1/31/2012
Incline your ear to wisdom
Proverbs 4
20 through 27
20My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
24Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
25Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Amen. We are to guard and keep our hearts, worrying not of the issues of
this life but, rather, focusing on the eternal life to come. We are to
guard our tongues at all times, putting away all froward (crooked -
obstinate - perverted) words and to keep our eyes focused straight
ahead that we not stumble from the path that leads to eternal salvation,
amen.
unto = to
thy = your
thine = your
heart = mind and inner being
issues of life = outgoings of life; i.e., spiritual vitality
son = man = mankind = human being = man - woman - child
froward = crooked, obstinate, disobedient, fractious, wayward, unmanageable, difficult
1/30/2012
3And
he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off;
and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into
pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither
shall they learn war any more.
4But
they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and
none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath
spoken it.
5For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.
Amen. What a wonderful day that will be when, once and for all, peace abounds, amen. All people now walk in the name of their "god"
(v. 5 - notice the lower case g which refers to false god's), but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God (upper case G refers to the one true God), maker of heaven and earth and
all things therein, amen.
Let us pray for peace around the world, ever looking forward to that
glorious day when mankind will, once and for all, beat their swords into
plowshares and the lion will lay down next to the lamb in peace, amen
and amen.
1/29/2012
10For
we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.
11Knowing
therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made
manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your
consciences.
12For
we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory
on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in
appearance, and not in heart.
13For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
Amen. The bema (judgment seat) was well known to the Corinthians (see Acts 18:12). Believers will be judged in a review of their works for the purpose of rewards.
Here in verse 13, beside ourselves (=
we went mad) probably referring to some specific occasion when Paul's
critics charged him with madness for preaching the gospel of Jesus
Christ. For a similar charge against Jesus, see Mark 3:21 & Acts 26:24.
bad = worthless
men = mankind = men - women - children
terror = fear or awe of the Lord (Jesus Christ) in view of His judging us
we persuade men = believers are to persuade all humans to be reconciled to God
1/28/2012
Does the Spirit live in you?
Romans 8
5 through 13
5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9But
ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of
God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is
none of his.
10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11But
if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you,
he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal
bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Amen. The working of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer is regular (like a law) but not mechanical (for it is life and peace).
The contrast here is between an unregenerate life dominated by the
flesh (= sinful nature within) and one controlled by the Holy Spirit.
There is no doubt that those who belong to Christ Jesus have the Holy
Spirit (v. 9), amen.
ye = you
if so be = since
dwelleth = dwells - lives
mortify = put to death - separate from the deeds of the body
carnally = bodily, lustful, lecherous, lascivious, libidinous, concupiscent
1/27/2012
Go throughout the world and preach the Gospel
Romans 10
10 through 17
10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14How
then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall
they hear without a preacher?
15And
how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and
bring glad tidings of good things!
16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Amen. Though God's election of His people is of His own free choice and
not based on human merit, the elect are not saved without believing the
message that is preached by those that are sent (see Isaiah 52:7).
Some people, whether
by choice or not, will never open a Bible in their entire life, this is why God
sends preachers into the world to orally profess His Word to the four
corners of the earth, that all may hear (v. 17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.), confess with their mouth (v.10 - with the mouth confession is made) and be saved (v.10 unto salvation), amen and amen.
1/26/2012
1Brethren,
if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such
an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be
tempted.
2Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5For every man shall bear his own burden.
6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8For
he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he
that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Amen. The believer is to restore (v. 1) one that has fallen into sin and we are to do this with meekness, love, and a gentle yet prodding hand. Burdens (burdens v. 2) are the excess burdens that we need to share with one another, in contrast to the "burden," or load (different Greek word), in verse 5, which means the normal amount each must carry for oneself.
