The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
Well, many may try to dispute it, but the Word of God has stood the test of time. It is the most historically accurate book, eventhough is a collective combination of 66 smaller books, written over a period of 1,600 of years, covering a span of thousands of years of history and prophecy. Of all other religious books, it is the only book that God actually speaks through man to man: “Thus speaks the Lord God of Israel, saying: ‘Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you. (Jeremiah 30:2); And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (II Peter 1:19-21)
We need many things to live in this world, but the most important thing we need is the Word of God: But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.[Deuteronomy 8:3]’” (Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4) And we must start teaching our children at a young age the Word of God, so that they can grow up having comfirmation of what's right and wrong, empowering them to make wise choices as they grow up: Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. (Psalm 34:11); Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6); Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge. Don’t fail to discipline your children. They won’t die if you spank them. Physical discipline may well save them from death. My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice! Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right. (Proverbs 23:12-16*) [Parents], do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 4:6)
Over the next several months, we will be studying the Word of God, book by book, not necessarily in the table of contents order, but each book will be studied. Let's pray God uses this study to make His Word clearer to us, make us closer to Him, and make us bolder in our witness for Him: Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2); Your word [God] is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105); "Now, Lord, ...grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:29-34)
If you would like to read some other books that help validate the Word of God, consider reading the writings of Josephus, a secular Jewish historian, and Tacitus, a secular Roman historian, two of many others, who would have had no benefit in not telling the truth. Let the studying of the Books fo the Bible begin...
*New Living Translation
Monday, August 27, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Trust!
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. (Jeremiah 17:7)
What is trust? Trust [is to have confidence] in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Trust is to have confidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person, namely God. (AV1611 KJV) The word "trust" is used more in the Old Testament than the New Testament, maybe because Christ was the physical proof of the fulfillment of all of God's promises. We who have lived after Christ's death and resurrection should know for sure, as is taught throughout scripture, the benefits of trusting God, and the consequences of trusting in anything or anyone else:
First, we must make sure that we put our "trust" in the right person and the right things, in God and the Word of God: As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (Psalm 18:30); Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. (Proverbs 30:5); “Behold, [if] you trust in lying words that cannot profit. (Jeremiah 7:8); Oh, taste [eat the Word of God] and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8); For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed [physical death], this I know, That in my flesh [resurrection] I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. (Job 19:25-27); But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. (Psalm 5:11); And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. (Psalm 9:10)
The leaders of Isreal who "trusted" in God were blessed and the people were blessed because of them. The same is true today. It is best to have people in leadership positions who truly trust God and will lead based on the Word of God: [Hezekiah] trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him. For he held fast to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord had commanded Moses. The Lord was with him; he prospered wherever he went. (II Kings 18:5-7); Now because of this King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, prayed and cried out to heaven. Then the Lord sent an angel who cut down every mighty man of valor, leader, and captain in the camp of the king of Assyria [the enemy]. So he returned shamefaced to his own land. (II Chronicles 32:20-21); Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them. (Psalm 22:4) God blesses leaders who trust in Him, and allows His people to overcome their enemies. We can definitely relate to this during election seasons and the various wars on terror around the world. Only through the power of God can we overcome, if we put our trust in Him: And they were helped against them, and the Hagrites were delivered into their hand, and all who were with them, for they cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him. (I Chronicles 5:20)
Just as we are to "trust" God and His Word, we are to be careful not to put our "trust" in the wrong people and the wrong things. Eventhough we may trust leaders and people in authority, we have to have trust in God ourselves. We may find out that someone really isn't what we thought they were, then what? In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56:4); And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28); Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. (Jeremiah 17:5,7); It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man. (Psalm 118:8)
We must also make sure not to put our "trust" in the things of this world, because they will not last. God has blessed us with many things for our enjoyment, but they are not to take the place of God in our lives: He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage. (Proverbs 11:28); Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:23-27) God does not have a problem with us having wealth, if He so blesses us with it. The problem is not to make wealth your "god": “You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7); Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. (I Timothy 6:7)
We can not "trust" that we can buy ourselves or anyone else out of the consequences of bad choices: Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:5) Those who trust in their wealth And boast in the multitude of their riches, None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him—For the redemption of their souls is costly [I Peter 3:18], And it shall cease forever— (Psalm 49:6-8); Then [Jesus]spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21)
We can not "trust" in other people, things, or even in our own selves. God clearly describes this by describing how Isreal had been like a harlot, looking good on the outside, but not right on the inside: “Then I washed you in water; yes, I thoroughly washed off your blood, and I anointed you with oil. I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of badger skin; I clothed you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your wrists, and a chain on your neck. And I put a jewel in your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate pastry of fine flour, honey, and oil. You were exceedingly beautiful, and succeeded to royalty. Your fame went out among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through My splendor which I had bestowed on you,” says the Lord God. But you trusted in your own beauty, played the harlot because of your fame, and poured out your harlotry on everyone passing by who would have it. (Ezekial 16:9-15; Ezekial 16) This is a hard thing to hear, to have ones self compared to a prostitute, but God doesn't play about us being holy and righteous. We can fool man, but we can't fool God, so therefore Let him not trust in futile things, deceiving himself, For futility will be his reward. (Job 15:31)
Please, TODAY, let this be your testimony, and put your whole trust in God: In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
What is trust? Trust [is to have confidence] in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Trust is to have confidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person, namely God. (AV1611 KJV) The word "trust" is used more in the Old Testament than the New Testament, maybe because Christ was the physical proof of the fulfillment of all of God's promises. We who have lived after Christ's death and resurrection should know for sure, as is taught throughout scripture, the benefits of trusting God, and the consequences of trusting in anything or anyone else:
