Act 12:2-3 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
This is the second martyr recorded in Acts. First Stephen, now James and clearly the kings plan was to make Peter the 3rd.
It is interesting to note that the 1st century Christians know the power of prayer:
Acts 12:5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
Acts 12:12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
It is very difficult for us to get our mind around how absolutely crucial a dedicated and continual prayer life is, even though we are told throughout Scripture of its importance:
1Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing,
1Timothy 2:8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;
Ephesians 6:17-18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Colossians 4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
Isn't it also interesting to note, that exactly like today, people are easily kept from seeking God and His Righteousness by the lure of comfort and peace.
Acts 12:20 Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king's personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king's country.
All the enemy has to do to keep many people from seeking eternal life is make way for them to have peace and comfort in the here and now. Sad but true.
.jpg)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Don't be Duped by "Easy Believism"
Acts 11:21 led me on a quite journey today. Check this out.
Act 11:20-21 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
Did you catch that? A great number believed and turned to the Lord. They didn't just say, "oh, cool, I beleieve" and continue about their life without change. They believed and turned to The Lord. This is a huge problem in American Christianity today, "Easy Believism" is rampant. Yet, every where you look in The Word, change is expected, radical change. It could be said, "you believe? Great. Prove it." Afterall, The Word says the old is gone and the new has come when we belong to Christ. We should see some radical change as is clearly indicated in Romans 6:
Rom 6:4-15 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.
10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.
11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!
Our radical change may start with The Lord pruning away the sin in our life, but eventually, if we belong to Him, this radical change manifests itself in works. Take a look at James 2:
James 2:17-20 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Someone might say, doesn't this contradict Ephesians 2:8. It might if you stop there, but we need to read the next two verses that make it clear, for those of us that are "in Christ", for those of us that are born again, He has work for us to do. This work doesn't save us, it is evidence that we are saved and belong to Him.
Eph 2:1-10 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
What type of work? As we see in Ephesians 4, the work is to Edify The Body of Christ. Take a look at Ephesians 4:
Ephesians 4:1-16 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
8 Therefore He says: "WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE, AND GAVE GIFTS TO MEN."
9 (Now this, "HE ASCENDED"—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Act 11:20-21 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
Did you catch that? A great number believed and turned to the Lord. They didn't just say, "oh, cool, I beleieve" and continue about their life without change. They believed and turned to The Lord. This is a huge problem in American Christianity today, "Easy Believism" is rampant. Yet, every where you look in The Word, change is expected, radical change. It could be said, "you believe? Great. Prove it." Afterall, The Word says the old is gone and the new has come when we belong to Christ. We should see some radical change as is clearly indicated in Romans 6:
Rom 6:4-15 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.
10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.
11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!
Our radical change may start with The Lord pruning away the sin in our life, but eventually, if we belong to Him, this radical change manifests itself in works. Take a look at James 2:
James 2:17-20 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Someone might say, doesn't this contradict Ephesians 2:8. It might if you stop there, but we need to read the next two verses that make it clear, for those of us that are "in Christ", for those of us that are born again, He has work for us to do. This work doesn't save us, it is evidence that we are saved and belong to Him.
Eph 2:1-10 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
What type of work? As we see in Ephesians 4, the work is to Edify The Body of Christ. Take a look at Ephesians 4:
Ephesians 4:1-16 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
8 Therefore He says: "WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE, AND GAVE GIFTS TO MEN."
9 (Now this, "HE ASCENDED"—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The Gospel is for EVERYONE!
Acts 10:2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.
God is about to answer Cornelius' prayers, but first look at what Cornelius was doing:
Acts 10:30 So Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
Cornelius had been fasting and praying. The Word seems to suggest he was committed to fasting and prayer and Cornelius was patient in waiting for God to answer. Cornelius is told by an angel to send for a man named Peter (who would be the answer to his prayer). At the same time God is doing something to prepare Peter for this. Isn't it interesting how The Word as many examples of ways God tells one person to do something that doesn't seem to make sense, but He is putting everything in motion “behind the scenes” to pull it all together. As we see in verses 12-15, God is pulling Peter kicking and screaming away from his religious traditions. Although Peter was a born-again Christian, he still held on to some religious tradition. God not only makes it clear to Peter that being forbidden to eat anything is silly, but to think that the Gospel is only meant for a certain people group is equally silly:
Acts 10:12-15 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
13 And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat."
14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean."
15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common."
Peter goes to see Cornelius and Cornelius is very excited to hear what Peter has to share with him. In his excitement, he worships Peter and in so doing gives us an example of what NOT to do(v 25-26). We can be excited about a Word a preacher, teacher or anyone may have for us, but that should never change the direction of our praise and worship. God sent Peter, Peter is just the messenger, God gets the Glory. No matter how you got saved (if you are) the same is true. If you have been saved, God put the plan in motion and placed the right people in the right places for you to hear and receive The Word.
Acts 10:25-26 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man."
And what is this Word Peter had for Cornelius (that was an answer to prayer)?
Acts 10:34-44 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins." 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
God is about to answer Cornelius' prayers, but first look at what Cornelius was doing:
Acts 10:30 So Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
Cornelius had been fasting and praying. The Word seems to suggest he was committed to fasting and prayer and Cornelius was patient in waiting for God to answer. Cornelius is told by an angel to send for a man named Peter (who would be the answer to his prayer). At the same time God is doing something to prepare Peter for this. Isn't it interesting how The Word as many examples of ways God tells one person to do something that doesn't seem to make sense, but He is putting everything in motion “behind the scenes” to pull it all together. As we see in verses 12-15, God is pulling Peter kicking and screaming away from his religious traditions. Although Peter was a born-again Christian, he still held on to some religious tradition. God not only makes it clear to Peter that being forbidden to eat anything is silly, but to think that the Gospel is only meant for a certain people group is equally silly:
Acts 10:12-15 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
13 And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat."
14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean."
15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common."
Peter goes to see Cornelius and Cornelius is very excited to hear what Peter has to share with him. In his excitement, he worships Peter and in so doing gives us an example of what NOT to do(v 25-26). We can be excited about a Word a preacher, teacher or anyone may have for us, but that should never change the direction of our praise and worship. God sent Peter, Peter is just the messenger, God gets the Glory. No matter how you got saved (if you are) the same is true. If you have been saved, God put the plan in motion and placed the right people in the right places for you to hear and receive The Word.
Acts 10:25-26 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man."
And what is this Word Peter had for Cornelius (that was an answer to prayer)?
Acts 10:34-44 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins." 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Are you too wicked to be saved?
Act 9:1-2 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
Here is two verses we need to keep in mind if we (or someone we know) thinks that they are too wicked to be saved. Many people will throw up there hands and automatically assume God can't save them because of all the bad things they have done in their life. These 2 verses in Acts 9 sum up the wickedness of Saul of Tarsus. He not only hunted Christians down to imprison and kill them, but as we see here he went the extra mile to get permission to “expand his territory”. He was not content to do his thing where he was, he wanted to take his havoc on the road. But God had other plans. God has other plans for all of us if we will repent and surrender our life to Him. The question isn't, “can God save me?”, He can. And the question isn't “can I repent?”, the question is “will you repent?”
Act 9:3-5 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" 5 And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."
Have you ever thought about Saul's question to Jesus here? He said, “Who are You, Lord?”. At this point Saul is a very religious man, he was very zealous in serving God and thought he was doing what God wanted him to do. Can you imagine how stunned he was when the God He thought he was serving said, “why are you persecuting Me?”
