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Christ Is The Bread Of Life…
And Jesus said unto them…Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
I am that bread of life.Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever:
and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. (John 6:32,47-51)
For The SIH Devotional On This Subject:
True Love Covers The Shame Of Others
1) Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2) And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3) And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4) They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5) Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6) This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard][ them not].
7) So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8) And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9) And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10) When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11) She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
(John 8:1-11)
For The SIH devotional on this subject:
May You Have A Blessed Christmas Season!
I’ll be taking a break from the SIH blog for a few weeks for Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The daily devotions and other weekend postings will be auto-posted for each day. During my time away, I will obviously, be unable to answer your comments or questions.
However, I will be checking my email daily at settledinheaven@gmail.com.
Also as a quick reminder, our Proverbs devotional series will continue beginning December 26th and will finish on December 30th. Our new devotional series “Reflections Of His Grace”, a verse by verse look at Ephesians will begin on January 2nd of 2014.
Thank you so much for your faithfulness in following, commenting and reblogging SIH materials. I am hoping that this year’s postings have been a blessing for you. I am trusting the Lord He will use SIH in the coming year for His honor and glory and to be a blessing to each one of us.
Once again, may the Lord bless each one of you and your families this Christmas season. May Jesus Christ Be Praised In All Things!
May The Lord Grant You A Blessed Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Devotional Lessons (Click On Link):
A Christian’s Thanksgiving Day
Therefore, O God, We Thank Thee
Let The Redeemed Of The Lord Say So
“A Month of Thankfulness” 30 Part Devotional Series (Day 1)
Settled In Heaven’s Award Policy…
It is only through the grace of God that SIH ministries exist and continue to prosper. For those of us who are simply being used of Him, we deserve no awards nor acclaim. Therefore, it is the policy of SIH ministries to not accept awards.
We do want to express that any consideration for awards for the SIH blog is appreciated. We are so thankful that the SIH blog has used by the Lord to be a blessing to others. May the Lord richly bless all who seek to come to a greater understanding of His wonderful Word that is “settled in heaven”.
May The Lord Grant You A Blessed Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Devotional Lessons (Click On Link):
A Christian’s Thanksgiving Day
Therefore, O God, We Thank Thee
“A Month of Thankfulness” 30 Part Devotional Series (Day 1)
The Great Mission
As Christians, we are all given the responsibility to tell others about our Lord an all He has done for us. (see Mark 5:18-20; Psa 66:16) However, the Lord has given His local assembly of believers added responsibilities as we minister for Him. What are those responsibilities? How important are they?
In this lesson, we all be looking at the mission the Lord has given to His local assemblies on earth.
THE SCRIPTURES:
Matt 28:16-20 (KJV)
16) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17) And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
THE STUDY:
As we begin our study of the responsibilities given to the local assemblies of Christ, it is important to notice to whom the Lord is speaking…
Matt 28:16-20 (KJV)
16) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17) And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
Here, we find the eleven apostles (the twelve minus Judas) meeting with the Lord. They were meeting with Him on the mount, separated from the great multitudes that had been following Him. These apostles, were the very beginning foundation of the Lord’s local church with Jesus, Himself, being the cornerstone of that assembly.
Our Lord clearly taught this principle in the writings of Paul to the local church at Ephesus…
Eph 2:19-22 – “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
(see also Matt 21:42-45; Roms 9:33; 1 Pet 2:7-8)
18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
As the Lord begins to address the very beginnings of His local assembly on earth, He reminds us that He is the one that possesses the power (authority) of God Himself. The word for “power” does not speak of physical strength… it speaks of authority. Jesus possesses all authority over both the physical and spiritual creation of God. (1 Peter 3:21-22)
Our Lord Jesus has the right to tell us what He would have us to do for Him. He is our Creator (John 1:1-4), He is our Redeemer (1 Pet 1:18-21) and, therefore, He is our Master (Rom 9:20-21, 1 Cor 6:19-20).
The Lord now turns our attention to the three great responsibilities He has given to His local assemblies….
19) Go ye therefore,
Here, we are told to “go”. This sums up the local church’s responsibility. We should not expect the lost world to come to us and join us in the cause of Christ. We are to go forth into the lost, and spiritually dead, world fulfilling the great responsibility we have been given. (Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47-48)
As we go into the world we should be going with the authority, power and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ… our warfare is to be by Him, and for Him, not through the carnal means of a sinful world (2 Cor 10:3-5)
As the local church ministers among the lost world their goal should be three-fold:
and teach all nations,
The word for “teach” here is a Greek word that means “to evangelize”, in other words to take the gospel message to those who are unsaved.
The first goal of the local assemblies is to take the gospel to the lost (through our words and actions), (Rom 10:13-17; Rom 16:25-26; Acts 26:16-18) and then pray for them, that Christ might bring them to Himself. (Psa 68:20, 2 Tim 2:24-26).
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Following their receipt of salvation, we are to immerse in water those who have believed. This is the public declaration of what the Lord has done for them. It pictures the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. It also pictures the believer’s death to sin and new life in Christ. (Rom 6:3-5, Col 2:12-15)
Once baptized, the believer is eligible to become the member of the local assembly.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
The word for “teach” in this verse is a word that means “to indoctrinate”, or “to teach”. This local church responsibility involves instructing those who are members of the church.
We are to teach church members the practical and doctrinal truths of God’s Word. This involves teaching the Word in its entirety. (2 Tim 4:1-5, 2 Tim 3:16-17)
Note this instruction involves the practical application of His Word to member’s life (“teaching them to observe…”)
and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
The Lord is promising to accompany the local church as its ministers for Him on earth. (Matt 18:20, Rev 1:11-13) It is only through His enabling and intervention that the church can fulfill its mission for Him. (Matt 10:16-20, 1 Pet 1:12, 1 Cor 1:18-24, Rom 1:16)
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
For those who have trusted in Christ.
As believers, our Lord would desire for us to be scripturally baptized and then to join a Bible believing church. During our time of church membership, we are to be instructed from His Word, and then to live out these truths as faithful servants of Christ.
For those who have never trusted in Christ.
If you have never trusted in Christ as your Savior… the first priority of your life should be to search the Scriptures, recognize your sin and the True Savior, Jesus Christ. Turn from your sin, trust in Christ and His work as the basis of your salvation and accept Him as Lord of your life. It is only after you have trusted Christ that you can follow Him in baptism, church membership and faithful service to Him.
If you have any questions concerning the way of salvation please feel free to visit or call a Bible teaching church in your area. They will be happy to speak to you about the Lord Jesus and the salvation He graciously gives.