First, we must make sure that we put our "trust" in the right person and the right things, in God and the Word of God: As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (Psalm 18:30); Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. (Proverbs 30:5); “Behold, [if] you trust in lying words that cannot profit. (Jeremiah 7:8); Oh, taste [eat the Word of God] and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8); For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed [physical death], this I know, That in my flesh [resurrection] I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. (Job 19:25-27); But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. (Psalm 5:11); And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. (Psalm 9:10)
The leaders of Isreal who "trusted" in God were blessed and the people were blessed because of them. The same is true today. It is best to have people in leadership positions who truly trust God and will lead based on the Word of God: [Hezekiah] trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him. For he held fast to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord had commanded Moses. The Lord was with him; he prospered wherever he went. (II Kings 18:5-7); Now because of this King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, prayed and cried out to heaven. Then the Lord sent an angel who cut down every mighty man of valor, leader, and captain in the camp of the king of Assyria [the enemy]. So he returned shamefaced to his own land. (II Chronicles 32:20-21); Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them. (Psalm 22:4) God blesses leaders who trust in Him, and allows His people to overcome their enemies. We can definitely relate to this during election seasons and the various wars on terror around the world. Only through the power of God can we overcome, if we put our trust in Him: And they were helped against them, and the Hagrites were delivered into their hand, and all who were with them, for they cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him. (I Chronicles 5:20)
Just as we are to "trust" God and His Word, we are to be careful not to put our "trust" in the wrong people and the wrong things. Eventhough we may trust leaders and people in authority, we have to have trust in God ourselves. We may find out that someone really isn't what we thought they were, then what? In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56:4); And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28); Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. (Jeremiah 17:5,7); It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man. (Psalm 118:8)
We must also make sure not to put our "trust" in the things of this world, because they will not last. God has blessed us with many things for our enjoyment, but they are not to take the place of God in our lives: He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage. (Proverbs 11:28); Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:23-27) God does not have a problem with us having wealth, if He so blesses us with it. The problem is not to make wealth your "god": “You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7); Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. (I Timothy 6:7)
We can not "trust" that we can buy ourselves or anyone else out of the consequences of bad choices: Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:5) Those who trust in their wealth And boast in the multitude of their riches, None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him—For the redemption of their souls is costly [I Peter 3:18], And it shall cease forever— (Psalm 49:6-8); Then [Jesus]spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21)
We can not "trust" in other people, things, or even in our own selves. God clearly describes this by describing how Isreal had been like a harlot, looking good on the outside, but not right on the inside: “Then I washed you in water; yes, I thoroughly washed off your blood, and I anointed you with oil. I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of badger skin; I clothed you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your wrists, and a chain on your neck. And I put a jewel in your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate pastry of fine flour, honey, and oil. You were exceedingly beautiful, and succeeded to royalty. Your fame went out among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through My splendor which I had bestowed on you,” says the Lord God. But you trusted in your own beauty, played the harlot because of your fame, and poured out your harlotry on everyone passing by who would have it. (Ezekial 16:9-15; Ezekial 16) This is a hard thing to hear, to have ones self compared to a prostitute, but God doesn't play about us being holy and righteous. We can fool man, but we can't fool God, so therefore Let him not trust in futile things, deceiving himself, For futility will be his reward. (Job 15:31)
Please, TODAY, let this be your testimony, and put your whole trust in God: In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Hope!
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. (Jeremiah 17:7)
What is hope? Hope is having a desire for something, and patiently waiting for it to come to pass: Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12); For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (Romans 8:24-25; Romans 8:18-30) Hope is a confident expectation, a firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown. (Got Questions.org) The word hope was used in the Old Testament, mainly in the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs and the prophets. It's used much throughout the New Testament. There are various Hebrew and Greek words that were translated as "hope". We'll study these different applications more:
The most important "hope" we have is that this life is not the end, but that there is life after this, and that through our belief in the Word of God, in Jesus the Christ, we will receive eternal life in heaven: For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:18); For Sheol [Hell] cannot thank You, Death cannot praise You; Those who go down to the pit cannot hope for Your truth. (Isaiah 38:18); I have hope in God, ..., that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. (Acts 24:15); ...in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,... (Titus 1:2); that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:7); Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
There are many who don't believe in God, Jesus Christ or life after death, as the apostle Paul explains very clearly: Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. (I Corinthians 15:12-19)
But no matter what man may say or believe, we who have our "hope" in Christ must hold to what we believe, because God is not a liar and He will not allow us to be shamed: according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:20); For what is the hope of the hypocrite, Though he may gain much, If God takes away his life? (Job 27:8); The hope of the righteous will be gladness, But the expectation of the wicked will perish. (Proverbs 10:28)
We also have a "hope" that we will do well while we're still living here, not just when we get to heaven. But we can't allow the things of this world, even if God blesses us with as much as we desire, to take the place of God in our lives: “If I have made gold my hope, Or said to fine gold, ‘You are my confidence’; If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, And because my hand had gained much; If I have observed the sun when it shines, Or the moon moving in brightness, So that my heart has been secretly enticed, And my mouth has kissed my hand; This also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment, For I would have denied God who is above. (Job 31:24-28) And if for whatever reason, God doesn't allow us to have all of the desires of our heart, we must still hold to what we believe: Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)
There is a "hope" that we will "see" something from God, whether we are believers or not: Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. (Luke 23:8) Many people just want to see a show, or see a believer fail, but God will deal with each of us according to what we deserve: Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Proverbs 26:12); Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Proverbs 29:20) “For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And that its tender shoots will not cease. (Job 14:7); For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? (I Corinthians 9:10-11); Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7) Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:24); It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:26)
Most of us have a "hope" that things will get better, if not in this generation, then for the generations to come. The evidience of that is clearly seen during election seasons, when we try to decide on who to vote for, with the hope that those persons will make things better. But the only sure way to know that things will get better is if we teach our children the right way - the Word of God, so that when they grow up, they will make good choices and teach their children, and so on: Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments; (Psalm 78:6-7); Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction. (Proverbs 19:18); I hope in Your word. (Psalm 119); For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
