Today the class addressed the matter of reconciliation. We are taking a break from Hebrews/Leviticus
There were 2 points of commentary that I wanted to make.
1. In these days the message of the gospel is no longer redemptive. It is pragmatic. That is, that we preach a message that is intended to bring happiness and success in our lives both at home and at work. It fails to address the matter of our sin and our alienation with God.
2. In these days we "evangelicals" are more associated with Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell and a right-wing political agenda rather than being associated with Jesus Christ and a redemptive agenda. Isnt that sad? Why is that?
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 must cause us to re-focus our calling.
2Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2Co 5:18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
2Co 5:19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
2Co 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
2Co 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
I want to make just a couple observations from this text:
1. Remember the first point that I made in this post about the nature of the gospel? Remember I mentioned that we want a pragmatic gospel and not redemptive gospel? Look at the nature of the gospel in this text. It is has to do with the forgiveness of sins. "Not counting their trespasses against them" its a matter of sin. We mentioned that reconciliation is predicated not on the fact that we are not happy and succesful but that we are enemies of God!
(Rom 5:10) For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
This is the message to a lost and perishing world. RECONCILIATION !! Not happiness and succes! This was one point of commentary in the class.
The second point of commentary was the nature of our calling and God ordained agenda. Why is it that we evangelicals are more associated with Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell and a political agenda? Could it be that in the world, thats what they have come to know us by ? Could it be that that is what we have made our priority in this society? Brothers and Sisters... we are not Embassadors for these men and their agenda... We are Embassadors for Christ.
2Co 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
We do have a God given Embassadorship and its not dictated by men and its not how to be happy and succesful! Its how we are right with our God and its how others are right with God.It has a goal, and that goal is not who is in the oval office. It is that we would be the righteousness of God in Christ.
2Co 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Law and The Sabbath ?
Recently a Sister in The Lord asked me how I understand The Sabbath in view of the fact that we are no longer under the Law. I hope I answered her question appropriately. Here is my reply:
Rom 6:14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Rom
7:4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.
Argument from the above text is clear that we are no longer under the law but under grace. We are no longer directed by written rules and regulations. We are now led by the Spirit of God if we belong to Christ. We are under the rule of Grace now not The Law. That means that when there is an infraction to God's law we are not punished as we should be. Like a bank that has a "grace period" on past due bills it does not charge a penalty for late payment as long as its paid in the "grace period" We are now living under God's Grace period.
Now as far as the Sabbath is concerned:
Col 2:13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
Col 2:14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
Col 2:15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
Col 2:16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.
Col 2:17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
Argument from this text would be that in view of our "being alive in Christ" and having all debt forgiven and in view of the fact that the sabbath was a picture of the rest that was to come we now realize and experience the real rest we are not obligated to honor the picture but the reality which is Christ Jesus!!
Now as far as The purpose and time of the Law
Gal 3:19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary.
Gal 3:20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.
Gal 3:21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law.
Gal 3:22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Gal 3:23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.
Gal 3:24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.
Argument from above text is this: It asks why was the law given, and until what time it would end.It states that it was added because it would teach us what we really were.... sinners. The Law showed us we were sinners. And then it states that it was in place only until the time Christ came 3:24
The sum of all the law was love. It taught us to love. Mat 22:36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" Mat 22:37 And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Mat 22:38 This is the great and first commandment. Mat 22:39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mat 22:40 .
While the Law commanded it love....it never empowered us to do so. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.
On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." So in The Spirit we produce that by the work of the Spirit Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Rom 6:14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Rom
7:4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.
Argument from the above text is clear that we are no longer under the law but under grace. We are no longer directed by written rules and regulations. We are now led by the Spirit of God if we belong to Christ. We are under the rule of Grace now not The Law. That means that when there is an infraction to God's law we are not punished as we should be. Like a bank that has a "grace period" on past due bills it does not charge a penalty for late payment as long as its paid in the "grace period" We are now living under God's Grace period.
Now as far as the Sabbath is concerned:
Col 2:13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
Col 2:14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
Col 2:15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
Col 2:16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.
Col 2:17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
Argument from this text would be that in view of our "being alive in Christ" and having all debt forgiven and in view of the fact that the sabbath was a picture of the rest that was to come we now realize and experience the real rest we are not obligated to honor the picture but the reality which is Christ Jesus!!
Now as far as The purpose and time of the Law
Gal 3:19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary.
Gal 3:20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.
Gal 3:21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law.
Gal 3:22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Gal 3:23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.
Gal 3:24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.
Argument from above text is this: It asks why was the law given, and until what time it would end.It states that it was added because it would teach us what we really were.... sinners. The Law showed us we were sinners. And then it states that it was in place only until the time Christ came 3:24
The sum of all the law was love. It taught us to love. Mat 22:36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" Mat 22:37 And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Mat 22:38 This is the great and first commandment. Mat 22:39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mat 22:40 .
While the Law commanded it love....it never empowered us to do so. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.
On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." So in The Spirit we produce that by the work of the Spirit Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Monday, January 7, 2008
Hebrews 8-10
We continued to work through the book of Hebrews this Sunday.
We started the second section starting in Chapter 8. In the first section chapters 1-7 , the writer stressed the more excellent name and position of Jesus relative to the Angels, Moses, Joshua, and Aaron.
His Person:
He is eternally more excellent than these candidates. He is superior to angels in that they are not as Jesus declared to be a Son. Neither do the angels sit at The Fathers right hand.
He is Superior to Moses in that Moses in only a servant in the house....Jesus is The Son over Gods house.
His rest is superior that that of Joshua in that Joshua's was earthly and temporal. That which Jesus provides is eternal !!
He is superior to Aaron in that Aaron's priesthood was limited in that you could never count on the priest in that they were always dying. Jesus is always living. Also the Aaronic priesthood was rooted in the law. The priests were priests only because they were next in line. There was no unique quality in them that made them qualified. Jesus however is sinless and separate from sinners and absolutely qualified. Furthermore He is appointed directly by God to be our High Priest. And confirmed by an oath !