Or, if you would rather, feel welcome to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I’ll be more than happy to answer any question you may have.
Also, if you look at my blog page “How To Have A Relationship With God”. On this page, you will find several blog entries explaining the way of salvation.
Please visit the “Settled In Heaven Ministries” homepage – http://www.settledinheaven.org
My Main Blog “Settled In Heaven” (updated twice weekly) – https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com
The following are other places you can find “Settled In Heaven” blog (updated once per month):
www.settledinheavenbibleblog.posterous.com
www.settledinheavenblog.blogspot.com
To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.
Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com
Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace
May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
The Observance Of The Lord’s Supper
To those who have requested this information, I hope it helps…This is a typical Baptist church service in which we observe the Lord’s Supper…
The Message: 1Cor 11:20-34 (KJV)
20) When ye come together therefore into one place, [this] is not to eat the Lord’s supper.
Although they were claiming to meet with the intent to glorify God by observance of His supper…
21) For in eating every one taketh before [other] his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
22) What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise [you] not.
They could not have been meeting with the right motives in mind for the supper.
Their actions clearly revealed this… each selfishly ate without consideration of the others. They brought their own suppers to church to eat in front of others. Some ate to fulfill their own fleshly desire of hunger, others drank to excess causing drunkeness. In both cases, this was selfish behavior not behavior that desires the Lord’s glory.
Desires and Intentions are very important in the observance of the Lord’s Supper. Our motives should be:
vs 23-24 – To remember His physical suffering for us
23) For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24) And when he had given thanks, he brake [it], and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Paul’s instructions were based upon the example that Christ Himself set as He led the first observance of the Lord’s Supper.
The bread is symbolic of the body of Christ (His sufferings on the cross). As we chew the bread it is a picture of Christ’s body being abused, torn and broken on our behalf. As we swallow the bread it is picturing that His work has been applied to us.
vs 25 – To remember His shed blood for us.
25) After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me.
Paul’s instructions continue …
The fruit of the vine is symbolic of His shed blood (His life given on the cross – the life of the flesh is in His blood). His shed blood is the basis of the convenant of salvation by grace that the Lord has given to us. As we pour the fruit of the vine from the cups to our lips it pictures the His blood being poured form His body. As we swallow the fruit of the vine, we are picturing His blood being applied to us.
vs 26 – To remember His death and His second coming.
26) For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
Paul now summarizes what he has covered so far….
A combination of His body being abused, torn and broken along with His blood being shed is symbolic of the process of death that He went through on the cross.
4. vs 27-34 – To drink of it worthily
27) Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink [this] cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup.
29) For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
30) For this cause many [are] weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
Paul gives ample warning about the need to take care in the partaking of the Lord’s Supper. To eat of it in an unworthy fashion is sinful and, therefore, makes one guilty of the body and blood of Christ. He suffered to pay the price for our sins. Some of those sins He died for were the sins of partaking of the Supper unworthily.
How do we eat of it unworthily?
- Selfishly partaking of the Supper by having the wrong desires and motives for partaking of it. (context above)
2. Selfishly partaking of the Supper by having known, unconfessed sin in our lives, those sins have caused His death and suffering. Lord sent sinful away before eating. (John 13:18-30)
- a. Jesus at sop (before Lord’s Supper) says that one will betray Him’
- Disciples ask Him who it is…
John 13:26-30 (KJV)
26) Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped [it]. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave [it] to Judas Iscariot, [the son] of Simon.
27) And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
28) Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
29) For some [of them] thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy [those things] that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
30) He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
Therefore, we are to take time to give all opportunity to examine ourselves to be sure we have right motives and desires in the supper and that we have no unconfessed sin in our lives.
By partaking of the supper unworthily, we are harming ourselves and may face sickness or even death. This is a big deal, no small issue.
31) For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32) But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
How do we avoid this type of judgment, by taking the time to judge ourselves and take care of our known sins, our desires and intentions in observing the supper.
33) Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
34) And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
Therefore, we are to make sure we give all the needed time to examine our lives and to prepare our hearts properly for the supper. No selfishness by hurrying the self examination or fulfilling hunger.
The Observance of the Lord’s Supper
- Message
- Invitation and Time of Examination combined
- Uncover Table
- Read :
1 Cor 11: 23 – 24) For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake [it], and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
- Prayer For Bread
- Distribute Bread
- Hold Up Bread and Read:
1 Cor 11: 23 – 24) For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake [it], and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
- Eat Bread
- Read:
1 Cor 11: 25) After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me.
- Prayer For Cup
- Distribute Cup
- Hold Up Cup and Read:
1 Cor 11: 25) After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me.
- Drink Cup
- Read:
Matt 26: 29) But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
1 Cor 11:26) For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
Matt 26: 30) And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
- Closing Prayer of Thanksgiving
- Sing Closing Song
- Dismissal – Everyone quietly leave church
Escaping Fear’s Grip Part 3
Anyone who is familiar with the current events of the day, realize that we are living in fearful times.
Terrorism; our nation’s debt, crime, and unemployment; the decrease in value of our homes, investments, savings and retirement plans; shortages of oil and food; the recent rash of floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and volcanoes; personal tragedies and trials, the loss of health, the loss of strength that comes with aging or sickness… all of these, and many others, produce anxiety, fear, and in some cases panic, in the hearts and minds of us all.
So what are we to do in these troubled times? What is the answer to fear in the hearts of someone who has lost their job, is facing the foreclosure of their home and, perhaps, does not know where their next meal is coming from? What about those who are suffering the loss of a loved one through death or divorce? Even worse, what can possibly take away the anxiety and stress that stems from losing a loved one who was the sole provider for the family? What comfort can be given to someone who is facing failing health with no medical reason to believe things will get better?
By God’s grace, over the next few blog entries we will be looking into the Word of God to see what comfort we can find during these catastrophic times of our life. In our 3-part study we will be looking at three basic principles:
- Realize that the fearful times will remind us of God’s presence in our lives. He is always with us.
- Realize that the fearful times fulfill a purpose in our lives. It opens doors of opportunity to us.
- Realize that the fearful times will come to an end. A glorious eternity awaits us.
THE SCRIPTURES:
Rev 21
1) And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2) And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3) And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God.
4) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5) And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Ps 30:5 (KJV)
5) For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.
Rom 8:18 (KJV)
18) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
2Cor 4:16-18 (KJV)
16) For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.
17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;
18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.
