
without natural affection, implacable,
unmerciful:
32Who
knowing
the
judgment of God, that they which commit such things are
worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do
them.
Amen. From verse 18 through 20 is God's indictment of the world, showing
why man needs the righteousness of the Lord. Mankind is condemned
because truth was given to him (vv. 19-20) and because he by his actions
rejected it (vv. 21-32).
April 14, 2010
1And
you
hath he
quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2Wherein
in
time past ye walked
according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the
power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of
disobedience:
3Among
whom
also
we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our
flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by
nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4But
God,
who is rich in mercy,
for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5Even
when
we were dead in sins, hath quickened
us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6And
hath
raised us up
together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7That
in
the ages to come he
might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us
through Christ Jesus.
8For
by
grace
are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is
the gift of God:
9Not
of
works,
lest any man should boast.
10For
we
are his workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should
walk in them.
Amen. We are separated from God (dead)
because of sin. This is spiritual death. If we continue in this state,
by continuing to reject Christ, spiritual death becomes the second
death, which is eternal separation from God. I can not imagine the utter
loneliness one would feel being eternally separated from the heavenly
creator of all things, God forbid. Thank the Lord that we are saved by
grace through faith and acceptance of Christ Jesus as our Lord and
Savior, amen.
April 13, 2010
1I
exhort therefore,
that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
thanks, be made for all men;
2For
kings,
and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
honesty.
3For
this
is
good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4Who
will
have all men to be
saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5For
there
is one God, and one
mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6Who
gave
himself a ransom for
all, to be testified in due time.
7Whereunto
I
am ordained a preacher, and an
apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the
Gentiles in faith and verity.
8I
will therefore that men pray every where,
lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Amen. All other mediators are ruled out in bringing God and mankind
together; Jesus mediates through His death on the cross, amen and amen.
a ransom = literally "a substitute
payment"
men = man = mankind = human being = man -
woman - child
April 12, 2010
12And
we
beseech you,
brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the
Lord, and admonish you;
13And
to
esteem
them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at
peace among yourselves.
14Now
we
exhort
you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the
feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15See
that
none render evil for
evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among
yourselves, and to all men.
16Rejoice
evermore.
17Pray
without
ceasing.
18In
every
thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19Quench
not
the Spirit.
20Despise
not
prophesyings.
21Prove
all
things; hold fast
that which is good.
22Abstain
from
all
appearance of evil.
23And
the
very God of peace sanctify you wholly;
and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24Faithful
is
he that calleth
you, who also will do it.
Amen. Church leaders should labour (labor), preside (= over you), and admonish those
in their charge. Church members should know (appreciate), esteem, and live in peace, and not be
unruly (= idle - those who give up
working because they expect the Lord's return soon), amen.
feebleminded = fainthearted
brethren = fellow human being = man woman -
child
men = mankind = human being = man - woman -
child
April 11, 2010
A New Creature in Christ
17Therefore
if
any man
be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold,
all things are become new.
18And
all
things are of God, who hath reconciled
us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of
reconciliation;
19To
wit,
that
God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word
of reconciliation.
20Now
then
we
are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by
us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21For
he
hath made him to be
sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of
God in him.
Amen. Here "a new
creature" literally means a new creation and old things are passed away (aorist tense indicating the
decisive change salvation brings); behold,
"all things are become new" literally means the new has come (perfect tense
indicating abiding results of the new life in Christ.) The grace of God
not only justifies but makes a new creation, which results in a changed
style of life, amen.
any man = any human being = man - woman -
child
April 10, 2010
Salvation Means Jesus
1I
love the LORD,
because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2Because
he
hath inclined his
ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3The
sorrows
of death
compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble
and sorrow.
4Then
called
I
upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my
soul.
5Gracious
is
the
LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6The
LORD
preserveth the
simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7Return
unto
thy rest, O my
soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8For
thou
hast delivered my
soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9I
will walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.
10I
believed, therefore have I spoken: I was
greatly afflicted:
11I
said in my haste, All men are liars.
