The new week is continuing to show itself. The enemy awaits the right time to strike God’s people. Consider where God will be present during such times of spiritual conflict.
1 Peter 5:8, King James Version (KJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Psalm 22:3, King James Version (KJV)
3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
John 15:21, “…Yes Lord, You know that I love You…”
Adoration by Mike Adkins
Praise, we praise, praise, praise, Praise to the one who sent us his son
Praise, praise, praise, praise, In one accord we praise you oh Lord
There is no other name above you, Blessed Be Your Name
God of Jacob
Sheppard of Israel
Holy unto your name, Holy unto your name
Praise praise, praise, we praise, Praise to the one who sent us his son
Praise praise, praise, praise, In one accord we praise you oh Lord
Glory and Honour and Power, Unto the Lord our God, God of Abraham Faithful and true
Holy Holy are you, Holy Holy are you
Holy Holy is your name
Holy Holy is your name
Psalm 150, King James Version (KJV)
1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
God’s Holy Spirit continues to impress upon me the need to share the message of truth that relates to intimacy with Him. An intimate relationship with God the Father, through God the Son, is a must for anyone to attain eternal life with God. Once we have been born again, through that intimate relationship, our eternal life with God continues with the greatest of intimacy that can be imagined, “forever and ever.”
John 17:3
King James Version (KJV)
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Ephesians 3:20
King James Version (KJV)
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Psalm 16:11
King James Version (KJV)
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Consider the following conversation between Jesus and Peter.
John 21:15
New King James Version (NKJV)
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
Jesus said to Peter, “Do you love me?”
Peter said to Jesus, “Yes Lord …. I love you.”
What is your response to our Lord’s question to you, “do you love me?”
Now, let’s consider the intimacy of the worship song that follows.
Liz Conner
In The Presence Of Jehovah
First Baptist Church, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Today has been a very emotionally dragging day. I have been burdened by the knowledge that masses of people will spend eternity in Hell, separated from our Holy God, for eternity. I also am burdened by the fact that many people who are born again feel separated from God while, in fact, they are in His presence. Consider the following scriptures that tell you of your state in, and for, eternity.
John 3:16-18
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
These verses explain our condition. If we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have been born again, and we are guaranteed to have eternal life with Him. But, if we don’t have that saving belief,we are in a present and eternal state of judgement, separated from the one and only Holy God (Father, Son, Spirit).
John 14:16-20
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Role of the Spirit
16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. 20 In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.
In this passage, we see the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity. We see that when we have been born again that: (vs 20), “I (Jesus) am in My Father, and you in Me, and I (Jesus) in you. The significance of this passage is that if we have been born again, our spirit is indwelling the Spirit of God, and is in His immediate presence. That presence will never change to exist for those of us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
John 10:27-30
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
“No one will snatch them out of My hand (vs 28); that includes “you,” who have been born again.”
“I (Jesus) and the Father are one (vs 30). When we have been born again, we are in the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
Now, let’s listen to the very soul-stirring song, through which Chonda Pierce tells us of being “In The Presence Of Jehovah.” May decisions, that are needed to unite unbelievers with Christ, be made as the Spirit of God is drawing unbelievers to saving faith in Jesus.
In The Presence Of Jehovah
Chonda Pierce
“…Yes, Lord; You know that I love You…” (John 15:21)
Consider the words of this verse of scripture of scripture, 1 John 3:9. They are very important for all believers in Christ to understand. Also, review my post on the Spirit, Soul, and Body (061114) for ideas relate to this passage.
1. No one who is born of God practices sin.
2. His seed abides in him.
3. he cannot sin.
4. he is born of God.
Conclusion.
The conclusion will be posted at a later date. Please consider the facts that are posted in Blog Post 061114, as they relate to 1,2,3,4 above.
Write your thoughts next to the words of 1,2,3,4. I’ll write my responses in an upcoming post, and will email my thoughts to those, whose email addresses have been provided to me.
Emphasis.
1 John 3:9 is a verse of scripture that explains the sin and redemption situation of all believers. It is a passage that will help you to be better able to explain the why believers in Christ still sin after they have been born again. The passage also shows the protection that born again believers have from falling out of God’s grace.
Now, let us worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus, as we are blessed by soloist, Alexandria Duarte, of First Baptist Church in Panama City, Florida, USA.
Alexandria Duarte, Soloist
He’s An On-time God
First Baptist Church, Panama City, FL
Senior Pastor, Dr. Craig Conner
Southern Baptist Convention
Philippians 2:9-11
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
It is Thursday evening. The Day of Preparation began at sunset, and will continue until sunset on Friday. At that time, the Lord’s Sabbath will begin. On Saturday evening at sunset, the Lord’s Day, the first day of the week will begin and will last for twenty-four hours. The majority of Christian congregations meet corporately on the Lords’ Day, usually on Sunday morning. Our church has made a decision to meet as a body on Friday evening, during the time that The Day of Preparation ends and the Lord’s Sabbath begins. By having a Friday evening Sabbath time of worship, we offer an alternative for those who may not be able to attend other worship services on Sunday mornings, or who may desire another day of corporate worship. There is no scriptural basis for identifying any day, over any other day, for a meeting of the saints for worship. If there is thought that God has selected a specific day for corporate worship, there must be a total observance of such a day, with no deviations. So, either all of the world must meet corporately on one particular day, or it must not. It is quite easy to consider the reasons why such a defined day of worship is not contained within God’s Holy Word, and would be a burden for much of God’s people. Please consider:
Mark 2:27, Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)
27 Then he said to them, “Shabbat was made for mankind, not mankind for Shabbat;
Mark 2:27, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
27 Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath
Sermon and Lesson Outline for Friday Evening Sabbath Worship, “You’ve Been Born Again, Now What!”
John 3:1-8, The Message (MSG)
Born from Above, The New Birth
3 1-2 There was a man of the Pharisee sect, Nicodemus, a prominent leader among the Jews. Late one night he visited Jesus and said, “Rabbi, we all know you’re a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren’t in on it.”
3 Jesus said, “You’re absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it’s not possible to see what I’m pointing to—to God’s kingdom.”
4 “How can anyone,” said Nicodemus, “be born who has already been born and grown up? You can’t re-enter your mother’s womb and be born again. What are you saying with this ‘born-from-above’ talk?”
5-6 Jesus said, “You’re not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the ‘wind-hovering-over-the-water’ creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. When you look at a baby, it’s just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can’t see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit.
7-8 “So don’t be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be ‘born from above’—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit of God.”
John 3:1-8, J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)
Jesus and a religious leader
3 1-2 One night Nicodemus, a leading Jew and a Pharisee, came to see Jesus. “Master,” he began, “we realise that you are a teacher who has come from God. Obviously no one could show the signs that you show unless God were with him.”
3 “Believe me,” returned Jesus, “a man cannot even see the kingdom of God without being born again.”
4 “And how can a man who’s getting old possibly be born?” replied Nicodemus. “How can he go back into his mother’s womb and be born a second time?”
5-8 “I assure you,” said Jesus, “that unless a man is born from water and from spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Flesh gives birth to flesh and spirit gives birth to spirit: you must not be surprised that I told you that all of you must be born again. The wind blows where it likes, you can hear the sound of it but you have no idea where it comes from and where it goes. Nor can you tell how a man is born by the wind of the Spirit.”
John 3:1-8, New King James Version (NKJV)
The New Birth
1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 5:17, Amplified Bible (AMP),The Indwelling Of The Believer In Christ.
17 Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!
Colossians 1:26-27, Amplified Bible (AMP), The Indwelling Of Christ In The Believer.
26 The mystery of which was hidden for ages and generations from angels and men], but is now revealed to His holy people (the saints), 27 To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of [realizing the] glory.
1 John 1:5,The Message (MSG), Perfect Indwelling.
5 This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him.
A Born Again Spirit Is Able To Indwell The Spirit Of Christ, Because in it (the born again spirit) there is no sin(darkness).Until the rapture of the church, the body and soul are waiting to be made perfect and be able to be in the presence of God along with the already abiding spirit (1 Corinthians 4:50-54, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
1 John 3:9, Complete Jewish Bible (CJB), A Perfect Spirit Can Not Sin.
9 No one who has God as his Father keeps on sinning, because the seed planted by God remains in him. That is, he cannot continue sinning, because he has God as his Father.
A Perfect Spirit Can Not Sin. The seed represents the newborn spirit; it can not sin. The body and soul that contain the newborspirit have not been born again, and are capable of sinning; they have not been born again; they are still sinful, until they are translated and made perfect (1 Corinthians 15:50-54, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
John 10:27-30, Complete Jewish Bible (CJB), A Born Again Spirit Is Secure In Christ.
27 My sheep listen to my voice, I recognize them, they follow me, 28 and I give them eternal life. They will absolutely never be destroyed, and no one will snatch them from my hands. 29 My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no one can snatch them from the Father’s hands. 30 I and the Father are one.”
The born again spirit is secure in Christ, and can not be taken from the indwelling that it has in Christ. That born again spirit is eternally secure in Christ. A born again spirit can not become “unborn again.” The deity of Jesus is explained, “I and the Father are one.”
John 14:8-21, Complete Jewish Bible (CJB), The Complete Indwelling.
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it will be enough for us.” 9 Yeshua replied to him, “Have I been with you so long without your knowing me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am united with the Father, and the Father united with me? What I am telling you, I am not saying on my own initiative; the Father living in me is doing his own works. 11 Trust me, that I am united with the Father, and the Father united with me. But if you can’t, then trust because of the works themselves. 12 Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever trusts in me will also do the works I do! Indeed, he will do greater ones, because I am going to the Father. 13 In fact, whatever you ask for in my name, I will do; so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me for something in my name, I will do it. 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commands; 16 and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another comforting Counselor like me, the Spirit of Truth, to be with you forever. 17 The world cannot receive him, because it neither sees nor knows him. You know him, because he is staying with you and will be united with you. 18 I will not leave you orphans — I am coming to you. 19 In just a little while, the world will no longer see me; but you will see me. Because I live, you too will live. 20 When that day comes, you will know that I am united with my Father, and you with me, and I with you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me, and the one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”
The Indwelling Of The Father, Son, Spirit, and Born-Again believer is shown, as well as the Trinity.
Now, let us worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus, as we are blessed by soloist and pianist, Alexandria Duarte, of First Baptist Church in Panama City, Florida, USA.
Alexandria Duarte, Soloist
The King Of All Of Me
First Baptist Church, Panama City, FL
Senior Pastor, Dr. Craig Conner
Southern Baptist Convention
1 Corinthians 2:9, 21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
9 But 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.”
Jesus had ascended into Heaven. His apostles, plus one hundred twenty other of His Jewish believers, had spent ten days praying in an upper room, waiting for the promised descent of the Holy Spirit. The events of the Day of Pentecost immediately followed. The Apostle Peter spoke the first gospel message of the Christian dispensation. Three thousand unbelieving Jews accepted Jesus as their Lord and and Savior on that day. So, now what did these first believers in Christ do? Consider the following verses.
Acts 2:42-47, Revised Standard Version (RSV)
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
The new believers in Jesus were still Jews. They were not going to show a lack of respect for Judaism, so they still met daily in the temple. But, because they had a new call on their lives, they met in their homes for the teaching of the apostles, for fellowship, for fellowship meals with a remembrance of the Lords’ death, burial, and resurrection, and for prayers. The home church movement was not one of design, but of necessity. There were no established congregations of any sect or denomination. These early disciples were “grass roots” Christians.
Consider the world today. There are many believers in Christ who have no place of worship to attend. Some may feel alienated from their home churches, because of any number of reasons. Others may feel the need to establish a cell group that will be able to meet the needs of believers and non-believers in a way that a formal congregation may not be able to do. Members who are very satisfied with their churches of membership, may sense a need to form a cell group in their home that will minister to their friends and family members. There are women who feel led to
minister to other women, but need support for that call that they feel on their life. The list is endless.
This ministry is actively involved in supporting cell groups and home churches. Such groups provide a place of fellowship that is very simple in its focus. The teaching of God’s Word, and fellowship of the saints, may be built around a fellowship meal that has a focus on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Please consider, and pray about, such a small group that may be planted in your home, or other meeting place. Our church plant is built on that pattern, and would love to help other groups to successfully minister the simple message of Jesus.
Anne Graham Lotz leads “Angel Ministries,” which provides a tremendous ministry to women. Consider her basic message of “Jesus,” as she is accompanied by acclaimed pianist Fernando Ortega, who is also seen in the following video. May our Lord Jesus lead many other people to provide such simple forms of ministry to people who are hurting and needing the love of our Lord and Savior in their lives.
Just Give Me Jesus
Isaiah 6:1-8, American Standard Version (ASV)
6 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple.
2 Above him stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, Jehovah of hosts.
6 Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
7 and he touched my mouth with it, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin forgiven.
8 And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me.
As I have said in prior writings, the purpose of my posts is to help to “equip the saints,” “for the work of ministry,” “for the building up of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12). One of the major problems in the equipping process is caused by confusion and divisiveness within the church of Christ (not denomination), especially as it relates to, “The Lord’s Supper, The Last Supper, The Communion, The Breaking Of Bread, The Eucharist.” There are terms such as, “open communion, closed communion, transubstantiation, and consubstantiation.” Then, there are differing views as to the frequency of taking “the communion,” which vary from weekly, to twice monthly, to monthly, to quarterly, to annually, and to annually served on a Tuesday night. The problem is not necessarily the frequency that “dictates” how often we remember the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord’s death, but to “changing” how often we can “take the communion.” Consider the following verses of scripture as they relate to scriptural truth, and to they way that God relates to us.
John 8:32, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
Matthew 15:8-9. Amplified Bible (AMP)
8 These people draw near Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me.
9 Uselessly do they worship Me, for they teach as doctrines the commands of men.
Mark 2:27, New King James Version (NKJV)
27 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.
Considerations
John Calvin expressed his view of communion, as follows: “…the Lord’s Supper is also “a bond of love” intended to produce mutual love among believers. It is to inspire thanksgiving and gratitude.” (by Keith Mathison, Reformation Bible College)
The view of Martin Luther was that of “consubstantiation.”