His work:
The summary of Hebrews is tied to these two verse's :
Heb 10:11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
Heb 10:12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,
All the work that went on in the tabernacle for all those years and all those sacrifice's had no effect on the people. They only covered the sins temporarily until the time of Christ. Furthermore they could not cleanse the conscience.
However in Jesus, He offered one sacrifice for all time and has done what all those sacrifice's could never do....TAKE AWAY SINS !!
When John saw Jesus he cried "Behold...The Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world"
Further more it is stated that Jesus "sat down" . If you study the tabernacle and the furnishings therein you will notice there is no place to sit down. There is no reason to sit down. The work is never done. Now Jesus can sit down....for He knows that IT IS FINISHED !!
We started the second section starting in Chapter 8. In the first section chapters 1-7 , the writer stressed the more excellent name and position of Jesus relative to the Angels, Moses, Joshua, and Aaron.
His Person:
He is eternally more excellent than these candidates. He is superior to angels in that they are not as Jesus declared to be a Son. Neither do the angels sit at The Fathers right hand.
He is Superior to Moses in that Moses in only a servant in the house....Jesus is The Son over Gods house.
His rest is superior that that of Joshua in that Joshua's was earthly and temporal. That which Jesus provides is eternal !!
He is superior to Aaron in that Aaron's priesthood was limited in that you could never count on the priest in that they were always dying. Jesus is always living. Also the Aaronic priesthood was rooted in the law. The priests were priests only because they were next in line. There was no unique quality in them that made them qualified. Jesus however is sinless and separate from sinners and absolutely qualified. Furthermore He is appointed directly by God to be our High Priest. And confirmed by an oath !
His work:
The summary of Hebrews is tied to these two verse's :
Heb 10:11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
Heb 10:12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,
All the work that went on in the tabernacle for all those years and all those sacrifice's had no effect on the people. They only covered the sins temporarily until the time of Christ. Furthermore they could not cleanse the conscience.
However in Jesus, He offered one sacrifice for all time and has done what all those sacrifice's could never do....TAKE AWAY SINS !!
When John saw Jesus he cried "Behold...The Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world"
Further more it is stated that Jesus "sat down" . If you study the tabernacle and the furnishings therein you will notice there is no place to sit down. There is no reason to sit down. The work is never done. Now Jesus can sit down....for He knows that IT IS FINISHED !!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Jesus....Aaron and Melchizedek
From Hebrews 5:1-11 and Hebrews 7 (Long post)
In Chapter 5 the writer of Hebrews points out that Jesus is like Aaron in that He was not self appointed. He did not assume this position. That's the sense of verse 5 -6. The same one that proclaimed that Jesus to be The Son of God is the same one that has appointed Him forever a High Priest forever like Melchizedek.
Heb 5:5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you";
Heb 5:6 as he says also in another place, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek."
Some confusion has come from this verse:
Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
Notice it says "being made perfect"?. This does not mean that Jesus was lacking any virtue in Himself or that He was not perfect. It means that due to own sufferings (verse 8) He is now the perfect High Priest. A High Priest is one that can deal gently with the people of God because he knows what its like to be in need himself.
So with Jesus... apart from a life of suffering and dependence upon God He would not have been a sympathetic High Priest. But now in His suffering and he has been made the perfect High Priest because He knows what its like to suffer. Therefore He can deal gently with us.
Melchizedek:
We need a High Priest to always intercede for us. So we need a priesthood better than Aaron and one more like Melchizedek. Jesus is like Aaron in His appointment but His Priesthood is like that of Melchizedek. Little is known of this Melchizedek. He was the Priest that met with Abraham on his way home from the battle back in Genesis.
Gen 14:17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley).
Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.)
Gen 14:19 And he blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;
Gen 14:20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!" And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Hebrews says of him:
Heb 7:3 He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.
Heb 7:5 And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham.
Heb 7:6 But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
I admit this text can be a bit boggling. But I don't think that he is insisting that Melchizedek was never born nor has he ever died. Nor that he has no mother or father. What I think he is saying is this. In view of the fact that we have no record of any genealogy or birth or death....his Priesthood is independent of any earthly or Mosaic obligation. Melchizedek's priesthood is based on one thing....God! He had no predecessors and no successors. He did not assume a priesthood based on his father's inheritance. I think Melchizedek was a type of the priesthood of Jesus. Completely independent of any earthly or Mosaic obligation. Melchizedek was a priest because God appointed him .... so was Jesus. In type Melchizedek lives on.... so does Jesus. In the Aaronic priesthood there were many priests due to their deaths. Not with Jesus... He lives on (verse7:23)
Draw near....
Chapter 6 and 7 of Hebrews and in fact 6 times in Hebrews we see the phrase "draw near"
(Heb 4:16) Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
(Heb 7:19) (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
(Heb 7:25) Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
(Heb 10:1) For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.
(Heb 10:22) let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
(Heb 11:6) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
(Jas 4:8) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
To fully appreciate this concept we must consider this OT concept. Starting with Moses at the bush he was told by God not to come near:
Exo 3:5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
And then at the mountain the people were told:
Exo 24:1 And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.
Exo 24:2 And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.
And most of all the Tabernacle worshipers were commanded not to come into the Holy Place. Only the High Priest could come in there. It was a well known truth that those people could NOT DRAW NEAR !!
Now!!! We are told that because of JESUS we can draw near !!!
Thank you Lord that in Jesus your Son we can now draw near to you.
GCC Sunday School Class
In Chapter 5 the writer of Hebrews points out that Jesus is like Aaron in that He was not self appointed. He did not assume this position. That's the sense of verse 5 -6. The same one that proclaimed that Jesus to be The Son of God is the same one that has appointed Him forever a High Priest forever like Melchizedek.
Heb 5:5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you";
Heb 5:6 as he says also in another place, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek."