Verse 10 - (especially unto them who are of the household of faith = believers) Special concern for this group is an utmost obligation for the children of God.
not be weary = not lose heart
faint not = do not quit or give up
the law of Christ = to love one another
communicate unto... all good things = share material things
1/25/2012
False teachers and preachers
2 John 1
7 through 11
7For many
deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ
is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9Whosoever
transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.
He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and
the Son.
10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Amen.
It is imperative that all teachers of the Word be tried and tested (vs.
9) as to just what it is they are teaching. Is their doctrine true and
from God... or is it of the enemy? Remember, the devil comes to rob,
kill and destroy. If you find your teacher to be a false teacher FLEE from them immediately and find another who teaches the undefiled Word of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
partaker = Lit., one who fellowships with
1/24/2012
Let us rejoice and be glad in the Lord
Psalm 97
1The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
3A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
4His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
8Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
9For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
10Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Amen. This hymn of God's kingship opens with a call for all the earth to
rejoice at the establishment of the kingdom of the Lord (v. 1), who's
presence is described in theophany-like language (vv. 2-6); then it
describes the effects of His kingdom in relation to the wicked (v. 7) and
the righteous (vv. 8-9), and concludes with an exhortation to hate evil
and praise the Lord (vv. 10-12).
The millennial kingdom will be characterized by morality and
universality (vv. 2-6). Physical phenomena often accompany an appearance
of the Lord (Exodus 19:16; Micah 1-4) and will again at His second coming (Acts 2:19-20).
Notice that gods is in lower case. This is because God Himself acknowledges that some people follow after false, man-made gods but He assures us that only He and He alone is God and that we are to seek Him and Him alone, amen and amen.
1/23/2012
8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10To
another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another
the interpretation of tongues:
11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12For
as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that
one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Amen. In verse 8 the word of wisdom means the communication of spiritual wisdom and the word of knowledge means the communication of practical truth. Here faith (v. 9) means an unusual reliance on God. Some of the gifts of healing (v. 9) included restoration of life (Acts 9:40; 20:12). Verse 10 - prophecy means the ability to proclaim new revelations from God and discerning of spirits is the ability to discern true prophecies from false, satanic ones. Vere 10 - tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues is
the ability to speak and interpret languages to the speaker or the
interpreter. These gifts were necessary before the word of God was
written, amen.
1/22/2012
His abundant love
2 Corinthians 2
1 to 4
But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.
2For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
3And
I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow
from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that
my joy is the joy of you all.
4For
out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many
tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love
which I have more abundantly unto you.
Amen.
The meaning of what the apostle Paul is saying here is "If I hurt you,
who will be left to make me glad but sad people? That wouldn't be of any
comfort."
ye = you
unto = to
lest = unless
whom = who
maketh = makes
ought to = should
I wrote unto you (see introduction to 2 Corinthians for a discussion of this letter)
1/21/2012
22Seeing
ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit
unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a
pure heart fervently:
23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
24For
all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass.
The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
25But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Amen. Our new birth in Christ Jesus involves the imperishable Word of God (also see James 1:18),
and includes love for our fellow human beings, yes, even love for those
who do not believe. As we live our daily lives, walking in the way of
Jesus, others may see His truth in us and be drawn unto Him, amen.
1/20/2012
Love not the world above God
1 John 2
15 through 17
15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16For all that is in
the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the
pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Amen. Here, the world (Greek
= cosmos), is that organized system headed by Satan that leaves God out
and is rival to Him. Though God loves the world of mankind (John 3:16), we are not to love anything that organizes us against God.
Doing the will of God (the opposite of loving the world) proves the
possession of eternal life and of living (abideth for ever).
lust of the eyes = that lust which leads to greed and covetousness
pride of life = vainglory, display or boasting about one's possessions
lust of the flesh = the lust of our sinful nature of which we are born into
1/19/2012
1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Amen.
Here begins the ethical section of the letter. Paul's appeal is simple:
Become in experience what you already are by God's grace. The old,
sinful, self is dead and the newborn Christian is risen with Christ; let us
exhibit that new life in all we say and do, amen.
ye = you
sitteth = sits
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear = the second coming of Jesus in the clouds
1/18/2012
Be baptized in His name
Acts 2
38 through 42
38Then
Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost.