Question: “What is consubstantiation?”
Answer: Consubstantiation is the view that the bread and wine of Communion / the Lord’s Supper are spiritually the flesh and blood of Jesus, yet the bread and wine are still actually only bread and wine. In this way, it is different from transubstantiation, in which the bread and the wine are believed to actually become the body and blood of Jesus. Transubstantiation is a Roman Catholic dogma that stretches back to the earliest years of that church, while consubstantiation is relatively new, arising out of the Protestant Reformation. Consubstantiation essentially teaches that Jesus is “with, in, and under” the bread and wine, but is not literally the bread and wine.
Martin Luther, the founder of the Protestant Reformation, was a Roman Catholic priest who was fed up with the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church and wanted to reform the church so it could return to its roots. Luther learned all about the doctrine of transubstantiation in his theological training, and it made up part of his belief system because, as a priest, he celebrated the Mass many times, and the dogma of transubstantiation is central to the Roman Catholic Mass.
The view of the Roman Catholic Church is that of “transubstantiation.”
Question: “What is transubstantiation?”
Answer: Transubstantiation is a doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines this doctrine in section 1376:
“The Council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith by declaring: ‘Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly his body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been the conviction of the Church of God, and this holy Council now declares again, that by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation.’”
In other words, the Roman Catholic Church teaches that once an ordained priest blesses the bread of the Lord’s Supper, it is transformed into the actual flesh of Christ (though it retains the appearance, odor, and taste of bread); and when he blesses the wine, it is transformed into the actual blood of Christ (though it retains the appearance, odor, and taste of wine).
“With all of the “stuff” that I have written on “the communion,” please let me say this!” Folks, please give me a break! All that I want to do is to remember the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.”
Solution
Yes. We really need a solution to something that is so very easy to figure out, but has been so terribly made to be confused. So! How about if we go to the place where we can solve this problem. “The Bible! God’s Holy Word,” is the place to go for Godly matters. We will use scripture to interpret scripture. That is always a safe thing to do. The following discussion is lengthy, but it is worth your time to study it, very carefully. You may find repetition, but that will strengthen the subject that is being discussed.
Scriptures of Passover, The Lord’s Supper, The Last Supper, Breaking Bread, Communion
Exodus 12:1-13, New King James Version (NKJV)
3 Speak to all the congregation of Israel,
The Passover Instituted
12 Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 “This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you. 3 Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household. 4 And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the persons; according to each man’s need you shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6 Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. 7 And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. 8 Then they shall eat the flesh on that night; roasted in fire, with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. 9 Do not eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted in fire—its head with its legs and its entrails. 10 You shall let none of it remain until morning, and what remains of it until morning you shall burn with fire. 11 And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover.
12 ‘For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. 13 Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
In verse 3 of this passage, we see that God is speaking to Jews, and not to Gentiles, about their responsibility for keeping the Feast of Passover.
Exodus 12:14-21(Feast Of Unleavened Bread), New King James Version (NKJV)
14 ‘So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance. 15 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses. For whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. 16 On the first day there shall be a holy convocation, and on the seventh day there shall be a holy convocation for you. No manner of work shall be done on them; but that which everyone must eat—that only may be prepared by you. 17 So you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this same day I will have brought your armies out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day throughout your generations as an everlasting ordinance. 18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. 19 For seven days no leaven shall be found in your houses, since whoever eats what is leavened, that same person shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a stranger or a native of the land. 20 You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread.’”
In verse 14 of this passage, we see that God is speaking to Jews, and not to Gentiles, about their responsibility for keeping the Feast Of Unleavened Bread. After the day of Passover ends, Unleavened Bread immediately follows it for a period of seven days.
Exodus 12:42-49 (Passover), New King James Version (NKJV)
42 It is a night of solemn observance to the Lord for bringing them out of the land of Egypt. This is that night of the Lord, a solemn observance for all the children of Israel throughout their generations.
In verse 42, we see that God is telling the Jews, and not Gentiles, to observe a solemn observance of Passover.
Passover Regulations
43 And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the ordinance of the Passover: No foreigner shall eat it.44 But every man’s servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then he may eat it. 45 A sojourner and a hired servant shall not eat it. 46 In one house it shall be eaten; you shall not carry any of the flesh outside the house, nor shall you break one of its bones. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.48 And when a stranger dwells with you and wants to keep the Passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as a native of the land. For no uncircumcised person shall eat it. 49 One law shall be for the native-born and for the stranger who dwells among you.”
In 47, all Jews are directed to observe Passover. There are no exceptions and no exclusions for the Jews. Others who dwell among the Jews are also required to observe Passover, but they must be circumcised, which would exclude female Gentiles.
Exodus 23:14-17, New King James Version (NKJV)
Three Annual Feasts
14 “Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year: 15 You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (you shall eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt; none shall appear before Me empty); 16 and the Feast of Harvest, the first fruits of your labors which you have sown in the field; and the Feast of In-gathering at the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors from the field. 17 “Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God.
We will now discuss the relationship that exists between the feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread, with Communion, The Lords Supper, and Breaking Of Bread.
A.D. 33 (Passover)
Matthew 26:17-25
Jesus Celebrates Passover With His Disciples
17 Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”
18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.”’”
19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.
20 When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. 21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?”
23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.”
Matthew 26:17-25, My thoughts
As is clearly seen, all of the disciples are present. There were no exclusions, and no exceptions. We can also see that Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was present. Notice, also, that the setting was that of a meal. Notice also (John 13:2-5, 11-12) that it was during the Passover Seder/Meal that Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, including the feet of Judas. It should also be considered that a meal has an air of intimacy. With the exception of Judas, there was a great love among the disciples for each other. For us, consider what it would be like to have a meal with someone, or someones, where there would be adversity and conflict. The Passover meals were joyous times of uniting of minds of Jews, in a common purpose for remembering all that God had done for them in bringing them out of the bondage that they had suffered as slaves in Egypt. Again, consider the intimacy of the meal, and that there were no exclusions or exceptions. All of the Jews participated in the celebration and meal of Passover.
Just as any religious Jew would do, Jesus celebrated Passover. His twelve disciples celebrated it with Him, and ate a Passover seder (meal). They recalled the deliverance of the Jews from Egypt. There were no exclusions of any of the disciples, including Judas Iscariot.
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said,“Take, eat; this is My body.”
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 26:26-30, My thoughts
It was during the Passover meal, when Jews reflect on their deliverance from bondage in Egypt, that Jesus took the opportunity to tell of his soon coming and imminent death. He used the bread and wine that were used during the meal to explain the state that would be of His body and blood, as a result of His dying on the cross the next day, which we call Good Friday. This event would occur before the beginning of Sabbath (Friday at sundown). It is important to know that Jesus didn’t use a small wafer of bread when He said, “Take, eat, this is My body.” Neither did He use a small sip of wine when He said, “Drink from it, all of you.” Jesus took bread and wine from the table where they were sharing the meal. The food on the table did not suddenly become the literal body and blood of Jesus. “Transubstantiation” is the suggested change whereby, according to Catholic doctrine, the bread and wine that are used in the sacrament of the Eucharist become the body and blood of Christ. Again, the bread and wine that Jesus used, as He instituted the Lord’s Supper, were taken from the table where all of the other Passover food items had been placed. Also, Jesus was not “holding Himself and eating of His own body,” and was not “drinking His own blood,” as he was telling of his impending death. A final item that should be emphasized is that Jesus did not separate the Passover meal from the moment that He began to tell of His death. The occasion was that of a meal, a continuous meal, where bread and wine were taken from the table. There were no rules for the meal, other than the normal procedures of the Passover Seder. There were no statements that had been made known about who would not be allowed to participate in the meal. Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28: Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”(New Living Translation). Notice also, that the meal took place in the evening of Thursday, the day before His crucifixion. This day is also called Holy Thursday and Maunday Thursday, which is the day before Good Friday. It should also be noted that “The Day Of Preparation” (John 19:31), refers to Friday, the day before, or the ‘preparation’ day for, the Sabbath.
Comment: It was during the Passover meal, that Jesus spoke of His imminent death on the cross. He used the bread and wine, that were items for consumption in the seder. They would refer to His body, that would be crucified on a cross, and to his blood that would be shed. Then, he looked ahead to the time when, in the Kingdom of God (The Millennium, the thousand year reign of Christ) that He would partake of the Passover again. There were no exclusions of any of the disciples, including Judas Iscariot. Neither had there ever been any rules as to anyone being “unworthy” to partake of the passover meal, or to this passover specifically, when Jesus speaks of his soon to occur death on the cross.
Comment: A sermon begins as we consider the Breaking Of Bread. Repetition will be obvious. In this sermon, the use of repetition is used to reinforce topics that appear not to have been taught in the church on a large and effective basis. Notice, also, that the sermon is conversational. The ideas that come to my mind are typed and placed in the sermon. As you read the scriptures that relate to “Communion, The Breaking Of Bread, The Lord’s Supper,” you will notice that they all relate to the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, and are not inventions of the apostles, or of the New Testament Church. The message, and the procedure, all relate back to the Last Supper of the Passover (Matthew 26:17-30), and also to the meal that took place at the end of the trip to Emmaus where Jesus “broke bread” before Cleopas and other believers (Luke 24:1-52). Because the disciples of Jesus were Jews, we should consider their lives as they relate to the feasts that they celebrated before, and after, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The time line is important to our study, as is the comparison of the cities that will be discussed. My personal comments will always be clearly marked as such. Hopefully we will have the mindset of the Bereans, in Acts 17:11. New International Version “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”This sermon covers a time frame from A.D. 33 to A.D. 59. The events that will be discussed range from Jerusalem to Corinth.
A.D. 33 (After The Resurrection)
Luke 24:13-27
The Road to Emmaus
13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.
17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”
18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?”
19 And He said to them, “What things?”
So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.”
25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
Luke 24:13-27, My Thoughts
Jesus comes upon two disciples who are walking to Emmaus; they are prevented by Jesus from recognizing Him. The three of them engage in conversation as they walk. The disciples discuss the events of the crucifixion of Jesus, the death, burial, and resurrection. At that point in the conversation, Jesus uses Old Testament scriptures to explain that those same scriptures identify Him as being the prophesied Messiah.
Luke 24:28-35
The Disciples’ Eyes Opened
28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them.
30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.
32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.
Luke 24:28-35, My Thoughts
As the journey ends in Emmaus, the disciples invite Jesus to stay with them. It was the evening of the day, on Sunday, the first day of the week, on the same day that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. An evening meal is set before Jesus and those who are with Him. As with the Passover Meal, Jesus took bread from the meal table, just as He did on Thursday evening, and blessed it and gave the bread to those who were present. Jesus didn’t use little pieces of bread wafers. Nothing was said about those who should not “come around the Lord’s table.” There was not a “set aside” moment, that was separate from the meal, when Jesus broke the bread. All of this was a part of a meal. It was during this “meal,” as Jesus blessed the bread from the table, and gave it to the other people, that He was made known to them. The term, “breaking of bread,” will become a common name for the fellowship meals that believers will begin to share. During such fellowship meals, remembrance will be made of the death of Jesus. It is important to notice that the food items were locally procured. Jesus did not say that the bread was turning into his body. Though the wine was not mentioned, neither was the turning of the wine to blood mentioned by Jesus. He said nothing about anyone participating in an unworthy manner.
A.D. 33 (Day Of Pentecost Follow up)
Acts 2:40-47
A Vital Church Grows
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:40-47, My Thoughts
Three thousand Jews, who were present for the Feast Of Pentecost, had come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It is important to identify them as “believing Jews.” Jews who had not come to that belief should be called “unbelieving Jews.” Still, religious Jews, whether they were “believing” or “unbelieving” Jews, had great respect for their Jewish heritage. The believing Jews continued to attend the temple worship services, but they also met as believers in Christ in their homes. They had meals in each others’ homes where they, “broke bread,” just as had taken place in Luke 24:28-35. Key words are seen in this passage. The believers had “all things in common.” “Common,” relates to communion. The bread and wine were not seen as being, “the communion.” The believers were “the communion.” In the 1960s and 70s, there were “communes” of people who lived together and had all of their things “in common.” The Episcopal Church has a group of believers who belong to the “Anglican Communion.” There were no rules as to who should not be allowed to participate in these fellowship meals. There was a daily sharing of the fellowship meals, but there was no “set aside” of a separate “wafer of bread” and “sip of wine” being identified as “the communion,” “the Lord’s Supper,” or “the Eucharist.” The bread of the meal that was placed on the tables did not become the literal “body of Christ.” The wine of the meal that was placed on the tables did not become the literal “blood of Christ.” There was no particular schedule that was stated for, “the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers,” other than that the believers were “steadfast” in those things. Also, notice in verse 46, “they ate their food.” That reiterates the fact that it was during fellowship meals that the death of Christ was remembered, and was not just the sharing of bread wafers and sips of wine. It is also important to understand that the believing Jews did not automatically build “The First Baptist Church Of Jerusalem,” or any other such named congregation, and place their membership in such places. Home churches were not a direct design for churches to follow; they were appropriate for the time. The difference that existed in the lives of the believing Jews was that they had come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Verse 42 has been cited to show that the early church had “the communion” as a regular part of their church services. That verse does not make that point. It is very clear in its meaning. Those who had come to saving faith in Jesus followed the teachings of the apostles. They maintained a fellowship with other believers. They “broke bread,” shared fellowship meals. They prayed. But, also remember that these Jews, who were new to belief in Jesus, were still Jews. They still went to the temple, but also met outside of the temple as believers in Christ. There is a problem that exists for Jewish believers today, who do not fellowship with other believers of Jesus; they don’t receive the blessings of the teachings of Jesus. It is important to notice that there is no mention of people who may, or may not, have been invited to the fellowship meals. Neither is there any mention of the precaution against taking the meal “unworthily.” Nor was there any mention that the bread and wine had turned into the body and blood of Jesus. The house church is the design that is shown here. It was not of design, but more of necessity. The early believers met wherever it was possible for them to do so. Please consider your own home church cell group. This ministry will be very happy to assist you if you make that decision.
A.D. 59
Acts 20:7
Ministering at Troas
7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.