In verse 5 when Jesus says, “It is hard to kick against the goads” I've always been confused by that. But I was listening to a preacher a few weeks ago talk about this and his contention was, Saul felt the conviction of the way Stephen died as Saul stood by watching him get stoned to death. Saul listened to Stephen talk about the Heavens opening up and Jesus standing there, Saul heard Stephen pray that Jesus receive his spirit, and Saul heard Stephen pray that The Lord not hold this sin against them. At that point Saul knew there was something different about Jesus and those that followed Him, yet he was resisting that conviction, thus kicking against the goads.
Look at Saul's response when he finally realizes that Jesus is Lord:
Acts 9:6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
“LORD, WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?” Not, “hmmm, let's see how I can work this Christianity thing in to my life without changing too much.” NO, Saul was ready and willing to follow and serve Jesus!
Look at what Saul did after Jesus used Ananias to restore his site:
Acts 9:17b ... "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 9:18b ...and he arose and was baptized.
Acts 9:20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
I love the last part of verse 22. We don't get much detail on how he did this, but it simply says, he “proved” that Jesus is The Christ. Saul, one of the most religious, educated, intelligent men to come out of Jerusalem is now proving to the Jews that Jesus is The Christ!
Acts 9:22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
Now the Jewish Leaders that were cheering Saul on as he hunted Christians, the ones that were of the same mind as those giving Saul authority to do so in Damascus, now have a different attitude toward him. Did they get saved? Are they now ready to give their life to Jesus as Saul did?:
Acts 9:23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him.
Here is two verses we need to keep in mind if we (or someone we know) thinks that they are too wicked to be saved. Many people will throw up there hands and automatically assume God can't save them because of all the bad things they have done in their life. These 2 verses in Acts 9 sum up the wickedness of Saul of Tarsus. He not only hunted Christians down to imprison and kill them, but as we see here he went the extra mile to get permission to “expand his territory”. He was not content to do his thing where he was, he wanted to take his havoc on the road. But God had other plans. God has other plans for all of us if we will repent and surrender our life to Him. The question isn't, “can God save me?”, He can. And the question isn't “can I repent?”, the question is “will you repent?”
Act 9:3-5 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" 5 And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."
Have you ever thought about Saul's question to Jesus here? He said, “Who are You, Lord?”. At this point Saul is a very religious man, he was very zealous in serving God and thought he was doing what God wanted him to do. Can you imagine how stunned he was when the God He thought he was serving said, “why are you persecuting Me?”
In verse 5 when Jesus says, “It is hard to kick against the goads” I've always been confused by that. But I was listening to a preacher a few weeks ago talk about this and his contention was, Saul felt the conviction of the way Stephen died as Saul stood by watching him get stoned to death. Saul listened to Stephen talk about the Heavens opening up and Jesus standing there, Saul heard Stephen pray that Jesus receive his spirit, and Saul heard Stephen pray that The Lord not hold this sin against them. At that point Saul knew there was something different about Jesus and those that followed Him, yet he was resisting that conviction, thus kicking against the goads.
Look at Saul's response when he finally realizes that Jesus is Lord:
Acts 9:6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
“LORD, WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?” Not, “hmmm, let's see how I can work this Christianity thing in to my life without changing too much.” NO, Saul was ready and willing to follow and serve Jesus!
Look at what Saul did after Jesus used Ananias to restore his site:
Acts 9:17b ... "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 9:18b ...and he arose and was baptized.
Acts 9:20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
I love the last part of verse 22. We don't get much detail on how he did this, but it simply says, he “proved” that Jesus is The Christ. Saul, one of the most religious, educated, intelligent men to come out of Jerusalem is now proving to the Jews that Jesus is The Christ!
Acts 9:22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
Now the Jewish Leaders that were cheering Saul on as he hunted Christians, the ones that were of the same mind as those giving Saul authority to do so in Damascus, now have a different attitude toward him. Did they get saved? Are they now ready to give their life to Jesus as Saul did?:
Acts 9:23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Is Infant Baptism a Doctrine of Demons?
The Lord called Phillip to go a certain direction, knowing he would come by a certain man trying to understand the Scripture, yet he could not. Look what Phillip did as he explained the Scripture to the man:
Act 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.
After the man heard The Gospel preached he believed and wanted to be baptized, yet wasn't sure if he was able:
Act 8:36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"
Phillips repsonse seems to make it clear that there is just one thing keeping him and anyone from being baptized. That one thing is, if they do not believe in Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Act 8:37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
We can logically connect the dots that until you believe that Jesus is Lord and He has been raised from the dead (Roman 10:9) you shall not be baptized. Thus, infant baptism is a futile, religous exercise. First we must believe and then be baptized.
Act 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.
After the man heard The Gospel preached he believed and wanted to be baptized, yet wasn't sure if he was able:
Act 8:36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"
Phillips repsonse seems to make it clear that there is just one thing keeping him and anyone from being baptized. That one thing is, if they do not believe in Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Act 8:37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
We can logically connect the dots that until you believe that Jesus is Lord and He has been raised from the dead (Roman 10:9) you shall not be baptized. Thus, infant baptism is a futile, religous exercise. First we must believe and then be baptized.
God's Gift Can't Be Bought
Acts 8:1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
When I read this today, the first thing that came to my mind was, “they scattered once, they aren't doing it again.”
When we face certain circumstances all of us have made the wrong choice at one time or another. Many of us have made wrong choices over and over again. I think this is a great for us to meditate on and learn from the apostles. We need to make the choice to stand for Jesus no matter what the cost. In this country it won't cost us our life (yet), but it can cost us friendships, family, promotions, customers and maybe even a little mocking. Our mind needs to be fixed on Jesus and not on this world; if it is, we will choose righteousness when faced with various circumstances. For example, when our mind is fixed on Jesus we will be sensitive to conversations we shouldn't participate in, movies and shows we shouldn't watch, songs we shouldn't listen to, books and magazines we shouldn't read and so forth.
Act 8:3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
This verse is amazing. Saul didn't care whether he imprisoned and killed men or women; he was going to get them all....and he thought he was doing God's work.
Acts 8:4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
THIS IS GREAT! Even though these people scattered in fear, they were still committed to sharing the Gospel.
Act 8:9-11 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great,
10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God."
11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.
The people were deceived in to thinking that this man was of God because he was able to preform signs and wonders. Jesus warns us that in the latter times many will preform signs and wonders, and we are not to be deceived. This is a big reason why we need to know the Word of God. Just as we talked about above, setting our mind on Jesus and preparing our mind for action; we also need to prepare our mind for what is coming as to not be duped.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:
Mat 24:23-26 "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it.
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 "Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it.
Act 8:14-15 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
This is very interesting. We have talked in the last week that there is a difference between receiving the Holy Spirit and being baptized (or filled) with the Holy Spirit. This verse makes it clear that there is a difference between receiving The Word and receiving The Holy Spirit. It reminds me of the parable Jesus shared in 13. If you read the beginning of Matthew 13 Jesus is sharing the parable, here He explains it:
Mat 13:18-23 "Therefore hear the parable of the sower:
19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.
20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;
21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
Here's is one of the scariest exchanges in The Word:
Let's recap. This particular Simon practiced sorcery and people thought he did things in the power of God (he might have thought so too). Phillip preaches the Gospel and Simon believes. HE BELIEVES!! Simon follows Phillip, sees that everyone he lays hands on receives the Holy Spirit and Simon wants to offer him money in exchange for this gift.
Acts 8:20 But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!