Heb 11:13-16 (KJV)
13) These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14) For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15) And truly, if they had been mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16) But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
THE STUDY:
If you are like me, it is during the fearful times of my life that time seems to stand still. My fearful times seem to last for an eternity…. hour by hour, day after day… they seem to continue on, almost without end. Then finally, there appears light at the end of my tunnel and the sun beings to shine once again.
But this is only my perception of things. In reality, the fearful, difficult times of my life, in comparison to eternity, only last a moment….
2 Cor 4:16-18 – “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.”
Let’s stop and think about it just a minute, even if our fearful time last a lifetime, compared to eternity it is nothing. A lifetime is basically 80 years. Compared to eternity, 80 years is nothing. If you would take one grain of sand and compare it to all the sand found on every beach in the world, our time of distress would be smaller. If you would take one drop of water and compare it to all the water in the oceans, rivers, lakes and wells in this world, our time of trials would be less. Truly, in the big scheme of things, a Christian is so blessed knowing that the trials of life are only short-lived and we have a wonderful eternity awaiting us…
Rom 8:18 – “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us. “
As we read His Word, we become familiar with many of the servants of our Lord who faced trial upon trial, distress upon distress. Think of the Apostle Paul who suffered tremendous heartache and trials at the hands of those that opposed Christ and His ministers…
2Cor 11:23-27 -” Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty [stripes] save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; [In] journeyings often, [in] perils of waters, [in] perils of robbers, [in] perils by [mine own] countrymen, [in] perils by the heathen, [in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea, [in] perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.”
This same Paul, who so greatly suffered at the ends of the enemies of Christ, was able to write that these sufferings were not “able to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us”.
What a tremendous truth that applies to every follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every fearful time we face is under our Lord’s control… it is for our good and His glory… and it is only temporal in nature. It cannot be compared to the glorious eternity awaiting us!
Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews summarizes the great motivation that kept the OT saints as they served their Lord. In verse number 13-16 we read…. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
How could the OT saints be faithful to their God in the midst of such trials and struggles that they faced? How could they continue on in the midst of so many fearful times in life? It was this very principle that kept them going…. they knew that they had awaiting them a far better place. They knew they had eternity with their Lord to look forward to.
You may ask, “What is so special about eternity for the Christian?” No mortal man can begin to explain the greatness of eternity with God. However, by His grace, He revealed eternity to the Apostle John and, then, God gave John the words to pen in Revelation chapter 21:& 22:. Here, we find beautiful descriptions of eternity with our Lord. I would encourage every believer to memorize these chapters, and then use them as a constant motivation to serve our Lord.
For purposes of this blog, I will share only the beginning verses of chapter 21.
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
When we read these verses, I believe it pretty much sums it up. Yes, dear fearful, suffering believer, your fears will come to an end and your sufferings will pass. Someday, in the near future you will no longer be in the presence of sin, sickness, trials and distress. Fear will be a thing of the past. We will be with our Lord, enjoying His glory, His love, and His eternal presence.
As we conclude our study on dealing with the fearful times of our lives, let us all remember that, for God’s people, our sorrows and fears will only last a season…. but joy will come in the morning when we go home to be with our Lord.
Psa 30:5 – For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
We have seen that the Bible clearly promises that the fearful times in our lives do not have to overcome us. We can be victorious even when we are in the midst of these dark, seemingly hopeless situations that we face….
How can we know if this promise applies to us? David, in Psalm 27:1, touches on this subject.
“[A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
In these verses, David links his relationship to God with the application of His promises to us. David describes his relationship to God as “the LORD is my light and my salvation”. David here says that the Lord has given him the “light” of knowledge and understanding of the truth of His Word. He goes further and says that the Lord is his “salvation”.
It is only when we have been enlightened with the truths of His Word and we have received deliverance from our sins, that we can apply His promises to our lives. Have you ever been forgiven of your sins? Have you ever come to Him understanding your spiritual needs and His divine supplies?
If you have any questions about salvation, I have a tab available on my blog that gives in depth information on what salvation is and what you must do to be saved. Please click on this link for more information about salvation.
If you continue to have questions or concerns about your salvation, find a Bible-believing church in your area. The Pastor would be glad to share Christ and the way of salvation with you. If you feel more comfortable communicating through email, you are always welcome to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com.
May the Lord bless you as you seek His truth.
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My Main Blog “Settled In Heaven” (updated twice weekly) – https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com
The following are other places you can find “Settled In Heaven” blog (updated once per month):
www.settledinheavenbibleblog.posterous.com
www.settledinheavenblog.blogspot.com
To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.
Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com
Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace
May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
Escaping Fear’s Grip Part 2
Anyone who is familiar with the current events of the day, realize that we are living in fearful times.
Terrorism; our nation’s debt, crime, and unemployment; the decrease in value of our homes, investments, savings and retirement plans; shortages of oil and food; the recent rash of floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and volcanoes; personal tragedies and trials, the loss of health, the loss of strength that comes with aging or sickness… all of these, and many others, produce anxiety, fear, and in some cases panic, in the hearts and minds of us all.
So what are we to do in these troubled times? What is the answer to fear in the hearts of someone who has lost their job, is facing the foreclosure of their home and, perhaps, does not know where their next meal is coming from? What about those who are suffering the loss of a loved one through death or divorce? Even worse, what can possibly take away the anxiety and stress that stems from losing a loved one who was the sole provider for the family? What comfort can be given to someone who is facing failing health with no medical reason to believe things will get better?
By God’s grace, over the next few blog entries we will be looking into the Word of God to see what comfort we can find during these catastrophic times of our life. In our 3-part study we will be looking at three basic principles:
- Realize that the fearful times will remind us of God’s presence in our lives. He is always with us.
- Realize that the fearful times fulfill a purpose in our lives. It opens doors of opportunity to us.
- Realize that the fearful times will come to an end. A glorious eternity awaits us.
THE SCRIPTURES:
Dan 4:34-35 – “And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”
Ps 40
1) To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2) He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.
3) And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
4)Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.
Ps 64:9-10 (KJV)
9) And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.
10) The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.
THE STUDY:
PRINCIPLE #2 – Our God Has A Purpose For Every Fearful Time of Our Life…
As Christians, we all need to understand that our Lord controls all events in our lives. Even wicked King Nebuchadnezzar, after having received a divine work of grace in his heart came to understand the absolute authority of the Lord….