Acts 20:7, My Thoughts
The breaking of bread accompanied the preaching by the Apostle Paul. This occurred on the first day of the week, which was Sunday. The meeting appears to have occurred in the evening of the day. There is nothing that is stated that indicates that the breaking of bread was any different than that which took place in Acts 2:42-46. There, the believers had a fellowship meal, during which time the death of Jesus was remembered. Neither were there any statements about anyone that should be excluded from the fellowship meal, which was the “breaking of bread.” The bread was part of the meal, as was the wine. This “breaking of bread” did not consist of small wafers of bread or and sips of wine, that were used outside of the fellowship meal to remember the Lord’s death. There was no precaution against taking the meal in an “unworthy manner,” or of the bread and wine becoming the body and blood of Jesus.
A.D. 59
1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Immorality Defiles the Church
5 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
1 Corinthians 5:1-8, My Thoughts
The city of Corinth was one that was morally corrupt. It was widely known for its indulgences in sensual pleasures and scandalous activities that involved illicit sex and drunkenness. Some of these same sins were common among members of the church in Corinth, which included incest. There were many religious prostitutes who lived and worked there; they went into the city in the evening to offer “their services” each evening. The Corinthian church was full of worldliness and would not separate itself from the culture that surrounded it. The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Corinthian church to instruct the faithful members of that church to break fellowship with those who were disobedient and unrepentant, and also to put them out of the church. Whenever a church becomes an embarrassment within any community, and begins to look like the sinful world, corrective actions must be taken by the church or there will be no clear difference between that apostate church and the world. In this passage, we can seen specific problems within that church. Sexual immorality, including incest (vs 1); selfish pride, and an unwillingness of the church to remove the incestuous man from the church (vs 2). Paul related the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the way that the Church at Corinth should live its daily life. Sinful lifestyles should be replaced with lifestyles of Holiness. It is important to notice that the problem that Paul is addressing is one that had taken root in the church as a corporate body. It was not just one person’s sinful lifestyle choices that had made the church repulsive, even to the Gentiles (unbelievers).
1 Corinthians 11:17-22
Conduct at the Fellowship Meal
17 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper.21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk.22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.
1 Corinthians 11:17-22, My Thoughts
The Apostle Paul continues with his objections that relate to the Corinthian church. There was nothing good about that church’s coming together as a body; instead it was seen to be a bad thing (vs 17). There were severe divisions within the church, as opposed to a church that was unified in a common purpose to worship God (vs 18). The Corinthian church came together to “break bread,” which was a fellowship meal. That gathering was far from that which occurred in the example that is shown in Acts 2:42-47. There was no unity of purpose for the “communion of the saints.” (vs 20). Some people ate their meal before others arrived. Consequently, not all people who were hungry found enough, if any, food to eat. Notice that it was not a “set aside” of wafers of bread, but a meal which was served. And, as is shown, people were getting drunk because of their over indulgence in the drinking of the wine. The drunkenness did not come from “a sip of wine,” but from the beverage that was served during the meal (vs 21). If the Corinthians could not have a fellowship meal in manner that was respectful, to their fellow believers and to God, they should just have their meals at their own homes. There was nothing about the way the Corinthians had their fellowship meals, “the breaking of bread,” that Paul found to be worthy of his praise (vs 22).
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Paul Remembers the Last Supper
23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26, My Comments
As we see in the Last Supper, “The Passover Meal,” (Matthew 26:26-28), it was during that meal that Jesus took time to tell of His soon to be death on the cross. It was also during the “breaking of bread,” the fellowship meal, that there was also a time for the remembrance of the death of Jesus on the cross. Notice that the Corinthians did not have a “set aside” time, which was held outside of the fellowship meal, that small wafers of bread, and sips of wine, were used to remember the death of Jesus. Paul repeats the Words of Jesus from the Passover. He used the words “my body, and my blood.” But, there was no Catholic priest present who could turn those elements into the literal body and blood of Jesus. Neither was there an apostle present during the times of great unrest in the church at Corinth. Either a Catholic priest must be present for such miracles, or it is not required. Either it is, or it is not! Also, the food items were procured locally. They came from the same table that held the other items of food. There was no miracle, just an illustration that was used to identify bread and wine with the body and blood of Jesus. This example of mine is in no way intended to show a lack of respect for Catholic priests. It is only made to illustrate truth.
1 Corinthians 11:27-34
27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.
1 Corinthians 11:27-34, My Thoughts
The question that should be raised as we read this passage is one that refers to verse 29, as it relates to “an unworthy manner.” Leading up to this point in scripture, there was nothing written that was relative to “who may, or may not” participate in a fellowship meal. The problems of the Corinthian church had nothing to do with sharing a meal, or remembering the death of Jesus. Notice, also, that the problems were corporate and not necessarily individual. The bread and wine of the fellowship meals were not “the ark of the covenant.” The context of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians does not change. In Matthew 11:28, we read, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” So, we’re told that we should come to Jesus when we have a problem, but many of us have been taught that if we have certain “unknown” problems, and if we come “around His table” that He will strike us dead. None of us are ever worthy of anything of God. It is in our weak times that we need the fellowship of the body of Christ, which is the true communion. But, let’s consider the word “unworthy.” If the context of Paul’s message had changed, has there ever been published, for all to read, a list of offenses for which we may have committed, which if we have committed them, will keep us from participating in a meal with other believers, and which will prevent us from remembering the Lord’s death among those same believers, with the penalty of death? (a long run-on sentence, but it is difficult to separate it). God has ways of dealing with those who are embarrassments to His church. Consider Acts 5:1-11. The deaths of Annanias and Sapphira had nothing to do with “the breaking of bread,” participation in a fellowship meal, or remembering the death of Jesus. Their penalty for lying to the Holy Spirit served a purpose that is written in Acts 5:11: “So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. The punishments of sickness and death that happened to the Corinthian believers also created great fear among their congregation. It is very clear that the fellowship meal occurred prior to the meeting of the church service. It is also clear that the Corinthians took time during the meal to remember the death of Jesus. The problem was that the church at Corinth resembled the sinful outside world more than it did a true church having a love feast. The total lack of love of one Corinthian believer for another was so great that God intervened with punishment that included death. It was not a situation of Corinthians having had a bad thought during the past week.
Thoughts to consider. Believers in Jesus can remember His death on the cross outside of a fellowship meal. Small wafers of bread and small sips of grape juice or wine can be used to focus on the broken body and shed blood of our Lord and Savior. There is no frequency that is scripturally stated for “a communion service,” or for a fellowship meal. It is important, though, for us not to put unscriptural requirements for participation in such times of “breaking bread.” Let us consider the words of the following song of breaking bread. The early church shared in a fellowship meal. During that meal they remembered the death of Jesus on the cross. They did it “together.” They “were” the communion. May we also be “the
communion.”
We began this discussion with scriptures on truth. Sometimes truth must be forcefully and heavily poured out. Sometimes it must be seasoned with grace, and lightly sprinkled. We face “a lot of stuff” in the world, and in the church. But, please let me say something that I hope will sprinkle down and season your understanding. “Just give me Jesus.”
The purpose of my posts is to help to “equip the saints,” “for the work of ministry,” “for the building up of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12). Through a study of the dispensations of the Bible, a great deal of knowledge will be attained by those who will thoroughly study that information. The information that was collected and published by Dr. C.I. Scofield is extremely helpful for all serious students of the Bible.
Scofield’s Notes
Learn the Bible Using C. I. Scofield’s Study Reference
For over 90 years people have relied on this reference work in their daily study of God’s Word. Written originally in 1909, C. I. Scofield’s intent was to provide a concise but complete tool that would meet the need of someone just beginning to read the Bible. Cyrus Scofield was born in Lenawee County, Michigan, but during the American Civil War after his conversion to evangelical Christianity in 1879, Scofield assisted in the St. Louis campaign conducted by Dwight L. Moody and in 1883 Scofield was ordained as a Congregationalist minister, and he accepted the pastorate of small mission church founded by that denomination.
Book of Genesis
Genesis 1:28
Bible Verse:
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Verse 28
DISPENSATION
A dispensation is a period of time during which man is tested in respect of obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God. Seven such dispensations are distinguished in Scripture. (See Scofield “Genesis 1:28”), note 5.
And God blessed them
The First Dispensation: Innocency. Man was created in innocency, placed in a perfect environment, subjected to an absolutely simple test, and warned of the consequence of disobedience. The woman fell through pride; the man deliberately. 1 Timothy 2:14 God restored His sinning creatures, but the dispensation of innocency ended in the judgment of the Expulsion Genesis 3:24
1 Timothy 2:14
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
Genesis 3:24
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
24 He drove out the man; and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
Now, let us worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus, as we are blessed by the five hundred member choir of Prestonwood Baptist Church. Consider the holiness of the song, and of the scripture that follows the song.
Threshold Of Glory
Prestonwood Baptist Church
Southern Baptist Convention
Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Dr. Jack Graham, Senior Pastor
Isaiah 6:1-8, American Standard Version (ASV)
6 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple.
2 Above him stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, Jehovah of hosts.
6 Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
7 and he touched my mouth with it, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin forgiven.
8 And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me.
As we read the Song of Solomon, three aspects of God’s love are present. The love of God for Israel is the direct intention of the Song. Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” The love of God for the Church is intended, due to the love that God has shown by the Words of Jesus, Matthew 16:18, “I will build My church..,” and Ephesians 5:22, “…He (Christ) gave Himself up for her (the church).” Also, the love of husbands and wives in marriage is seen, which is based on the following scriptures. (English Standard Version) Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the church..” Ephesians 5:22, “Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord…”. Consider the aggressive nature that God has expressed in His love for fallen mankind. Luke 19:10, “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” 1 Timothy 2:4, “(God) desires all people to be saved ..” Consider God, as being the loving father of the prodigal son in Luke 15:20: “And he arose and came to his father. But, while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” God actively seeks those who are lost. He desires all to be saved. He takes the initiative and runs toward those who are far from Him. In today’s vernacular, “God doesn’t play hard to get.”
Song of Songs 1:1-8, New International Version (NIV)
1 Solomon’s Song of Songs.
She[a]
2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
for your love is more delightful than wine.
3 Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;
your name is like perfume poured out.
No wonder the young women love you!
4 Take me away with you—let us hurry!
Let the king bring me into his chambers.
Friends
We rejoice and delight in you[b];
we will praise your love more than wine.
She
How right they are to adore you!
5 Dark am I, yet lovely,
daughters of Jerusalem,
dark like the tents of Kedar,
like the tent curtains of Solomon.[c]
6 Do not stare at me because I am dark,
because I am darkened by the sun.
My mother’s sons were angry with me
and made me take care of the vineyards;
my own vineyard I had to neglect.
7 Tell me, you whom I love,
where you graze your flock
and where you rest your sheep at midday.
Why should I be like a veiled woman
beside the flocks of your friends?
Friends
8 If you do not know, most beautiful of women,
follow the tracks of the sheep
and graze your young goats
by the tents of the shepherds.
The following notes of commentary are generously provided by Ligonier Ministries, and are contained in the Reformation Study Bible.
1:2–4 Third person expressions in 1:2 and 1:4 (“Let him kiss me . . . The king has brought me”) open and close the paragraph, which is otherwise in the second person (“your love . . . your name”). The girl oscillates between thinking about her absent lover and addressing him as though he were present.
1:4 The king has brought me. This is the first of five occurrences of the word “king” (1:4, 12; 3:9, 11; 7:5). Here in v. 4 there are two possibilities: either the king is Solomon, who has tried unsuccessfully to win the girl’s affections, or he is her lover, whom she romantically fantasizes as her king. The latter interpretation is to be preferred (see Introduction: Characteristics and Themes). The paragraph ends, as it began, with the girl referring to her absent lover in the third person (vv. 2–4 note).
We will exult and rejoice in you. The “daughters of Jerusalem” (v. 5) agree with the girl that the love of her lover is better than wine (v. 2).
1:5, 6 The girl responds to criticism of her complexion (v. 5, “I am very dark”) by the daughters of Jerusalem (5:10–16 note). She is deeply tanned because her brothers have made her work in the vineyards, and consequently she has not been able to care properly for her “own vineyard” (her body, v. 6).
tents of Kedar. The Bedouin tribes living on the edge of the deserts east of Israel made their tents of dark goat hair.
1:7 like one who veils herself. The word “veils” has the same negative connotations here as it does in Gen. 38:14, 15. The girl does not want to be mistaken for a prostitute.
1:8 most beautiful among women. Elsewhere in the Song this form of address is used only by the daughters of Jerusalem (5:9; 6:1).
Now, let us worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus, as we are blessed by the five hundred member choir of Prestonwood Baptist Church.
Praise His Holy Name
Prestonwood Baptist Church
Southern Baptist Convention
Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Dr. Jack Graham, Senior Pastor
Psalm 150:1-6, King James Version (KJV)
1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
Often times, as I am considering all of the blog world, and the people who following this blog around the globe, it is easy for me to get my dates confused. As I rose from last night’s I sleep, I realized that the day that greeted me was actually June 20, 2014, and not June 21, that I had stated on the post that I published last night (060914). I also realized that there two very important passages of scripture that I had omitted from that post. So, here it goes again. The added verses are Psalm 103:19 and Ezekiel 36:24-28. Also, another song of worship and praise is provided. But first, to those of you who are reading my thoughts on June 20, and prior to sunset, let me wish you a prosperous Day of Preparation and a blessed Lord’s Sabbath. John 19:13-42 shows a transition from the Day of Preparation on Friday morning, until the Sabbath Day, which began on that same Friday at sunset. That text also shows the events that led to the crucifixion and burial of Jesus on the Day of Preparation, before the arrival of the Sabbath, of that same day, Friday. Please be a Berean, Acts 17:11, as follows below.
Acts 17:11, New International Version (NIV)
11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
The following outline of scriptures is for our congregation’s June 20, 2014 Friday evening Sabbath time of worship.
God’s Purposes and Promises, June 20, 2014, Old Testament Scriptures.