Whatever "hope" we have, above all things, lets make sure our hope is in God the Father, and our Savior and Lord Jesus the Christ: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (I Peter 1:3-5)
What is hope? Hope is having a desire for something, and patiently waiting for it to come to pass: Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12); For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (Romans 8:24-25; Romans 8:18-30) Hope is a confident expectation, a firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown. (Got Questions.org) The word hope was used in the Old Testament, mainly in the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs and the prophets. It's used much throughout the New Testament. There are various Hebrew and Greek words that were translated as "hope". We'll study these different applications more:
The most important "hope" we have is that this life is not the end, but that there is life after this, and that through our belief in the Word of God, in Jesus the Christ, we will receive eternal life in heaven: For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:18); For Sheol [Hell] cannot thank You, Death cannot praise You; Those who go down to the pit cannot hope for Your truth. (Isaiah 38:18); I have hope in God, ..., that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. (Acts 24:15); ...in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,... (Titus 1:2); that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:7); Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
There are many who don't believe in God, Jesus Christ or life after death, as the apostle Paul explains very clearly: Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. (I Corinthians 15:12-19)
But no matter what man may say or believe, we who have our "hope" in Christ must hold to what we believe, because God is not a liar and He will not allow us to be shamed: according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:20); For what is the hope of the hypocrite, Though he may gain much, If God takes away his life? (Job 27:8); The hope of the righteous will be gladness, But the expectation of the wicked will perish. (Proverbs 10:28)
We also have a "hope" that we will do well while we're still living here, not just when we get to heaven. But we can't allow the things of this world, even if God blesses us with as much as we desire, to take the place of God in our lives: “If I have made gold my hope, Or said to fine gold, ‘You are my confidence’; If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, And because my hand had gained much; If I have observed the sun when it shines, Or the moon moving in brightness, So that my heart has been secretly enticed, And my mouth has kissed my hand; This also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment, For I would have denied God who is above. (Job 31:24-28) And if for whatever reason, God doesn't allow us to have all of the desires of our heart, we must still hold to what we believe: Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)
There is a "hope" that we will "see" something from God, whether we are believers or not: Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. (Luke 23:8) Many people just want to see a show, or see a believer fail, but God will deal with each of us according to what we deserve: Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Proverbs 26:12); Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Proverbs 29:20) “For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And that its tender shoots will not cease. (Job 14:7); For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? (I Corinthians 9:10-11); Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7) Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:24); It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:26)
Most of us have a "hope" that things will get better, if not in this generation, then for the generations to come. The evidience of that is clearly seen during election seasons, when we try to decide on who to vote for, with the hope that those persons will make things better. But the only sure way to know that things will get better is if we teach our children the right way - the Word of God, so that when they grow up, they will make good choices and teach their children, and so on: Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments; (Psalm 78:6-7); Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction. (Proverbs 19:18); I hope in Your word. (Psalm 119); For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
Whatever "hope" we have, above all things, lets make sure our hope is in God the Father, and our Savior and Lord Jesus the Christ: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (I Peter 1:3-5)
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Faith!
So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says...,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. (Mark 11:22-24)
The word "faith" is not used much in the Old Testament, because the people saw the Lord God, they heard from God, and He had various physical manifestations of Himself. Faith is used throughout the New Testatment, especially by Jesus during His teaching, and by the apostles, after Christ ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11). It's used more in the New Testament because Christ would not be with man in the flesh for long. People would have to believe in God, eventhough we wouldn't have the visible proof all the time. For we walk by faith, not by sight. (II Corinthians 5:7)
So what does faith mean? Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. (Hebrews 11:1, 3) Faith is believing what is true, being convinced of the truth, being certain of reality and having evidence of unseen things (Acts 17:11 study).
We believe the Word of God because we know it is true: ...And He [Christ] said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelations 21:5) We are convinced of the truth, because of the eyewitness testimonies throughout the Bible: Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24-29)
We are certain of reality and have evidence of unseen things because God has put the knowledge of Himself in EVERY person, whether they choose to admit it on not: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, ... For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith. [Habakkuk 2:4]” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,... (Romans 1:16-20) The reality of creation, everything we can see that man did not make, and everything we can't see that enables man to live, proves that God exists.
We who believe the Word of God, in Jesus the Christ, are filled with His Holy Spirit, eventhough we can't physically see Him: “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. (John 14:19-24)
Because we know that we are saved through our faith in Christ, and that His Spirit lives in us, we will also have physical proof: ...knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. (Galatians 2:16) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—... (II Corinthians 13:5) But the fruit [or evidence] of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering [patience], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
We who have faith must not allow anyone or anything to cause us to lose heart. We must remember that what we see is temporary, but what's coming is eternal (II Corinthians 4:16-18). Therefore, let's be sure to obey the Word of God, and be a living testimony of the fatih we have: You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. (Deuteronomy 13:4) ...become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world [Matthew 5:14], holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. (Philipplians 2:15-16) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (II Timothy 4:7)
The word "faith" is not used much in the Old Testament, because the people saw the Lord God, they heard from God, and He had various physical manifestations of Himself. Faith is used throughout the New Testatment, especially by Jesus during His teaching, and by the apostles, after Christ ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11). It's used more in the New Testament because Christ would not be with man in the flesh for long. People would have to believe in God, eventhough we wouldn't have the visible proof all the time. For we walk by faith, not by sight. (II Corinthians 5:7)
So what does faith mean? Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. (Hebrews 11:1, 3) Faith is believing what is true, being convinced of the truth, being certain of reality and having evidence of unseen things (Acts 17:11 study).