12What
shall
I render unto the LORD for all his
benefits toward me?
13I
will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
Amen. No matter what you are going through or how bad things may seem,
call upon the Lord, for He will hear your prayer and rescue you in your
darkest hour. All honor, power, glory and might be unto you Lord Jesus
Christ our Salvation, forever and ever, amen and amen.
salvation = Jesus ( ancient Aramaic =
Yeshua = Jesus )
April 9, 2010
1Do
we
begin again to
commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation
to you, or letters of commendation from you?
2Ye
are
our epistle written in
our hearts, known and read of all men:
3Forasmuch
as
ye are manifestly declared to be
the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with
the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy
tables of the heart.
Amen. The work of the spirit in the changed lives of the Corinthians was
sufficient recommendation of the apostle Paul's ministry. May we
strive, daily, to live as Christ lived, sharing love, grace, peace, and
forgiveness with all people we come into contact with, amen.
men = mankind = human being = man - woman -
child
April 8, 2010
17This
I
say therefore,
and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles
walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18Having
the
understanding darkened, being
alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them,
because of the blindness of their heart:
19Who
being
past feeling have given themselves
over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20But
ye
have not so learned
Christ;
21If
so
be
that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in
Jesus:
22That
ye
put
off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt
according to the deceitful lusts;
23And
be
renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24And
that
ye put on the new
man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Amen. Here begins a long passage (ending at 6:9) in which the apostle
Paul draws the logical conclusions, in terms of life and morals, that
follows in membership in Christ's body, amen.
being past feeling
= become callous
the
new
man = the new life we have in Christ
the old man =
what we
were before accepting Jesus
man = mankind = fellow human being = man -
woman - child
April 7, 2010
1Let
brotherly
love
continue.
2Be
not
forgetful
to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained
angels unawares.
3Remember
them
that
are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer
adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
4Marriage
is
honourable in all,
and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
5Let
your
conversation be
without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he
hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6So
that
we may boldly say, The
Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Amen. We should treat everyone we meet with brotherly love (brother =
fellow human being = man - woman - child), and let our conversation
(what we say and do and the way in which we live) always be reflective
of what is inside us, which is to say, the Holy Spirit of God, that we
may draw all unto the light and Salvation which is Christ Jesus, amen.
conversation = way of life
Marriage is honourable = Let marriage be
honorable
April 6, 2010
6When they therefore
were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this
time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7And
he
said unto them, It is not for you to
know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own
power.
8But ye
shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye
shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
9And
when
he had spoken these
things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out
of their sight.
10And
while
they
looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two
men stood by them in white apparel;
11Which
also
said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand
ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you
into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into
heaven.
Amen. When Jesus returns it will be in the same manner as when he
left... in the clouds, not as a one world leader (the one world leader
will be the Anti-Christ who, after 3 1/2 years of peace and prosperity
on earth, will claim to be God... be not deceived), amen.
April 5, 2010
Christ's Appearances and Ascension
9Now when Jesus was
risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary
Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
10And
she
went and told them
that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
11And
they,
when they had heard
that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
12After
that
he appeared in
another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the
country.
13And
they
went
and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
14Afterward
he
appeared unto
the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief
and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him
after he was risen.
15And
he
said
unto them, Go ye into all the world, and
preach the gospel to
every creature.
16He
that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth
not shall be damned.
17And
these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast
out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18They shall take up serpents;
and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall
lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19So
then
after the Lord had
spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right
hand of God.
20And
they
went
forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them,
and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
April 4, 2010
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
10Then
the
disciples
went away again unto their own home.
11But
Mary
stood without at the sepulchre
weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the
sepulchre,
12And
seeth
two
angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at
the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
13And
they
say unto her, Woman,
why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my
LORD, and I know not where they have laid him.
14And
when
she had thus said,
she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it
was Jesus.
15Jesus
saith
unto
her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest
thou? She,
supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have
borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him
away.