Genesis 1:1, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Creation
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Psalm 103:19, 21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
19 The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens, and His Kingdom ruleth over all.
Genesis 3:14-15, New Life Version (NLV)
14 Then the Lord God said to the snake, “Because you have done this, you will be hated and will suffer more than all cattle, and more than every animal of the field. You will go on your stomach and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will make you and the woman hate each other, and your seed and her seed will hate each other. He will crush your head, and you will crush his heel.”
Genesis 12:1-3, New Living Translation (NLT)
The Call of Abram
12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 13:14-17, New Living Translation (NLT)
14 After Lot had gone, the Lord said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west. 15 I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants[a] as a permanent possession. 16 And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! 17 Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.”
Deuteronomy 7:6-9, New Living Translation (NLT)
6 For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.
7 “The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! 8 Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors. That is why the Lord rescued you with such a strong hand from your slavery and from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. 9 Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.
Ezekiel 36:24-28, New International Version (NIV)
24 “‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 28 Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.
God’s Purposes and Promises, June 20, 2014, New Testament Scriptures
John 4:22, English Standard Version (ESV)
22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
Romans 8:28-30, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
28 And we know that [a]God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
1 Peter 2:9, New King James Version (NKJV)
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Commentary, Reformation Study Bible, Generously provided by Ligonier Ministries, Buy the RSB now
Genesis 3
3:14 cursed. Cursed, the opposite of blessed (1:22and note), denotes a breaking of the serpent’s powers.
dust you shall eat all the days. Dust is the symbol of abject humiliation (Ps. 44:25; 72:9), an indignity lasting forever. Satan’s final defeat under the heel of the Messiah (v. 15) is delayed so that God’s program of redemption through the promised Seed of the woman may be accomplished
3:15 I will put enmity. God graciously converts the depraved woman’s affections from Satan to Himself.
your offspring and her offspring. Humanity is now divided into two communities: the redeemed, who love God, and the reprobate, who love self (John 8:33, 44; 1 John 3:8). The division finds immediate expression in the hostility of Cain against Abel (ch. 4). This prophecy finds ultimate fulfillment in the triumph of the Second Adam, and the community united with Him, over the forces of sin, death, and the devil (Dan. 7:13, 14;Rom. 5:12–19; 16:20; 1 Cor. 15:45–49; Heb. 2:14, 15).
Genesis 12
12:1 said. The call came to Abraham in Ur before his father died, not in Haran (15:7).
the land. The scope of this land grant will be progressively defined (12:7; 13:14–17; 15:18–21).
12:2 bless. Crucial elements of divine blessing and promise in Genesis—fruitfulness and dominion—are evident here and are further spelled out in 22:17(9:1 note).
make your name great. What the city builders at Babel sought in their own strength (11:4 note), God gave in sovereign grace. Subsequent history confirmed God’s promise—the great names of Abraham and David (2 Sam. 7:9) prefigured that of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:9–11).
you will be a blessing. This last occurrence of the verb “to bless” is an imperative. Abraham will not only be blessed, but is to be a blessing to others (v. 3).
12:3 bless those . . . him . . . I will curse. The extent of God’s merciful and gracious intention is indicated in the Hebrew by a switch from the plural object of blessing to the singular object of cursing. Many are to receive God’s blessing through the Seed of Abraham (18:18; Gal. 3:8;Rev. 7:9, 10).
those who bless. Those who acknowledge Abraham and his offspring as God’s agent of blessing.
him who dishonors you I will curse. The Hebrew words here translated “dishonors” and “curse” differ: the second means “to disdain”; the first often has the sense of “to weaken” (3:14). God will be an effective adversary of those who curse Abraham and his seed.
in you. In Jesus Christ, the Seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:16), and in the spiritual Israel of all ages united with Him (Gal. 3:29; Phil. 3:3 note), rather than in unbelieving ethnic Israel (John 8:39; Rom. 9:6–8).
shall be blessed. Some have argued that the Hebrew verb should be translated reflexively: “shall bless themselves” (i.e., will desire the blessing of Abraham). While grammatically possible, this proposed reading hardly does justice to the context of this divine promise, and the passive translation here (“be blessed”) presents no real linguistic difficulties. In addition, the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) rendered it as passive. We are fully justified in viewing this promise as a reference to God’s plan for the salvation of the world.
Genesis 13
13:14 look . . . westward. The Lord invited Moses to a similar panoramic overview of the land (Deut. 34:1–4). In each case, the invitation was given to confirm the promise to one who himself would not participate in dispossessing the Canaanites.
13:15 land . . . forever. See 12:1 and note. The promises of land were fulfilled several times but never consummated. God fulfilled the promise through Joshua (Josh. 21:43–45), but not completely (Josh. 13:1–7); even more so through David and Solomon (1 Kin. 4:20–25; Neh. 9:8), but still not completely (Ps. 95:11; Heb. 4:6–8; 11:39,40). As Israel’s Exodus from Egypt through the Passover (Ex. 12:1) is a type of the church’s exodus from the condemned world through Christ (1 Cor. 5:7; 10:1–4), so also old Israel’s life in the land is a type of New Israel’s life in Christ. Both are a gift (15:7, 18; Deut. 1:8; Rom. 6:23), and are received by faith (Num. 14:26–44; Josh. 7 and John 3:16). Both uniquely possess the blessed presence, life, and rest of God (Ex. 23:20–31; Deut. 11:12;12:9,10; 28:1–14; John 1:51; 14:9; Matt. 11:28), and demand persevering faith (Deut. 28:15–19;Heb. 6). The land promises are consummated forever in the new heaven and new earth (Heb. 11:39, 40; Rev. 21:1–22:6).
13:16 as the dust. See 32:12. The promise of offspring also finds fulfillment in old Israel (Num. 23:10; 1 Kin. 4:20; 2 Chr. 1:9) and consummation in the New Israel, composed of Jew and Gentile (12:3 and note; Rom. 4:16–18; Gal. 3:29; Rev. 7:9).
13:17 Arise, walk. According to ancient custom, a property transfer was finalized by the new owner’s visit to the tract. God commands Abraham to lay symbolic claim to the Promised Land (12:7 and note; Josh. 1:3; 18:4; 24:3).
Deuteronomy 7
7:8 loves you . . . keeping the oath. The election of Israel as a holy nation set apart for God (vv. 6,7) was grounded, not in any merit or intrinsic goodness in Israel, but in God’s love and in His faithfulness to the covenant promises made to the patriarchs (6:10). God’s election of the church is based on His oath to Jesus, the son of Abraham, the Son of God (Ps. 110:4; John 17:6). See “God’s Covenant of Grace” at Gen. 12:1.
Ezekiel 36
36:25 sprinkle. The sprinkling or pouring of water refers to the ritual purifications for removing religious defilement (Ex. 30:17–21; Lev. 14:52;Num. 19:17–19). It is also used as a symbol for the gift of God’s Spirit, in the anointing of kings and priests and in the prophetic call (Joel 2:28, 29). The outpouring of God’s Spirit is a sign of the messianic age (37:14; 39:29; Is. 42:1; 44:3; 59:21). This rich symbolism attaches to baptism in the New Testament. The language of vv. 25–27 is closely paralleled in Ps. 51:7–11.
36:26 new heart . . . new spirit. See 11:19 and note on 18:31. Instead of a heart of stone, unable to respond to God with love and obedience, God will provide a new heart and a new spirit. Note that these come as the result of divine initiative and not human attainment. Jeremiah describes the new covenant in the same way (Jer. 31:33; and Prov. 3:3; 7:3; Rom. 2:15, 29; 2 Cor. 3:3).
36:27 my Spirit. The new spirit would be the Spirit of God transforming those in whom He dwells and enabling them to obey the law of God. Cf. Rom. 7:6; 8:2–17; Gal. 5:16–18, 22; 1 John 3:24.
Romans 8
8:28 And we know. Christians assess the present in the light of their assurance about the future. As true Israelites, in whom the first and great commandment is fulfilled (Matt. 22:37, 38), our love for God is evoked by knowledge of His love for us (5:5–8).
called. Brought to faith (v. 30; cf. 1:6).
according to his purpose. The purpose of God guarantees “good” for His people. For them this is not necessarily ease and quiet, but being like Christ (vv. 17–23, 29). God’s providence rules in such a way as to ensure everything that happens to us is working for our ultimate good.
8:29 foreknew . . . predestined. See “The Purpose of God: Predestination and Foreknowledge” at Mal. 1:2. Vv. 29, 30 explain God’s “purpose” (v. 28). It is a plan of sovereign saving grace, entitling all who now believe to trace their faith and salvation back to an eternal decision by God to bring them to glory, and to look forward to that glory as a guaranteed certainty. The destiny appointed for believers (conformity to Christ and glorification with Him) flows from divine foreknowledge. Here it is persons, not facts or events, that God is said to foreknow. God does foresee events, but Paul’s point is that God has of His own initiative chosen the objects of His active, saving love. “Know” implies intimate personal relationship, not merely awareness of facts and circumstances (Gen. 4:1;Amos 3:2; Matt. 1:25); it is virtually the equivalent of “elect.”
8:30 Those predestined are, in due time, “called,” or effectively summoned through the gospel into saving fellowship with Christ (1:6; cf. 1 Cor. 1:9). We note that all of those “called” are also “justified.” The call cannot refer to the outward call of the gospel that many reject. It is an inward call of God that performs what He intends. All who are predestined are called in this way. Predestination includes God’s determination that a person will receive such an effective call (that is, the “effectual call”). Predestination is not based on God’s knowing beforehand how people will respond to the gospel. Just as the predestined are called, so the called are both justified and certain to be finally glorified. The past tense of “glorified” indicates that from God’s standpoint the work is as good as done. He will complete it as planned. See theological note “The Perseverance of the Saints.”
1 Peter 2 -The Priesthood of Believers; The Calling For Salvation And Service,The Anchor Holds Both Callings
2:9 But you. This marks a sharp contrast between the destiny of unbelievers (v. 8) and the status of the elect. The theme of God’s sovereign choice of both Christ and the church is prominent in this passage (vv. 6, 9).
that you may proclaim. The election and calling of God’s people is not only for salvation but for service as well. All believers are called to bear joyful witness to the saving acts of God.
Now, let us worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus, as we are blessed by the five hundred member choir of Prestonwood Baptist Church.
Unto The Lamb
Prestonwood Baptist Church
Southern Baptist Convention
Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Dr. Jack Graham, Senior Pastor
Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
The following outline of scriptures is for our congregation’s June 21, 2014 Friday evening Sabbath time of worship.
Genesis 1:1, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Creation
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 3:14-15, New Life Version (NLV)
14 Then the Lord God said to the snake, “Because you have done this, you will be hated and will suffer more than all cattle, and more than every animal of the field. You will go on your stomach and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will make you and the woman hate each other, and your seed and her seed will hate each other. He will crush your head, and you will crush his heel.”
Genesis 12:1-3, New Living Translation (NLT)
The Call of Abram
12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 13:14-17, New Living Translation (NLT)
14 After Lot had gone, the Lord said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west. 15 I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. 16 And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! 17 Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.”
Deuteronomy 7:6-9, New Living Translation (NLT)
6 For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.
7 “The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! 8 Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors. That is why the Lord rescued you with such a strong hand from your slavery and from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. 9 Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps
his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.
Compassion Church, God’s Purposes and Promises, June 20, 2014, New Testament Scriptures
John 4:22, English Standard Version (ESV)
22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
Romans 8:28-30, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
1 Peter 2:9, New King James Version (NKJV)
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Commentary, Reformation Study Bible, Generously provided by Ligonier Ministries, Buy the RSB now
Genesis 3
3:14 cursed. Cursed, the opposite of blessed (1:22and note), denotes a breaking of the serpent’s powers.
dust you shall eat all the days. Dust is the symbol of abject humiliation (Ps. 44:25; 72:9), an indignity lasting forever. Satan’s final defeat under the heel of the Messiah (v. 15) is delayed so that God’s program of redemption through the promised Seed of the woman may be accomplished
3:15 I will put enmity. God graciously converts the depraved woman’s affections from Satan to Himself.
your offspring and her offspring. Humanity is now divided into two communities: the redeemed, who love God, and the reprobate, who love self (John 8:33, 44; 1 John 3:8). The division finds immediate expression in the hostility of Cain against Abel (ch. 4). This prophecy finds ultimate fulfillment in the triumph of the Second Adam, and the community united with Him, over the forces of sin, death, and the devil (Dan. 7:13, 14;Rom. 5:12–19; 16:20; 1 Cor. 15:45–49; Heb. 2:14, 15).
Genesis 12
12:1 said. The call came to Abraham in Ur before his father died, not in Haran (15:7).
the land. The scope of this land grant will be progressively defined (12:7; 13:14–17; 15:18–21).
12:2 bless. Crucial elements of divine blessing and promise in Genesis—fruitfulness and dominion—are evident here and are further spelled out in 22:17(9:1 note).
make your name great. What the city builders at Babel sought in their own strength (11:4 note), God gave in sovereign grace. Subsequent history confirmed God’s promise—the great names of Abraham and David (2 Sam. 7:9) prefigured that of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:9–11).
you will be a blessing. This last occurrence of the verb “to bless” is an imperative. Abraham will not only be blessed, but is to be a blessing to others (v. 3).
12:3 bless those . . . him . . . I will curse. The extent of God’s merciful and gracious intention is indicated in the Hebrew by a switch from the plural object of blessing to the singular object of cursing. Many are to receive God’s blessing through the Seed of Abraham (18:18; Gal. 3:8;Rev. 7:9, 10).
those who bless. Those who acknowledge Abraham and his offspring as God’s agent of blessing.
him who dishonors you I will curse. The Hebrew words here translated “dishonors” and “curse” differ: the second means “to disdain”; the first often has the sense of “to weaken” (3:14). God will be an effective adversary of those who curse Abraham and his seed.
in you. In Jesus Christ, the Seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:16), and in the spiritual Israel of all ages united with Him (Gal. 3:29; Phil. 3:3 note), rather than in unbelieving ethnic Israel (John 8:39; Rom. 9:6–8).
shall be blessed. Some have argued that the Hebrew verb should be translated reflexively: “shall bless themselves” (i.e., will desire the blessing of Abraham). While grammatically possible, this proposed reading hardly does justice to the context of this divine promise, and the passive translation here (“be blessed”) presents no real linguistic difficulties. In addition, the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) rendered it as passive. We are fully justified in viewing this promise as a reference to God’s plan for the salvation of the world.