39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Amen. Here "Repent" means
to change one's mind; specifically about Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and
to acknowledge Him as Lord (= God) and Christ (= Messiah). Such
repentance brings salvation (= eternal life).
Water baptism
is the outward sign of repentance and remission of sins though an
actual acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord through faith is required for
eternal salvation.
untoward = crooked
1/17/2012
Is Jesus the Christ?
Luke 7
19 through 28
19And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
20When
the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto
thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
21And
in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and
of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
22Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go
your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that
the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear,
the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
23And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
24And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
25But
what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold,
they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings'
courts.
26But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
27This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
28For
I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a
greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the
kingdom of God is greater than he.
Amen. In verse 22 tell John what things ye have seen and heard -
These are things that the Old Testament predicted that the Messiah
would do, and Jesus had done them, as witnessed by the thousands, the
doubting men, therefore, had their answer.
John the Baptist was
not like a reed (vs. 24) that bends in whatever direction the wind blows
it (today's "politically correct" frame of mind); rather he was a man of conviction. Neither was he given to soft
living (vs. 25).
This is he, of whom it is written (vs. 27) = see Malachi 3:1
not a greater prophet than John (vs. 28) = see note on Matthew 11:11
1/16/2012
Given up to ones own lusts
Romans 1
24 through 32
24Wherefore
God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own
hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25Who
changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the
creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26For
this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women
did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27And
likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in
their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is
unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error
which was meet.
28And
even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave
them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not
convenient;
29Being
filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness,
maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity;
whisperers,
30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32Who
knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are
worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do
them.
Amen. Note the repetition of the theme "God gave them up" in
verse 26 and "God gave
them over" verse 28. Paul is attacking the flagrant idolatry of most of
the Gentile world, in which animals were considered god's (see Romans 1:23),
sexual perversion was prevalent (vv. 26-27), and sin in general was
rampant (vv. 29-32) and that, after so much warning to repent and come
back to God and receive eternal life, they refuse time and again, God
finally gives them up to their sinful desires.
Because God only approves of monogamous, heterosexual relationships in marriage (study Leviticus 20), Paul condemns both lesbian and homosexual activities as well as adultery (the 7th Commandant) before and within marriage.
Speaking on these
topics, or even bringing them up, may not be popular in today's world
and way of thinking but they are God's Words and the Lord says that He
is the same yesterday, today and forever (see Hebrews 8) and that "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:25), amen and amen.
over = up
not convenient = improper
meet = deserved = brought on by ones self
1/15/2012
Does Jesus identify with sinners?
Matthew 3
13 through 17
13Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16And
Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and,
lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Amen. Jesus fulfilled all the righteous requirements (vs. 15 to fulfil all righteousness) to be the promised Messiah. Also, though Jesus himself had no sin to repent of, by allowing John to baptize Him, He identified with sinners whom He came to save.
We see in verses 16-17
the first clear expression of the concept of the Trinity. The descent
of the Spirit upon Jesus was for special power at the beginning of His
ministry, amen and amen.
1/14/2012
1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3Wherefore
I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God
calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord,
but by the Holy Ghost.
4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
Amen.
Paul infers that, in their pagan days (before they accepted Jesus) they
were carried away to worship idols by powers outside themselves; i.e.,
demons. A believer, led by the Spirit of God, would never curse
Jesus but rather acknowledge His supreme Lordship; i.e., His deity as
Yahweh, the one and only true God, maker of heaven and earth, amen and
amen.
Yahweh = God
administrations = Lit., ministries
operations = energizing of the spiritual gifts given to us, the believer
1/13/2012
The crucifixion of Christ
Luke 23
33 through 56
33And
when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they
crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other
on the left.