Dan 4:34-35 – “And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”
With acceptance and understanding of this truth comes the acknowledgment that all the events of our life are either caused, or allowed by the Lord. In the book of Job, we find the perfect example of the will of allowance exercised by the Lord in the lives of those who have trusted in him. In this example, the Lord allows Satan to intervene in the life of Job within limits set by God…
Job 1:6-12 – “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them… Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath [is] in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
Job 2:1-6 – “Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD… And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he [is] in thine hand; but save his life.”
Even Satan, himself, is limited in his workings by our Lord. The Lord restrains and controls Satan limiting the extent of his interaction with God’s people. This principle applies to every event that takes place in our lives…. the Lord either causes the event, or He allows the event to take place in our lives.
Knowing that the Lord is in control of all things, leads us to our next question. “If our Lord is in control of every event in my life, why does He allow the fearful times to come?” There is a simple answer to this question, as well as a more complex answer. Let’s look at the simple answer first…. The Bible is clear, everything the Lord allows in the life of His people is for their benefit…
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.”
As His people, we can know for certain that everything that takes place in our lives is allowed for our benefit. In one way shape or form we will gain by going through this time of anxiety, doubt, and fear.
Now for the more complex answer to our question, “Why does God allow the fearful times of our lives?”
#1 – These difficult times in our lives are used by Him to get our attention.
We all live in a busy world. Unfortunately, for many of us, we get so busy that we do not take the time to listen to the leading of the Spirit in our lives. The Lord uses the fearful times in our lives to bring us back to Him and to be more receptive to His leadings through studying His Word. When fears enter our lives they drive us to our knees approaching Him in prayer. As we come to Him in prayer and Bible study, we come listening and willing to obey His will. The prophet Hosea makes this clear for us in Hosea 5:15, as he describes the reason for the dark times Israel was facing….
“I will go [and] return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early. “
Why does He need to get our attention? Many times, during the course of our lives we allow sin to creep into our lives, or we cling to tightly to a possession in our life, we have gradually drifted away from Him. As we seek His face through prayer and Bible study, He shows us His will and guides us to a closer walk with Him.
#2 – These difficult times are placed in our lives to prepare us for greater service to Him.
The Lord uses the fearful times of our lives to strengthen us and prepare us for future service for Him.
The fearful times of our lives can be used to increase our faith, teach us to count our blessings, to under the importance of spiritual blessings and minimize the importance of temporal blessings. Also, these times draw us closer to Him, and gives us a firm foundation of experience in His will and ways.
In Ps 64:9-10, we find several aspects of this principle… “And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing. The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory. “
When we come face to face with His power and glory we will become better witnesses for Him. Why? It is during these hard times of life that we begin to consider His workings and dwell on His purposes, as well as His greatness and gracious intervention in our lives. This, then, leads us to a greater trust in Him, more gladness during the hard times and an increase in glory and honor to Him.
All of these characteristics are used by Him to make us better servants.
# 3 – These difficult times come in our lives to prepare us for future trials to come.
We live in a fallen world. We live in a world that is slowly decaying due to the affects of sin. This is a very sad, yet true fact of life. Because sin exists and its affects upon us, we will always be faced with hard times in our life. Many times the Lord allows us to go through hard times now so that we will be built up to face future trials.
Let’s look at the life of the young boy David. When David was a young boy he was given the responsibility care for his father’s sheep. During his tenure as shepherd, David was faced with great trials. At different times, David was faced with protecting the sheep during attacks by predator animals. Specifically, a bear and a lion attacked his flock. At the time these attacks took place, David was faced with dark, fearful life experiences. He had to risk His own life to protect the sheep he had been called to protect.
It was these dark events in his life that prepared him for an even greater fearful event…. facing the giant Goliath.
Remember the account of David facing Goliath? Please notice what David said in 1 Samuel 17:32-37…
“And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou [art but] a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.”
Clearly, we can see that David’s dark times of facing a bear and a lion had prepared him for the future fearful time of facing the giant Goliath. Could it be that the current trials we are facing in life are being allowed by God to gradually build us up for greater trials that lie ahead? This is a real possibility. If this is so, it is a wonderful display of our Lord’s love for us. He loves us so much, He is taking the time to prepare us and equip us, so we can handle the future dark times of our lives. David recognized this fact about the Lord in Psa 121:5-8…
“The LORD [is] thy keeper: the LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
What a great Lord we serve, He uses even the fearful times of our lives to help us and prepare us for the future…. To God be the glory great things He hath done.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
We have seen that the Bible clearly promises that the fearful times in our lives do not have to overcome us. We can be victorious even when we are in the midst of these dark, seemingly hopeless situations that we face….
How can we know if this promise applies to us? David, in Psalm 27:1, touches on this subject.
“[A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
In these verses, David links his relationship to God with the application of His promises to us. David describes his relationship to God as “the LORD is my light and my salvation”. David here says that the Lord has given him the “light” of knowledge and understanding of the truth of His Word. He goes further and says that the Lord is his “salvation”.
It is only when we have been enlightened with the truths of His Word and we have received deliverance from our sins, that we can apply His promises to our lives. Have you ever been forgiven of your sins? Have you ever come to Him understanding your spiritual needs and His divine supplies?
If you have any questions about salvation, I have a tab available on my blog that gives in depth information on what salvation is and what you must do to be saved. Please click on this link for more information about salvation.
If you continue to have questions or concerns about your salvation, find a Bible-believing church in your area. The Pastor would be glad to share Christ and the way of salvation with you. If you feel more comfortable communicating through email, you are always welcome to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com.
May the Lord bless you as you seek His truth.
————————————————————————
My Main Blog “Settled In Heaven” (updated twice weekly) – https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com
The following are other places you can find “Settled In Heaven” blog (updated once per month):
www.settledinheavenbibleblog.posterous.com
www.settledinheavenblog.blogspot.com
To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.
Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com
Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace
May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
Escaping Fear’s Grip Part 1
Anyone who is familiar with the current events of the day, realize that we are living in fearful times.
Terrorism; our nation’s debt, crime, and unemployment; the decrease in value of our homes, investments, savings and retirement plans; shortages of oil and food; the recent rash of floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and volcanoes; personal tragedies and trials, the loss of health, the loss of strength that comes with aging or sickness… all of these, and many others, produce anxiety, fear, and in some cases panic, in the hearts and minds of us all.
I am the first to admit that, at times, I am scared. I don’t know what the future holds for my family, my country and my self.
It is during times like this that I realize how blessed I have been in life. There was a time terrorism was insignificant in the world, our nation was being blessed economically, socially and spiritually. Life still contained personal trials and heart aches, but I had the strength and health that was necessary to face any task that was at hand, in general, life was good. Sadly, looking back, I realize I did not appreciate the blessings I was given.