Genesis 13
13:14 look . . . westward. The Lord invited Moses to a similar panoramic overview of the land (Deut. 34:1–4). In each case, the invitation was given to confirm the promise to one who himself would not participate in dispossessing the Canaanites.
13:15 land . . . forever. See 12:1 and note. The promises of land were fulfilled several times but never consummated. God fulfilled the promise through Joshua (Josh. 21:43–45), but not completely (Josh. 13:1–7); even more so through David and Solomon (1 Kin. 4:20–25; Neh. 9:8), but still not completely (Ps. 95:11; Heb. 4:6–8; 11:39,40). As Israel’s Exodus from Egypt through the Passover (Ex. 12:1) is a type of the church’s exodus from the condemned world through Christ (1 Cor. 5:7; 10:1–4), so also old Israel’s life in the land is a type of New Israel’s life in Christ. Both are a gift (15:7, 18; Deut. 1:8; Rom. 6:23), and are received by faith (Num. 14:26–44; Josh. 7 and John 3:16). Both uniquely possess the blessed presence, life, and rest of God (Ex. 23:20–31; Deut. 11:12;12:9,10; 28:1–14; John 1:51; 14:9; Matt. 11:28), and demand persevering faith (Deut. 28:15–19;Heb. 6). The land promises are consummated forever in the new heaven and new earth (Heb. 11:39, 40; Rev. 21:1–22:6).
13:16 as the dust. See 32:12. The promise of offspring also finds fulfillment in old Israel (Num. 23:10; 1 Kin. 4:20; 2 Chr. 1:9) and consummation in the New Israel, composed of Jew and Gentile (12:3 and note; Rom. 4:16–18; Gal. 3:29; Rev. 7:9).
13:17 Arise, walk. According to ancient custom, a property transfer was finalized by the new owner’s visit to the tract. God commands Abraham to lay symbolic claim to the Promised Land (12:7 and note; Josh. 1:3; 18:4; 24:3).
Deuteronomy 7
7:8 loves you . . . keeping the oath. The election of Israel as a holy nation set apart for God (vv. 6,7) was grounded, not in any merit or intrinsic goodness in Israel, but in God’s love and in His faithfulness to the covenant promises made to the patriarchs (6:10). God’s election of the church is based on His oath to Jesus, the son of Abraham, the Son of God (Ps. 110:4; John 17:6). See “God’s Covenant of Grace” at Gen. 12:1.
Romans 8
8:28 And we know. Christians assess the present in the light of their assurance about the future. As true Israelites, in whom the first and great commandment is fulfilled (Matt. 22:37, 38), our love for God is evoked by knowledge of His love for us (5:5–8).
called. Brought to faith (v. 30; cf. 1:6).
according to his purpose. The purpose of God guarantees “good” for His people. For them this is not necessarily ease and quiet, but being like Christ (vv. 17–23, 29). God’s providence rules in such a way as to ensure everything that happens to us is working for our ultimate good.
8:29 foreknew . . . predestined. See “The Purpose of God: Predestination and Foreknowledge” at Mal. 1:2. Vv. 29, 30 explain God’s “purpose” (v. 28). It is a plan of sovereign saving grace, entitling all who now believe to trace their faith and salvation back to an eternal decision by God to bring them to glory, and to look forward to that glory as a guaranteed certainty. The destiny appointed for believers (conformity to Christ and glorification with Him) flows from divine foreknowledge. Here it is persons, not facts or events, that God is said to foreknow. God does foresee events, but Paul’s point is that God has of His own initiative chosen the objects of His active, saving love. “Know” implies intimate personal relationship, not merely awareness of facts and circumstances (Gen. 4:1;Amos 3:2; Matt. 1:25); it is virtually the equivalent of “elect.”
8:30 Those predestined are, in due time, “called,” or effectively summoned through the gospel into saving fellowship with Christ (1:6; cf. 1 Cor. 1:9). We note that all of those “called” are also “justified.” The call cannot refer to the outward call of the gospel that many reject. It is an inward call of God that performs what He intends. All who are predestined are called in this way. Predestination includes God’s determination that a person will receive such an effective call (that is, the “effectual call”). Predestination is not based on God’s knowing beforehand how people will respond to the gospel. Just as the predestined are called, so the called are both justified and certain to be finally glorified. The past tense of “glorified” indicates that from God’s standpoint the work is as good as done. He will complete it as planned. See theological note “The Perseverance of the Saints.”
1 Peter 2 -The Priesthood of Believers; The Calling For Salvation And Service,The Anchor Holds Both Callings
2:9 But you. This marks a sharp contrast between the destiny of unbelievers (v. 8) and the status of the elect. The theme of God’s sovereign choice of both Christ and the church is prominent in this passage (vv. 6, 9).
that you may proclaim. The election and calling of God’s people is not only for salvation but for service as well. All believers are called to bear joyful witness to the saving acts of God.
Now, let us worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus, as we are blessed by the five hundred member choir of Prestonwood Baptist Church.
There have been events that have caused me to write articles about internet security. I am going to encourage all of to very seriously consider anything, and everything, that you put on your blogs, web pages, emails, or anything else that can be gathered and used against you. Please know that nobody needs to know anything about you, other than what you want them to know about you. There must be a constant mindset of “need to know;” which means, “what do other people need to know about you?” I have cautioned people about the dangers of placing their names, addresses, and pictures of themselves on the web. Therefore, I am taking some extreme measures that are needed. I will not be making any comments on blog posts, and will not be responding to any comments that have been made in reference to any of my posts, or from emails that come from bloggers. I will be reading posts that come to me, and will be praying for my blog friends. But, until further notice, that is all that I will be doing. I am providing the following serious and detailed references to attacks that may come your way. Please consider them and protect yourselves.
1 Peter 5:8, Parallel Verses
New International Version
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
New Living Translation
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
English Standard Version
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
New American Standard Bible
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
King James Bible
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
International Standard Version
Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
NET Bible
Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Be alert, be reflective, because your enemy Satan roars like a lion and is walking and seeking whom he may devour.
GOD’S WORD® Translation
Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour.
Jubilee Bible 2000
Be temperate and vigilant because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour,
King James 2000 Bible
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:
American King James Version
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:
American Standard Version
Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,
Douay-Rheims Bible
Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour.
Darby Bible Translation
Be vigilant, watch. Your adversary [the] devil as a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour.
English Revised Version
Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Webster’s Bible Translation
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Weymouth New Testament
Curb every passion, and be on the alert. Your great accuser, the Devil, is going about like a roaring lion to see whom he can devour.
World English Bible
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Young’s Literal Translation
Be sober, vigilant, because your opponent the devil, as a roaring lion, doth walk about, seeking whom he may swallow up,
Parallel Commentaries
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
5:5-9 Humility preserves peace and order in all Christian churches and societies; pride disturbs them. Where God gives grace to be humble, he will give wisdom, faith, and holiness. To be humble, and subject to our reconciled God, will bring greater comfort to the soul than the gratification of pride and ambition. But it is to be in due time; not in thy fancied time, but God’s own wisely appointed time. Does he wait, and wilt not thou? What difficulties will not the firm belief of his wisdom, power, and goodness get over! Then be humble under his hand. Cast all you care; personal cares, family cares, cares for the present, and cares for the future, for yourselves, for others, for the church, on God. These are burdensome, and often very sinful, when they arise from unbelief and distrust, when they torture and distract the mind, unfit us for duties, and hinder our delight in the service of God. The remedy is, to cast our care upon God, and leave every event to his wise and gracious disposal. Firm belief that the Divine will and counsels are right, calms the spirit of a man. Truly the godly too often forget this, and fret themselves to no purpose. Refer all to God’s disposal. The golden mines of all spiritual comfort and good are wholly his, and the Spirit itself. Then, will he not furnish what is fit for us, if we humbly attend on him, and lay the care of providing for us, upon his wisdom and love? The whole design of Satan is to devour and destroy souls. He always is contriving whom he may insnare to eternal ruin. Our duty plainly is, to be sober; to govern both the outward and the inward man by the rules of temperance. To be vigilant; suspicious of constant danger from this spiritual enemy, watchful and diligent to prevent his designs. Be stedfast, or solid, by faith. A man cannot fight upon a quagmire, there is no standing without firm ground to tread upon; this faith alone furnishes. It lifts the soul to the firm advanced ground of the promises, and fixes it there. The consideration of what others suffer, is proper to encourage us to bear our share in any affliction; and in whatever form Satan assaults us, or by whatever means, we may know that our brethren experience the same.
Pulpit Commentary
Verse 8. – Be sober, be vigilant (comp. 1 Thessalonians 5:6). For the first word, νήψατε, see note on 1 Peter 4:7. The second γρηγόρησατε, is the word so often and so emphatically used by our Lord (Mark 13:35, 37; Matthew 26:40, 41, etc.). The imperatives are aorist, as in 1 Peter 4:7; and, as there, either imply that the exhortation was needed by the readers, or are used to express vividly the necessity of instant attention. Because your adversary the devil. The conjunction “because” is omitted in the best manuscripts. The asyndeten, as in the last clause, increases the emphasis. The word rendered “adversary” ἀντίδικος means properly an opponent in a lawsuit, as in Matthew 5:25; but it is also used generally for “adversary,” and so is a translation of the Hebrew word Satan. The word διάβολος, devil, means “slanderer,” “false accuser.” As a roaring lion. He is called a serpent to denote his subtlety, a lion to express his fierceness and strength. The word rendered “roaring” ὠρυόμενος is used especially of the cries of wild beasts when ravenous with hunger (see Psalm 104:21; and comp. Psalm 22:13, 21). Walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (comp. Job 1:7; Job 2:2). The words express the restless energy of the wicked one. He cannot touch those who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation; but he walketh about, looking eagerly after any lost sheep that may have wandered from the fold. He roars in the craving of his heart for prey, like a hungry lion, seeking whom he may devour, or (for the reading here is somewhat uncertain) to devour some one, or simply to devour. The Greek word means literally “to drink down;” it implies utter destruction. It is the word in 1 Corinthians 15:54, “Death is swallowed up κατεπόθη in victory.” Satan now seeks whom he may destroy: “The Lord will destroy him that hath the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14).
Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Be sober, be vigilant,…. The apostle had exhorted to each of these before; see 1 Peter 1:13 but thought fit to repeat them; sobriety and watchfulness being exceeding necessary and useful in the Christian life; and the one cannot well be without the other: unless a man is sober in body and mind, he will not be watchful, either over himself or others, or against the snares of sin, Satan, and the world; and if he is not on his watch and guard, he is liable to every sin and temptation. The Syriac version renders the words, “watch”, and “be ye mindful”, or “remember”; watch with diligence, care, and industry, keeping a good lookout, minding and observing everything that presents, and remembering the power and cunning of the enemy; and the Ethiopic version renders them thus, “be ye prudent, and cause your heart to understand”; referring them not to temperance of body, but sobriety of mind, and to a prudent conduct and behaviour, as having a subtle as well as a malicious enemy to deal with:
because your adversary the devil; he who is a defamer and calumniator; who accuses God to men, and men to God, and is therefore styled the accuser of the brethren; he is the saints’ avowed and implacable enemy. Satan is an enemy to mankind in general, but more especially to the seed of the woman, to Christ personal, and to Christ mystical, to all the elect of God: the word here used is a forensic term, and signifies a court adversary, or one that litigates a point in law, or opposes another in an action or suit at law. The Jews (c) have adopted this word into their language, and explain it by , “a law adversary”, or one that has a suit of law depending against another. Satan accuses men of the breach of the law, and pleads that justice might take place, and punishment be inflicted, and which he pursues with great violence and diligence:
as a roaring lion; so called, both on account of his strength, and also because of his rage, malice, and cruelty, which he breathes out against the saints, who, though he cannot destroy them, will do all he can to terrify and affright them; so the young lions in Psalm 104:21 are, by the Cabalistic Jews (d), understood of devils; to which, for the above reasons, they may be truly compared:
walketh about; to and fro in the earth; see Job 1:7 as a lion runs about here and there, when almost famished with hunger; and it also denotes the insidious methods, wiles, and stratagems Satan takes to surprise men, and get an advantage of them: he takes a tour, and comes round upon them, upon the back of them, at an unawares, so that they have need to be always sober, and upon their guard:
seeking whom he may devour; this is the end of his walking about: and the like is expressed in the Targum on Job 1:7
“and Satan answered before the Lord, and said, from going about in the earth , “to search into the works” of the children of men, and from walking in it;”
that so he might have something to accuse them of, and they fall a prey into his hands. This is the work he is continually employed in; he is always seeking to do mischief, either to the souls, or bodies, or estates of men, especially the former; though he can do nothing in either respect without a permission, not unless he “may”; and though this, with respect to body and estate, is sometimes granted, as in the case of Job, yet never with respect to the souls of any of God’s elect, which are safe in Christ’s hands, and out of his reach; this hinders not but that saints should be sober and watchful.
(c) Yalkut Simeoni, par. 2. fol. 41. 4. Bereshit Rabba, sect. 82. fol. 41. 4. & Jarchi & Aruch in Mattanot Cehuna in ib. (d) Lex. Cabal. p. 231, 417.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8. Peter has in mind Christ’s warning to himself to watch against Satan, from forgetting which he fell.