16Jesus
saith
unto
her, Mary. She turned herself, and
saith unto him, Rabboni;
which is to say, Master.
17Jesus
saith
unto
her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended
to my Father:
but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and
your Father; and to my God, and your God.
18Mary
Magdalene
came and told the disciples
that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto
her.
April 3, 2010
The Burial of Jesus
42And
now
when the even
was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the
sabbath,
43Joseph
of
Arimathaea,
an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the
kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the
body of Jesus.
44And
Pilate
marvelled
if he were already dead: and calling unto him the
centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
45And
when
he knew it of the
centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
46And
he
bought fine linen, and took him down,
and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn
out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
47And
Mary
Magdalene and Mary
the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
Amen. Though our Lord's physical body was then in the sepulchre (a grave
hewn out of a rock mountain side), his Holy Spirit was in hell,
battling the devil, snatching the keys of hell and of death from him
(see Revelation
1:18), defeating him, and returning victorious in the flesh the following
Sunday in His resurrected body, amen.
April 2, 2010
The Crucifixion of Jesus
45Now
from
the sixth
hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
46And
about
the ninth hour
Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli,
lama sabachthani? that
is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken
me?
47Some
of
them that stood
there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
48And
straightway
one of them
ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a
reed, and gave him to drink.
49The
rest
said, Let be, let us see whether
Elias will come to save him.
50Jesus,
when
he had cried again with a loud
voice, yielded up the ghost.
51And,
behold,
the veil of the temple was rent
in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the
rocks rent;
52And
the
graves
were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53And
came
out of
the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and
appeared unto many.
54Now
when
the
centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw
the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly,
saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
55And
many
women were there beholding afar off,
which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
56Among
which
was Mary
Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of
Zebedees children.
57When
the
even
was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph,
who also himself was Jesus' disciple:
58He
went
to Pilate, and begged the body of
Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
59And
when
Joseph had taken the
body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60And
laid
it in his own new
tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to
the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
61And
there
was Mary
Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
62Now
the
next day, that
followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees
came together unto Pilate,
63Saying,
Sir,
we remember that that deceiver
said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
64Command
therefore
that the
sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by
night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the
dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
65Pilate
said
unto them, Ye
have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
66So
they
went, and made the
sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
April 1, 2010
19And
hereby
we know
that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
20For
if
our heart condemn us,
God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21Beloved,
if
our heart condemn
us not, then have we confidence toward God.
22And
whatsoever
we ask, we
receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things
that are pleasing in his sight.
23And
this
is his commandment, That we should
believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he
gave us commandment.
24And
he
that
keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And
hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given
us.
Amen. God is
greater than our heart. We may be either too strict or too lenient in
examining our lives; therefore, John's word of comfort is, God the all
knowing is also the all loving. We are to believe all that Christ is, for
salvation and answered prayer. Loving one another keeps prayer from
being self-centered, amen.
March 31, 2010
15Let
us
therefore, as
many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise
minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16Nevertheless,
whereto
we have
already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same
thing.
17Brethren,
be
followers
together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us
for an ensample.
18(For
many
walk,
of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even
weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19Whose
end
is destruction,
whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind
earthly things.)
20For
our
conversation
is in heaven; from whence also we look for the
Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21Who
shall
change our vile body, that it may be
fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby
he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Amen. The apostle Paul assures us here "if in any thing ye be otherwise
minded" (If you don't agree) that God will give you light on
the subject. The destiny of the wicked is destruction,
not annihilation but ruin int the lake of fire forever.
perfect = mature
vile body
= body of humiliation
enemies of the cross = evil living - those that
reject Jesus
March 30, 2010
1Behold,
what
manner
of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the
sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him
not.
2Beloved,
now
are
we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:
but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we
shall see him as he is.
3And
every
man
that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is
pure.
4Whosoever
committeth
sin
transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression
of the law.
5And
ye
know
that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no
sin.
6Whosoever
abideth
in
him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither
known him.
7Little
children,
let
no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is
righteous, even as he is righteous.