Some confusion has come from this verse:
Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
Notice it says "being made perfect"?. This does not mean that Jesus was lacking any virtue in Himself or that He was not perfect. It means that due to own sufferings (verse 8) He is now the perfect High Priest. A High Priest is one that can deal gently with the people of God because he knows what its like to be in need himself.
So with Jesus... apart from a life of suffering and dependence upon God He would not have been a sympathetic High Priest. But now in His suffering and he has been made the perfect High Priest because He knows what its like to suffer. Therefore He can deal gently with us.
Melchizedek:
We need a High Priest to always intercede for us. So we need a priesthood better than Aaron and one more like Melchizedek. Jesus is like Aaron in His appointment but His Priesthood is like that of Melchizedek. Little is known of this Melchizedek. He was the Priest that met with Abraham on his way home from the battle back in Genesis.
Gen 14:17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley).
Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.)
Gen 14:19 And he blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;
Gen 14:20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!" And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Hebrews says of him:
Heb 7:3 He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.
Heb 7:5 And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham.
Heb 7:6 But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
I admit this text can be a bit boggling. But I don't think that he is insisting that Melchizedek was never born nor has he ever died. Nor that he has no mother or father. What I think he is saying is this. In view of the fact that we have no record of any genealogy or birth or death....his Priesthood is independent of any earthly or Mosaic obligation. Melchizedek's priesthood is based on one thing....God! He had no predecessors and no successors. He did not assume a priesthood based on his father's inheritance. I think Melchizedek was a type of the priesthood of Jesus. Completely independent of any earthly or Mosaic obligation. Melchizedek was a priest because God appointed him .... so was Jesus. In type Melchizedek lives on.... so does Jesus. In the Aaronic priesthood there were many priests due to their deaths. Not with Jesus... He lives on (verse7:23)
Draw near....
Chapter 6 and 7 of Hebrews and in fact 6 times in Hebrews we see the phrase "draw near"
(Heb 4:16) Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
(Heb 7:19) (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
(Heb 7:25) Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
(Heb 10:1) For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.
(Heb 10:22) let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
(Heb 11:6) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
(Jas 4:8) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
To fully appreciate this concept we must consider this OT concept. Starting with Moses at the bush he was told by God not to come near:
Exo 3:5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
And then at the mountain the people were told:
Exo 24:1 And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.
Exo 24:2 And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.
And most of all the Tabernacle worshipers were commanded not to come into the Holy Place. Only the High Priest could come in there. It was a well known truth that those people could NOT DRAW NEAR !!
Now!!! We are told that because of JESUS we can draw near !!!
Thank you Lord that in Jesus your Son we can now draw near to you.
GCC Sunday School Class
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Job and the 3 unwise men. Hebrews 4:16
(Heb 4:16) Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Continuing to study the meaning of Hebrews 4:16 we stepped back to the book of Job.
(Job 2:11) Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him.
Job try's by the efforts of his friends to recieve what we are to recieve from our risen Lord Jesus. Mercy and grace in our times of need.
As hard as Job's friends try they fall woefully short of bringing comfort and grace to Job.
At best we can encourage our brothers and sisters in The Lord and direct them. But the source of strength and grace and mercy flow from the Throne of Grace.
We are to be looking up in our times of need. He is our comfort and strength. We are thankful to know that have a Lord that not only deals with our sin(s) but also our situations when we find ourselves in time of need.
Amen
Continuing to study the meaning of Hebrews 4:16 we stepped back to the book of Job.
(Job 2:11) Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him.
Job try's by the efforts of his friends to recieve what we are to recieve from our risen Lord Jesus. Mercy and grace in our times of need.
As hard as Job's friends try they fall woefully short of bringing comfort and grace to Job.
At best we can encourage our brothers and sisters in The Lord and direct them. But the source of strength and grace and mercy flow from the Throne of Grace.
We are to be looking up in our times of need. He is our comfort and strength. We are thankful to know that have a Lord that not only deals with our sin(s) but also our situations when we find ourselves in time of need.
Amen
Monday, November 5, 2007
More Glory than Moses
One by one the writer of Hebrews continues to demonstrate the Superiority of Jesus over and above the people and works of the OT.
Today we learned that Jesus is far superior to Moses. Moses was a servant...Jesus is a Son. Moses was a member in God's house...Jesus was over HIS own house.
The writer exhorts us that the same thing can happen to us that happened to those that fell in the wilderness. We could by unbelief fail to come short of the promise. Most of them that came out of Egypt were only along for the ride. And when the times got tuff they proved their lack of faith by chronic complaining.... blood on the doorpost and none on the heart.
Paul warns us here that we can only have assurance that we belong to Jesus "if" we hold fast to the end.
(Heb 3:6) but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
(Heb 3:14) For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
Notice the word "if" in the above two texts. In the Greek it would be condition of third class . If it were a condition of first class it would read like this " in view of the fact that you will hold fast".
But in the third class there is room for the condition not to come to pass. As it is it could read "hey folks... there is a possibility that like those in the wilderness that fell, so could you."
Once saved always saved???Yes!!! Once saved faithful to the end???YES !!!
Be warned that some of you could have an evil unbelieving heart 3:12. Fear lest we fall short of it 4:1.
Like chapter 2 the accountability is far greater for rejecting the words.
Paul's words to us "encourage one another day after day"vs13 Are we doing this? Or are we more concerned with our own agenda? What if I encourage others...then the attention is not on me like I would like.
"The neglect of Christian exhortation is surely among the greatest failings of God's people today. The mad rush for the world's goods, the excessive drive for material prosperity, the disproportionate love of pleasure, the self-centered living of a modern age -- these all have practically extinguished the selfless and obedient concern of saints in too many places for one another, and the careful exhortation which should grow out of that concern has died before it was born. Any congregation that ignores this divine obligation has no right to parade itself as a faithful church of Christ Jesus, regardless of its other qualities or so-called distinctive marks."