I have no one to blame but myself. I didn’t count my blessings and now, as I grow older, I begin to see these temporal blessings falling by the wayside. As these blessings begin slip away, anxiety, stress and fear fill the void.
So what are we to do in these troubled times? What is the answer to fear in the hearts of someone who has lost their job, is facing the foreclosure of their home and, perhaps, does not know where their next meal is coming from? What about those who are suffering the loss of a loved one through death or divorce? Even worse, what can possibly take away the anxiety and stress that stems from losing a loved one who was the sole provider for the family? What comfort can be given to someone who is facing failing health with no medical reason to believe things will get better?
By God’s grace, over the next few blog entries we will be looking into the Word of God to see what comfort we can find during these catastrophic times of our life. In our 3-part study we will be looking at three basic principles:
- Realize that the fearful times will remind us of God’s presence in our lives. He is always with us.
- Realize that the fearful times fulfill a purpose in our lives. It opens doors of opportunity to us.
- Realize that the fearful times will come to an end. A glorious eternity awaits us.
THE SCRIPTURES:
Isa 41:10 (KJV)
Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Ps 27
1) [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
THE STUDY:
PRINCIPLE #1 – Our God Is With Us During The Fearful Times of Our Lives…
As we face the troublesome times of our lives three basic issues produce the feelings of fear that we experience…
- feelings of isolation (no one knows what I am facing, no one can remedy my situation, no one cares about me)
- feelings of confusion (why is this happening to me? What should I have done differently?, what can I do now to change my situation?) and finally,
- feelings of inability (my circumstances are out of my control, I cannot continue on under this burden, I’ve done all I can and it has not helped)
In our text (Isa 41:10), we are given insight into overcoming all three issues that produce our anxiety and fear.
“Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee:” –
#1 -feelings of isolation – Remember our gracious Lord is ALWAYS with His people. We are never alone as we face the many fearful times in our life. He is with us, holding our hand through the difficult times that we face.
Do we remember Psalms 23? It is perhaps the most familiar portion of Scripture known to man. Within the verses this Psalm we find verse 4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
How about Psalms 57:1? “To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast.”
Throughout a lifetime of trials and anxious moments, David had come to an understanding that His Lord was ALWAYS with him and that He was the refuge to whom David would flee.
“be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God:”
#2 – feelings of confusion – Remember our Lord is with us to lead and guide us through our troublesome times. Although we may not understand the path we should take during these times, our Lord does know and He will lead us on a daily basis. Although confusion may abound as we try to “figure things out”, our Lord will be our mainstay and compass, directing us through the indwelling Spirit to the right path to take.
David wrote about this principle in Psalm 18:28 – “For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.” When we are in the middle of the dark times of our life, it is much like being in a darkened room. We cannot see what lies ahead of us, nor can we perceive how to proceed. But David understood, as we can understand, that the Lord, through His Spirit, would enlighten His path.
“I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
#3 – feelings of inability” – Remember, our God is the all-powerful Creator and Lord of heaven and earth. There is nothing our God cannot do. He can intervene and change even the most hopeless situations that we may face. It is during the times of our greatest weaknesses and inabilities that our Lord can display His greatest acts of power and sovereignty.
Paul understood this principle as he came to a point of acceptance of his physical infirmities in 2 Cor 12:10, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Isaiah during the course of his prophetic ministry had faced persecution, rejection, mockery all while being ignored by almost his entire nation. It was only through the many experiences of rejection and seeming failure that Isaiah came to understand this important principle found in Isaiah 40:28-31…
“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. “
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
We have seen that the Bible clearly promises that the fearful times in our lives do not have to overcome us. We can be victorious even when we are in the midst of these dark, seemingly hopeless situations that we face….
How can we know if this promise applies to us? David, in Psalm 27:1, touches on this subject.
“[A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
In these verses, David links his relationship to God with the application of His promises to us. David describes his relationship to God as “the LORD is my light and my salvation”. David here says that the Lord has given him the “light” of knowledge and understanding of the truth of His Word. He goes further and says that the Lord is his “salvation”.
It is only when we have been enlightened with the truths of His Word and we have received deliverance from our sins, that we can apply His promises to our lives. Have you ever been forgiven of your sins? Have you ever come to Him understanding your spiritual needs and His divine supplies?
If you have any questions about salvation, I have a tab available on my blog that gives in depth information on what salvation is and what you must do to be saved. Please click on this link for more information about salvation.
If you continue to have questions or concerns about your salvation, find a Bible-believing church in your area. The Pastor would be glad to share Christ and the way of salvation with you. If you feel more comfortable communicating through email, you are always welcome to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com.
May the Lord bless you as you seek His truth.
————————————————————————
My Main Blog “Settled In Heaven” (updated twice weekly) – https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com
The following are other places you can find “Settled In Heaven” blog (updated once per month):
www.settledinheavenbibleblog.posterous.com
www.settledinheavenblog.blogspot.com
To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.
Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com
Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace
May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
The Filling of the Spirit (The Spirit Controlling Our Lives)
(Due to the length of this blog entry, I have chosen to abbreviate the Scripture texts… please have an open Bible at hand as we study this important subject.)
One of the most talked about subjects among Christians is the doctrine of “Spirit filling” and the results of this filling in the lives of Christians. The only way for us to come to a sound understanding of this doctrine is to examine the many examples of Spirit filling that are found in both the Old and New Testament scriptures:
THE SCRIPTURES:
Exod 28:1-4 (KJV)
…And thou shalt speak unto all [that are] wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, …
Exod 31:1-5 (KJV)
….Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,…
Exod 35:30-35 (KJV)
… Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;…
Deut 34:9-12 (KJV)
And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom;…
Luke 1:13-16 (KJV)
…and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
Luke 1:39-42 (KJV)
… and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed [art] thou among women, and blessed [is] the fruit of thy womb.
Luke 1:67-70 (KJV)
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied,…
Luke 4:1-2 (KJV)
And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan,…
Acts 2:1-4 (KJV)
…And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 4:5-14 (KJV)
…Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, …
Acts 4:27-31 (KJV)
…and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Acts 6:3-5 (KJV)
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom,…
Acts 7:54-60 (KJV)
…But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, …
Acts 9:10-19 (KJV)
…that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost…
Acts 11:22-26 (KJV)
….For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord…
Acts 13:8-11 (KJV)
…Then Saul, (who also [is called] Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,And said,…
Acts 13:50-52 (KJV)
…And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
THE STUDY:
- The OT references to “Spirit filling”
- Exo 28:3, 31:3, 35:31– In each of these cases, the Spirit filled men which gave them the wisdom and ability to construct the furniture and garments related to the tabernacle and the worship services.