This reminds me of scientology and paying for “different levels”. Or the works righteousness “religions” out there. Or an abundance of “other gospels” we hear preached. In all cases, they are expecting to receive the gifts of God through another means.
Here's the scariest part. Remember, this guy believed when he heard the Gospel, yet look at what Peter says:
Acts 8:21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
And what does Peter command him to do?
Acts 8:22-23 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity."
When I read this today, the first thing that came to my mind was, “they scattered once, they aren't doing it again.”
When we face certain circumstances all of us have made the wrong choice at one time or another. Many of us have made wrong choices over and over again. I think this is a great for us to meditate on and learn from the apostles. We need to make the choice to stand for Jesus no matter what the cost. In this country it won't cost us our life (yet), but it can cost us friendships, family, promotions, customers and maybe even a little mocking. Our mind needs to be fixed on Jesus and not on this world; if it is, we will choose righteousness when faced with various circumstances. For example, when our mind is fixed on Jesus we will be sensitive to conversations we shouldn't participate in, movies and shows we shouldn't watch, songs we shouldn't listen to, books and magazines we shouldn't read and so forth.
Act 8:3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
This verse is amazing. Saul didn't care whether he imprisoned and killed men or women; he was going to get them all....and he thought he was doing God's work.
Acts 8:4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
THIS IS GREAT! Even though these people scattered in fear, they were still committed to sharing the Gospel.
Act 8:9-11 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great,
10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God."
11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.
The people were deceived in to thinking that this man was of God because he was able to preform signs and wonders. Jesus warns us that in the latter times many will preform signs and wonders, and we are not to be deceived. This is a big reason why we need to know the Word of God. Just as we talked about above, setting our mind on Jesus and preparing our mind for action; we also need to prepare our mind for what is coming as to not be duped.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:
Mat 24:23-26 "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it.
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 "Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it.
Act 8:14-15 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
This is very interesting. We have talked in the last week that there is a difference between receiving the Holy Spirit and being baptized (or filled) with the Holy Spirit. This verse makes it clear that there is a difference between receiving The Word and receiving The Holy Spirit. It reminds me of the parable Jesus shared in 13. If you read the beginning of Matthew 13 Jesus is sharing the parable, here He explains it:
Mat 13:18-23 "Therefore hear the parable of the sower:
19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.
20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;
21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
Here's is one of the scariest exchanges in The Word:
Let's recap. This particular Simon practiced sorcery and people thought he did things in the power of God (he might have thought so too). Phillip preaches the Gospel and Simon believes. HE BELIEVES!! Simon follows Phillip, sees that everyone he lays hands on receives the Holy Spirit and Simon wants to offer him money in exchange for this gift.
Acts 8:20 But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!
This reminds me of scientology and paying for “different levels”. Or the works righteousness “religions” out there. Or an abundance of “other gospels” we hear preached. In all cases, they are expecting to receive the gifts of God through another means.
Here's the scariest part. Remember, this guy believed when he heard the Gospel, yet look at what Peter says:
Acts 8:21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
And what does Peter command him to do?
Acts 8:22-23 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity."
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Same things going on today!
Acts 7:30 "And when forty years had passed, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai.
Stephen is recapping Moses' journey and this is the first thing that really stuck out to me. Moses was a Godly man, yet after he fled to Midian, God waited 40 years before Moses was really "put into action".
The interesting thing is, just before this verse one of the guys that was fighting with the other said to Moses:
Acts 7:27 But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, 'WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND A JUDGE OVER US?
What an amazing foreshaddowing.....God made Moses ruler of the Jews and through Moses gave us the Ten Commandments which essentialy is what we will be judged by if we die in our sin.
Here's is anothoer AMAZING foreshaddowing:
Acts 7:38-39 "This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us,
39 whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt,
God used Moses to free the Jews from bondage and He gives Moses the Ten Commandments. But instead, they choose to be disobedient and return to bondage. How amazing is that parrallel. We see that today. People are presented with the only One that can free them from the bondage of sin and death and instead of obeying Him they choose to return to the bondage of sin and death.
Just like we see they did in verse 41, people are creating idols to bow down to instead of surrendering to the One and Only Living God.
Acts 7:41 And they made a calf in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
Our idols may not be a golden calf, but it is money, Hollywood, booze, drugs, pornography, work, sports, gambling, sex, religion, good works, politics, our kids, our spouse....the list goes on, but the end result is the same; we are putting something or someone else before God and that "thing" that is between us and God will ultimately be the "thing" that will separate us from God for eternity.
Matthew 10:37-38 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
:38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
But just as today, they did not want to receive Stephen's Word. The Holy Spirit was doing it's job of convicting them of sin, Righteousness and Judgment, but look at what Stephen says to them:
Acts 7:51 "You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.
Look at their response....were they repentant?....NO!
Acts 7:54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
Act 7:58-60 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Stephen is recapping Moses' journey and this is the first thing that really stuck out to me. Moses was a Godly man, yet after he fled to Midian, God waited 40 years before Moses was really "put into action".
The interesting thing is, just before this verse one of the guys that was fighting with the other said to Moses:
Acts 7:27 But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, 'WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND A JUDGE OVER US?
What an amazing foreshaddowing.....God made Moses ruler of the Jews and through Moses gave us the Ten Commandments which essentialy is what we will be judged by if we die in our sin.
Here's is anothoer AMAZING foreshaddowing:
Acts 7:38-39 "This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us,
39 whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt,
God used Moses to free the Jews from bondage and He gives Moses the Ten Commandments. But instead, they choose to be disobedient and return to bondage. How amazing is that parrallel. We see that today. People are presented with the only One that can free them from the bondage of sin and death and instead of obeying Him they choose to return to the bondage of sin and death.
Just like we see they did in verse 41, people are creating idols to bow down to instead of surrendering to the One and Only Living God.
Acts 7:41 And they made a calf in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
Our idols may not be a golden calf, but it is money, Hollywood, booze, drugs, pornography, work, sports, gambling, sex, religion, good works, politics, our kids, our spouse....the list goes on, but the end result is the same; we are putting something or someone else before God and that "thing" that is between us and God will ultimately be the "thing" that will separate us from God for eternity.
Matthew 10:37-38 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
:38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
But just as today, they did not want to receive Stephen's Word. The Holy Spirit was doing it's job of convicting them of sin, Righteousness and Judgment, but look at what Stephen says to them:
Acts 7:51 "You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.
Look at their response....were they repentant?....NO!
Acts 7:54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
Act 7:58-60 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Stephen was in the game!
Acts 6:1-6 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
There is something that struck me curious about these verses. I still am not clear on it, but I'd like to share my thought:
In these 6 verses a problem was identified and dealt with. These verses also say that the disciples appointed 7 men to deal with various things in the ministry so they could "give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word". Stephen was one of these 7 men, yet Stephen was killed for sharing the Gospel. What seems so interesting is that Stephen had all these other duties, yet he was still out sharing the Gospel. Maybe it wasn't as "full time" as Peter, John and the boys....but clearly he wasn't cozied up safe and sound behind the day to day tasks of the ministry.
Not only was Stephen not cozied up, safe and sound....he was doing some amazing things:
Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
Stephen was in the game so much that he was a HUGE target. They were trying to battle him in debate and they didn't have a chance:
Acts 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
Then they resorted to lying and bringing false accusations against him, yet look how Stephen responded:
Acts 6:15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
And as we will find out tomorrow in Chapter 7, he is killed sharing the Gospel. Not exactly a behind the desk administrator.