We believe the Word of God because we know it is true: ...And He [Christ] said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelations 21:5) We are convinced of the truth, because of the eyewitness testimonies throughout the Bible: Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24-29)
We are certain of reality and have evidence of unseen things because God has put the knowledge of Himself in EVERY person, whether they choose to admit it on not: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, ... For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith. [Habakkuk 2:4]” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,... (Romans 1:16-20) The reality of creation, everything we can see that man did not make, and everything we can't see that enables man to live, proves that God exists.
We who believe the Word of God, in Jesus the Christ, are filled with His Holy Spirit, eventhough we can't physically see Him: “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. (John 14:19-24)
Because we know that we are saved through our faith in Christ, and that His Spirit lives in us, we will also have physical proof: ...knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. (Galatians 2:16) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—... (II Corinthians 13:5) But the fruit [or evidence] of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering [patience], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
We who have faith must not allow anyone or anything to cause us to lose heart. We must remember that what we see is temporary, but what's coming is eternal (II Corinthians 4:16-18). Therefore, let's be sure to obey the Word of God, and be a living testimony of the fatih we have: You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. (Deuteronomy 13:4) ...become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world [Matthew 5:14], holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. (Philipplians 2:15-16) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (II Timothy 4:7)
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
MALACHI: Question God; He Will Answer!
“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. (Malachi 4:2*)
Biblical Truth & Life Application
The name "Malachi" means my messenger or the messenger of The Lord. It is the final minor prophet book of the Old Testament, and it is truly full of messages from God. God makes a series of comments, followed by rhetorical questions, and then He answers them, all of which deal with moral issues of the children of Isreal and which still apply to us today:
- “I have always loved you,” says the Lord. But you retort, “Really? How have you loved us?” (Malachi 1:2*) God went on to explain to them that He chose Jacob and his descendants, which they were, over Esau and His descendants. (Malachi 1:1-5) Those of us who are children of God through our faith in Jesus know that we are loved by God also: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (I Peter 2:9-10)
- The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name! “But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’ (Malachi 1:6*) God goes on to explain that they were not bringing the proper and perfect sacrifices to Him, but were bringing whatever they felt, regardless of its condition. (Malachi 1:6-14) God had to provide His own perfect sacrifice, and through Him we must also make a sacrife to God: He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. (Hebrews 9:26-28); I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)
God also explains that along with their unacceptable sacrifices, the priests were misusing their position: “The words of a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction, for the priest is the messenger of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. But you priests have left God’s paths. Your instructions have caused many to stumble into sin. (Malachi 2:7-8*; Malachi 2:1-9) God does not play with those who should be teaching His Word. Jesus explains how serious this offence is towards God very clearly: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2) All who teach others the Word of God must be careful to Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
God also explains how they had been disobedient in marrying people who didn't believe in God, committing adultery and getting divorced: Judah has been unfaithful, and a detestable thing has been done in Israel and in Jerusalem. The men of Judah have defiled the Lord’s beloved sanctuary by marrying women who worship idols. You cry out, “Why doesn’t the Lord accept my worship?” I’ll tell you why! Because the Lord witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows. “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife." (Malachi 2:11, 14, 16; Malachi 2:10-16) We are to be very careful who we unite with: Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (II Corinthians 6:14)
- You have wearied the Lord with your words. “How have we wearied him?” you ask. (Malachi 2:17*) God explains that they had basically called God a liar. (Malachi 2:17-3:5) But God promised that He would send His messenger to prepare the way before Him, which fortells of the coming of John the Baptist and The Christ: “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. (Malachi 3:1); John [the Baptist] answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose." These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! his is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ (John 1:26-30)
- “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’“Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ (Malachi 3:6-8*) God explains that they "went away" from Him by not obeying in the area of their giving. We today do the same thing. We expect God to bless, but we don't want to give. God is very clear that blessings are conditional based on being faithful in obeying Him: “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. ... Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! (Malachi 3:8, 1; Malachi 3:6-12)
- “You have said terrible things about me,” says the Lord. “But you say, ‘What do you mean? What have we said against you?’ (Malachi 3:13*) The final question God answers should wake us all up. He explains to them that they complained what good had it done them to obey the Word of God: “You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the Lord of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins? From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’” (Malachi 3:14-15) What they failed to realize, just as many of us do now, is that we shouldn't be looking for a temporary reward but an eternal one: “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all. “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. (Malachi 4:1-2; Malachi 3:13-4:5)
Yes, we all may feel or behave the same way the children of Isreal felt: unloved by God; not wanting to give God our best; wanting to do whatever we want to do, whether it's good for us or not; not wanting to believe the Word of God is true; not wanting to trust God to provide our needs; and finally not even believing that there is anything after this life. PLEASE, TODAY, turn from this way of thinking and commit your life to God, through believing in His Word, in Jesus the Christ. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (II Corinthians 4:16-18) "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21) But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, ... But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelations 21:22-27)
*New Living Translation
Biblical Truth & Life Application
The name "Malachi" means my messenger or the messenger of The Lord. It is the final minor prophet book of the Old Testament, and it is truly full of messages from God. God makes a series of comments, followed by rhetorical questions, and then He answers them, all of which deal with moral issues of the children of Isreal and which still apply to us today:
- “I have always loved you,” says the Lord. But you retort, “Really? How have you loved us?” (Malachi 1:2*) God went on to explain to them that He chose Jacob and his descendants, which they were, over Esau and His descendants. (Malachi 1:1-5) Those of us who are children of God through our faith in Jesus know that we are loved by God also: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (I Peter 2:9-10)
- The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name! “But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’ (Malachi 1:6*) God goes on to explain that they were not bringing the proper and perfect sacrifices to Him, but were bringing whatever they felt, regardless of its condition. (Malachi 1:6-14) God had to provide His own perfect sacrifice, and through Him we must also make a sacrife to God: He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. (Hebrews 9:26-28); I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)