8He
that
committeth sin is of the devil; for the
devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was
manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Amen. After sons of God should be
inserted the words "and we are" and sons = children, born ones of God,
as in John
1:12. We can even now know Him as a child knows its father, the
future relationship no words can describe. Verse 2 "like him" includes both physical
changes of the resurrection body and spiritual changes of purity (v.3),
no sin (v.5) and righteousness (v.7), amen.
March 29, 2010
2To
speak
evil of no
man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3For
we
ourselves also were
sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and
pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4But
after
that the kindness
and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5Not
by
works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the
washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6Which
he
shed on us abundantly
through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7That
being
justified by his grace, we should be
made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8This
is
a faithful saying, and
these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have
believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things
are good and profitable unto men.
Amen. Salvation is God's gracious work, not a reward for our good and
worthwhile acts. Personal salvation is not achieved by good deeds but
through the cleansing of the new birth when we accept Jesus Christ into
our hearts as our Lord and Savior, amen.
March 28, 2010
11Wherefore
remember,
that
ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called
Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh
made by hands;
12That
at
that
time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth
of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope,
and without God in the world:
13But
now
in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were
far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14For
he
is our peace, who hath
made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition
between us;
15Having
abolished
in
his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments
contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so
making peace;
16And
that
he
might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having
slain the enmity thereby:
17And
came
and preached peace to you which were
afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18For
through
him we both have access by one
Spirit unto the Father.
19Now
therefore
ye
are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens
with the saints, and of the household of God;
20And
are
built upon the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the
chief corner stone;
21In
whom
all
the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple
in the Lord:
22In
whom
ye
also are builded together for an habitation of God through the
Spirit.
Amen. Paul now expands on the concept of the body of Christ. Christ
brings us near, He gives us peace, He gives us access, and He gives us a
new family. In the figure of the church as a temple, Christ is the
chief corner stone, the apostles
and the New Testament prophets are
the foundation, and each Christian
is a stone in the building, amen.
March 27, 2010
1Whoso
loveth
instruction
loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2A
good man obtaineth favour
of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3A
man shall not be established
by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4A
virtuous woman is a crown
to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his
bones.
5The
thoughts
of
the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are
deceit.
6The
words
of
the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the
upright shall deliver them.
7The
wicked
are overthrown, and are not: but the
house of the righteous shall stand.
Amen. We should live our lives with love, kindness, mercy, charity,
faith and righteousness... using every opportunity to share the gospel
with all who will hear... keeping our "house" in order at all times that
it, too, may forever stand, amen.
March 26, 2010
9But
as
it is written,
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of
man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10But
God
hath revealed them
unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the
deep things of God.
11For
what
man
knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is
in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12Now
we
have
received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God;
that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13Which
things
also we speak,
not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost
teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14But
the
natural man receiveth
not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him:
neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15But
he
that is spiritual
judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16For
who
hath known the mind
of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
Amen. The mature Cristian (he that is spiritual), who is led and taught by the
Spirit, judgeth
all things; i.e. he can scrutinize, sift, and thereby understand
all things; but unbelievers and even carnally-minded Christians cannot
judge (understand) him, amen.
March 25, 2010
19Wherefore,
my
beloved
brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20For
the
wrath
of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21Wherefore
lay
apart all
filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the
engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22But
be
ye doers of the word,
and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23For
if
any be a hearer of the
word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face
in a glass:
24For
he
beholdeth
himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what
manner of man he was.
25But
whoso
looketh
into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein,
he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall
be blessed in his deed.
26If
any
man
among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue,
but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
27Pure
religion
and undefiled
before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in
their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Amen. The Bible (the
perfect
law of liberty) itself is the means of regeneration, the
vehicle for Christian growth, a mirror reflecting our defects, the
ethical guide for Christian living, and the standard for judgment. The
Bible (the Word) is our "guide book", if you will, of how we are to
live, amen.
March 24, 2010
1I
exhort therefore,
that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
thanks, be made for all men;
2For
kings,
and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
honesty.