34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35And
the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him,
saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the
chosen of God.
36And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
38And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
46And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
47Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
48And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
49And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
50And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
51(The
same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of
Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom
of God.
52This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
53And
he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre
that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
54And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
55And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
56And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Amen.
Though Jesus was innocent of all accusations, He held His tongue
throughout the persecution, trial, and crucifixion... why? He loves us
so much that He chose, of His own free will, to sacrifice His life for
all mankind, that we might be reconciled unto the Father and have
eternal life, amen.
the sixth hour = noon
malefactors = criminals
Arimathaea - A town N of Lydda
Joseph = a secret disciple of Jesus
Calvary = Golgotha - Aramaic for skull
they parted his raiment (clothing), and cast lots (gambled)
1/12/2012
1And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
2And
the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge
and of the fear of the LORD;
3And
shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he
shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the
hearing of his ears:
4But
with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for
the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of
his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
5And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
Amen.
Though the tree of king David is felled (see Isaiah 6:13), a rod
(shoot) or Branch would grow out from his roots (the family tree of David;
Jesse was King David's father - see 1 Samuel 17:12), in the person of Jesus
Christ the Messiah. He would be characterized by the fullness of the
Holy Spirit (v. 2) and absolute integrity (vv. 3 - 5), amen and amen.
1/11/2012
The Beatitudes of Christ
Matthew 5
1 through 16
1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13Ye
are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour,
wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to
be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15Neither
do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick;
and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Amen.
These verses are called the Beatitudes of
Christ which Jesus gave on the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes
(= blessed - happy) describe the inner qualities of a follower of Jesus
and promise us blessings in the future and they contrast sharply with
the characteristics of the Pharisees, who were proud, thinking they had
already attained righteousness and salvation.
The Beatitudes are a revelation of the righteousness of God, and its
principles are applicable to the children of God today =(men, women and children), amen.
1/10/2012
1Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
2The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
3Honour widows that are widows indeed.
4But
if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew
piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and
acceptable before God.
5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
8But
if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own
house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Amen. Widows with no
financial means of support are to be cared for by their families, if
possible. Younger widows are encouraged to remarry while those over 60
and destitute should be placed on the official relief roll of the church.
These "enrolled widows" constitute a kind of "order of widows," and are expected to devote themselves to prayer and good works.
Providing for ones own relatives (vs. 8), and especially immediate family members house is a believers duty
intreat = exhort
nephews = Lit., grandchildren
1/09/2012
Thanks giving unto the Lord
Psalm 96
1 through 13
1O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
2Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
3Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
4For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
5For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
6Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
8Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
10Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be
established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people
righteously.
11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
12Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
13Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he
shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Amen. This Messianic Psalm contains 3 stanzas:
1 A call to the whole earth to praise the Lord (1-3)
2 A call to all nations to worship the Lord (7-9)
3 A call to nature to rejoice before the Lord (11-12)
All creation will flourish (11-13) when the curse of sin is reversed in the Millennium.
(See note on Romans 8:20)
judge = in the sense of govern
a new song = newly composed after receiving new mercies
in the beauty of holiness = the splendor of His (God's) holiness
idols = nothings, denoting the unreality of the supposed god's of the nation(s)
1/08/2012
1If there
be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any
fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Amen.
The lesson here is to count on Jesus and to fashion ourselves, our
every thought, action and deed after Him. To be united as one body in
Christ Jesus, we must put away all selfishness, personal vanity,
haughtiness, and self interests, amen.
ye = you
consolation = support
Fulfil ye my joy = Cap off my pleasure
bowels and mercies = affection and sympathy
man = mankind = fellow human being = man - woman - child
1/07/2012
Jesus the Messiah in the Old Testament
Isaiah 52
13 through 15
13Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.
14As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
15So
shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at
him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that
which they had not heard shall they consider.
Amen.
This is one of the most important and treasured chapters in the Old
Testament as they show Jesus Christ as servant, suffering vicariously
for mankind's sins and reveal Jesus as the much awaited Messiah.