- Edward Fudge
The conclusion:
So we see, he concludes, that they could not enter in because of disbelief. Their death in the wilderness was not due to Moses' unfaithfulness -- he was faithful in all God's house. It was not because God was unable to save them -- He showed His works forty years in the wilderness. The reason they fell was simple and single: they stopped believing and trusting God. The next verse of exhortation should be included in chapter three: Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. It happened once before. It can happen again. - Edward Fudge http://www.edwardfudge.com/written/omihtext.html
Today we learned that Jesus is far superior to Moses. Moses was a servant...Jesus is a Son. Moses was a member in God's house...Jesus was over HIS own house.
The writer exhorts us that the same thing can happen to us that happened to those that fell in the wilderness. We could by unbelief fail to come short of the promise. Most of them that came out of Egypt were only along for the ride. And when the times got tuff they proved their lack of faith by chronic complaining.... blood on the doorpost and none on the heart.
Paul warns us here that we can only have assurance that we belong to Jesus "if" we hold fast to the end.
(Heb 3:6) but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
(Heb 3:14) For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
Notice the word "if" in the above two texts. In the Greek it would be condition of third class . If it were a condition of first class it would read like this " in view of the fact that you will hold fast".
But in the third class there is room for the condition not to come to pass. As it is it could read "hey folks... there is a possibility that like those in the wilderness that fell, so could you."
Once saved always saved???Yes!!! Once saved faithful to the end???YES !!!
Be warned that some of you could have an evil unbelieving heart 3:12. Fear lest we fall short of it 4:1.
Like chapter 2 the accountability is far greater for rejecting the words.
Paul's words to us "encourage one another day after day"vs13 Are we doing this? Or are we more concerned with our own agenda? What if I encourage others...then the attention is not on me like I would like.
"The neglect of Christian exhortation is surely among the greatest failings of God's people today. The mad rush for the world's goods, the excessive drive for material prosperity, the disproportionate love of pleasure, the self-centered living of a modern age -- these all have practically extinguished the selfless and obedient concern of saints in too many places for one another, and the careful exhortation which should grow out of that concern has died before it was born. Any congregation that ignores this divine obligation has no right to parade itself as a faithful church of Christ Jesus, regardless of its other qualities or so-called distinctive marks."
- Edward Fudge
The conclusion:
So we see, he concludes, that they could not enter in because of disbelief. Their death in the wilderness was not due to Moses' unfaithfulness -- he was faithful in all God's house. It was not because God was unable to save them -- He showed His works forty years in the wilderness. The reason they fell was simple and single: they stopped believing and trusting God. The next verse of exhortation should be included in chapter three: Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. It happened once before. It can happen again. - Edward Fudge http://www.edwardfudge.com/written/omihtext.html
Friday, November 2, 2007
A More Excellent name than Angels
From chapter 1 of Hebrews we are taught that The Son of God has a more excellent name than the angels. He has a more excellent name and it is proven from verse 5-14. In each of the quotes from the OT , mostly Psalms the author draws texts to prove that what he has said about The Son is said of the Father. The author states that The Son is radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature. This has to do with His relationship to God. The author also states that The Son is also the creator and sustainer and heir of all things. This has to do with His relationship to Creation. It is also stated that The Son is the redeemer. To none of the angels are these things ever said. What a great chapter to use on those who teach that Jesus is not God. As the very quotes in this chapter that were first written to apply to God now are applied to Jesus
In view of these truths we are under a far greater condemnation for walking away from Jesus. As He is far superior to the angels through whom the law had com.
Continuing on from 2:14 the writer teaches us WHY Jesus became a man. Verse 17 ... to become a merciful and faithful High Priest. We learn more about this individual later in the book.
In view of these truths we are under a far greater condemnation for walking away from Jesus. As He is far superior to the angels through whom the law had com.
Continuing on from 2:14 the writer teaches us WHY Jesus became a man. Verse 17 ... to become a merciful and faithful High Priest. We learn more about this individual later in the book.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Week 3 The Great Hope Chest !
This is week 3 of our Hebrews Class.
Heb 9:3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place,
Heb 9:4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.
A hope chest contains items of sentimental value that point to some event or person that has some special significance to the owner.
The Ark of the covenant is no different. It contained items that were very significant to the owner...God.
It contained 3 things. Aaron's rod that budded, The manna, and the stone tablets of the law.
Aarons rod that budded represents the truth that Aaron and his son's had exclusive rights to the priesthood. Read Numbers 17. Of all 12 tribes that lay their rods in the holy place only Aarons rod budded. How might this point to Christ? Wasn't He The Chosen of God? 1Pet 2:5 and Matt. 12:18 say that he was. A rod is a dead stick, yet it budded !!! Life from the dead. Do you see Jesus in that !
The manna represents the truth that God provided food to sustain the Hebrews when they were brought out of Egypt. It is the food that kept them alive. How do we see Jesus in this?
Joh 6:31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"
Joh 6:32 Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
Joh 6:33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
Joh 6:34 They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always."
Joh 6:35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
Jesus is the real bread....the manna pointed to Him !!
The Stone tablets were the second set of tablets given to Moses by God. Notice in the Ark are not broken tablets !! When man is trusted with the Law he breaks it...when the Law is kept in the Ark it is not broken. How do we see Jesus in this? We see in Jesus the Law kept perfectly!
1Peter 2:22 says that He did no sin. 2Cor 5:21 says He knew no sin. In Jesus the Law is kept. In the Ark the Law is kept and not broken.
As we stated the tabernacle is the greatest parable ever told. Each component speaks of a significant truth from the past as well as truth realized in Jesus. Each of the items in the Ark that pictures Jesus, point to some aspect of Jesus. And I feel that we are only scratching the surface.
Brother Steve
Heb 9:3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place,
Heb 9:4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.
A hope chest contains items of sentimental value that point to some event or person that has some special significance to the owner.
The Ark of the covenant is no different. It contained items that were very significant to the owner...God.