God also explains that along with their unacceptable sacrifices, the priests were misusing their position: “The words of a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction, for the priest is the messenger of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. But you priests have left God’s paths. Your instructions have caused many to stumble into sin. (Malachi 2:7-8*; Malachi 2:1-9) God does not play with those who should be teaching His Word. Jesus explains how serious this offence is towards God very clearly: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2) All who teach others the Word of God must be careful to Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
God also explains how they had been disobedient in marrying people who didn't believe in God, committing adultery and getting divorced: Judah has been unfaithful, and a detestable thing has been done in Israel and in Jerusalem. The men of Judah have defiled the Lord’s beloved sanctuary by marrying women who worship idols. You cry out, “Why doesn’t the Lord accept my worship?” I’ll tell you why! Because the Lord witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows. “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife." (Malachi 2:11, 14, 16; Malachi 2:10-16) We are to be very careful who we unite with: Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (II Corinthians 6:14)
- You have wearied the Lord with your words. “How have we wearied him?” you ask. (Malachi 2:17*) God explains that they had basically called God a liar. (Malachi 2:17-3:5) But God promised that He would send His messenger to prepare the way before Him, which fortells of the coming of John the Baptist and The Christ: “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. (Malachi 3:1); John [the Baptist] answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose." These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! his is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ (John 1:26-30)
- “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’“Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ (Malachi 3:6-8*) God explains that they "went away" from Him by not obeying in the area of their giving. We today do the same thing. We expect God to bless, but we don't want to give. God is very clear that blessings are conditional based on being faithful in obeying Him: “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. ... Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! (Malachi 3:8, 1; Malachi 3:6-12)
- “You have said terrible things about me,” says the Lord. “But you say, ‘What do you mean? What have we said against you?’ (Malachi 3:13*) The final question God answers should wake us all up. He explains to them that they complained what good had it done them to obey the Word of God: “You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the Lord of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins? From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’” (Malachi 3:14-15) What they failed to realize, just as many of us do now, is that we shouldn't be looking for a temporary reward but an eternal one: “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all. “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. (Malachi 4:1-2; Malachi 3:13-4:5)
Yes, we all may feel or behave the same way the children of Isreal felt: unloved by God; not wanting to give God our best; wanting to do whatever we want to do, whether it's good for us or not; not wanting to believe the Word of God is true; not wanting to trust God to provide our needs; and finally not even believing that there is anything after this life. PLEASE, TODAY, turn from this way of thinking and commit your life to God, through believing in His Word, in Jesus the Christ. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (II Corinthians 4:16-18) "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21) But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, ... But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelations 21:22-27)
*New Living Translation
Monday, August 20, 2012
ZECHARIAH: The Coming of The Messiah!
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)
Biblical Truth
Based on what we've studied from the previous prophetic books, we understand that God is repeatedly chastising the children of Isreal for their disobedience. The name "Zechariah" means the Lord remembers, and this is the theme throughout this book, God remembering and keeping His promise to their forefathers, delivering them from their enemies, and always showing mercy towards them when they repent, by dealing with their enemies and restoring them in their land. This should be encouraging to all of us that believe the Word of God and ask for forgiveness, that God will do and has done the same for each of us: Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 1:3; Zechariah 1-13*)
We're going to focus on the most encouraging prophecy contained in this book, the coming of The Christ. Zechariah prophecied beginning in 520 B.C. (before Christ); yet the phophecies are so accurate, only God Himself could have given him the words to write (II Peter 1:21):
- “Listen to me, O Jeshua the high priest, and all you other priests. You are symbols of things to come. Soon I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. [main branch = vine]. (Zechariah 3:8*); “I [Jesus] am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
- “Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, And He shall build the temple of the Lord; Yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord. He shall bear the glory, And shall sit and rule on His throne; So He shall be a priest on His throne, And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’ (Zechariah 6:12-13); “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’” (Mark 14:58); And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” (Hebrews 5:9-10, Hebrews 5); And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. (Revelations 22:3)
- “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9); Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”(Matthew 21:1-3, 6-9; Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19)
- “My anger burns against your shepherds, and I will punish these leaders. For the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has arrived to look after Judah, his flock. (Zechariah 10:3*); Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying [regarding the birth of Jesus]: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began,... (Luke 1:68-70)
- “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died. The sorrow and mourning in Jerusalem on that day will be like the great mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the valley of Megiddo. (Zechariah 12:10-11*); But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he [John] who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken." And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced." (John 19:33-37)
- “On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sins and impurity. (Zechariah 13:1*); ... Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, ... (Revelations 1:5)
- “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, the man who is my partner,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Strike down the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn against the lambs. (Zechariah 13:7*); Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” (Matthew 26:31-31; Mark 14:27-28)
- And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshiped. (Zechariah 1:9*); Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15)
There is so much more we could study from the book of Zechariah, but just the prophecies of Christ over 500 years before He actually came in the flesh of the baby Jesus should be enough to cause us to believe the Word of God and be saved: Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” (John 12:44-50*)
*New Living Translation
Biblical Truth
Based on what we've studied from the previous prophetic books, we understand that God is repeatedly chastising the children of Isreal for their disobedience. The name "Zechariah" means the Lord remembers, and this is the theme throughout this book, God remembering and keeping His promise to their forefathers, delivering them from their enemies, and always showing mercy towards them when they repent, by dealing with their enemies and restoring them in their land. This should be encouraging to all of us that believe the Word of God and ask for forgiveness, that God will do and has done the same for each of us: Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 1:3; Zechariah 1-13*)
We're going to focus on the most encouraging prophecy contained in this book, the coming of The Christ. Zechariah prophecied beginning in 520 B.C. (before Christ); yet the phophecies are so accurate, only God Himself could have given him the words to write (II Peter 1:21):
- “Listen to me, O Jeshua the high priest, and all you other priests. You are symbols of things to come. Soon I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. [main branch = vine]. (Zechariah 3:8*); “I [Jesus] am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
- “Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, And He shall build the temple of the Lord; Yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord. He shall bear the glory, And shall sit and rule on His throne; So He shall be a priest on His throne, And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’ (Zechariah 6:12-13); “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’” (Mark 14:58); And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” (Hebrews 5:9-10, Hebrews 5); And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. (Revelations 22:3)