2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
There is something that struck me curious about these verses. I still am not clear on it, but I'd like to share my thought:
In these 6 verses a problem was identified and dealt with. These verses also say that the disciples appointed 7 men to deal with various things in the ministry so they could "give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word". Stephen was one of these 7 men, yet Stephen was killed for sharing the Gospel. What seems so interesting is that Stephen had all these other duties, yet he was still out sharing the Gospel. Maybe it wasn't as "full time" as Peter, John and the boys....but clearly he wasn't cozied up safe and sound behind the day to day tasks of the ministry.
Not only was Stephen not cozied up, safe and sound....he was doing some amazing things:
Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
Stephen was in the game so much that he was a HUGE target. They were trying to battle him in debate and they didn't have a chance:
Acts 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
Then they resorted to lying and bringing false accusations against him, yet look how Stephen responded:
Acts 6:15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
And as we will find out tomorrow in Chapter 7, he is killed sharing the Gospel. Not exactly a behind the desk administrator.
Is our calling any different?
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
As I read this a second time today it hit me....if the reponsibilty of protecting ourself by putting on the full armor of God doesn't fall on us; why would Peter ask him this question? If a possible answer was, "Satan overcame me and there was nothing I could do!" Do you think the consequences of his sin would be so final? His sin was not that he held back some of the profits, it was the deceiving nature at which he did it. This begs the question, what part of our life are we holding back and thinking we will skate by with lying to the Holy Spirit in saying, "I'm doing the best I can"? This is one reason why true fellowship is so important. We are called to live holy as He is Holy. I don't think that there is any doubt that to do this requires accountability from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It is so easy to get discouraged when you do have fellowship, I cannot image the level of difficuty without it.
Acts 5:4b ....Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."
Part of the full armor of God includes the breastplate of Righteousness. It seems God symbolizes the breastplate of Righteousness to protect our heart. The heart is deceiful and wicked and needs to be protected so evil cannot take root and grow.
Acts 5:20 "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life."
Seems like a pretty clear directive....question is....are we all called to the Great Commission in some capacity?
Acts 5:25 So one came and told them, saying, "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!"
They obeyed!
Act 5:30-32 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.
31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."
As we continue to work through the rest of the New Testament we will see that this is one of several places where the apostles emphasize the importance of obediance.
After the council beat them, Paul and John didn't hang their head walking out deciding they had enough of that; instead they rejoiced:
Acts 5:41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
Then they went right back to work:
Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
As I read this a second time today it hit me....if the reponsibilty of protecting ourself by putting on the full armor of God doesn't fall on us; why would Peter ask him this question? If a possible answer was, "Satan overcame me and there was nothing I could do!" Do you think the consequences of his sin would be so final? His sin was not that he held back some of the profits, it was the deceiving nature at which he did it. This begs the question, what part of our life are we holding back and thinking we will skate by with lying to the Holy Spirit in saying, "I'm doing the best I can"? This is one reason why true fellowship is so important. We are called to live holy as He is Holy. I don't think that there is any doubt that to do this requires accountability from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It is so easy to get discouraged when you do have fellowship, I cannot image the level of difficuty without it.
Acts 5:4b ....Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."
Part of the full armor of God includes the breastplate of Righteousness. It seems God symbolizes the breastplate of Righteousness to protect our heart. The heart is deceiful and wicked and needs to be protected so evil cannot take root and grow.
Acts 5:20 "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life."
Seems like a pretty clear directive....question is....are we all called to the Great Commission in some capacity?
Acts 5:25 So one came and told them, saying, "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!"
They obeyed!
Act 5:30-32 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.
31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."
As we continue to work through the rest of the New Testament we will see that this is one of several places where the apostles emphasize the importance of obediance.
After the council beat them, Paul and John didn't hang their head walking out deciding they had enough of that; instead they rejoiced:
Acts 5:41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
Then they went right back to work:
Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Be Bold For The Lord
Look at Peter's response when they throw him in jail because the masses were hearing the Gospel and giving their life to Jesus. They cross examine him about the man that was healed:
Acts 4:8-12 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,
10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
11 This is the 'STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED BY YOU BUILDERS, WHICH HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.'
12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Jesus made this clear in John 14:6
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Why is the Gospel so offensive? Because it speaks of absolute Truth, not relative truth. It is NOT all inclusive like the universalist would have you believe. If it was, why are people imprisoned and killed for preaching The Gospel?
How should we respond when we are told to shut up about it?
Acts 4:17-20 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name."
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
Also....
What do we need to be praying for? BOLDNESS!
Acts 4:29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,
Look how God honored that prayer:
Act 4:31 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.
The place shook!
They were filled with the Holy Spirit! (another indicator of the receiving and filling of the Holy Spirit being 2 separate events)
They spoke boldly!
Acts 4:8-12 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,
10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
11 This is the 'STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED BY YOU BUILDERS, WHICH HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.'
12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Jesus made this clear in John 14:6
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Why is the Gospel so offensive? Because it speaks of absolute Truth, not relative truth. It is NOT all inclusive like the universalist would have you believe. If it was, why are people imprisoned and killed for preaching The Gospel?
How should we respond when we are told to shut up about it?
Acts 4:17-20 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name."
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
Also....
What do we need to be praying for? BOLDNESS!
Acts 4:29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,
Look how God honored that prayer:
Act 4:31 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.
The place shook!
They were filled with the Holy Spirit! (another indicator of the receiving and filling of the Holy Spirit being 2 separate events)
They spoke boldly!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Peter continues the same message
Peter and John heal a lame man and the crowds are amazed. Yea, I guess they were amazed....wouldn't we be amazed if someone we knew was paralyzed from birth and someone heal them with a word? Look what Peter does; he immediately wants to shift the attention off of himself and make sure everyone knows Who gets the glory and by Who's power the man was healed:
Acts 3:12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.
14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,
15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
After Peter reminds them what they did to The King of kings, he quickly brings them hope by basically saying, "Hey, don't sweat it, you did it in ignorance. Now be ignorant no longer and know how you can be redeemed."
Acts 3:17-19 "Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.
19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
Just as in the previous chapter, Peter is preaching repetance:
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Peter also makes it clear by Who's power repentance comes from in verse 26:
Act 3:26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities."
It seems clear as you read Acts 3 that to those who are truly surrendered to Jesus, He gives what we need to turn away from ungodliness.
Acts 3:12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.
14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,
15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
After Peter reminds them what they did to The King of kings, he quickly brings them hope by basically saying, "Hey, don't sweat it, you did it in ignorance. Now be ignorant no longer and know how you can be redeemed."
Acts 3:17-19 "Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.
19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
Just as in the previous chapter, Peter is preaching repetance:
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Peter also makes it clear by Who's power repentance comes from in verse 26:
Act 3:26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities."
It seems clear as you read Acts 3 that to those who are truly surrendered to Jesus, He gives what we need to turn away from ungodliness.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Like John, Like Jesus...Now Peter
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Another indicator that receiving the Holy Spirit and being filled (or baptized) with the Holy Spirit are two different events.
Acts 2:11-13 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."
12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"
13 Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine."
This reminds me of what we see today. Although some people see the amazing things God has done in changing people, we still have those that will say they "got all religious" in a mocking fashion, which is typically followed up with the rolling of eyes and a chuckle. None the less, there are those few that give their life to Jesus, fullfilled verse 21:
Acts 2:21 AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.'
Just as we have discussed before; John The Baptist preached repentance and Jesus didn't waste any time preaching repentance, take a look how Peter starts his ministry:
First he reminds them that they killed Jesus, look at verse36:
Acts 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Second:
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Third, he makes sure everyone knows that this gift is all inclusive and is entirely a work of God:
Acts 2:39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."