It contained 3 things. Aaron's rod that budded, The manna, and the stone tablets of the law.
Aarons rod that budded represents the truth that Aaron and his son's had exclusive rights to the priesthood. Read Numbers 17. Of all 12 tribes that lay their rods in the holy place only Aarons rod budded. How might this point to Christ? Wasn't He The Chosen of God? 1Pet 2:5 and Matt. 12:18 say that he was. A rod is a dead stick, yet it budded !!! Life from the dead. Do you see Jesus in that !
The manna represents the truth that God provided food to sustain the Hebrews when they were brought out of Egypt. It is the food that kept them alive. How do we see Jesus in this?
Joh 6:31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"
Joh 6:32 Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
Joh 6:33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
Joh 6:34 They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always."
Joh 6:35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
Jesus is the real bread....the manna pointed to Him !!
The Stone tablets were the second set of tablets given to Moses by God. Notice in the Ark are not broken tablets !! When man is trusted with the Law he breaks it...when the Law is kept in the Ark it is not broken. How do we see Jesus in this? We see in Jesus the Law kept perfectly!
1Peter 2:22 says that He did no sin. 2Cor 5:21 says He knew no sin. In Jesus the Law is kept. In the Ark the Law is kept and not broken.
As we stated the tabernacle is the greatest parable ever told. Each component speaks of a significant truth from the past as well as truth realized in Jesus. Each of the items in the Ark that pictures Jesus, point to some aspect of Jesus. And I feel that we are only scratching the surface.
Brother Steve
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Hebrews Week 2
This was another great class. Understanding the great parable of the tabernacle and Hebrews
This Hebrews class will be a two-part class. Each class will focus on the Tabernacle and its meaning in Christ and the textual study of the Hebrews text. This week it was the Mercy Seat.
Lev 16:14 And he shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the front of the mercy seat on the east side, and in front of the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.
Lev 16:15 "Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering that is for the people and bring its blood inside the veil and do with its blood as he did with the blood of the bull, sprinkling it over the mercy seat and in front of the mercy seat.
Lev 16:16 Thus he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel and because of their transgressions, all their sins. And so he shall do for the tent of meeting, which dwells with them in the midst of their uncleannesses.
Compare with:
Heb 9:5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
Heb 9:6 These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties,
Heb 9:7 but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people.
Now look at Romans 3:25:
Rom 3:25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
(Rom 3:25 [NIV])
God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—
Notice in Romans 3:25 the word translated "propitiation" or "sacrifice of atonement" ? Well, its the Greek word MERCY SEAT !! Its the same word used in Hebrews 9:5
Accident???? I don't think so.
Our text study began in Hebrews 1.
The thrust of the text is this.....That Jesus is one with God the Father in Essence and Nature.
Heb 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory (essence) of God and the exact imprint of his nature,
As far as angels are concerned He is superior in Position and Relationship. He sits at the Fathers Right hand and He is called Son !! To none of the angels is this stated. Heb 1:5-14
He is infinitely greater than angels therefore rejecting Him has infinitely greater consequences as we will see next week.
This Hebrews class will be a two-part class. Each class will focus on the Tabernacle and its meaning in Christ and the textual study of the Hebrews text. This week it was the Mercy Seat.
Lev 16:14 And he shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the front of the mercy seat on the east side, and in front of the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.
Lev 16:15 "Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering that is for the people and bring its blood inside the veil and do with its blood as he did with the blood of the bull, sprinkling it over the mercy seat and in front of the mercy seat.
Lev 16:16 Thus he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel and because of their transgressions, all their sins. And so he shall do for the tent of meeting, which dwells with them in the midst of their uncleannesses.
Compare with:
Heb 9:5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
Heb 9:6 These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties,
Heb 9:7 but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people.
Now look at Romans 3:25:
Rom 3:25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
(Rom 3:25 [NIV])
God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—
Notice in Romans 3:25 the word translated "propitiation" or "sacrifice of atonement" ? Well, its the Greek word MERCY SEAT !! Its the same word used in Hebrews 9:5
Accident???? I don't think so.
Our text study began in Hebrews 1.
The thrust of the text is this.....That Jesus is one with God the Father in Essence and Nature.
Heb 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory (essence) of God and the exact imprint of his nature,
As far as angels are concerned He is superior in Position and Relationship. He sits at the Fathers Right hand and He is called Son !! To none of the angels is this stated. Heb 1:5-14
He is infinitely greater than angels therefore rejecting Him has infinitely greater consequences as we will see next week.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Hebrews class begins
What a great first class. The book of Hebrews is written to exhort those that had been under the influence of the OT economy. The writer exorts the readers to move out from under the OT system and see that Jesus is the Christ and that He is far superior to all personages and works of the OT system. It is a book that has its roots in the Tabernacle. So much of the tabernacle and its activities are addressed in Hebrews. I ask the class to consider the book of Hebrews as the explanation of the greatest parable ever told. Note Hebrews 9:8...ESV
By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing(which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper,
See the word symbolic ??? Its the greek word we get "parable". It's the word Jesus used when he spoke in parables. The writer of Hebrews has just said that the Tabernacle was a PARABLE !!!!
In a parable as you know ...its a story that has a real spiritual meaning. Each of the components of the story has a meaning in itself. Well so does the tabernacle....each of the components and people of the tabernacle tells a story and that story is realized in The Person and Work of Jesus Christ !! The Tabernacle is the greatest Parable ever told......Hebrews is the greatest explanation of that parable . Thats what this class will be about.
There were some questions in the class that were directed towards orthodox jews. I did some research and found this page.
http://www.jewfaq.org/qorbanot.htm
Brother Steve
By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing(which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper,
See the word symbolic ??? Its the greek word we get "parable". It's the word Jesus used when he spoke in parables. The writer of Hebrews has just said that the Tabernacle was a PARABLE !!!!