- “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9); Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”(Matthew 21:1-3, 6-9; Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19)
- “My anger burns against your shepherds, and I will punish these leaders. For the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has arrived to look after Judah, his flock. (Zechariah 10:3*); Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying [regarding the birth of Jesus]: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began,... (Luke 1:68-70)
- “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died. The sorrow and mourning in Jerusalem on that day will be like the great mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the valley of Megiddo. (Zechariah 12:10-11*); But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he [John] who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken." And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced." (John 19:33-37)
- “On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sins and impurity. (Zechariah 13:1*); ... Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, ... (Revelations 1:5)
- “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, the man who is my partner,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Strike down the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn against the lambs. (Zechariah 13:7*); Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” (Matthew 26:31-31; Mark 14:27-28)
- And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshiped. (Zechariah 1:9*); Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15)
There is so much more we could study from the book of Zechariah, but just the prophecies of Christ over 500 years before He actually came in the flesh of the baby Jesus should be enough to cause us to believe the Word of God and be saved: Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” (John 12:44-50*)
*New Living Translation
Saturday, August 18, 2012
HAGGAI: The Lord's "House" - 2 of 2!
“For this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land. I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” (Haggai 2:6-9*) Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. (Revelations 3:10-12*)
Life Application
The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and the prophets Zechariah and Haggai should be studied together, because they present the complete explanation of why the exiled Jews wanted to return to Jerusalem, and rebuild the temple, in order to reestablish their worship and feasts to God. (Ezra, Nehemiah, Zechariah, Haggai)
But King Solomon made a very good point, when he said, “But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built! (II Chronicles 6:18) All the splendor and beauty of the temple Solomon built did not stop it from being destroyed, because the children of Isreal continued to be disobedient: But because our fathers provoked the God of heaven to wrath, He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple and carried the people away to Babylon. (Ezra 5:12) The children of Isreal were disobedient because they continued to sin, by behaving as the pagan nations around them: “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Now, ask the priests concerning the law, saying, “If one carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and with the edge he touches bread or stew, wine or oil, or any food, will it become holy?”’” Then the priests answered and said, “No.” And Haggai said, “If one who is unclean because of a dead body touches any of these, will it be unclean?” So the priests answered and said, “It shall be unclean.” Then Haggai answered and said, “‘So is this people, and so is this nation before Me,’ says the Lord, ‘and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean. (Haggai 2:11-14) The meaning being, they weren't sinning because they were around these pagan nations, but they were sinning because they were doing the same things these pagan nations were doing. As Christ taught, If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:18)
The children of Isreal continued to repeat their mistakes, by being disobedient to God, and eventually even turning the temple of God into a house of disobedience: Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up. [Psalm 69:9]" (John 2:13-17) But then Jesus "turned the tables" by making the following comment: So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said. (John 2:18-22)
Temples are more than just buildings. If God was limited to dwelling in buildings, how awful it would be for us who believe in God when a building (church) is destroyed. We who believe the Word of God, and in His Son, Jesus the Christ are the "temples" of God: Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. (I Corinthians 6:19-20, 14) If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. (I Corinthians 3:17) Because we who have accepted Jesus as our Savior and Lord now belong to God, we should live in such a way that honors and glorifies Him, in the hope of leading otheres to Christ, and eternal life with Him and God: Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. (I Corinthians 12:27; I Corinthians 12; I Corinthians 15) Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. (John 14:23) Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, spoke the Lord’s message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the Lord!” (Haggai 1:13) And he [God's angel] carried me [John] away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,... But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. (Revelations 21:10, 22)
*New Living Translation
Life Application
The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and the prophets Zechariah and Haggai should be studied together, because they present the complete explanation of why the exiled Jews wanted to return to Jerusalem, and rebuild the temple, in order to reestablish their worship and feasts to God. (Ezra, Nehemiah, Zechariah, Haggai)
But King Solomon made a very good point, when he said, “But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built! (II Chronicles 6:18) All the splendor and beauty of the temple Solomon built did not stop it from being destroyed, because the children of Isreal continued to be disobedient: But because our fathers provoked the God of heaven to wrath, He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple and carried the people away to Babylon. (Ezra 5:12) The children of Isreal were disobedient because they continued to sin, by behaving as the pagan nations around them: “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Now, ask the priests concerning the law, saying, “If one carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and with the edge he touches bread or stew, wine or oil, or any food, will it become holy?”’” Then the priests answered and said, “No.” And Haggai said, “If one who is unclean because of a dead body touches any of these, will it be unclean?” So the priests answered and said, “It shall be unclean.” Then Haggai answered and said, “‘So is this people, and so is this nation before Me,’ says the Lord, ‘and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean. (Haggai 2:11-14) The meaning being, they weren't sinning because they were around these pagan nations, but they were sinning because they were doing the same things these pagan nations were doing. As Christ taught, If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:18)
The children of Isreal continued to repeat their mistakes, by being disobedient to God, and eventually even turning the temple of God into a house of disobedience: Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up. [Psalm 69:9]" (John 2:13-17) But then Jesus "turned the tables" by making the following comment: So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said. (John 2:18-22)
Temples are more than just buildings. If God was limited to dwelling in buildings, how awful it would be for us who believe in God when a building (church) is destroyed. We who believe the Word of God, and in His Son, Jesus the Christ are the "temples" of God: Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. (I Corinthians 6:19-20, 14) If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. (I Corinthians 3:17) Because we who have accepted Jesus as our Savior and Lord now belong to God, we should live in such a way that honors and glorifies Him, in the hope of leading otheres to Christ, and eternal life with Him and God: Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. (I Corinthians 12:27; I Corinthians 12; I Corinthians 15) Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. (John 14:23) Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, spoke the Lord’s message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the Lord!” (Haggai 1:13) And he [God's angel] carried me [John] away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,... But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. (Revelations 21:10, 22)
*New Living Translation
Friday, August 17, 2012
HAGGAI: The Lord's "House" - 1 of 2!