- Exo 28:3 – Being “wise-hearted” was the result of Spirit filling
- Exo 28:3, 31:3, 35:31– In each of these cases, the Spirit filled men which gave them the wisdom and ability to construct the furniture and garments related to the tabernacle and the worship services.
ii. Exo 31:1-3, 35:31 – The God’s sovereign call of Bezaleel brought about the Spirit filling which gave him the wisdom understanding and knowledge to perform all manner of workmanship.
- Deut 34:9– The filling of Joshua took place when Moses laid hands on him. Laying on of hands was the public declaration of God’s choice of Joshua was the successor to Moses.
- This filling then enabled Joshua to lead the children of Israel in the promised land.
The NT references to “Spirit filling”
- Luke 1:15– Here we find John the Baptist, filled while in his mothers womb. John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ was to announce Christ’s coming to the world. This event was the first time he announced Christ’s coming.
- This filling enabled John to recognize, and react to, the Messiah who was still in the womb of Mary.
- Luke 1:41-67– In these verses, we read of John’s parents Elizabeth and Zacharias blessed Mary and the Messiah who was in her womb.
- The Spirit filling allowed both Elizabeth and Zacharias to recognize the Messiah in Mary’s womb and also enabled them to make their proclamations of blessings upon Mary and the Christ.
- Luke 4:1– Following Christ’s baptism, we find Him described as being filled with the Spirit. Perhaps this Spirit filling took place from His conception, or perhaps from His baptism. In either case, we find Him filled before His encounter with Satan in the wilderness.
- Probably, Christ was filled with the Spirit to enable Him to perform all His wondrous acts during His earthly ministry. However, in the context, we can see, for certain, that one reason for His filling was to empower Him during the temptation that was about to take place.
- Acts 2:4 – The Holy Spirit sovereignty filled the believing church members of the church at Jerusalem. This took place during the Day of Pentecost
- This filling enabled the church members to speak in known human languages that were unknown to the speakers (but known to the hearers). This allowed the Christians to proclaim the wondrous works of the Lord to foreigners who did not speak the Greek language.
- Acts 4:8 – Peter and John were filled with the Spirit during their examination at the hands of Jewish religious leaders.
- This filling allowed them to answer with boldness and clarity as they were being questioned.
- Acts 4:31– The believers, assembled to hear John and Peter speak were filled with the Holy Ghost as they were listening to the account of John and Peter.
- The believers were enabled to speak the word of God with boldness in the face of threatened persecution.
- Acts 6:3-5– Here we read the Godly men of Jerusalem, who were soon to become the first deacons of the church at Jerusalem, were filled with the Spirit
- This filling gave these Godly men the ability to fulfill the office of deacon.
- Acts 7:55– Stephen was filled with the Spirit immediately before he was martyred for the cause of Christ.
- This filling gave Stephen the ability to continue to proclaim the truth of God even in the face of death by stoning. Also, the filling allowed him to look into heaven and see the Lord.
- Acts 9:17– Saul (Paul) was filled with the Holy Ghost immediately following Ananias hands being laid upon Him. This marked the beginning of Paul’s earthly ministry
- This filling resulted in Paul receiving his sight, gaining strength and then beginning his public ministry for the Lord.
- Acts 11:22-26– Here Barnabus is described as being “a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith”.
- This filling allowed Barnabus to preach Godly messages empowered by the Spirit resulting in many souls being saved.
- Acts 13:8-11– Here Paul, as he faces Elymas the sorcerer, is said to be filled with the Spirit.
- This filling of the Spirit resulted in Paul’s being able to stand up against the demoniac sorcerer and strike him blind.
- Acts 13:52– Paul and Barnabus, following being cast out of Antioch, is filled with the Sprit and joy before beginning to minster in Iconium.
- This filling allowed Paul and Barnabus ot remain encouraged in the Lord and to minister to those at Iconium resulting in “a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed”
Please notice, in all the above examples the filling of the Holy Spirit was given to fulfill a specific ministry or calling. Although forgiven of our sins, we, as Christians, are still sinful, fallen human beings, constantly hindered from faithful service by our sinful flesh. The filling of the Spirit is one way that God enables us to serve Him in extraordinary capacities.
Also notice that the speaking of tongues only took place in one instance out of seventeen instances of Spirit filling. There is no reason to believe that the speaking of tongues automatically accompanies the filling of the Spirit…. it is clear that, normally, tongues not did accompany Spirit filling in Bible times.
THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Eph 5:1-20 (KJV)
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.Be not ye therefore partakers with them.For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:(For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is].And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
In this passage of Scripture, Paul gives us instructions on the necessity of living a Godly life in the midst of this sinful world. Loving with a self-sacrificial love, separation from the sin and the sinful influences of this world, living a life of wisdom, understanding and fulfilling the will of God in our lives; these all are themes touched upon by Paul.
Then Paul makes the statement “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit”.
The need for the Spirit’s filling in every Christian’s life is clearly linked to living a life that rises above the sinful influences of this world. As a part of fallen mankind, we all have a bent toward sin. Without the Holy Spirit filling our life and controlling it we are destined for spiritual failure in our day to day walk with Him.
Also, please note that Paul, in a sense, relates “Spirit filling” with “being drunk with wine”. Why? Drunkenness controls every aspect of a person’s demeanor… It affects speech, movement, judgement… the list goes on and on. This is very similar to the Spirit filling a person’s life. It is then that the Spirit is in control of our entire being. Our thoughts, emotions, words, and actions are all under submission to His will and ways.
What are some results of this Spirit filling? A joyous, contented., thankful heart set on glorifying the Lord … “ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
How is a Christian filled with the Spirit? By, willfully, turning over every aspect of our lives to the rule and reign of Jesus Christ. That is when the indwelling Spirit will take control of our entire being and work in us bringing about success in our individual ministries the Lord has chosen for us.
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To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.
Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com
Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace
May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
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Is There Life After Death?
Throughout history the subject of life after death has a much debated subject. It is no different in today’s time. Views on the existence of life after death vary, based upon the belief set held by the individual. Some of the most common views include:
- Denial – the belief that all aspects of life ceases at physical death.
- Reincarnation – is the belief that a soul is reborn in a new body.