Be sober … vigilant—”Care,” that is, anxiety, will intoxicate the soul; therefore be sober, that is, self-restrained. Yet, lest this freedom from care should lead any to false security, he adds, “Be vigilant” against “your adversary.” Let this be your “care.” God provides, therefore do not be anxious. The devil seeks, therefore watch [Bengel].
because—omitted in the oldest manuscripts The broken and disjointed sentences are more fervid and forcible. Lucifer of Cagliari reads as English Version.
adversary—literally, “opponent in a court of justice” (Zec 3:1). “Satan” means opponent. “Devil,” accuser or slanderer (Re 12:10). “The enemy” (Mt 13:39). “A murderer from the beginning” (Joh 8:44). He counteracts the Gospel and its agents. “The tempter.”
roaring lion—implying his violent and insatiable thirst for prey as a hungry lion. Through man’s sin he got God’s justice on his side against us; but Christ, our Advocate, by fulfilling all the demands of justice for us, has made our redemption altogether consistent with justice.
walketh about—(Job 1:7; 2:2). So the children of the wicked one cannot rest. Evil spirits are in 2Pe 2:4; Jude 6, said to be already in chains of darkness and in hell. This probably means that this is their doom finally: a doom already begun in part; though for a time they are permitted to roam in the world (of which Satan is prince), especially in the dark air that surrounds the earth. Hence perhaps arises the miasma of the air at times, as physical and moral evil are closely connected.
devour—entangle in worldly “care” (1Pe 5:7) and other snares, so as finally to destroy. Compare Re 12:15, 16.
1 Peter 5:8 Additional Commentaries
Context
Cast Your Cares on Him
…7casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
Cross References
Job 1:7
The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”
Proverbs 28:15
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
Matthew 24:42
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
Mark 4:15
Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
2 Corinthians 2:11
in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.
James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 Peter 1:13
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.
Revelation 12:10
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.
Treasury of Scripture
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:
sober.
1 Peter 1:13 Why gird up the loins of your mind, be sober…
1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be you therefore sober, and …
Matthew 24:48-50 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delays …
Luke 12:45,46 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delays his coming; …
Luke 21:34,36 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged …
Romans 13:11-13 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out …
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober…
1 Timothy 2:9,15 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, …
1 Timothy 3:2,11 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, …
Titus 1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
Titus 2:2,4,6,12 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in …
your.
Esther 7:6 And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then …
Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves …
Job 2:2 And the LORD said to Satan, From where come you? And Satan answered …
Psalm 109:6 Set you a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.
Isaiah 50:8 He is near that justifies me; who will contend with me? let us stand …
Zechariah 3:1 And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel …
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have …
the devil.
Matthew 4:1,11 Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted …
Matthew 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of …
Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also to them on the left hand, Depart from me, …
John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you …
Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against …
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 John 3:8-10 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the …
Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, …
Revelation 22:2,10 In the middle of the street of it, and on either side of the river, …
as.
Judges 14:5 Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, …
Psalm 104:21 The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.
Proverbs 19:12 The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favor is as …
Proverbs 20:2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoever provokes …
Isaiah 5:29,30 Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: …
Isaiah 14:12,13 How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how …
Jeremiah 2:15 The young lions roared on him, and yelled, and they made his land …
Jeremiah 51:38 They shall roar together like lions: they shall yell as lions’ whelps.
Ezekiel 19:7 And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; …
Hosea 11:10 They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he …
Joel 3:16 The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; …
Amos 1:2 And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from …
Amos 3:4,8 Will a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? will a young …
Zechariah 11:3 There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory …
2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that …
Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you that dwell in them…
walketh.
Job 1:7 And the LORD said to Satan, From where come you? Then Satan answered …
Job 2:2 And the LORD said to Satan, From where come you? And Satan answered …
devour.
Ezekiel 22:25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the middle thereof, like …
Daniel 6:24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused …
Hosea 13:8 I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will …
Some of you “old timers” may remember the days when boys would stand on the street corners of many towns and sell their allotted number of newspapers by yelling, “Extra! Extra! Read All About It!” Such an announcement of youthful loud voices would indicate “a breaking news story.” I remember the days of nickel newspapers, and when I would deliver my allotted amount to my 278 customers each morning by riding a sturdy bicycle over a route of about five miles.
Many stories have been broken that dealt with the events of everyday life. A news story that should be of interest to the student of the Bible is one that deals with life, the total makeup of the life of all people.
Sermon Text
Every person is the result of being an embryo, which “is” life. It is incorrect to say that an embryo “becomes life.” Life creates similar life, per Dr. Louis Pasteur, and the Law of Biogenesis. Due to the fall of Adam and Eve, the flawed sperm and egg of Adam and Eve began a string of flawed human conceptions and births that continue through this day. As we see in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, each life consists of a body, a soul, and a spirit. The body is “our body.” The soul is “our mind, reasoning, consciousness, etc. The body and soul are being formed from the point of conception. Upon the birth of a child, the body and soul continue to develop. But, per the fall of Adam and Eve, upon conception the body and soul are in the beginning stages of death. The spirit is fully developed when it is conceived, and without a redeemer, our spirit will experience an eternal spiritual death. We have control over our body and soul. We have no control over our spirit (Jn 3:8), but the Holy Spirit prompts our souls to choose to live Godly lives (John 16:8-11). Because our body, soul, and spirit are flawed upon birth, they need to be “redeemed,” or saved, in order for us to spend eternity with God. So, we need to experience the salvation of our spirit, soul, and body. Any part of us that is not perfect is flawed and needs to be saved. If any part of us is sinful, or can be sinful, it needs to be redeemed, or saved, so that we can have an eternal and intimate relationship with God. In 1 John 1:5, we read that “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” Darkness relates to flawed mankind (John 1:4-5). Our spirit is the first part of us that is “redeemed,” or saved, and will immediately indwell the Spirit of God upon our new birth,or birth from above (John 3:1-8; 14:1-21). Upon our being born again, our spirit “has been saved,” and never can be unsaved or removed from its indwelling presence in God’s Spirit (John 10:28-29). This part of our salvation is also called “justification.” Some people say that means, “just as if I have never sinned.” Because God has control of our spirit, our spirit will not sin, and can not sin. It “is saved, has been saved, and can not be unsaved.” Our soul sins, or is capable of sinning (Romans 7:14-14, see indwelling sin). Such sinning relates to thinking, speaking, or any other activity that is caused by our mind. Even though our spirit has been saved, our soul has not been saved, and will not be saved as long as we have control over it until it is redeemed. Only when we die, or are raptured (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) will we achieve the salvation of our soul. We will find verses saying that we “are being saved.” That statement relates to the salvation of our soul, which is also known as sanctification. It is during this stage of our salvation process that we are being sanctified/set apart. During each day of our life, our sanctification should result in a more holy walk, whereby we “are being saved.” Our body, which is also flawed and dying, “will be saved,” which we call glorification. Upon our death, our body will decay until the rapture takes place (1 Thes 4:13-18; 1 Cor 15: 50-54). At that time, our body “will be saved,” which we call “glorification.”
See the way that the following scripture describes the glorification process. The decayed body will be changed from a flawed state to a perfect state, without which, it can not enter into the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). It is also during the time of Rapture (being “caught up.”) that the glorified body, will be reunited with its sanctified soul, and its justified spirit. Death, which is the result of the sin of Adam and Eve will cease to wreck the lives of God’s redeemed people. It is important to remember that in order for our flawed body, soul, and spirit to spend eternity with God, each of those three elements of our created being must be redeemed/saved and made to be without flaw. Also, as soon as we are born again, our spirit becomes as perfect as the spirit of God, because it will begin to indwell God’s Spirit. Remember 1 John 1:5, we see that there is “no darkness” in God. Unless our spirit is born again, it can not indwell God’s Spirit. In order for our body and soul to be present with our spirit, they must also be born again, and freed from their flaws.
1 Corinthians 15:50-54, J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)
50 For I assure you, my brothers, it is utterly impossible for flesh and blood to possess the kingdom of God. The transitory could never possess the everlasting.
The dead and the living will be fitted for immortality
51-53 Listen, and I will tell you a secret. We shall not all die, but suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, every one of us will be changed as the trumpet sounds! The trumpet will sound and the dead shall be raised beyond the reach of corruption, and we who are still alive shall suddenly be utterly changed. For this perishable nature of ours must be wrapped in imperishability, these bodies which are mortal must be wrapped in immortality.
54 So when the perishable is lost in the imperishable, the mortal lost in the immortal, this saying will come true: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’ ‘O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’
The “Extra, Extra, Read All About It” sense of urgency is greatly needed in the body of Christ as it relates to the subject that we are discussing. Believers need to know that even after they have been born again, they will continue to sin. It’s also important to know that when we are born again that our spirits are as pure as the Spirit of Christ. It is also very important for us to know that all embryos have spirits that have been projected into eternity, and that they also need a Redeemer. When we consider the embryo, or unborn infant, God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8) fits nicely into those spiritual needs. The following scripture texts, and commentary, provide information that will support the positions that I have taken on the salvation of the spirit, soul, and body. These selections of scripture, and of personal thoughts, pretty much have come off of the top of my head, or should I say, from God’s Holy Spirit. As with any lengthy writing, a starting point and stopping point sometimes may be difficult to choose. Also, the information that is put in between those two points may be too lengthy, or too concise, for the average reader. This particular subject has been close to my heart for many years. I have tried to provide due diligence by checking credible authorities of renown for additional thought. If I have omitted a verse, or a thought, that may have made this writing more understandable, please let me know, and please forgive me. I always try to ensure that all of my writings “make a difference” in the minds and lives of readers.
SERMON TEXTS FOLLOW
1 Thessalonians 5:23, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Scofield’s Reference Notes
1 Thessalonians 5
salvation
Verse 23, whole spirit and soul and body
Man a trinity. That the human soul and spirit are not identical is proved by the facts that they are divisible. Hebrews 4:12 and that soul and spirit are sharply distinguished in the burial and resurrection of the body. It is sown a natural body (soma psuchikon= “soul- body”), it is raised a spiritual body (soma pneumatikon). 1 Corinthians 15:44. To assert, therefore, that there is no difference between soul and spirit is to assert that there is no difference between the mortal body and the resurrection body. In Scripture use, the distinction between spirit and soul may be traced. Briefly, that distinction is that the spirit is that part of man which “knows” 1 Corinthians 2:11 his mind; the soul is the seat of the affections, desires, and so of the emotions, and of the active will, the self. “My soul is exceeding sorrowful” Matthew 26:38 see also; Matthew 11:29; John 12:27. The word transliterated “soul” in the O.T. (nephesh) is the exact equivalent of the N.T. word for soul (Greek – εὐψυχέω ), and the use of “soul” in the O.T. is identical with the use of that word in the N.T. (see, e.g.); Deuteronomy 6:5; Deuteronomy 14:26; 1 Samuel 18:1;1 Samuel 20:4; 1 Samuel 20:17; Job 7:11; Job 7:15; Job 14:22; Psalms 42:6; Psalms 84:2. The N.T. word for spirit (pneuma) like the O.T. (ruach), is trans. “air”, “breath”, “wind,” but predominantly “spirit,” whether of God (e.g.); Genesis 1:2; Matthew 3:16 or of man; Genesis 41:8; 1 Corinthians 5:5. Because man is “spirit” he is capable of God-consciousness, and of communication with God; Job 32:8; Psalms 18:28; Proverbs 20:27 because he is “soul” he has self- consciousness;Psalms 13:2; Psalms 42:5; Psalms 42:6; Psalms 42:11 because he is “body” he has, through his senses, world consciousness.
Genesis 2:15-17, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. 16 The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; 17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not [a]eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”
Footnotes:
Genesis 2:17 Lit eat from it
Genesis 3:17-19, 21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
17 And unto Adam He said, “Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee, saying, ‘Thou shalt not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life.
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee, and thou shalt eat the herb of the field.
19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou return unto the ground, for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
Romans 5:12, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned—
Reformation Study Bible
5:12 just as sin came into. Paul here begins a comparison that is not concluded until vv. 18–21. The comparison is interrupted by a meditation extending through v. 17.
through one man. Death is not natural to humanity, but is the direct result of sin (Gen. 2:17).
because all sinned. The universal reign of death is the consequence of sin. Paul does not explain how all mankind was involved with Adam in his sinning, but simply asserts the fact. All sinned in the sin of Adam. See “Original Sin and Total Depravity” at Ps. 51:5.
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Scofield’s Reference Notes
Romans 5: Verse 12
The “wherefore” relates back to Romans 3:19-23 and may be regarded as a continuation of the discussion of the universality of sin, interrupted;Romans 3:24 to Romans 5:11; by the passage on justification and its results.
have sinned
The first sin wrought the moral ruin of the race. The demonstration is simple.
(1) Death is universal (Romans 4:12; Romans 4:14), all die: sinless infants, moral people, religious people, equally with the depraved. For a universal effect there must be a universal cause; that cause is a state of universal sin (Romans 5:12).
(2) But this universal state must have had a cause. It did. The consequence of Adam’s sin was that “the many were made sinners” (Romans 5:19)–“By the offence of one judgment came upon all men unto condemnation” (Romans 5:18).
(3) Personal sins are not meant here. From Adam to Moses death reigned (Romans 5:14), although, there being no law, personal guilt was not imputed (Romans 5:13). Accordingly, from Genesis 4:7 to Exodus 29:14 the sin-offering is not once mentioned. Then, since physical death from Adam to Moses was not due to the sinful acts of those who die (Romans 5:13), it follows that it was due to a universal sinful state, or nature, and that state is declared to be out inheritance from Adam.
(4) the moral state of fallen man is described in Scripture Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 8:46; Psalms 14:1-3;Psalms 39:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 18:11; Mark 7:20; Mark 7:23; Romans 1:21; Romans 2:1-29;Romans 3:9-19; Romans 7:24; Romans 8:7; John 3:6; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 3:14; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 2:1-3; Ephesians 2:11; Ephesians 2:12; Ephesians 4:18-22; Colossians 1:21; Hebrews 3:13; James 4:14; 1 Corinthians 15:22.
John 3:1-8, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The New Birth
3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these [a]signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born [b]again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 Nicodemus *said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born [c]again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Footnotes:
John 3:2 Or attesting miracles
John 3:3 Or from above
John 3:7 Or from above
Reformation Study Bible
3:6–8 This passage emphasizes the priority and sovereignty of God in the work of salvation. It does not exclude the reality of human response in repentance and faith.
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Scofield’s Reference Notes
John 3 Verse 3
born again
Regeneration:
(1) The necessity of the new birth grows out of the incapacity of the natural man to “see” or “enter into” the kingdom of God. However gifted, moral, or refined, the natural man is absolutely blind to spiritual truth, and impotent to enter the kingdom; for he can neither obey, understand, nor please God John 3:3; John 3:5; John 3:6; Psalms 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 8:7; Romans 8:8;Ephesians 2:3 (See Scofield “Matthew 6:33”).