Due to the merciless beating by Pilate's soldiers, Jesus the Messiah's visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men
(v. 14) that he could barely be recognized as human. What an
unbelievable and selfless sacrifice that He paid that we might be saved
and reconciled unto the Father, thank you so very much my Lord Jesus.
astonied = astonished
visage = face = appearence
exalted and extolled = The preeminence of the Servant
1/06/2012
4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Amen. Believers will be an eternal display of God's awesome grace.
Salvation
is by grace through faith. Faith involves knowledge of the Gospel
(see Romans 10:14), acknowledgment of the truth of its message, and
personal reception of the Savior, Jesus Christ (John 1:12).
Works cannot save (v. 9), but good works always accompany salvation (v. 10).
quickened = made alive
grace = unmerited favor
1/05/2012
9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16Be
of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Amen.
Here Paul reminds us, the believer, the way that we, as Christian's,
should live our lives. Study these exhortations, memorize them, embed
them within your heart that, every day, you may walk the walk and talk
the talk of a blood bought believer of Jesus Christ, amen.
continuing instant = continuing steadfastly
dissimulation = hypocrisy or let love be genuine
Not slothful in business = Do not let your zeal slacken
1/04/2012
Spiritual gifts
26How is it
then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm,
hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an
interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Amen. The Apostle Paul lays out some regulations for the use of spiritual gifts. In verse 27, by course
= in turn. Only two or three should speak in tongues in a service -
never at the same time, but in turn, and not at all if no interpreter is
present.
The
spiritual activities of the prophets are under the full control of the
prophets. No true prophet can claim a hearing on the ground that he/she
is under a power over which they have no control.
1/03/2012
Faith and forgiveness
Luke 17
1 through 6
1Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
2It
were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he
cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
4And
if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a
day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
6And the Lord said, If
ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this
sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in
the sea; and it should obey you.
Amen. Here Jesus shows us the importance of forgiveness, grace, love and
faith. Yes, people will offend us but how will we react? Will we
forgive them as Christ forgave us? If you have unforgiveness in your
heart against anyone, do this... JUST LET IT GO!
ye = you
offend = cause to stumble or lead into sin
sycamine tree = the roots of which were very strong and nearly impossible to uproot
a millstone = a heavy, grain grinding stone about 18 inches in diameter and 4 inches thick
1/02/2012
What do you put above all else?
Mark 10
17 through 23
17And
when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled
to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit
eternal life?
18And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19Thou
knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not
steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and
mother.
20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One
thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to
the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the
cross, and follow me.
22And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
23And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Amen. Why callest thou me good? "Good"
was a designation reserved in the absolute sense for God. Jesus was
reacting to being addressed thus by someone who had no awareness of His
divine nature as God.
Jesus,
lovingly, tries to show the man that, in reality, his love of money
violated the law because he placed it above everything else, even God (1st Commandment : Thou shalt have no other god's before me), amen and amen.
1/01/2012
Justified by His grace
Titus 3
1 through 8
1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful,
and hating one another.
4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the
Holy Ghost;
6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our
Saviour;
7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm
constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to
maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Amen. When Peter wrote this, Nero had become an evil ruler. In verse 1, be subject means to submit oneself. The same Greek word is used in Romans 13:1 and 1 Peter 2:13. Also, principalities and powers usually refer to angels (good angels as in Ephesians 3:10 or evil [fallen] angels as in Ephesians 6:12),
but here the reference is to human, governmental rulers. Though we, as
Christians, are a "special" people elected by God, redeemed from the
world and no longer dependent upon it, we are not above the necessity of
getting along with the civil authorities who govern us.
divers = various
no brawlers = no quarreling, arguing, fighting
12/31/2011
The Second Coming of Jesus and the Anti-Christ
Zechariah 9
9 and 10
9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O
daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just,
and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the
foal of an ass.