- Spiritism – in many of its forms, believes that the soul of the dead remain upon the earth in the form of ghosts (or spirits)
- Eternalists – teachings include the belief that the souls of the dead continue to exist being separated from this temporal world, and entering into eternal, spiritual habitations.
What we believe about life after death is of extreme significance; what we believe about life after death will dictate how we look at the role of our life on earth:
- If no afterlife exists, then there is no reason to prepare for an afterlife. This view centers on experiencing all that this world offers to please our flesh. We can basically, eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.
- If there is reincarnation, then our works and our lessons learned in this life are central to our future state of our soul. This centers us on our outward works and gaining lessons through experience. It implies that our eternal state is dependent upon our works.
- If Spiritists are correct, after death, our relationships with those on earth are not severed, the dead can still communicate, and be present, with those living on earth. There is very little use to prepare for the afterlife; in many ways, life continues on as it was, only in a spirit form rather than a corporeal body.
- If the Eternalist view of the afterlife is correct, the need to prepare while on earth is of utmost importance. There are no second chances, the importance of the material world is minimized when compared to the spiritual world to come.
We are going to find out what the Bible says about life after death and how this belief set and the affect it had on Job’s life…
THE SCRIPTURE:
Job 19:23-27 (KJV)
23) Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!
24) That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!
25) For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:
26) And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:
27) Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; [though] my reins be consumed within me.
THE STUDY:
Job, at this point in his life, was facing many difficult trials, brought about by Satan, but allowed by God. (Job 1:6-12, Job 2:1-6)
Some of the trials Job was facing included:
- Loss of possessions and livelihood (Job 1:13-17)
- Loss of children (Job 1:18-19)
- Loss of health (Job 2:7-8)
- Loss of Wife’s support (Job 2:9-10)
- Loss of Friends support (judgmental, prideful) (Job 4:-on)
Basically, Job was alone, poverty, stricken, sick, and mourning… yet what was his response?…
Job 19:
23) Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!
24) That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!
Job knew his mind wouldn’t change, what he was about to say was the foundation of his life and belief system.
Also, he knew these words could be of help to many others following in his footsteps of a tried, tested life. These words should be kept throughout the ages.
25) For I know
Job didn’t “think” or “hope” or “was pretty sure”… he “KNEW” – in other words, he was certain of this set of 5 truths:
[that] my redeemer
1st Truth – Job knew that he had been purchased out of the bondage of sin.
liveth,
2nd Truth – Job knew his Redeemer could help him now. He was living, He not only had worked on his behalf in the past, but he could help him now through the trials he was facing.
and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:
3rd Truth – Job knew that his Redeemer would come again. Job recognized that he was King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There is coming a day He will return and judge the world for their sins.
26) And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:
4th Truth – Job knew that he would be resurrected someday with glorified body. Being delivered from the many trials of life that he faced.
27) Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; [though] my reins be consumed within me.
5th Truth – Job knew He knew he would be dwelling with the Lord, personally, for an eternity.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
For those who are saved …
What a wonderful set of motives to keep Job on the right track, serving God and being in submission to His will, no matter what the obstacles we may face in life. Job summed up his commitment to the Lord by saying…. “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15
As Christians, we should all be sharing in Job’s motive and his resolve to put His Lord first in his life no matter what we may face along life’s way.
For those who have yet to be saved…
Job shares, with all believers, the knowledge that his life on earth will be followed by a wonderful eternity with His Lord. All of this was given to Job freely, through the grace of God, as Job responded to the calling of His Lord and trusted in the coming Messiah.
This same set of promises can be a part of your life. How does this take place? By simply turning from your sins and coming to Jesus accepting Him as your Lord and Savior. He promises to save you and give you a glorious eternity with Him.
John 5:22-29
24) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
25) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26) For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27) And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28) Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29) And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
——————————————————————————————-To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.
Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com
Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace
May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
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A Christmas Devotion: The Christmas Story Explained Part 2
Here is part number two of our study of the birth of Christ as we find it in the book of Matthew. If you remember, we had divided up the Matthew passages into two parts:
Part #1 – Matthew 1:18-2:10
Part #2 – Matthew 2:11-23
THE SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 2:11-23
THE STUDY:
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
The identity of this star is up to much debate ranging from the planet Jupiter, to an alignment of planets, or perhaps a comet or meteor. Different scientists and scholars hold to different views.
One thing, I think, is important to remember… it was possible for the Lord to miraculous create a light in the sky to lead His people. Remember the “pillar of fire” that led the children of Israel through the wilderness? (Exo 13:21, 14:24, Num 14:14, Neh 9:12 etc.) Could it be that this star was a miraculous act of God prepared exclusively for this one time showing to lead men to Christ?
And when they were come into the house,
Note they come into “the house” not into the stable. Joseph, Mary and the Baby were no longer in the stable by the time the wise men arrived at Bethlehem. Most people believe that it took as long as 1-2 years for the wise men to travel from Persia to Bethlehem. Keep in mind, Herod’s decree was to kill all babies 2 years and under. Why two years? Could it be that was approximately how long the star had been appearing in the sky? And that was how long it took for the wise men to travel from the east?
they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
At the sight of the baby, the wise men kneel down in submission to Him… a sign of their belief in God’s prophecies and the baby being the Christ, their King. The gifts that were given to Christ was significant. In the Bible, many times gold is symbolic of kings (Dan 3:1). Frankincense was used as incense for worship picturing our communion with God (prayers arising to God from earth – Ex 30:34) The myrrh was used for the embalming of dead bodies (John 19:39). These gifts teach us that the baby was a King, who was sinless having perfect communion with His Father, and he would taste death for His people.
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
The wise men then departed to their country (probably Persia), being careful not to go through Jerusalem where Herod lived. You can see where the Lord gave them wisdom to understand the true person of Christ and to see through the motives of Herod.
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
God the Father continued to care for Jesus and His family by warning them of the decree of Herod. Probably this was the same angel that had appeared to Joseph in Matthew 1:20.
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
From Bethlehem they went to Egypt, trying to escape from the decree Herod had issued. This was in fulfillment of the prophecy (probably Hosea 11:1.)
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
Herod’s decree is issued and heinous death of infants resulted… this was in fulfillment of the prophecy found in Jeremiah 31:15.
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
Again, the Lord, through His angel, directs the lives of this family by telling them to return to Israel at the death of Herod.
And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
They return to Israel. But Joseph would not enter into the province of Judaea because Herod’s son had now taken the throne of his father. The Lord then directs them to the province of Galilee through the use of a dream. Please notice how God had gone before this young family every step of the way, leading and guiding them, always for their protection and safety.