Fourth, he pleades with an urgency that only one that is born-again can do:
Act 2:40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."
and what happened:
Act 2:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
Act 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Another indicator that receiving the Holy Spirit and being filled (or baptized) with the Holy Spirit are two different events.
Acts 2:11-13 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."
12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"
13 Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine."
This reminds me of what we see today. Although some people see the amazing things God has done in changing people, we still have those that will say they "got all religious" in a mocking fashion, which is typically followed up with the rolling of eyes and a chuckle. None the less, there are those few that give their life to Jesus, fullfilled verse 21:
Acts 2:21 AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.'
Just as we have discussed before; John The Baptist preached repentance and Jesus didn't waste any time preaching repentance, take a look how Peter starts his ministry:
First he reminds them that they killed Jesus, look at verse36:
Acts 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Second:
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Third, he makes sure everyone knows that this gift is all inclusive and is entirely a work of God:
Acts 2:39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."
Fourth, he pleades with an urgency that only one that is born-again can do:
Act 2:40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."
and what happened:
Act 2:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
Act 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Receiving & Baptism...More to The Holy Spirit than we think?
Acts 1:2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen,
3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Infallibleness
INFAL'LIBLENESS, n. [from infallible.] The quality of being incapable of error or mistake; entire exemption from liability to error; inerrability. No human being can justly lay claim to infallibility. This is an attribute of God only.
Act 1:4-5 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me;
5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
Reading these 2 verses in Acts 1 and the 2 verses below from John 20; clearly the receiving of the Holy Spirit and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit are two seperate events.
John 20:21-22 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
Now if you tak a look at verse 8, it seems that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for those committed to the Great Commission of sharing The Gospel:
Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Jesus goes back to Heaven, but leaves no confusion of how He will come back. This is very important for us to know so we do not get deceived by false christs and false prophets:
Acts 1:9-11 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,
11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."
Matthew 24:30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Matthew 26:64 Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."
Mark 13:26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Mark 14:62 Jesus said, "I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven."
Verse 14 is very interesting. One of only a couple times Jesus' brothers were mentioned they were mocking Him for not showing His works, as you can see in John 7. Now they are praying with the disciples!
Act 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
Joh 7:3-5 His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing.
4 For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world."
5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him.
Here's one thing I didn't consider before. There was over a hundred disciples following Jesus from the time of His baptism by John, His arrest, crucifixion and Resurrection!
Acts 1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said,
Acts 1:21-22 "Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."
3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Infallibleness
INFAL'LIBLENESS, n. [from infallible.] The quality of being incapable of error or mistake; entire exemption from liability to error; inerrability. No human being can justly lay claim to infallibility. This is an attribute of God only.
Act 1:4-5 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me;
5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
Reading these 2 verses in Acts 1 and the 2 verses below from John 20; clearly the receiving of the Holy Spirit and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit are two seperate events.
John 20:21-22 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
Now if you tak a look at verse 8, it seems that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for those committed to the Great Commission of sharing The Gospel:
Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Jesus goes back to Heaven, but leaves no confusion of how He will come back. This is very important for us to know so we do not get deceived by false christs and false prophets:
Acts 1:9-11 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,
11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."
Matthew 24:30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Matthew 26:64 Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."
Mark 13:26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Mark 14:62 Jesus said, "I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven."
Verse 14 is very interesting. One of only a couple times Jesus' brothers were mentioned they were mocking Him for not showing His works, as you can see in John 7. Now they are praying with the disciples!
Act 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
Joh 7:3-5 His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing.
4 For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world."
5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him.
Here's one thing I didn't consider before. There was over a hundred disciples following Jesus from the time of His baptism by John, His arrest, crucifixion and Resurrection!
Acts 1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said,
Acts 1:21-22 "Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Jesus is God!
John 20:19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you."
I'm not sure how many times I have read this verse over the years, but this is the first time I "seen" this:
The disciples were afraid and what is the first thing Jesus wants for them? PEACE. When we have the peace Jesus offers, the peace of knowing you belong to Him, there is no fear. You are perfectly loved by your Lord and Savior and as His Word says, perfect love casts out fear.
1John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
John 20:25 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."
This reminds me so much of those that can ask you a million questions about your faith, yet no matter how well you may answer them, they will not believe. Thomas doesn't say, "I don't know....I'd kind of like to see for myslef." He is not wishy washy at all, he flat out says, "I will not beleive." Some people (like our buddy Ron) are given a dramatic sign that they may believe. Others are not. Only the Lord knows why; maybe it is the condition of their heart when they ask, and although skeptical, their heart is right....I don't know. But we know that in this case Thomas is blessed with his request for a "sign". But Jesus also indicates a special blessing on us who have not been given a "dramatic" sign, yet still believe:
John 20:27-29 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."
28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
1Peter 1:8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
Incidentally, Jesus waits 8 days to show Himself to Thomas. You have to think that Thomas wanted to see Jesus "right now"; but as shown many times in Scripture, God's time is not our time.
Another thing that we should notice here is Thomas' response: "My Lord and My God". There are plenty of false religions and false teaching out there that will make many claims about Jesus, but they do not want to call Him God. There is an abundance of verses pointing to the diety of Jesus and this one is as right to the point as you can get. Thomas calls Him, his God and Jesus does not correct him.
I'm not sure how many times I have read this verse over the years, but this is the first time I "seen" this:
The disciples were afraid and what is the first thing Jesus wants for them? PEACE. When we have the peace Jesus offers, the peace of knowing you belong to Him, there is no fear. You are perfectly loved by your Lord and Savior and as His Word says, perfect love casts out fear.
1John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
John 20:25 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."
This reminds me so much of those that can ask you a million questions about your faith, yet no matter how well you may answer them, they will not believe. Thomas doesn't say, "I don't know....I'd kind of like to see for myslef." He is not wishy washy at all, he flat out says, "I will not beleive." Some people (like our buddy Ron) are given a dramatic sign that they may believe. Others are not. Only the Lord knows why; maybe it is the condition of their heart when they ask, and although skeptical, their heart is right....I don't know. But we know that in this case Thomas is blessed with his request for a "sign". But Jesus also indicates a special blessing on us who have not been given a "dramatic" sign, yet still believe:
John 20:27-29 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."
28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
1Peter 1:8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
Incidentally, Jesus waits 8 days to show Himself to Thomas. You have to think that Thomas wanted to see Jesus "right now"; but as shown many times in Scripture, God's time is not our time.
Another thing that we should notice here is Thomas' response: "My Lord and My God". There are plenty of false religions and false teaching out there that will make many claims about Jesus, but they do not want to call Him God. There is an abundance of verses pointing to the diety of Jesus and this one is as right to the point as you can get. Thomas calls Him, his God and Jesus does not correct him.
Monday, November 15, 2010
What was in the cup?
John 18:3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
If they actually thought Jesus was just a man, who openly taught without any bodygaurds or slef-defense weapons of any kind, why did they have such a crowd with weapons?
John 18:6 Now when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground.
Isn't that strange? He simply says, "I am He" and they fall down?
John 18:10-11 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
11 So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?"
Jesus uses this same term in Luke 22:
Luke 22:42 saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."
What is in the cup?
It isn't just a beating, afterall is Jesus any less of a man than other men in history that have endured brutality? Look at William Wallace and countless others who have endured for one cause or another. So, it can't be that. Is it the humiliation and disrespect. Many men would rather face physical torture than humiliation and disrespect, but many meek men have endured both. So, what was in the cup that had Jesus sweating blood?