10And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from
Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace
unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and
from the river even to the ends of the earth.
Amen.
This great prophecy in vs. 9 was fulfilled completely at the first
advent of Christ Jesus when He presented himself to Israel as her King
during His Triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (see Matthew 21:4-5).
Because Israel rejected her Messiah at His first coming, the
fulfillment of the prophecy in vs. 10 of universal peace awaits the
second advent of our Lord. Remember, Jesus Christ comes back in the
Second Coming in the clouds, NOT as a world leader or
supposed peace maker, that man will be the ant-christ, who will show the
world such miracles that, if not for the grace of God, even His elect
(us) might be fooled. Stay alert my beloved, amen.
the foul of an ass = the son of a she-ass = donkey
12/30/2011
False teachers and false doctrines
2 John 1
7 through 11
7For many
deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ
is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9Whosoever
transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.
He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and
the Son.
10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Amen.
It is imperative that all teachers of the Word be tried and tested (vs.
9) as to just what it is they are teaching. Is their doctrine true and
from God... or is it of the enemy. Remember, the devil comes to rob,
kill and destroy. If you find your teacher to be a false teacher FLEE from them immediately and find another who teaches the undefiled Word of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
partaker = Lit., one who fellowships with
12/29/2011
Our secure eternal inheritance
6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7That
the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that
perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and
honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8Whom
having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet
believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Amen.
The apostle Peter assures us here that the knowledge of our secure
position and inheritance in the eternal kingdom brings us, as
believers, rejoicing (vs. 6), the proof of the reality of our faith (vs.
7), increasing love for the Lord (vs. 8), and assurance of the
completion of our salvation (vs. 9).
Let
us, daily, shine the light of our Lord onto all we meet that they may be
drawn unto the Father, call on the Lord, and share eternal life with us,
amen and amen.
ye = you
end = outcome
manifold temptations = various trials
12/28/2011
Seeking wisdom
1Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
4Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
5O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
8I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
Amen.
This wisdom Psalm (176 verses in all) is an alphabetic acrostic in
which each stanza of eight verses is devoted to successive letters of
the Hebrew alphabet, each verse of a particular stanza beginning with
the same letter.
It
takes awhile to read all 176 verses but, believe me, read the entire
chapter out loud and you will be amazed at what happens within your
spirit and within your life.
12/27/2011
16Rejoice evermore.
17Pray without ceasing.
18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19Quench not the Spirit.
20Despise not prophesyings.
21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Let us always rejoice in the Lord, in the gospel, in the promise of
eternal salvation, in others' spiritual growth, and in every citation,
be it good times or trials, amen and amen.
The Holy Spirit is quenched (vs. 19 - Quench not the Spirit) whenever His ministry is stifled in an individual or in the church.
prove = test
12/26/2011
Pride, self respect, self worth or self esteem?
Proverbs 16
18 through 24
18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Amen.
We need to separate pride from self respect, self worth or self esteem.
Keep in mind that the very fist sin EVER was pride... when the devil
(first called Lucifer by God Himself) wanted to exalt himself above God
(see Isaiah 14:12-17) he was stripped of his angelic name, beauty and stature and cast out of heaven
along with a third of the angels because of this wicked sin of pride.
There
is nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself when you've done
something constructive, charitable or have overcome an obstacle
that was hard for you to tackle. The key here is to stay focused on
God in everything we feel, say, and do, and give Him the praise in every
thing we accomplish, amen and amen.
prudent = discerning
learning = persuasiveness
instruction = training by deed; i.e., discipline
wellspring of life = a source of spiritual vitality
Christmas 2011
The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ the Messiah
Matthew 2
1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the
king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the
people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the
princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule
my people Israel.
7Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for
the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I
may come and worship him also.
9When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which
they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over
where the young child was.
10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with
Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had
opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and
frankincense and myrrh.
12And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth
to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his
mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word:
for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I
called my son.