(2) The new birth is not a reformation of the old nature (See Scofield “Romans 6:6”) but a creative act of the holy Spirit John 3:5; John 1:12;John 1:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 4:24.
(3) The condition of the new birth is faith in Christ crucified John 3:14;John 3:15; John 1:12; John 1:13; Galatians 3:24
(4) Through the new birth the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature and of the life of Christ Himself Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:10;Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 5:10-12
2 Corinthians 5:17, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, [a]he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Footnotes: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Or there is a new creation
Reformation Study Bible
5:17 in Christ. Union with Christ summarizes our experience of redemption. Believers are elected (Eph. 1:4, 11), justified (Rom. 8:1), sanctified (1 Cor. 1:2), and glorified (3:18) “in Christ.” Here Paul focuses on the momentous significance of the believer’s union with the Savior. Because Christ is the “last Adam,” the One in whom humanity is recreated (1 Cor. 15:45; Eph. 2:10) and who inaugurates the new age of messianic blessing (Gal. 1:4; cf. Matt. 11:2–6), the believer’s spiritual union with Christ is nothing less than participation in the “new creation.” Translating “there is a new creation” instead of “he is a new creation” draws this conclusion more clearly, but the thought is there either way.
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1 Corinthians 15:50-54, 21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep; but we shall all be changed
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
15:51-58 All the saints should not die, but all would be changed.
Reformation Study Bible
15:50 flesh and blood. This phrase alludes to the weakness of earthly, human existence and is an equivalent to “perishable.” Paul is warning the Corinthians that without new “imperishable” bodies we “cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” How then can some deny the doctrine of the Resurrection?
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Reformation Study Bible
15:51 mystery. See note 2:7.
We shall not all sleep. Paul recognizes that many Christians will not die but will be alive at the time of Christ’s return. Though these Christians will not be raised from death, they too will be transformed and receive imperishable and immortal bodies (1 Thess. 4:13–18 and notes).
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2 Corinthians 5:8, 21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
Reformation Study Bible
5:8 The doctrine of the intermediate state between our death and Christ’s return teaches that when Christians die they, that is, their spirits, go immediately into Christ’s presence and are “at home with the Lord,” while their bodies remain here and are buried in the grave (Luke 23:43; Phil. 1:23). When Christ returns, the bodies of believers will be raised from the dead and reunited with their spirits (1 Cor. 15:22, 23; 1 Thess. 4:14, 16). See “Death and the Intermediate State” at Phil. 1:23.
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Scofield’s Reference Notes
1 Corinthians 15:52
raised
Resurrection, Summary:
(1) The resurrection of the dead was believed by the patriarchs Genesis 22:5; Hebrews 11:19; Job 19:25-27 and revealed through the prophets; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2; Daniel 12:13; Hosea 13:14 and miracles of the dead restored to life are recorded in the O.T.; 2 Kings 4:32-35; 2 Kings 13:21.
(2) Jesus Christ restored life to the dead Matthew 9:25; Luke 7:12-15; John 11:43; John 11:44 and predicted His own resurrection; John 10:18; Luke 24:1-8.
(3) A resurrection of bodies followed the resurrection of Christ Matthew 27:52; Matthew 27:53 and the apostles raised the dead; Acts 9:36-41; Acts 20:9; Acts 20:10.
(4) Two resurrections are yet future, which are inclusive of “all that are in the graves” John 5:28. These are distinguished as “of life”; 1 Corinthians 15:22; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17; Revelation 20:4 and “of judgment”; John 5:28; John 5:29; Revelation 20:11-13. They are separated by a period of one thousand years Revelation 20:5. The “first resurrection,” that “unto life,” will occur at the second coming of Christ 1 Corinthians 15:23 the saints of the O.T. and church ages meeting Him in the air 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:17 while the martyrs of the tribulation, who also have part in the resurrectionRevelation 20:4 are raised at the end of the great tribulation.
(5) The mortal body will be related to the resurrection body as grain sown is related to the harvest 1 Corinthians 15:37; 1 Corinthians 15:38 that body will be incorruptible, glorious, powerful, and spiritual 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; 1 Corinthians 15:49.
(6) The bodies of living believers will, at the same time, be instantaneously changed 1 Corinthians 15:50-53; Philippians 3:20; Philippians 3:21. This “change” of the living, and resurrection of the dead in Christ, is called the “redemption of the body”; Romans 8:23; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 1:14.
(7) After the thousand years the “resurrection unto judgment” John 5:29 occurs. The resurrection-body of the wicked dead is not described. They are judged according to their works, and cast into the lake of fire.Revelation 20:7-15.
John 3:16-19, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His [a]only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the [b]only begotten Son of God. 19 This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.
Footnotes:
John 3:16 Or unique, only one of His kind
John 3:18 Or unique, only one of His kind
Scofield’s Reference Notes
Verse 16
perish
(Greek – ἀπόλλυμι,” trans). “marred,” Mark 2:22, “lost,”; Matthew 10:6; Matthew 15:24; Matthew 18:11; Luke 15:4; Luke 15:6; Luke 15:32. In no N.T. instance does it signify cessation of existence or of consciousness. It is the condition of every non-believer.
world kosmos = mankind. (See Scofield “Matthew 4:8”).
Verse 17
world kosmos = mankind. (See Scofield “Matthew 4:8”)
condemn Or, judge, and so in John 3:18; John 3:19 cf. John 15:22-24.
saved (See Scofield “Romans 1:16”)
Reformation Study Bible
3:18 Unbelief is not the only basis for condemnation, but it constitutes the climax of rebellion by resisting even God’s gracious offer of salvation in Christ. Jesus comes into a world that is already condemned because of its rejection of God’s self-revelation (Rom. 1:18–32).
3:19 people loved the darkness rather than the light. Jesus gives the reason for the world’s rejection of Him: He is the light who exposes whether a person is righteous or not.
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Romans 8:1, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Deliverance from Bondage
8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Reformation Study Bible
8:1 therefore. The apostle’s concern here is pastoral. Paul is telling his readers, in light of the foregoing reminder of their continuing sinfulness, they must now recall their acceptance, immunity, and security in Christ.
no condemnation. Probably in both senses—the judgment and the punishment.
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1 John 1:5, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
God Is Light
5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.
Worship And Praise Videos
Now, let’s give honor and praise to Jesus, God The Son.
Gospel Music Medley – Part 1
Gospel Music Medley – Part 2
First Baptist Church
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Southern Baptist Convention
Senior Pastor, Dr. Mac Brunson
What is the world’s view of Jesus? Is He considered to be a deity who observes a lost and dying world, and yet does nothing to redeem fallen mankind from an eternity of separation from God? Does He do nothing to save our lost world from being cast into the lake of fire where Satan, the beast, and the false prophet will be tormented day and night forever and ever? The following scriptures give evidence to indicate whether Jesus is passive or active in the eternal condition of mankind. You will find this exercise to be very telling of God’s love for those who have no hope of eternal life without Him being their Lord and Savior.
Revelation 20:10, New King James Version (NKJV)
10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Revelation 20:15, New King James Version (NKJV)
15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
John 1:4-5, New International Version (NIV)
4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.
Footnotes: John 1:5 Or understood
John 1:9, New King James Version (NKJV)
9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.[a]
Footnotes: John 1:9 Or That was the true Light which, coming into the world, gives light to every man.
Luke 19:10, New King James Version (NKJV)
10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
1 John 4:9-10, New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 Timothy 1:15, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.
Romans 5:8, New King James Version (NKJV)
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The following video shows how Jesus intervenes in the life of a woman who is lost and is in need of a Savior. Consider how this aggressiveness of Jesus is not just for one person, but for all of our fallen world.
The Perfect Stranger
Revelation 3:20, King James Version (KJV)
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
When I was a boy the attendance of Church services on Sundays was very important to most of the families that I knew. It was common for people to use Saturday as a day to get ready for Sunday Church. I can remember one such Saturday when I was doing some work around a house in a small town. The house was a traditional one story, white frame, single family structure. On this particular day, as I was walking around the house I received a very special blessing. You have to picture this setting in your mind. As you face the house, there is an eight foot deep front porch that extends all the way from the left side wall to the right side wall. The front door was situated on the left side of the porch; windows were placed to the right side of the door, and were about eight feet high. A four foot window would roll up and down, with one on the top, and one on the bottom. The bottom window could be raised so high that a child could walk from the porch into a bedroom. Air conditioners were not always built into these homes, so the front windows were opened on this warm summer’s day. By the way, some of the paint on the wooden siding was peeling but, “who really cared?” I hope that some of you can remember such a house of your younger years. And, by the way, the house was built upon concrete block piers, and had about a three-foot space between the floor of the porch and the ground.
On this particular day, I was especially blessed by the sound of music that I heard coming from the inside of the house. A teenaged girl was playing a piano, and she and her mother were singing a song that they would be singing in Church the next day. These ladies, of which one was a little more “mature in age” than the other, were singing a very beautiful song, which has the title of, “He.” (Ladies, was that a kind description of “the mama?”) By the way, these two saints of God were wearing long and loose fitting flower print dresses. And, their hair was long, and was shaped into a bun. You might say that they resembled “the old time Pentecostal women;” may God richly bless them. The only bad thing about this experience was that when I finished my job, I had to leave this heavenly likeness and go to another house, and pray that I would receive a similar blessing.
In the scripture passage of this writing, we find the Jews preparing themselves for the coming of the Sabbath. The Day of Preparation began on Thursday evening at sunset, and continued until Friday at sunset, when the Sabbath would begin. The Sabbath would continue until Saturday at sunset, when the first day of the week would begin, or as we call it in Christian churches, “The Lord’s Day.” As we can see in John 19:14, it was about noon on Friday morning. Many Jews had spent much of the morning hours preparing for the arrival of the Sabbath. It was during this time, until the time of our Lord’s crucifixion, that there were other Jews who were conspiring with the Pilate, the Roman governor, to crucify Jesus … but it had to be done, with Jesus being buried before sundown, which would be at the time that the Lord’s Sabbath would arrive. The crucifixion took place, and Jesus hung on the cross from noon on Friday until three PM (Matthew 27:45-50), when He died. Then, Jesus was taken to a burial tomb, where His body was placed, and done so before Friday at sunset, which was the beginning of the Sabbath. (Matthew 27:51-62). Jesus’s body was “protected” from the disciples by guards, “until the third day” (Matthew 27:64). It was “after the Sabbath,” on the “First Day Of The Week”that the women found the tomb of Jesus to be empty (Matthew 28:1-8), as the angels announced that, “He is risen!”
This particular Day of Preparation was an emotional roller coaster ride. Not a lot of good things happened as the Lord’s Sabbath was waiting to arrive. But, let’s move on to our time in history, from the year of the crucifixion of Jesus (33 A.D.) to our present time day, and year. How have our Days of Preparation been? How have our Sabbath’s been, and our Lord’s Days, too? It is a practice of mine to try to put the cares of the world aside each Friday, as I prepare for our church’s Friday Evening Sabbath time of worship, praise, Bible study, teaching, preaching, and fellowship meal/remembrance of our Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection. Last Friday was a horrible Day of Preparation for me; the horrors began on Tuesday. Satan had painted a large bulls eye on the back of my shirt, and it appeared that “arrows galore” had been aimed at me all day long. Of course, I can look back and see that I was very much of a “willing accomplice,” as I offended a special friend with a word that I shouldn’t have used. This week, an offense began on Wednesday. In both situations, I knew that serious repentance and asking of forgiveness was necessary to “clear the air” of distractions that could have placed a great wall ofseparation between very special and very close relationships. The clouding of the air can create serious divisions to friendships, and needs to be “taken care of” quickly.
Our church meets on Fridays at 7PM. We are now having summer hours. This week, we will be discussing sins, repentance, and forgiveness in our time of meeting. Our study will relate to Acts 2:38, Matthew 6:15, John 3:18, Romans 8:1, James 5:16, and 1 John 1:9. All of our times of Bible study are very comprehensive. People have mentioned how much they have learned from being present in our times of congregational study, which are designed to teach believers to teach other believers. It is my responsibility to teach everyone who attends our congregation to do everything that I do as the leader of our church; that includes women (Matthew 28:18-20). If you are in the local area, please stop by and try out our very effective way of teaching God’s Word to all of God’s people. Below, you will find the scripture text for this writing. it is followed by a Bible Dictionary explanation of the Day of Preparation. A song video will conclude the post.
John 19:14-31,
English Standard Version (ESV)
14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour.[a] He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.
The Crucifixion
So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”
23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic.[b] But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,
“They divided my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.”
So the soldiers did these things, 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
The Death of Jesus
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Jesus’ Side Is Pierced
31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away.
Footnotes:
John 19:14 That is, about noon
John 19:23 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin
Holman Bible Dictionary
Preparation Day
Sixth day of week in which Jews prepared life’s necessities to avoid work on the sabbath (compare Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-14; John 9:14-16 ). Preparation of food, completing work, and spiritual purification were included. The Hebrew day began and ended at 6 p.m., so the day of preparation extended from 6 p.m. on Thursday until the beginning of the sabbath at 6 p.m. Friday.
The Feast of Passover was immediately followed by the holy convocation of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:1-7 ). No one worked on either of these holy days, so a day of preparation was set aside to prepare for the holiday period (John 19:14 ). John explicitly identified the day of preparation as the day of Jesus’ execution (John 19:14 ,John 19:14,19:31 ,John 19:31,19:42 ) and placed the Last Supper before Passover (John 13:1 ). The Synoptic Gospels, however, dated the Last Supper on the day of Passover (Matthew 26:1 : 17; Mark 14:12; Luke 22:7 ). This apparent contradiction in dating may depend on whether the gospel writers were referring to the preparation day for the sabbath or to the preparation day for the Passover.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 [a]He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not [b]comprehend it.