God's Wrath!
Joh 3:36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
Rom 2:5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
If Jesus took what we rightfully deserve, He took God's Wrath. He took it to the last drop, even to the point where for the first time in eternity He felt separation from God. Remember what He said?
Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
If they actually thought Jesus was just a man, who openly taught without any bodygaurds or slef-defense weapons of any kind, why did they have such a crowd with weapons?
John 18:6 Now when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground.
Isn't that strange? He simply says, "I am He" and they fall down?
John 18:10-11 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
11 So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?"
Jesus uses this same term in Luke 22:
Luke 22:42 saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."
What is in the cup?
It isn't just a beating, afterall is Jesus any less of a man than other men in history that have endured brutality? Look at William Wallace and countless others who have endured for one cause or another. So, it can't be that. Is it the humiliation and disrespect. Many men would rather face physical torture than humiliation and disrespect, but many meek men have endured both. So, what was in the cup that had Jesus sweating blood?
God's Wrath!
Joh 3:36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
Rom 2:5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
If Jesus took what we rightfully deserve, He took God's Wrath. He took it to the last drop, even to the point where for the first time in eternity He felt separation from God. Remember what He said?
Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Where do you get joy?
John 17:8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
9 "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.
How AWESOME is that!?! If you have given your life to Jesus, He was praying for you. If you are still of this world, He makes it a point to say, He is not praying for you.
Check out a few specifics of His prayer:
1st:
John 17:13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.
Where are you getting your joy?
2nd:
John 17:15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
He doesn't pray that we be taken out of the world, even though He wants us to be with Him in Heaven. Why not? Because He has work for us to do. That is why He is praying for our protection from Satan.
3rd:
John 17:20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
Even if the argument is made that in verse 13 Jesus is praying only for the disciples, clearly here He is praying for all of us who believe through their word. However, I think this makes a clear indicator that the work we have to do is to share what Jesus has done in our life that others may believe through our word.
4th:
John 17:24 "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
Jesus wants us with Him in glory!!!!! Those that belong to Him, He wants with Him!!!!
9 "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.
How AWESOME is that!?! If you have given your life to Jesus, He was praying for you. If you are still of this world, He makes it a point to say, He is not praying for you.
Check out a few specifics of His prayer:
1st:
John 17:13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.
Where are you getting your joy?
2nd:
John 17:15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
He doesn't pray that we be taken out of the world, even though He wants us to be with Him in Heaven. Why not? Because He has work for us to do. That is why He is praying for our protection from Satan.
3rd:
John 17:20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
Even if the argument is made that in verse 13 Jesus is praying only for the disciples, clearly here He is praying for all of us who believe through their word. However, I think this makes a clear indicator that the work we have to do is to share what Jesus has done in our life that others may believe through our word.
4th:
John 17:24 "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
Jesus wants us with Him in glory!!!!! Those that belong to Him, He wants with Him!!!!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The Holy Spirit's Job
John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
John 16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
To the Saints, The Holy Spirit is:
Helper, Comforter, Teacher
John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
To The Lost:
1) The Holy Spirit convinces them of the severity of their sin and the need for The Savior
2) The Holy Spirit convinces them of Christ's perfect righteousness, thus making Him the perfect sacrifice for sin
3) The Holy Spirit convinces them of Judgment to come for those that refuse to repent.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
1Jn 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1Jn 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
John 16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
To the Saints, The Holy Spirit is:
Helper, Comforter, Teacher
John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
To The Lost:
1) The Holy Spirit convinces them of the severity of their sin and the need for The Savior
2) The Holy Spirit convinces them of Christ's perfect righteousness, thus making Him the perfect sacrifice for sin
3) The Holy Spirit convinces them of Judgment to come for those that refuse to repent.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
1Jn 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1Jn 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Is God Pruning You?
John 15:2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
Take a look at the definition of prune:
PRU'NE, v.t.
1. To lop or cut off the superfluous branches of trees, to make them bear better fruit or grow higher, or to give them a more handsome and regular appearance.
2. To clear from any thing superfluous; to dress; to trim.
Clearly Jesus is indicating the two works the Father will do to the two groups of people. Let's look at the second group first. The second group mentioned are those that are “in” Jesus, “abiding in” Jesus, “remaining in” Jesus, “loving” Jesus, “serving” Jesus, “surrendered to” Jesus. Was this group perfect when they have given their life to Jesus? Absolutely NOT! But look at what the Father is doing with them that trust and acknowledge Him in all their ways (as indicated in Proverbs 3); He prunes them. He prunes them because He loves them. Many times the pruning hurts, but as shown in the definition of pruning it is so we can bear better fruit and grow “higher” in Him. Not in status, but in knowledge, service and love. This begs the question, are you being pruned? Do you see the same old garbage falling away with a foul taste for it developing in your mouth? If so, Praise God, He is doing a work in your life!
If not....
Take a look at the first group. Every branch that does not bear fruit He takes away. What? What does that mean? If you look to verse 6 you can clearly see what He means:
John 15:6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
This is very scary! A branch lying on the ground doesn't think twice about its condition or consider that something is wrong, it just simply exists and slowly withers. Brutal reality will set in for that branch the day it is picked up and tossed in the fire. The same is true for those not abiding in Jesus. They are moving through life with out much of a thought of their actual eternal destination until that day and they are thrown in the fire.
Many people will hear or read of this reality and say, “that doesn't sound like a loving God, I am not going to worship a God like that.” This reality is what moved God to leave His place on high, humble Himself and provide for us a way to be redeemed. Our rejection of this Way doesn't make it any less true.
This reality is either ignored or considered. If we consider this Truth and God moves us to desire a relationship with Jesus and be saved, what does He want next? He wants to be glorified in you. We can look to verse 8 to see what this looks like:
John 15:8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
If you choose to ignore this:
John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.
James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
Take a look at the definition of prune:
PRU'NE, v.t.
1. To lop or cut off the superfluous branches of trees, to make them bear better fruit or grow higher, or to give them a more handsome and regular appearance.
2. To clear from any thing superfluous; to dress; to trim.
Clearly Jesus is indicating the two works the Father will do to the two groups of people. Let's look at the second group first. The second group mentioned are those that are “in” Jesus, “abiding in” Jesus, “remaining in” Jesus, “loving” Jesus, “serving” Jesus, “surrendered to” Jesus. Was this group perfect when they have given their life to Jesus? Absolutely NOT! But look at what the Father is doing with them that trust and acknowledge Him in all their ways (as indicated in Proverbs 3); He prunes them. He prunes them because He loves them. Many times the pruning hurts, but as shown in the definition of pruning it is so we can bear better fruit and grow “higher” in Him. Not in status, but in knowledge, service and love. This begs the question, are you being pruned? Do you see the same old garbage falling away with a foul taste for it developing in your mouth? If so, Praise God, He is doing a work in your life!
If not....
Take a look at the first group. Every branch that does not bear fruit He takes away. What? What does that mean? If you look to verse 6 you can clearly see what He means:
John 15:6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
This is very scary! A branch lying on the ground doesn't think twice about its condition or consider that something is wrong, it just simply exists and slowly withers. Brutal reality will set in for that branch the day it is picked up and tossed in the fire. The same is true for those not abiding in Jesus. They are moving through life with out much of a thought of their actual eternal destination until that day and they are thrown in the fire.
Many people will hear or read of this reality and say, “that doesn't sound like a loving God, I am not going to worship a God like that.” This reality is what moved God to leave His place on high, humble Himself and provide for us a way to be redeemed. Our rejection of this Way doesn't make it any less true.