16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was
exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in
Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under,
according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
17Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
18In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great
mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted,
because they are not.
19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into
the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's
life.
21And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of
his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being
warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
23And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be
fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a
Nazarene.
Merry Christmas! May this be your best one ever. God bless you!
12/24/2011
Matthew 1
The generation of Jesus
1The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
2Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
3And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
4And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
5And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
6And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
7And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
8And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
9And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
10And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
11And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
12And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
13And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
14And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
15And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
16And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
17So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations;
and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen
generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are
fourteen generations.
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother
Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found
with child of the Holy Ghost.
19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD
appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear
not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her
is of the Holy Ghost.
21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and
they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with
us.
24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Amen. I want to wish you a Merry CHRISTMAS and may all your wishes be fulfilled in the coming year. God bless you and yours!
12/23/2011
2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of
utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
4That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Amen. We should persist (Continue) in prayer with alertness (watch) and thanksgiving. Verse 3, a door of utterance means a door of the Word of God; ie., an opportunity to speak the mystery of Jesus. The division between pagans (them that are without) and the Christian church was very sharp and guarded in Paul's time. Salt (seasoned with salt)
is a preservative that retards spoilage. As Christians, our speech
should be tempered so as never to be insipid, corrupt, or obscene, amen.
12/22/2011
11When I was a child, I
spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but
when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I
know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Amen. After the church began, there was a period of immaturity, during
which time spectacular gifts were needed for growth and authentication
(see Hebrews 2:3-4).
With the completion of the New Testament and the growing maturity of
the church, the need for such gifts disappeared. There are stages of
growth within the present imperfect time before Christ's return. Verse
13, faith, hope, charity means that since
these three virtues remain after all the gifts have ceased, they should
be cultivated and expressed by every Christian, amen.
12/21/2011
Do you fear (revere) God?
Luke 12
4 through 9
4And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear
him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say
unto you, Fear him.
6Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
8Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
9But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
Amen. During the time of Jesus' ministry sparrows were so cheap that, though they were sold for 2 pennies (see Matthew 10:29),
a fifth one was thrown in for the price of four. Nevertheless, Jesus
assures us that God is concerned for each and every one of them and for
each and every one of us.
Fear him = God alone has the power to cast into hell (Revelation 20:10)
Fear = reverence (to regard with respect tinged with awe / to stand in awe of)
12/20/2011
What feasts do you celebrate?
14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the
blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of
the body of Christ?
17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
18Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they
sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have
fellowship with devils.
21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot
be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
Amen.
Paul's point is that partaking in a particular feast means
fellowshipping with the one worshiped at the feast. This is true of the
Lord's Supper (vv. 16-17), it was true of Israel in Old Testament times
(v. 18), and it is true of a pagan feast (vv. 19-22). Therefore,
believers must not fellowship at pagan feasts since they may thereby
open themselves up to demonic attacks or even possession (v.20)
12/19/2011
4Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6Be
careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any
virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Amen. Be careful for nothing (as in Matthew 6:25-31),
and the peace of God (supernatural, not psychological) will keep
(guard) our feelings and thoughts. May we always put our faith and trust
in the Lord, doubting and wanting for nothing but His will for us, amen
and amen.
moderation = forbearance, gentleness
lovely = winsome, sweetly or innocently, engaging
honest = worthy of respect, honorable in principles, intentions, and actions; upright and fair: an honest person
12/18/2011
14Of
these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord
that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of
the hearers.
15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
Amen. Here "strive not about words"
means that we are not to indulge in word battles, wordy controversies,
and quibbling about words. These are not only profitless but harmful to
those who hear them. Verse 15 "rightly dividing"
means that we are to correctly handle the Word of God in both analysis
and presentation - in contrast to the inane interpretation of false
teachers.
Study = be diligent
needeth not = doe's not need
Is there more than one way to get to God?
John 14
1 through 18
1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9Jesus saith unto him, Have
I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?
he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then,
Show us the Father?