3For
this
is
good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4Who
will
have all men to be
saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5For
there
is one God, and one
mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6Who
gave
himself a ransom for
all, to be testified in due time.
7Whereunto
I
am ordained a preacher, and an
apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the
Gentiles in faith and verity.
8I
will therefore that men pray every where,
lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Amen. "Who will
have" is an expression of God's wish, not His
decree, that all would accept His Son, since not all will be saved,
because they refuse to believe. All other mediators are ruled out "one
mediator between God and men" in bringing God and mankind
together. Jesus mediates through His death on the cross. Though we sin
(since the fall of Adam and Eve, all are born into sin and
are worthy of death - Genesis
1),
Jesus gave himself as a ransom
(=
literally "a substitute payment") for our sins that we may be
reconciled to the Father and have eternal life in heaven. Thus, one God
and one way to heaven, and that one way is Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
amen.
March 23, 2010
1Finally,
brethren,
pray
for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be
glorified, even as it is with you:
2And that we may be
delivered from unreasonable
and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3But the Lord is
faithful, who
shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
4And we have
confidence in the
Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we
command you.
5And
the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient
waiting for Christ.
Amen. Here "the
patient
waiting for Christ" refers to our expectation of Christ's second
coming (in the air, not as a world, political or religious figure or
leader... that person will be the Anti-Christ) and that the endurance or
steadfastness of Christ during His life on earth should be our example,
amen.
March 22, 2010
1What
shall
we say then
that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
2For
if
Abraham were justified
by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3For
what
saith the scripture?
Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4Now
to
him that worketh is
the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5But
to
him that worketh not,
but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted
for righteousness.
6Even
as
David
also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God
imputeth righteousness without works,
7Saying,
Blessed
are they whose iniquities are
forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8Blessed
is
the man to whom the Lord will not
impute sin.
Amen. Paul's point in this chapter is that the faith-righteousness
principle is not new, and he uses Abraham as proof. Abraham was
justified by faith, not by works (Genesis
15:6). Wages have nothing to do with grace (unmerited favor) but
with what is due. Like Abraham, King David also knew the righteousness
of God apart from any works (Psalm
32:1-2), amen.
March 21, 2010
1Finally,
my
brethren,
rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is
not grievous, but for you it is safe.
2Beware
of
dogs, beware of evil workers, beware
of the concision.
3For
we
are
the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice
in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Amen. Paul here becomes polemical. He labels the Judaizers (who taught
that circumcision was necessary for salvation) dogs (a term they
used to call Gentiles and Roman soldiers), evil workers, and concision
(which meant mutilators). all three epithets are directed at the same
people.
March 20, 2010
1Whoso
loveth
instruction
loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2A
good man obtaineth favour
of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3A
man shall not be established
by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4A
virtuous woman is a crown
to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his
bones.
5The
thoughts
of
the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are
deceit.
6The
words
of
the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the
upright shall deliver them.
7The
wicked
are overthrown, and are not: but the
house of the righteous shall stand.
8A
man shall be commended according to his
wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
Amen. Whereas the wicked condemn others with false testimony and evil
lies, the righteous speak the truth and deliver the innocent. Which one
do you consider yourself?
loveth = loves
maketh = makes
obtaineth favour
= obtains favor
instruction = training by word or deed
hateth reproof = hates being corrected
virtuous woman = a wife of noble and upright
character
March 19, 2010
1O
foolish Galatians,
who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose
eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
2This
only
would I learn of
you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing
of faith?
3Are
ye
so
foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the
flesh?
4Have
ye
suffered
so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
5He
therefore
that ministereth
to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the
works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Amen. Paul asserts here that, to return to the law (study Leviticus
concerning the law) and negate the necessity of the death of Christ
(2:21) is to act as if bewitched. Works of the law does not give us the
Holy Spirit. Paul brought the gospel to the Galatians and the Spirit
worked in them. Yet now they were reverting to flesh works in the hope
that a combination of faith (Spirit) and works (flesh) would work more
easily or better.