This reality is either ignored or considered. If we consider this Truth and God moves us to desire a relationship with Jesus and be saved, what does He want next? He wants to be glorified in you. We can look to verse 8 to see what this looks like:
John 15:8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
If you choose to ignore this:
John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.
James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Is He Your Lord, or do you just want Him to be your Savior?
John 14:11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
I had a conversation with someone a couple weeks ago that calls themself a Christian, but with further discussion they confessed that they are not really born-again and the study of The Bible is more of an intellectual excercise; however, they really want to have faith and be saved.
This clearly demonstrates what we've talked about before: "The Bible is logical and reasonable; but cannot be received through logic and reason"
John 14:11 seems to give hope to those on the intellectual journey. Jesus is giving instruction to Thomas. Thomas, howevr, seems to be the "intellectual skeptic" of the group (remember "Doubting Thomas'" reaction to the empty tomb?). So Jesus told him, if you don't beleive, atleast believe in the works. It seems like Jesus is saying, "use your head man, use simple logic and look at the miracles!" I don't think there is any doubt that Jesus will use simple logic to draw you closer to Him, but we must not stay there. Simple logic will move you to want Him to be your Savior, but absolute surrender is what is needed for Him to be your Lord.
I had a conversation with someone a couple weeks ago that calls themself a Christian, but with further discussion they confessed that they are not really born-again and the study of The Bible is more of an intellectual excercise; however, they really want to have faith and be saved.
This clearly demonstrates what we've talked about before: "The Bible is logical and reasonable; but cannot be received through logic and reason"
John 14:11 seems to give hope to those on the intellectual journey. Jesus is giving instruction to Thomas. Thomas, howevr, seems to be the "intellectual skeptic" of the group (remember "Doubting Thomas'" reaction to the empty tomb?). So Jesus told him, if you don't beleive, atleast believe in the works. It seems like Jesus is saying, "use your head man, use simple logic and look at the miracles!" I don't think there is any doubt that Jesus will use simple logic to draw you closer to Him, but we must not stay there. Simple logic will move you to want Him to be your Savior, but absolute surrender is what is needed for Him to be your Lord.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
It Only Qualifies You To Be A Demon
John 12:42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;
43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
WOW! This is the epitome of pride. They believed Jesus was The Son of God and they still did not want to "confess" Him. Remember Romans 10:9?
Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
These men were so worried about their status in this world that they were willing to lose their eternal life.
James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
To only believe who Jesus is, only qualifies you to be a prideful pharisee or a demon. Belief without surrender is nothing. Look what Jesus said in John 12:26:
John 12:26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
If mere "belief" in who Jesus was saved us, why would John 12 make it so clear that we are to serve Him, and reference those that believed who He was, but loved the world more?
Our service to Jesus doesn't save us, but it is evidence that we are saved.
43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
WOW! This is the epitome of pride. They believed Jesus was The Son of God and they still did not want to "confess" Him. Remember Romans 10:9?
Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
These men were so worried about their status in this world that they were willing to lose their eternal life.
James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
To only believe who Jesus is, only qualifies you to be a prideful pharisee or a demon. Belief without surrender is nothing. Look what Jesus said in John 12:26:
John 12:26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
If mere "belief" in who Jesus was saved us, why would John 12 make it so clear that we are to serve Him, and reference those that believed who He was, but loved the world more?
Our service to Jesus doesn't save us, but it is evidence that we are saved.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Glorify God in all you say, think and do
John 11:6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.
Things happen in God's timing and most of the time, God's timing doesn't match up with our time. Jesus could have spoke it and Lazarus would have been made well, He could have went directly to Lazarus and handle it that way; but Jesus does neither.....He waits 2 days to leave and by the time He gets there Lazarus had been dead 4 days......Why?.....He answered that question in verse 4:
John 11:4 When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
That God would be Glorified.....WE ARE HERE TO GLORIFY GOD.....that's it! We don't need a book to tell us our purpose, our purpose is to bring glory to our King!
Things happen in God's timing and most of the time, God's timing doesn't match up with our time. Jesus could have spoke it and Lazarus would have been made well, He could have went directly to Lazarus and handle it that way; but Jesus does neither.....He waits 2 days to leave and by the time He gets there Lazarus had been dead 4 days......Why?.....He answered that question in verse 4:
John 11:4 When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
That God would be Glorified.....WE ARE HERE TO GLORIFY GOD.....that's it! We don't need a book to tell us our purpose, our purpose is to bring glory to our King!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
"What about..?" will not help you on the Day of Judgment
John 9:2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
Apparently tradition in the Jewish culture had it that if you had some type of physical disability it was because there was a history of sin in you or your family. It is interesting that they would presume that they were without sin, after all, they didn't have a physical disability. We see this type of confusion in the story of Job , and we certainly see it today. There are preachers in the word of faith movement today that will tell you that you are not rich, or you are not healed because you don't have enough faith. Of course, if you send them more money then your faith will increase to the level needed to be rich, or be healed.
Jesus makes it clear that this is not the issue:
John 9:3 Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.
Talk about being predestined! This man was predestined to bring Glory to God through Jesus healing him. Jesus wasn't suggesting that the family was sinless, He was saying that their sin had nothing to do with his ailment. But, like everyone else in the world, he was created to bring God Glory. Not everyone will bring God Glory in this life, but whether it be in this life when people see what God has done in your life, or in eternity when God pours out His wrath on the non-believers; either way God will be glorified.
John 9:8 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, "Is not this he who sat and begged?"
As I read this today I couldn't help but draw a parallel between this man who was physically blind his entire life and begged for help, and those that are spiritually blind and seeking The Truth. Until they encounter Jesus, they will not see The Truth; but if they really are thirsting for The Truth and continue to beg for It, there spiritually blind eyes will be open.
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
John 9:11 He answered and said, "A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed, and I received sight."
It is interesting to note that Jesus could have opened his blind eyes right on the spot; but instead He calls him to an act of obedience. The man could have ignored Jesus' command and thought how silly it was that He had put mud on his eyes; or he could have obeyed. Over and over again, The Word gives illustrations, examples and commands of obedience and surrender to Jesus Christ.
John 9:16a Therefore some of the Pharisees said, "This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath." ….
Much like today, these men were so wrapped up in their religion that they were blinded to the things of God.
After the religious leaders intimidate and cross-examine him and his parents, this man raps it all up with one of the greatest statements any believer could ever make:
John 9:25 He answered and said, "Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see."
Many times you hear people say they pray, but they do not have a relationship with the only one that can answer prayer. Many times you see people on Facebook and other venues that may be going through a trial in their life and call on others to pray with them, yet they are clearly of the world. This is a very hard thing for people to hear, but the Word of God makes it clear, God does not hear the prayers of non-believers:
John 9:30-31 The man answered and said to them, "Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes!
31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.
The verses following this are an amazing demonstration of a person being born-again and given the Godly wisdom needed. It is also interesting to see how the “brightest minds of religion” receive his rebuke:
John 9:33 If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing."
34 They answered and said to him, "You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?" And they cast him out
Later in the chapter Jesus has another encounter with “the religious”:
John 9:41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.
Verse 41 reminds me of those that, when faced with The Gospel, say, “what about those that have never heard?” We know that God is Just, and He makes a clear statement about this. If they are blind to The Gospel, indicating that they have never heard it, or don't have the ability to comprehend it, they are without sin. However, the question should not be what about those that have never heard, or can't comprehend; the better question is, what are you going to do with what you have heard. There are two things I know for sure: One; if you are reading this, you do not qualify as one never having heard. Two: The question, “what about those that have never heard” will not help you on the day of Judgment if you reject Jesus Christ in this life.