10Believest
thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I
speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in
me, he doeth the works.
11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
12Verily,
verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do
shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go
unto my Father.
13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17Even
the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth
him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you,
and shall be in you.
18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Amen. Just prior to His crucifixion, Jesus taught His still naive
disciples specific words and encouragements. These include the provision
in the Fathers house (v. 2), the promise to return (v. 3), the
prospect of doing greater works (v. 12), the promise of answered prayer
(v. 14) and the coming of the Holy Spirit (Comforter). Most importantly, He says, in no uncertain terms, that He, and only He, is the way to the Father (v. 6), amen and amen.
ye = you
thou = you
hast = have
saith = said
verily = truly
shew = show
whither = where
dwelleth in = lives in
Comforter = (v. 16) the Holy Spirit
Believest thou not = Do you not believe
12/13/2011
Stay ever in the Word
Psalm 53
1 through 5
1The
fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and
have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
2God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
3Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
4Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God.
5There
were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the
bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame,
because God hath despised them.
Amen. Notice how doctrine (no God) affects conduct (Corrupt).
Let us stay ever in the Word, that corruption and sin not prevail in
our daily living and let us share the Good News of Christ Jesus and the
promise of eternal life to all who call upon Him as their Lord and
Savior, amen and amen.
thee = you
doeth = does
encampeth = surrounds
men = mankind = humans = man - woman - child
iniquity = sin, evildoing, infamy, depravity, knavery
abominable = abhorrent, horrible, revolting, foul, miserable
5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
The humility of Christ is the high mark of this epistle and points out
the disposition and temper that all Christians should strive for.
In verse 6, in the form of God, thought it not robbery, may be paraphrased "Who, though as the same nature as God, did not think this something to be exploited to His own advantage."
Jesus made Himself of no reputation
(vs.7), Lit., emptied Himself for us. This involved a veiling of His
preincarnate glory (John 17:5) and the voluntary non-use of some of His
divine prerogatives during the time He was on earth.
Eventually,
every knee shall bow and every tongue confess Isaiah 45:23 - Romans 14:11 - Philippians 2:10-11) that Jesus Christ is Lord. I bow now and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! All honor and glory and worship
be unto you Father God, amen and amen.
From Adam to Jesus
Romans 5
13 through 21
13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
14Nevertheless
death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned
after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him
that was to come.
15But
not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the
offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by
grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16And
not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was
by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto
justification.
17For
if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which
receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign
in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18Therefore
as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation;
even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto
justification of life.
19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Notice here, and often in the entire chapter, the contrasts between
Adam and Jesus... between their deeds and the results of those deeds and
realize that, because of Adam's sin, we, as his seed, are born into sin
yet, because of Christ's sacrifice for our sin, we are re-born into
righteousness when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.
men = mankind = man - woman - child
Verse 19, shall many be made righteous = through the process of sanctification, which culminates in our glorification.
the law (the 10 Commandments) added transgressions, showing even more vividly the superabundant (the word is heightened) grace of God, amen.
The greatest sacrifice of all
33And
when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they
crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other
on the left.
34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35And
the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him,
saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the
chosen of God.
36And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
38And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
46And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
47Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
48And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
49And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
50And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
51(The
same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of
Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom
of God.
52This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
53And
he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre
that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
54And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
55And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
56And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Amen.
Though Jesus was innocent of all accusations, He held His tongue
throughout the persecution, trial, and crucifixion... why? He loves us
so much that He chose, of His own free will, to sacrifice His life for
all mankind, that we might be reconciled unto the Father and have
eternal life, thank you Jesus, amen.
the sixth hour = noon
malefactors = criminals
Arimathaea - A town N of Lydda
Calvary = Golgotha - Aramaic for skull
Joseph (of
Arimathaea) was a secret disciple of Jesus
they parted his raiment = They gambled for his raiment = clothing - garments