In a parable as you know ...its a story that has a real spiritual meaning. Each of the components of the story has a meaning in itself. Well so does the tabernacle....each of the components and people of the tabernacle tells a story and that story is realized in The Person and Work of Jesus Christ !! The Tabernacle is the greatest Parable ever told......Hebrews is the greatest explanation of that parable . Thats what this class will be about.
There were some questions in the class that were directed towards orthodox jews. I did some research and found this page.
http://www.jewfaq.org/qorbanot.htm
Brother Steve
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
New Hebrews Class
October 7th begins a new quarter for our SS class.
We begin the book of Hebrews. We shall spend allot of prep work learning some OT teachings from Exodus and Leviticus about the Tabernacle and Sacrifices and The Priesthood. Then as we study Hebrews these truths will be more significant to us. The OT focused in shadow form much of the Person and Work of Jesus as would be realized in His work.
We begin the book of Hebrews. We shall spend allot of prep work learning some OT teachings from Exodus and Leviticus about the Tabernacle and Sacrifices and The Priesthood. Then as we study Hebrews these truths will be more significant to us. The OT focused in shadow form much of the Person and Work of Jesus as would be realized in His work.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Romans 13-14
Romans 13-14
Romans 13...
Part of offering ourselves as living sacrifices is to obey our governments as this is pleasing to God in view of the fact that the governments that are are there by Gods decree. The Christian life is a life of submission. We as Christians are not above the law. Some of the greatest testimonies of Gods people are in their time of trial in the midst of cruel governments. Jesus being the greatest example of trusting Himself to God while submitting to the Romans government during His own trial and crucifixion.
Romans 14...
Do not Judge and do not trip. We are not all going to agree on matters that are not of a moral nature. Paul says that's fine. However.... in your convictions be sure that they are motivated to glorify God. Do not judge your brother in his convictions. Do not trip.... Paul calls us to move above what we consider best for us and consider what is best for your brother Rom 14:13. Consider your brothers interest above yours. And above all....understand that The Kingdom of God is far above the does and do nots of this world. Rom 14:17
Romans 13...
Part of offering ourselves as living sacrifices is to obey our governments as this is pleasing to God in view of the fact that the governments that are are there by Gods decree. The Christian life is a life of submission. We as Christians are not above the law. Some of the greatest testimonies of Gods people are in their time of trial in the midst of cruel governments. Jesus being the greatest example of trusting Himself to God while submitting to the Romans government during His own trial and crucifixion.
Romans 14...
Do not Judge and do not trip. We are not all going to agree on matters that are not of a moral nature. Paul says that's fine. However.... in your convictions be sure that they are motivated to glorify God. Do not judge your brother in his convictions. Do not trip.... Paul calls us to move above what we consider best for us and consider what is best for your brother Rom 14:13. Consider your brothers interest above yours. And above all....understand that The Kingdom of God is far above the does and do nots of this world. Rom 14:17
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Salvation has come to the Gentiles
Romans 11.11
(Rom 11:11 )
So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.
God has not cast away His people. He has for a time now turned His redeeming works to the gentiles. We learn that this is not an afterthought but has been in the eternal plan of God from the eternal ages past Eph 3. The grace of God has been bestowed upon His people from eternity past :
(2Tim 1:9)
who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
(2Tim 1:10 )
and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
In order that He might be glorified in us in the eternal ages to come:
(Eph 2:6 )
and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
(Eph 2:7 )
so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Therefore God's Word and Purposes have not failed. We the Gentiles are not an afterthought. We have been in the heart and mind and purposes of God from all eternity !!
(Rom 11:11 )
So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.
God has not cast away His people. He has for a time now turned His redeeming works to the gentiles. We learn that this is not an afterthought but has been in the eternal plan of God from the eternal ages past Eph 3. The grace of God has been bestowed upon His people from eternity past :
(2Tim 1:9)
who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
(2Tim 1:10 )
and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
In order that He might be glorified in us in the eternal ages to come:
(Eph 2:6 )
and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
(Eph 2:7 )
so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Therefore God's Word and Purposes have not failed. We the Gentiles are not an afterthought. We have been in the heart and mind and purposes of God from all eternity !!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Romans 11, God has not rejected His people
In spite of Israel's rebellion throughout history, God has not and will not reject His people whom He foreknew (Duet 7:6-8) Compare "foreknew" with Romans 8:29. For whom He foreknew He did predestine.....
Paul is exibit "A" that God has not rejected His people. Paul also argue's that from the time of Elijah God has had a people inspite of their dissobedience. But to be sure... this remnant is not a result of any good in Israel, it is soley rooted in Gods mercy and faithfulnes to His word and His promise to the Patriarch's
Next week Romans 11 Cont.....
Paul is exibit "A" that God has not rejected His people. Paul also argue's that from the time of Elijah God has had a people inspite of their dissobedience. But to be sure... this remnant is not a result of any good in Israel, it is soley rooted in Gods mercy and faithfulnes to His word and His promise to the Patriarch's
Next week Romans 11 Cont.....
Sunday, August 5, 2007
The Guilt of Israel
Romans 9 declares the justification of God in His dealings with His people. God's word and promise's have not failed declares Romans 9.
Paul then turns directly to the Jews and pinpoints the reason for Israel's guilt. It was THEM. They missed it. They being so rebelious and set in their self-righteousness missed the long awaited Messiah. Not only that, Paul demonstrates that Israel has a long history of rebellion against their God.
In view of this....now what???? Romans 11
Paul then turns directly to the Jews and pinpoints the reason for Israel's guilt. It was THEM. They missed it. They being so rebelious and set in their self-righteousness missed the long awaited Messiah. Not only that, Paul demonstrates that Israel has a long history of rebellion against their God.
In view of this....now what???? Romans 11
Sunday, July 29, 2007
God's promises have not failed
(Rom 9:6) But it is not as though the word of God hath come to nought. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel:
The main issue today in class is that the promise of God relative to Israel and redemptive history is that God's promises are not resting in us to bring them to pass.