And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
They settled in the town of Nazareth which was Mary’s home town (Luke 1:26). This would be the fulfillment of the prophecy found in Isa 53:2-3. Nazareth was a despised city, those who were citizens were looked down upon (John 1:46). By Christ being given the title Nazarene, he was being looked down upon and rejected by many, just as Isaiah 53:2-3 prophetically described Him.
Please note that in the account of Christ’s birth in Matthew, we find prophecies of His origins to range from He came from Bethlehem, He came out of Egypt and He would be called a Nazarene. Before Christ’s coming to the earth, NO ONE could have reconciled these passages. It looked as if He was going to be born in 3 different locations! However, once He came to the earth and lived His life, all three of these prophecies made perfect sense.
It is much the same with futuristic prophecies for us today. Great care needs to be taken thinking that we have all the events of the future figured out. Until these events actually take place, none of us can say for certain, exactly what the future holds for us.
We will continue our study of the Christmas story by looking at the account from the book of Luke in our next blog entry.
May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
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To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.
Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com
Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace
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Atheist Billboard: Tis the Season to Deny the Existence of God
As the Christmas season approaches, Atheist billboards are beginning to pop up declaring that the virgin birth, and even God’s existence, is only a myth. One example is this billboard…
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/11/atheist_billboard_near_lincoln.html
With all of this world’s mixed messages about the Lord’s person, His work, and even His existence; I thought it was wise to remind every one of some of the results of denying what the Lord clearly told us in His Word.
The Word of God addresses many subjects including:
- the proofs of God’s existence – (Psa 19:1-6, Jer 10:10-16, Acts 17:8-9, etc etc)
- the proofs of Christ’s coming to the earth and the work which He performed (Acts 5:29-33, Acts 2:29-36, 1 Cor 15:1-11, etc etc )
as well as many other truths that help us to understand who the Lord is and what He has done for us.
The Lord, by His grace and love, has revealed to us the serious results of denying what He has clearly told us in His Word. May the Lord bless each of us with an understanding and acceptance of this crucial truth…
THE SCRIPTURE:
Heb 10:19-31
19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;…30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.31[It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
THE STUDY:
In Hebrews 10:19-25, we find the importance of not taking God’s gracious workings in the lives of His people for granted…
19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And [having] an high priest over the house of God;
The Lord has given sinful mankind the privilege to enter into His presence now (through prayer and Bible study) and throughout eternity (dwelling with Him face to face). Although we are sinful, through the death and shed blood of Jesus Christ, we can receive forgiveness of sins and communion with Almighty, Holy God. It is though His work on our behalf that He becomes our intercessor (or priest), standing between God and sinful man, working peace, communion and forgiveness on our behalf.
22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.23Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Because the Lord has brought us into a close relationship with Himself, we are to draw near to Him, knowing that He has cleansed us from our inward and outward sins. This forgiveness was applied to our account when His Spirit applied the Word to our hearts and lives (Eph 5:26).
We are also to be telling others of His workings in our lives and we are to aid others to serve Him in love (by meeting together to worship, learn and encourage other Christians).
All of these acts of appreciation, we are to observe in a greater way because our time is running short. Soon our God will be coming back to take us home and be with Him forever.
In Hebrews 10:26-31, we find the solemn results of rejecting the truth by those who are not His people…
26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
After we receive the truths God has shown to us, and then count them as being false, there is no reason to believe that the Lord has, or will, forgive us. If we remain in a state of denial of His truths we should fear, knowing that we are facing the judgment that is prepared by God for those who are His adversaries. This judgment includes God’s fiery indignation (burning wrath) upon those who oppose Him.
28He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Now our attention is turned to the penalty of breaking God’s laws given to the nation of Israel. According to the law given to them… if there were two or three witnesses to the commission of a crime worthy of death, that was ample proof for execution.
We are to compare that type of sin with the rejection of Christ, His work and His shed blood. After hearing of Christ and His great sacrifice and then counting that as untrue, worthless, or of no benefit, we commit a very heinous sin in God’s eyes. It is as if Christ and His work is being tred underfoot, dirtied, buried and ignored.
Even if the initial receipt of the truth affects our life causing a worldly, outward, reformation (sanctification) , this is not proof of spiritual life being present. Simple good works shown in the life is no guarantee of acceptance by God.
A heart of repentant faith in Christ and in His work is an absolutely necessity for the forgiveness of sins. This type of belief cannot be turned from, nor denied. (2 Cor 7:9-10)
30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.31[It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
The Lord is plain throughout His Word, not only is He a God of love and grace; He is also a God of justice. The Lord makes it clear that He will send judgment and deserved punishment upon those who reject the kind, loving, gracious, most valuable work of His Son.
This truth will bring terror upon those who reject Him. To deny God’s existence and work is to sentence themselves to an eternity of separation from God in eternal misery in the lake of fire.
THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION
For those who are saved…
Let us never forget all that our God has done for us. He not only created us, but then He saved us from our deserved punishment through the sacrifice of His Son. How much more should we be motivated to serve Him after all He has done for us? (Rom 12:1-2)
For those who have never trusted in Christ…
Please take time to, honestly and with an open heart, study God’s Word and come to an understanding of the many various proofs of God’s existence and His Son’s work on your behalf.
The Bible makes it plain that we have all sinned and are facing punishment for those sins. (Rom 1:18-21, 2:11-12, Acts 17:30-31) This is why rejecting the existence of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, is tantamount to sentencing yourself to an eternity of suffering at the hands of a Just God. (Rom 2:5, 2 Pet 2:9, 3:7, Rev 20:15, 21:8)
Things do not have to be this way, however. This same God, who is just in punishing sin, is also a very kind, gracious and loving God. He has sent His Son to the earth to save His people from their sins. (Matt 1:21)
Through Jesus’ shed blood on the cross, the payment for the sin debt of God’s people was made in full.
By turning from our disbelief, and by trusting in Christ and His work on the cross, we can find forgiveness for our sins and peace with God. (Rom 3:26-28, 4:17-25, 5:1-2, 15:13)
Oh, won’t you change your mind and attitude about God and Christ? Won’t you believe that God and His Son exist, and that they have performed the necessary work to forgive you of your sins? By looking to Him and placing your life and future in His hands you will be assured of a life of peace with God.
May the Lord bless you as you seek the truth about Him.
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To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.
Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com
Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace
May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
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Settled In Heaven Blog 