March 18, 2010
12Therefore,
brethren,
we
are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13For
if
ye live after the
flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds
of the body, ye shall live.
14For
as
many as are led by the Spirit of God,
they are the sons of God.
15For
ye
have not received the spirit of bondage
again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we
cry, Abba, Father.
16The
Spirit
itself
beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children
of God:
17And
if
children,
then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so
be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Amen. As we accept Jesus as Lord an "adoption" occurs and that adoption is
the act of God placing us in His family for all eternity. We are first
born into the family as a child who needs to grow and develop. Our
position is one of full privilege and our practice should involve full
growth in grace and love, amen.
ye = you
beareth = bears
Abba = Aramaic for Father
March 17, 2010
Hebrews
11
7 through 12
7By
faith
Noah, being
warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an
ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and
became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8By
faith
Abraham, when he was
called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an
inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9By
faith
he sojourned in the
land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with
Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10For
he
looked for a city
which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11Through
faith
also Sara
herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child
when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had
promised.
12Therefore
sprang
there
even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars
of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore
innumerable.
Amen. To please God, one must believe that the true God (not a god =
lower case meaning a man made god), exists and that He rewards the
faithful. God in Hebrew is Hashem (= The Name). This was God's secondary
name given to the Hebrews in place of His holiest name, J-hovah, which
is so holy as to never be voiced by mankind since we now are born into
sin due to Adam and Eve eating from the tree of knowledge of good and
evil (Genesis 2:17), amen.
March 16, 2010
14Be ye not unequally
yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness
with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15And
what
concord hath Christ
with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16And
what
agreement hath the
temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as
God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be
their God, and they shall be my people.
17Wherefore
come
out from among them, and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will
receive you.
18And
will
be
a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith
the Lord Almighty.
Amen. Primarily "Be
ye not unequally
yoked together with unbelievers" relates to the separation
from the false teachers troubling the church, though it can also apply
to other alliances such as marriage and business. Personal separation
means:
1. Not loving the "unclean
thing", which is what we know as anything evil
2. Not loving the world
(1 john 2:15-17) but using it (1
Corinthians 7:31)
3. Not having fellowship
with sinning brothers or sisters in the church (1 Corinthians 5:11)
4. Exhibiting Christlikeness (see note on Acts 15:39)
ye = you
Belial = Satan
believeth = believes
infidel = one that does knot believe in God
March 15, 2010
3Let no man deceive you
by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling
away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4Who
opposeth
and exalteth
himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he
as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5Remember
ye
not, that, when I
was yet with you, I told you these things?
6And
now
ye know what
withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7For
the
mystery of iniquity
doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken
out of the way.
8And
then
shall
that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with
the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his
coming:
9Even
him,
whose
coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and
lying wonders,
10And
with
all
deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because
they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Amen. The Anti-Christ is now being held by a restrainer. Some understand
this to be God indwelling the church by the Holy Spirit, while others
see human government as the restraint. According to the former view, the
removal will be at the rapture of the church (1
Thessalonians 4:13-18) but, according to the latter, at the
overthrow of human government by the Ant-Christ himself. By looking
around at the world in which we live today, the wicked being praised and
the godly being thought of as "fanatics", it is all too clear that the
Anti-Christ can not be that far away from being revealed on the world
stage and, when that happens, I pray you are prepared, amen.
March 14, 2010
22The
LORD
possessed me
in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23I
was set up from
everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24When
there
were no depths, I
was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25Before
the
mountains were
settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26While
as
yet he had not made
the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the
world.
27When
he
prepared
the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face
of the depth:
28When
he
established
the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of
the deep:
29When
he
gave
to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his
commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30Then
I
was by him, as one
brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always
before him;
31Rejoicing
in
the
habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons
of men.
Amen. This section has often been interpreted Christologically, as
presenting a picture of Christ rather than simply the eternal character
of wisdom. The passage shows that wisdom is older than cr