Paul uses two examples. One of Abraham, Sarah and Isaac. It was in this example that the capacity to bring to pass God's plan does not rest in us. Isaac was beyond the capacity of Abraham and Sarah's ability to bring to pass.
The other example is Jacob and Esau. God demonstrates in this example that the perogitives of God are at work in His plan. It would be in normal circumstances that Esau would be the one through whom would recieve the blessings. But in God's economy, His is the perogitive!
Therefore Gods has demonstrated in Romans 9 that while in the case of Israel's unbelief , not all Israel is Israel.
The Israel of God are those whom He has determined to be the recipients of blessing.
Rom 9:11 for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth,
Therefore God's plan rests not in our power or perogitives....But His....
Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy.
The main issue today in class is that the promise of God relative to Israel and redemptive history is that God's promises are not resting in us to bring them to pass.
Paul uses two examples. One of Abraham, Sarah and Isaac. It was in this example that the capacity to bring to pass God's plan does not rest in us. Isaac was beyond the capacity of Abraham and Sarah's ability to bring to pass.
The other example is Jacob and Esau. God demonstrates in this example that the perogitives of God are at work in His plan. It would be in normal circumstances that Esau would be the one through whom would recieve the blessings. But in God's economy, His is the perogitive!
Therefore Gods has demonstrated in Romans 9 that while in the case of Israel's unbelief , not all Israel is Israel.
The Israel of God are those whom He has determined to be the recipients of blessing.
Rom 9:11 for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth,
Therefore God's plan rests not in our power or perogitives....But His....
Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Romans 9, 10,11
This Sunday we started a series on Romans 9,10,11
We titled the lesson "Are you prepared"
There is a doxology at the end of this series... Oh the depth and rich's of both the wisdom and knowledge of God....to Him be Glory forever. Amen. This should be our doxology when we finish as well. Rather for most its confusion and strife.
Are you prepared....?
In view of all the "hard" sayings of Romans 9 like "I will harden whom I will harden", "Esau have I hated". This isnt the hardest most perplexing statement of all Romans 9.....the most perplexing statement of all is "JACOB HAVE I LOVED"!!!
When this is the most perplexing statement of all to you.... then you are prepared for Romans 9.
Esau have I hated it the most understanding of all. After all we were haters of God.....Rom 1:30
We titled the lesson "Are you prepared"
There is a doxology at the end of this series... Oh the depth and rich's of both the wisdom and knowledge of God....to Him be Glory forever. Amen. This should be our doxology when we finish as well. Rather for most its confusion and strife.
Are you prepared....?
In view of all the "hard" sayings of Romans 9 like "I will harden whom I will harden", "Esau have I hated". This isnt the hardest most perplexing statement of all Romans 9.....the most perplexing statement of all is "JACOB HAVE I LOVED"!!!
When this is the most perplexing statement of all to you.... then you are prepared for Romans 9.
Esau have I hated it the most understanding of all. After all we were haters of God.....Rom 1:30
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Jude.. beware of false teachers
We have spent allot of time in Romans making very clear that we are no longer under "the law".
Unfortunately due to this same teaching, there were some in Jude's day that felt that the grace of God was an excuse to live immoral lives without any consequenses.
Jude uses 3 groups of people to show to us that those that presume upon the grace of God will be destroyed. Jew, Gentile and beings celestial... there will be partiallity with God.
He commands us to "keep ourselves in the love of God"
Jesus in John15 taught that to stay in the love God, we are to obey what Jesus commands... to love one another !!
Unfortunately due to this same teaching, there were some in Jude's day that felt that the grace of God was an excuse to live immoral lives without any consequenses.
Jude uses 3 groups of people to show to us that those that presume upon the grace of God will be destroyed. Jew, Gentile and beings celestial... there will be partiallity with God.
He commands us to "keep ourselves in the love of God"
Jesus in John15 taught that to stay in the love God, we are to obey what Jesus commands... to love one another !!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Nice Bible Site
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Living in a "Spiritual Grace Period"
Before we move on to Romans 7, we established the difference between living "under The LAW" and "living under GRACE"
When we have a loan at the bank and our payment falls due on the 15th of the month and its not paid by then.... we have a few days grace period. Its that period of time that the bank is not rendering penalties for the violation of the agreement of the contract.
In Christ we are living in a spiritual grace period !!! Due to the accomplished work of Christ ALL our sins are forgiven (Col 2:13) and as a result of reconcilliation our sins are no longer being charged to our account (2Cor 5:19) .
We live in a state of peace with God (Rom 5:1)
Why then the Law? Next week !
See you then
When we have a loan at the bank and our payment falls due on the 15th of the month and its not paid by then.... we have a few days grace period. Its that period of time that the bank is not rendering penalties for the violation of the agreement of the contract.
In Christ we are living in a spiritual grace period !!! Due to the accomplished work of Christ ALL our sins are forgiven (Col 2:13) and as a result of reconcilliation our sins are no longer being charged to our account (2Cor 5:19) .
We live in a state of peace with God (Rom 5:1)
Why then the Law? Next week !
See you then
Monday, June 18, 2007
A donkey and The Lamb
Today we finished Romans 6.
We understand that just like the Hebrews were freed from Egypt to serve their God in a new land, we too are to serve in Newness of Life. The death and resurrection of Christ frees us to serve God.
Exodus 13 describes an act whereby a donkey is redeemed by a lamb (Ex 13:11-16). This donkey represents the stubborn tyrant dictator Pharoh that held the Hebrews bondage. It was the power of God and a passover lamb that freed them from their Egypt. This is what they were tell their children. GOD FREED US FROM A TYRANT STUBBORN DICTATOR WITH A PASSOVER LAMB
Matthew 21 Jesus requests a donkey to ride into Jerusalem. Jesus rides this donkey victoriously to Jerusalem.
I think Jesus is saying to us that the stubborn tyrant dictator called sin and death, represented by THIS donkey has been overcome by the power of God. And that Jesus OUR Passover Lamb will free us from our Egypt. Gird your loins..... we are leaving Egypt !!!!