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.’” Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. (Haggai 1:2-4, 7-8*)
Biblical Truth
The name "Haggai" means to celebrate, hold a feast. Maybe Haggai celebrated about the temple being rebuilt because he was one of the few people in Judah that had been alive when the original temple was still standing. After the exiled Jews returned to Palestine from one of their Babylonian captivity periods, then king of Babylon, Darius allowed them to start the rebuilding of the temple: In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, ... "Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house.” (Haggai 1:1, 8)
The importance of the temple for the children of Isreal goes all the way back to their forefathers:
- God made a covenant with Noah: But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. (Genesis 6:8; Genesis 9:9-17)
- God made a covenant with Abraham: And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. (Genesis 17:7; Genesis 17)
- God made a covenant with the children of Isreal, through Moses: So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. (Exodus 2:24); Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. (Exodus 19:5); Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write these words, for according to the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 34:27-28)
- God commands the children of Isreal to build the tabernacle (tent), in which the ark of the covenant (the commandments) would be kept: And he raised up the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and hung up the screen of the court gate. So Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would go onward in all their journeys. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys. (Exodus 40:33-38; Genesis 35-40)
Fastforward to the time of King David, and now instead of being a people wandering and having to pack up and move often, the children of Isreal are an established nation in an established country:
- King David desires to build God a temple: Now it came to pass when the king was dwelling in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies all around, that the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains.” Then Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.” But it happened that night that the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying, “Go and tell My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Would you build a house for Me to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought the children of Israel up from Egypt, even to this day, but have moved about in a tent and in a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about with all the children of Israel, have I ever spoken a word to anyone from the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’”’ (II Samuel 7:1-7)
- God prophecies that Davids son would build Him a temple: “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.”’” According to all these words and according to all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David. (II Samuel 7:12-17)
- David's son, King Solomon builds the temple: And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the Lord. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the Lord. On the eighth day he sent the people away; and they blessed the king, and went to their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the good that the Lord had done for His servant David, and for Israel His people. (I King 6:1, 8:63, 66; I King 6-8)
King Solomon was very wise; God had him to write the book of wisdom, Proverbs. He understood that God couldn't be contained in a building, but that the building served its purpose before the people of God: “But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built! Yet regard the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O Lord my God, and listen to the cry and the prayer which Your servant is praying before You: that Your eyes may be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your name, that You may hear the prayer which Your servant makes toward this place. And may You hear the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive. (II Chronicles 6:18-21)
More about the "temple"...
*New Living Translation
Biblical Truth
The name "Haggai" means to celebrate, hold a feast. Maybe Haggai celebrated about the temple being rebuilt because he was one of the few people in Judah that had been alive when the original temple was still standing. After the exiled Jews returned to Palestine from one of their Babylonian captivity periods, then king of Babylon, Darius allowed them to start the rebuilding of the temple: In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, ... "Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house.” (Haggai 1:1, 8)
The importance of the temple for the children of Isreal goes all the way back to their forefathers:
- God made a covenant with Noah: But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. (Genesis 6:8; Genesis 9:9-17)
- God made a covenant with Abraham: And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. (Genesis 17:7; Genesis 17)
- God made a covenant with the children of Isreal, through Moses: So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. (Exodus 2:24); Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. (Exodus 19:5); Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write these words, for according to the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 34:27-28)
- God commands the children of Isreal to build the tabernacle (tent), in which the ark of the covenant (the commandments) would be kept: And he raised up the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and hung up the screen of the court gate. So Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would go onward in all their journeys. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys. (Exodus 40:33-38; Genesis 35-40)
Fastforward to the time of King David, and now instead of being a people wandering and having to pack up and move often, the children of Isreal are an established nation in an established country:
- King David desires to build God a temple: Now it came to pass when the king was dwelling in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies all around, that the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains.” Then Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.” But it happened that night that the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying, “Go and tell My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Would you build a house for Me to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought the children of Israel up from Egypt, even to this day, but have moved about in a tent and in a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about with all the children of Israel, have I ever spoken a word to anyone from the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’”’ (II Samuel 7:1-7)
- God prophecies that Davids son would build Him a temple: “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.”’” According to all these words and according to all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David. (II Samuel 7:12-17)
- David's son, King Solomon builds the temple: And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the Lord. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the Lord. On the eighth day he sent the people away; and they blessed the king, and went to their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the good that the Lord had done for His servant David, and for Israel His people. (I King 6:1, 8:63, 66; I King 6-8)
King Solomon was very wise; God had him to write the book of wisdom, Proverbs. He understood that God couldn't be contained in a building, but that the building served its purpose before the people of God: “But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built! Yet regard the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O Lord my God, and listen to the cry and the prayer which Your servant is praying before You: that Your eyes may be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your name, that You may hear the prayer which Your servant makes toward this place. And may You hear the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive. (II Chronicles 6:18-21)
More about the "temple"...