My note. The Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) was present in the beginning (Genesis 1:26, “Then God said, let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.”) Jesus, the Life, is the Light of men. The Light of Jesus shines into the darkness (unsaved man) of the world. Darkness can not penetrate light, but light penetrates darkness. Unsaved man does not receive the Light of God, in and of, himself. Light relates to the Holiness of God. Darkness relates to the unholiness of unsaved man. God is proactive in aiming that “beam of the truth of the Light of Jesus” into those of the world who are called “darkness,” and are unsaved. Luke 19:10 says,”For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Jesus is the seeker; all of us were lost until Jesus saved us. Darkness is in total opposition to light. There is no interest in darkness seeking out light. But, you can see that if you go into a totally dark room and turn on a flash light, that darkness will disappear and light will appear. When the Light of Jesus shines “into us,” we are no longer “darkness.” We have become “light,” with that light being as bright as the Light of Jesus. To show the importance of our being “light,” consider 1 John 1:5, where we read, “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” Until we receive the Light of Jesus into our lives, we will never be with God, or in God. We receive the Light of God into our lives by being born again. It is an act of God, per John 3:8. It is an inside job, because God’s Spirit must get inside of our spirit, or “indwell” our spirit, where He will place that Light, the Light of Jesus. (Colossians 1:27). Until the Spirit of God takes an interest in us, we have no interest in God. We are like a bunch of hogs, “slopping in the mud.” The hogs are very contented with their “slop mud filled life,” and we were happy with our “darkness filled life”, until we were born again. See 1 Corinthians 1:18, and 2:14.
John 3:8, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Colossians 1:27, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
1 Corinthians 1:18, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who [a]are perishing, but to us who [b]are being saved it is the power of God.
Footnotes:
1 Corinthians 1:18 Or perish
1 Corinthians 1:18 Or are saved
1 Corinthians 2:14, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
14 But [a]a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually [b]appraised.
Footnotes:
1 Corinthians 2:14 Or an unspiritual
1 Corinthians 2:14 Or examined
Following are thoughts of Dr. C.I.Scofield, and Dr. R.C. Sproul. A worship and praise video by the choir and orchestra of Prestonwood Baptist Church will conclude this post.
Footnotes:
John 1:2 Lit This one
John 1:5 Or overpower
Scofield’s Reference Notes
John overview
Book Introduction – John
WRITER: The fourth Gospel was written by the Apostle John John 21:24. This has been questioned on critical grounds, but on the same grounds and with equal scholarship, the early date and Johanean authorship have been maintained.
DATE: The date of John’s Gospel falls between A.D. 85 and 90. Probably the latter.
THEME: This is indicated both in the Prologue (John 1:1-14), and in the last verse of the Gospel proper (John 20:31), and is: The incarnation of the eternal Word, and Son of life; (2) that as many as believe on Him as “the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:31) may have eternal life. The prominent words are, “believed” and “life.”
The book is in seven natural divisions:
1. Prologue: The eternal Word incarnate in Jesus the Christ, John 1:1-14.
2. The witness of John the Baptist, John 1:15-34.
3. The public ministry of Christ, John 1:35 to John 12:50.
4. The private ministry of Christ to His own, John 13:1 to John 17:26.
5. The sacrifice of Christ, John 18:1 to John 19:42.
6. The manifestation of Christ in resurrection, John 20:1-31.
7. Epilogue: Christ the Master of life and service, John 21:1-25.
The events recorded in this book cover a period of 7 years.
Verse 1
Word
Gr. “Logos” (arm. “Memra,” used in the Targums, or Heb. paraphrases, for God). The Greek term means,
(1) a thought or concept;
(2) the expression or utterance of that thought. As a designation of Christ, therefore, Logos is peculiarly felicitous because,
(1) in Him are embodied all the treasures of the divine wisdom, the collective “thought” of God 1 Corinthians 1:24; Ephesians 3:11;Colossians 2:2; Colossians 2:3 and,
(2) He is from eternity, but especially in His incarnation, the utterance or expression of the Person, and “thought” of Deity John 1:3-5; John 1:9;John 1:14-18; John 14:9-11; Colossians 2:9.
In the Being, Person, and work of Christ, Deity is told out.
Verse 5
comprehended
Or, apprehended; lit. “laid not hold of it.”
Reformation Study Bible, Dr. R.C. Sproul
1:1–18 This “Prologue” to the Gospel is a preface to the narrative beginning at v. 19.
Reformation Study Bible
1:1 the Word. The term “Word” (Greek logos) designates God the Son with respect to His deity; “Jesus” and “Christ” refer to His incarnation and saving work. During the first three centuries, doctrines of the Person of Christ focused intensely on His position as the Logos. In Greek philosophy, the Logos was “reason” or “logic” as an abstract force that brought order and harmony to the universe. But in John’s writings such qualities of the Logos are gathered in the Person of Christ. In Neo-Platonic philosophy and the Gnostic heresy (second and third centuries a.d.), the Logos was seen as one of many intermediate powers between God and the world. Such notions are far removed from the simplicity of John’s Gospel.
In this verse the Word is expressly affirmed to be God. The Word existed already “in the beginning” (a clear reference to the opening words of the Bible), which is a way of denoting the eternity that is unique to God. John states clearly, “the Word was God.” Some have observed that the word translated “God” here has no definite article, and argued on this basis that it means “a god” rather than “God.” This is a misunderstanding; the article is omitted because of the word order in the Greek sentence (the predicate “God” has been placed first for emphasis). The New Testament never endorses the idea of “a god,” an expression that implies polytheism and is in sharp conflict with the consistent monotheism of the Bible. In the New Testament, the Greek word for “God” occurs often without the definite article, depending on the requirements of Greek grammar.
That “the Word was with God,” indicates a distinction of Persons within the unity of the Godhead. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not successive forms of appearance of one Person, but are eternal Persons present from “the beginning” (v. 2). “With” suggests a relationship of close personal intimacy. See “One and Three: The Trinity” at Is. 44:6.
1:3 All things were made through him. This verse also emphasizes the deity of the Word, since creation belongs to God alone. See also v. 10; Col. 1:16–17; “God the Creator” at Ps. 148:5.
1:4 In him was life. Another affirmation of deity: the Son as well as the Father has “life in himself” (5:26).
1:5 has not overcome it. It is characteristic of the style of this Gospel to emphasize contrasting concepts (see Introduction). The plot of this Gospel could be seen in terms of a struggle between the forces of faith and unbelief.
My Note:
Before you play the following video of worship and praise, please let me say that I am so excited about Jesus that I feel like falling flat on my back, and “SHOUTING!!!!!!!”
My Note: When Adam and Eve fell, the effect was that Adam and Eve would die. The body, soul, and spirit of Adam and Eve, and everybody who would follow them through birth, would also die (Genesis 2:15-17). The flawed sperm and egg of Adam and Eve created children who also had a flawed sperm and egg, and so on and so forth. Immediately upon conception, resulting in an embryo, which has life, the newly conceived life begins to die (body, soul, spirit, 1 Thessalonians 5:23). The fall and death of Adam and Eve resulted in the death of every other conceived being (Romans 5:12). It is important to know that death, of any kind, did not occur until Adam and Eve sinned. The reason for the New Birth, or the birth from above, is to provide a spirit for mankind that is free of the flaw from the fall of Adam and Eve. Notice in verse 3 that Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born again if he wants to spend eternity with God. Nicodemus approached Jesus, “in all of his Jewishness.” Jesus, in essence, told Nicodemus that his keeping of the Ten Commandments, or his keeping of the feasts, would provide him with no entry into heaven. Jesus was talking to Jews, just as the apostles spoke to Jews and Gentiles, saying that we would need a spirit that is as pure as His Spirit, in order for us to enter into Heaven. Just as the Spirit of God will indwell those of us who have been born again, our spirit will also indwell the Spirit of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (See John 14:1-21 for that indwelling). 1 John 1:5 states that there is no darkness in God. So, in order for us to indwell God, our spirits must be cleansed of all darkness, which is a result of the New Birth.
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;
Reformation Study Bible
3:1–21 This is the first of many teaching discourses recorded by John. Typically on being asked a question, Jesus answers in a way that steers the discussion into a deeper realm, often through misunderstandings that are corrected for those becoming true disciples. The new understanding reveals Jesus more fully.
2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these [a]signs that You do unless God is with him.”
Reformation Study Bible
3:2 by night. This might betray a fear of being seen, or it might be a sign of deference to Jesus, a rabbi who should not be distracted during the day. Understood symbolically, Nicodemus is a person living in the darkness of this world, who now encounters the light (8:12; cf. 9:4; 11:10; 13:30).
a teacher . . . from God. Nicodemus understands that God attests His messengers through giving them power to perform miracles, but this understanding falls far short of Jesus’ true identity.
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born [b]again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Reformation Study Bible
3:3 born again. See text note. The translation “born from above” accords well with the discussion of “earthly” and “heavenly” things in v. 12, and the discussion of ascending and descending in v. 13. This is the meaning of the Greek adverb in other places in this Gospel (19:11, 23). Nicodemus apparently understood it to mean “a second time.” It is possible that both meanings are intended—a new birth that is a birth from above. See theological note “Regeneration: The New Birth” on the next page.
4 Nicodemus *said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?”
5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Reformation Study Bible
3:5 born of water and the Spirit. Some suggest that the “water” is the release of fluid that accompanies physical birth, but linguistic considerations point to understanding “water” and “Spirit” as referring to a single spiritual birth. Many interpreters understand “water” here as the water of baptism, but such a reference, before Christian baptism was instituted, would have been meaningless to Nicodemus. Others find a reference to John’s baptism, but Jesus nowhere makes John’s baptism a requirement for salvation. Probably the statement refers to Old Testament passages in which the terms “water” and “Spirit” are linked to express the pouring out of God’s Spirit in the end times (Is. 32:15; 44:3; Ezek. 36:25–27). The presence of such rich Old Testament imagery accounts for Jesus’ reproof of Nicodemus (v. 10): as a “teacher of Israel,” he should have understood.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born [c]again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Reformation Study Bible
3:6–8 This passage emphasizes the priority and sovereignty of God in the work of salvation. It does not exclude the reality of human response in repentance and faith.
My Note: Jesus relates the Holy Spirit to the wind. Consider the wind. It can not be seen, proof of its presence can easily be seen (trees blowing and knocked down, etc.) The wind can go left, right, forward, and backward. The wind can go fast, slow, turn in circles, and can stand still. The same is with the Holy Spirit, which can not be seen, but proof its presence can easily be seen, such as changed lives. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” The old and the new relate to the Spirit of mankind. The Holy Spirit can move to the left, to the right, forward, and backward, and can go fast, slow, turn in circles, and can stand still. The important thing to remember is that God controls the wind and The Holy Spirit. We have no control over either. We can’t go down to the local “Born Again Store” and buy a gallon of it. Please know that the soul and body are not the subject of this topic of discussion. At the embryo stage, a spirit has been conceived and is in need of a Savior. Consider “grace;” Ephesians 2:8, for questions that relate to the deaths of pre born children.
9 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?”
10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?
My Note: Nicodemus should have known the truth of the new birth, as is taught in Ezekiel 36:25-26, and shows a spiritual regeneration of the spirits of Jews.
Footnotes:
John 3:2 Or attesting miracles
John 3:3 Or from above
John 3:7 Or from above
Scofield’s Reference Notes
John 3, Born Again
Regeneration:
(1) The necessity of the new birth grows out of the incapacity of the natural man to “see” or “enter into” the kingdom of God. However gifted, moral, or refined, the natural man is absolutely blind to spiritual truth, and impotent to enter the kingdom; for he can neither obey, understand, nor please God John 3:3; John 3:5; John 3:6; Psalms 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 8:7; Romans 8:8;Ephesians 2:3 (See Scofield “Matthew 6:33”).
(2) The new birth is not a reformation of the old nature (See Scofield “Romans 6:6”) but a creative act of the holy Spirit John 3:5; John 1:12;John 1:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 4:24.
(3) The condition of the new birth is faith in Christ crucified John 3:14;John 3:15; John 1:12; John 1:13; Galatians 3:24
(4) Through the new birth the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature and of the life of Christ Himself Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:10;Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 5:10-12
Verse 10
A Master
Lit. Art thou the teacher of Israel, etc.
Consider the proactive nature of God, as it relates to our salvation. Consider this question. Who is the seeker, and who is lost?
Luke 19:10, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
As believers in Christ, we are facing more opposition to the name of Christ. The battles are increasing. Our energy levels are being diminished. Today may be a good day for us just to, “Bless The Lord.” The worship video will find a good place within your soul.
Psalm 103, King James Version (KJV)
103 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.
Husbands and wives, do you sing songs of love to each other? Do you remember your words of commitment that you said to each other on the day or evening of your wedding? “to have and to hold” – “for better for worse” – “for richer for poorer” – “in sickness and in health” – “to love and to cherish” – “til death do us part.”
In our world of today, marriages are under constant attack by liberal and ungodly forces. It is important for our families to be tied together by the love that husbands and wives should have for each other, and should unashamedly be shown to those who come in contact with them.
Consider the words of love that Lenny and Sherrie Le Blanc sing to each other at the Church Of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia (USA). The Senior Pastor of the church is Dr. Michael Youssef.
After you view the video, you will see the inspired words of The Apostle Paul as he speaks to wives of Christian marriages.
One Desire
Ephesians 5:22, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Marriage Like Christ and the Church
“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”
Remember When … marriage was only between one man and one woman?
Brothers and sisters in Christ, don’t let the liberals of government, education, unions, academia, entertainment, etc, tell you anything else. It was Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve. I am putting “a circle around and a line through” the network that showed the football player kissing his boy friend; so that all of the world could see the abomination that took place. No matter how much I want to see my favorite sports teams and personalities, I will not watch them on that network of notoriety. While we’re at it, we should also be putting a circle around and a line through politicians and businesses who are trying to force homosexual marriage on us. (The word is not “gay.”) Should not God’s people take a stand and not vote for politicians who support homosexual marriage, and not patronize businesses who also endorse the perversion that comes from two men having sex, and two women having sex? The word “marriage” does not even fit into this last example of abominable life styles.
Now, let’s consider what a real marriage looks like, one man and one woman.
Remember When
Genesis 2:24, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
Eternity 