We understand that just like the Hebrews were freed from Egypt to serve their God in a new land, we too are to serve in Newness of Life. The death and resurrection of Christ frees us to serve God.
Exodus 13 describes an act whereby a donkey is redeemed by a lamb (Ex 13:11-16). This donkey represents the stubborn tyrant dictator Pharoh that held the Hebrews bondage. It was the power of God and a passover lamb that freed them from their Egypt. This is what they were tell their children. GOD FREED US FROM A TYRANT STUBBORN DICTATOR WITH A PASSOVER LAMB
Matthew 21 Jesus requests a donkey to ride into Jerusalem. Jesus rides this donkey victoriously to Jerusalem.
I think Jesus is saying to us that the stubborn tyrant dictator called sin and death, represented by THIS donkey has been overcome by the power of God. And that Jesus OUR Passover Lamb will free us from our Egypt. Gird your loins..... we are leaving Egypt !!!!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The Power of God's Redemption
Our theme for this class in Romans has been The Power of God in Redemption. It is God's purpose , plan and power that translates helpless sinners from Romans 1 to Romans 8.
We learned from the Hebrews in Egypt that they too were in a bondage and it was by God's purpose, plan and power that they move into the Promised Land of Cannan.
To get there they went by way of a Passover Lamb and the crossing of The Red Sea that seperated them from Egypt and their taskmasters
We to move into Romans 8 from chapter 1 via a Passover Lamb , which is Jesus Christ in Romans 3 and being united with Him in His death and ressurection in Romans 6 we are forever seperated from the power and authority of sin. Our Lamb, takes away the penalty of sins and the crossing from death to life takes us from the power and authority of sin and the law.
We learned from the Hebrews in Egypt that they too were in a bondage and it was by God's purpose, plan and power that they move into the Promised Land of Cannan.
To get there they went by way of a Passover Lamb and the crossing of The Red Sea that seperated them from Egypt and their taskmasters
We to move into Romans 8 from chapter 1 via a Passover Lamb , which is Jesus Christ in Romans 3 and being united with Him in His death and ressurection in Romans 6 we are forever seperated from the power and authority of sin. Our Lamb, takes away the penalty of sins and the crossing from death to life takes us from the power and authority of sin and the law.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
The Power of Postional Thinkking
Paul is not interested in "The Power of Positive Thinking" he is more concerned with "The Power of Positional Thinking"
Todays lesson was Romans 6:1-11
He answers the question "Shall we continue in sin that grace might abound" How can we who have died to sin live any longer in it. Via our identification with Jesus on the cross, we have become one with Him in his ressurection. He became what we are in death that we might become what He is in life . 2 Cor 5:21
We are no longer in or under the domain of sin as a principal or rule and authority in our lives. We have died with Christ in order that the "old man" "body of sin" might be destroyed. We have risen with Christ in order that we may be alive unto God. We are now seated with Christ in Heaven. Eph 2:6
Therefore live like it....becasue now we can !!!
Todays lesson was Romans 6:1-11
He answers the question "Shall we continue in sin that grace might abound" How can we who have died to sin live any longer in it. Via our identification with Jesus on the cross, we have become one with Him in his ressurection. He became what we are in death that we might become what He is in life . 2 Cor 5:21
We are no longer in or under the domain of sin as a principal or rule and authority in our lives. We have died with Christ in order that the "old man" "body of sin" might be destroyed. We have risen with Christ in order that we may be alive unto God. We are now seated with Christ in Heaven. Eph 2:6
Therefore live like it....becasue now we can !!!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Rest in your Position...Grow in your Condition
Today's lesson was a pause before we started Romans 6. We used the whole class to understand the difference between Position and Condition in our redemption. Just as Justification has a position to rest in, so does Sanctification. Before we can rest in our walk with our Heavenly Father we must know and understand the truths taught in Romans 6 and 7. Next week...Romans 6
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Therefor by one man....
Today's lesson was great. When we started our study in Romans we began by saying that the gospel was the power of God whereby we find ourselves in Adam and by the grace and power of God we find rest and no condemnation in Romans 8. Today our text was Romans 5:12-19. The essence of this text is that because of Adams transgression there is a Romans 1 and because of Christ's one act of righteousness (the Cross) there CAN be a Romans 8 !!
In Adam we are in a Position of Sin and a Condition of Sin
In Christ we are in a Position of Justification and a Condition of Righteousness.
The penalty as well as the power of sin is resolved
We asked the question in the end.... "are we better off in Christ or in Adam had he not sinned?"
Then Mel suggested (after class) the better question... is God most glorified in the redemptive work of Christ or most glorified by Adam not sinning at all??
http://vbsteve.com/rom5.mp3
Steve
In Adam we are in a Position of Sin and a Condition of Sin
In Christ we are in a Position of Justification and a Condition of Righteousness.
The penalty as well as the power of sin is resolved
We asked the question in the end.... "are we better off in Christ or in Adam had he not sinned?"
Then Mel suggested (after class) the better question... is God most glorified in the redemptive work of Christ or most glorified by Adam not sinning at all??
http://vbsteve.com/rom5.mp3
Steve
Monday, May 14, 2007
New Bible Version
If you haven't noticed, I have gone from the NIV back to NASB. I prefer it as I think it better reflects a literal translation based on the best Greek texts. But also I like the edition I have. It has Strongs #'s embedded into the text as well as the verb parsings embedded into the text. It is a "Key Word Study Bible" from AMG Publishing.
Steve
Steve
Sunday 5-13-07 Peace With God
Therefore having been justified by faith we have peace with God. This was the thought for the Adult SS lesson this week. The lesson theme was based on Romans 5:1. My emphesis was the idea that all hostilities between man and God have ceased. This is the idea of reconciliation. God is no longer angry or wrathful to those in Christ. Christ is our propitiation, He is that which has satisfied all that was required by the Holiness of God.
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