Apparently tradition in the Jewish culture had it that if you had some type of physical disability it was because there was a history of sin in you or your family. It is interesting that they would presume that they were without sin, after all, they didn't have a physical disability. We see this type of confusion in the story of Job , and we certainly see it today. There are preachers in the word of faith movement today that will tell you that you are not rich, or you are not healed because you don't have enough faith. Of course, if you send them more money then your faith will increase to the level needed to be rich, or be healed.
Jesus makes it clear that this is not the issue:
John 9:3 Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.
Talk about being predestined! This man was predestined to bring Glory to God through Jesus healing him. Jesus wasn't suggesting that the family was sinless, He was saying that their sin had nothing to do with his ailment. But, like everyone else in the world, he was created to bring God Glory. Not everyone will bring God Glory in this life, but whether it be in this life when people see what God has done in your life, or in eternity when God pours out His wrath on the non-believers; either way God will be glorified.
John 9:8 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, "Is not this he who sat and begged?"
As I read this today I couldn't help but draw a parallel between this man who was physically blind his entire life and begged for help, and those that are spiritually blind and seeking The Truth. Until they encounter Jesus, they will not see The Truth; but if they really are thirsting for The Truth and continue to beg for It, there spiritually blind eyes will be open.
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
John 9:11 He answered and said, "A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed, and I received sight."
It is interesting to note that Jesus could have opened his blind eyes right on the spot; but instead He calls him to an act of obedience. The man could have ignored Jesus' command and thought how silly it was that He had put mud on his eyes; or he could have obeyed. Over and over again, The Word gives illustrations, examples and commands of obedience and surrender to Jesus Christ.
John 9:16a Therefore some of the Pharisees said, "This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath." ….
Much like today, these men were so wrapped up in their religion that they were blinded to the things of God.
After the religious leaders intimidate and cross-examine him and his parents, this man raps it all up with one of the greatest statements any believer could ever make:
John 9:25 He answered and said, "Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see."
Many times you hear people say they pray, but they do not have a relationship with the only one that can answer prayer. Many times you see people on Facebook and other venues that may be going through a trial in their life and call on others to pray with them, yet they are clearly of the world. This is a very hard thing for people to hear, but the Word of God makes it clear, God does not hear the prayers of non-believers:
John 9:30-31 The man answered and said to them, "Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes!
31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.
The verses following this are an amazing demonstration of a person being born-again and given the Godly wisdom needed. It is also interesting to see how the “brightest minds of religion” receive his rebuke:
John 9:33 If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing."
34 They answered and said to him, "You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?" And they cast him out
Later in the chapter Jesus has another encounter with “the religious”:
John 9:41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.
Verse 41 reminds me of those that, when faced with The Gospel, say, “what about those that have never heard?” We know that God is Just, and He makes a clear statement about this. If they are blind to The Gospel, indicating that they have never heard it, or don't have the ability to comprehend it, they are without sin. However, the question should not be what about those that have never heard, or can't comprehend; the better question is, what are you going to do with what you have heard. There are two things I know for sure: One; if you are reading this, you do not qualify as one never having heard. Two: The question, “what about those that have never heard” will not help you on the day of Judgment if you reject Jesus Christ in this life.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Are you of the devil?....Are you sure?
John 8:21-24 Then Jesus said to them again, "I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come."
22 So the Jews said, "Will He kill Himself, because He says, 'Where I go you cannot come'?"
23 And He said to them, "You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."
Why will people die in their sin?
Because they are of this world
Why are they of this world?
Because they don't believe that Jesus is The Son of God, The Savior of the world, The Messiah
These people were waiting for The Messiah and although He was standing in front of them they did not believe.
Because they did not believe, they were not from above, they were NOT born again.
Because they were not born again, they could not go where Jesus was going.
Where was He going?
Back to The Father, To Heaven
Jesus said, they will die in their sin, why?
Unless you believe in Him your sin cannot be redeemed, so if you do not believe in Jesus you are still in your sin. People are only in one of two places, either they are still in their sin or they are redeemed from the consequences of their sin. In short, people are either slaves to sin, or dead to sin.
What are the consequences of dying in your sin?
You don't go to Heaven
If you don't go to Heaven, where do you go?
There are only two eternal destinations, Heaven or hell; so, if you die in your sin, you go to hell, a place of complete seperation from God, a place of eternal punishment
When Jesus pronounces you saved, what does He want from you?
Leave your life of sin, repentance
John 8:10-11 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?"
11 She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."
On our own we will fall hopeless short of leaving a life of sin, so how do we do that?
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
Abide
ABI'DE, v. i. pert. and part. abode.
abada, to be, or exist, to continue; W. bod, to be; to dwell, rest, continue, stand firm, or be stationary for anytime indefinitely. Class Bd. No 7.]
1. To rest, or dwell.
3. To continue permanently or in the same state; to be firm and immovable.
4. To remain, to continue.
Who is a slave to sin?
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.
That covers all of us, so how do we get out of the bondage of sin?
John 8:36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
If the Son makes you free you will desire to abide in Him, this is how you know that you are born again, born of God, why is this crucial?
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Clearly, Nicodemus was confused, like many people today, look what Jesus follows up with in verse 7:
John 3:7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'
Why don't people understand this?
John 8:47 He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God."
So, if somebody is not born again they are not of God, who are they of?
John 8:42-44 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.
43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.
44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
22 So the Jews said, "Will He kill Himself, because He says, 'Where I go you cannot come'?"
23 And He said to them, "You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."
Why will people die in their sin?
Because they are of this world
Why are they of this world?
Because they don't believe that Jesus is The Son of God, The Savior of the world, The Messiah
These people were waiting for The Messiah and although He was standing in front of them they did not believe.
Because they did not believe, they were not from above, they were NOT born again.
Because they were not born again, they could not go where Jesus was going.
Where was He going?
Back to The Father, To Heaven
Jesus said, they will die in their sin, why?
Unless you believe in Him your sin cannot be redeemed, so if you do not believe in Jesus you are still in your sin. People are only in one of two places, either they are still in their sin or they are redeemed from the consequences of their sin. In short, people are either slaves to sin, or dead to sin.
What are the consequences of dying in your sin?
You don't go to Heaven
If you don't go to Heaven, where do you go?
There are only two eternal destinations, Heaven or hell; so, if you die in your sin, you go to hell, a place of complete seperation from God, a place of eternal punishment
When Jesus pronounces you saved, what does He want from you?
Leave your life of sin, repentance
John 8:10-11 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?"
11 She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."
On our own we will fall hopeless short of leaving a life of sin, so how do we do that?
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
Abide
ABI'DE, v. i. pert. and part. abode.
abada, to be, or exist, to continue; W. bod, to be; to dwell, rest, continue, stand firm, or be stationary for anytime indefinitely. Class Bd. No 7.]
1. To rest, or dwell.
3. To continue permanently or in the same state; to be firm and immovable.
4. To remain, to continue.
Who is a slave to sin?
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.
That covers all of us, so how do we get out of the bondage of sin?
John 8:36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
If the Son makes you free you will desire to abide in Him, this is how you know that you are born again, born of God, why is this crucial?
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Clearly, Nicodemus was confused, like many people today, look what Jesus follows up with in verse 7:
John 3:7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'
Why don't people understand this?
John 8:47 He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God."
So, if somebody is not born again they are not of God, who are they of?
John 8:42-44 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.
43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.
44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