*New Living Translation
Thursday, August 16, 2012
ZEPHANIAH: Days of Extremes!
On that day I will gather you together and bring you home again. I will give you a good name, a name of distinction, among all the nations of the earth, as I restore your fortunes before their very eyes. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Zephaniah 3:20*)
Biblical Truth & Life Application
The name "Zephaniah" means the Lord hides, not He himself hides but he protects and keeps His people, which is evident throughout this prophecy, regarding the "remnant" that is protected in the "Day of the Lord". But what is this "Day of the Lord"? One of the clearest definitions is found in Zephaniah: “That terrible day of the Lord is near. Swiftly it comes— a day of bitter tears, a day when even strong men will cry out. It will be a day when the Lord’s anger is poured out— a day of terrible distress and anguish, a day of ruin and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of trumpet calls and battle cries. Down go the walled cities and the strongest battlements! “Because you have sinned against the Lord, I will make you grope around like the blind. Your blood will be poured into the dust, and your bodies will lie rotting on the ground.” Your silver and gold will not save you on that day of the Lord’s anger. For the whole land will be devoured by the fire of his jealousy. He will make a terrifying end of all the people on earth. (Zephaniah 1:14-18*; Zephaniah 1)
God has the Apostle Peter explain more of this Day also and when it will occur: I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles. Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. [Genesis 7] And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.[Revelations 20] But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. [Matthew 24:36; Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:32]
Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. [Revelations 21-22] And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. (II Peter 3:2-15*)
As is the theme throughout most of the prophets, God will judge the wickedness of mankind, and He will destroy evil from the earth and all who don't believe in Him: This is the boisterous city, once so secure. “I am the greatest!” it boasted. “No other city can compare with me!” But now, look how it has become an utter ruin, a haven for wild animals. Everyone passing by will laugh in derision and shake a defiant fist. (Zephaniah 2:15; Zephaniah 2) But God will be merciful to "His people", not just the remnant of the Jews, but all of us who believe in Him: “Then I will purify the speech of all people, so that everyone can worship the Lord together. The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will never tell lies or deceive one another. They will eat and sleep in safety, and no one will make them afraid.” “I will gather you who mourn for the appointed festivals; you will be disgraced no more. And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you. I will save the weak and helpless ones; I will bring together those who were chased away. I will give glory and fame to my former exiles, wherever they have been mocked and shamed. (Zephaniah 3:9, 13, 18-19*; Zepaniah 3)
God desires all men to be saved, as is record in the above scripture from II Peter, and also in I Timothy: [God] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:4) But not all will believe and be saved, even some of the people who are closest to us. Just rest assured, as Christ said: And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved! (Matthew 10:22; Mark 13:13)
*New Living Translation
Biblical Truth & Life Application
The name "Zephaniah" means the Lord hides, not He himself hides but he protects and keeps His people, which is evident throughout this prophecy, regarding the "remnant" that is protected in the "Day of the Lord". But what is this "Day of the Lord"? One of the clearest definitions is found in Zephaniah: “That terrible day of the Lord is near. Swiftly it comes— a day of bitter tears, a day when even strong men will cry out. It will be a day when the Lord’s anger is poured out— a day of terrible distress and anguish, a day of ruin and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of trumpet calls and battle cries. Down go the walled cities and the strongest battlements! “Because you have sinned against the Lord, I will make you grope around like the blind. Your blood will be poured into the dust, and your bodies will lie rotting on the ground.” Your silver and gold will not save you on that day of the Lord’s anger. For the whole land will be devoured by the fire of his jealousy. He will make a terrifying end of all the people on earth. (Zephaniah 1:14-18*; Zephaniah 1)
God has the Apostle Peter explain more of this Day also and when it will occur: I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles. Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. [Genesis 7] And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.[Revelations 20] But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. [Matthew 24:36; Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:32]
Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. [Revelations 21-22] And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. (II Peter 3:2-15*)
As is the theme throughout most of the prophets, God will judge the wickedness of mankind, and He will destroy evil from the earth and all who don't believe in Him: This is the boisterous city, once so secure. “I am the greatest!” it boasted. “No other city can compare with me!” But now, look how it has become an utter ruin, a haven for wild animals. Everyone passing by will laugh in derision and shake a defiant fist. (Zephaniah 2:15; Zephaniah 2) But God will be merciful to "His people", not just the remnant of the Jews, but all of us who believe in Him: “Then I will purify the speech of all people, so that everyone can worship the Lord together. The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will never tell lies or deceive one another. They will eat and sleep in safety, and no one will make them afraid.” “I will gather you who mourn for the appointed festivals; you will be disgraced no more. And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you. I will save the weak and helpless ones; I will bring together those who were chased away. I will give glory and fame to my former exiles, wherever they have been mocked and shamed. (Zephaniah 3:9, 13, 18-19*; Zepaniah 3)
God desires all men to be saved, as is record in the above scripture from II Peter, and also in I Timothy: [God] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:4) But not all will believe and be saved, even some of the people who are closest to us. Just rest assured, as Christ said: And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved! (Matthew 10:22; Mark 13:13)
*New Living Translation
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