Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Three points:
1. The importance of the resurrection.
No resurrection of Jesus Christ, no salvation for us. The importance of Jesus' resurrection is paramount. It is one of the greatest truths despised and rejected by those who don't love the Lord Jesus.
2. An inheritance.
Incorruptible=cannot rot, be destroyed, or disappear. Undefiled=no sin there, no murder, no rape, no lies, no hate. Does not fade away=does not disappear, doesn't become old.
3. It is reserved.
No chance of getting there and finding all the rooms full.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Numbers 11:19-20
In fact, they will have meat day after day for a whole month--not just a few days, or even ten or twenty. They turned against me and wanted to return to Egypt. Now they will eat meat until they get sick of it. (Numbers 11:19-20)
Three points:
1. Have you ever prayed for something?
Sure you have. Did you expect an answer? Of course. Did you ever think that it might not be the best for you? We need to pray, "If it is your will, O Father, please grant me this request."
2. Sometimes prayer is not from the heart but from our evil desires.
If we pray, "Your will be done", instead of demanding from God, life will be much more pleasant. It does happen that when we look back, we say, "Thank you for not answering this prayer".
3. The answer to their prayer made them sick.
If this happens, let us ask for forgiveness. Let us repent and not do it again. God is gracious and merciful.
Three points:
1. Have you ever prayed for something?
Sure you have. Did you expect an answer? Of course. Did you ever think that it might not be the best for you? We need to pray, "If it is your will, O Father, please grant me this request."
2. Sometimes prayer is not from the heart but from our evil desires.
If we pray, "Your will be done", instead of demanding from God, life will be much more pleasant. It does happen that when we look back, we say, "Thank you for not answering this prayer".
3. The answer to their prayer made them sick.
If this happens, let us ask for forgiveness. Let us repent and not do it again. God is gracious and merciful.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Psalms 34:18
The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. (Psalms 34:18)
Another version has it: The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. (Psalms 34:18)
Three points:
1. People do become discouraged.
Discouragement from financial, social, employment, disappoints, family, health, etc. This world is under a curse because of sin.
2. People are tempted to think God is far away.
God is closer when we are discouraged. The Lord Jesus, himself, was discouraged. He knows what it is like. He will not leave. "For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below---there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
3. When discouragement is gone, we know that God has helped us.
It is OK to turn to friends or relatives for help, but we must always turn to God first. Help may come from anywhere and when it comes, praise God.
Do not give up. God has not forsaken you. He will help you.
Another version has it: The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. (Psalms 34:18)
Three points:
1. People do become discouraged.
Discouragement from financial, social, employment, disappoints, family, health, etc. This world is under a curse because of sin.
2. People are tempted to think God is far away.
God is closer when we are discouraged. The Lord Jesus, himself, was discouraged. He knows what it is like. He will not leave. "For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below---there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
3. When discouragement is gone, we know that God has helped us.
It is OK to turn to friends or relatives for help, but we must always turn to God first. Help may come from anywhere and when it comes, praise God.
Do not give up. God has not forsaken you. He will help you.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls-- Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
Three points:
1. Sometimes things in life are rotten--real rotten.
In our passage food is going to be in very short supply. The trees are not blossoming, vines have no fruit, olive trees have no olives, and fields are empty. The animals are gone, too. What a time. Death will come to many. Have you ever had situation in your life that was really bad?
2. We are not to blame God.
The writer says, "Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord." What a testimony of faith! You may be tempted to curse God and walk away from Him, but we don't need to. We now show to others the fruit of our true faith in God, in His son Jesus Christ. If we have faith in this, then what a blessing to US and to others.
3. God will give us strength.
We can make it--even if we die. God will not leave us when things are hard. Because things are hard doesn't mean God has left. God is with us, and He will preserve our souls. Don't give up.
Three points:
1. Sometimes things in life are rotten--real rotten.
In our passage food is going to be in very short supply. The trees are not blossoming, vines have no fruit, olive trees have no olives, and fields are empty. The animals are gone, too. What a time. Death will come to many. Have you ever had situation in your life that was really bad?
2. We are not to blame God.
The writer says, "Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord." What a testimony of faith! You may be tempted to curse God and walk away from Him, but we don't need to. We now show to others the fruit of our true faith in God, in His son Jesus Christ. If we have faith in this, then what a blessing to US and to others.
3. God will give us strength.
We can make it--even if we die. God will not leave us when things are hard. Because things are hard doesn't mean God has left. God is with us, and He will preserve our souls. Don't give up.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Proverbs 21:23
Whoso keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23)
Another translation has it:
If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful what you say. (Proverbs 21:23)
Three points:
1. Most people like to stay out of trouble.
They don't want the boss mad at them, the employees mad at them, the neighbors mad at them, nor the sheriff, the police, their spouse, their children, or even their dog.
2. We need to careful what we say.
Nothing gets someone in trouble faster than mouthing off.
3. This is conditional.
If you want trouble, mouth off. If you don't, be careful what you say.
Another translation has it:
If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful what you say. (Proverbs 21:23)
Three points:
1. Most people like to stay out of trouble.
They don't want the boss mad at them, the employees mad at them, the neighbors mad at them, nor the sheriff, the police, their spouse, their children, or even their dog.
2. We need to careful what we say.
Nothing gets someone in trouble faster than mouthing off.
3. This is conditional.
If you want trouble, mouth off. If you don't, be careful what you say.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Psalms 103:13
As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. (Psalms 103:13)
Three points:
1. Pity
Pity has the idea of compassion, tenderness, comfort. After accidental failure in a child, we show this to our children.
2. Father
This is part of being a good father. We need to show this to, not only our children, but to all.
3. God...shows us pity, too.
Let us show pity. This is to those you fear God. Remember the next failure we face. We like to have mercy shown to us. This world has very little love and mercy. We need to stand for the truth, but in times of failure, accident, let us be ready to forgive. Let bitterness flee away.
Three points:
1. Pity
Pity has the idea of compassion, tenderness, comfort. After accidental failure in a child, we show this to our children.
2. Father
This is part of being a good father. We need to show this to, not only our children, but to all.
3. God...shows us pity, too.
Let us show pity. This is to those you fear God. Remember the next failure we face. We like to have mercy shown to us. This world has very little love and mercy. We need to stand for the truth, but in times of failure, accident, let us be ready to forgive. Let bitterness flee away.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Three points:
1. People do labor and are weighed down with heavy burdens.
This burdens are not always financial, emotional, physical, it is the spiritual burden that people carry that is the heaviest. Being created in God's image and yet being carrying the burden of rebellion.
2. Jesus' yoke.
A well made yoke makes the burden easier, because the fit is correct. The pressure of the pulling is even allowing no sores. Jesus is the best carpenter. Jesus is the best master.
3. Rest for our souls.
Nothing like going to bed at night after hard work. Finally, a time to rest. The rest that the Lord Jesus gives is like no other. It is complete, perfect, and timeless.
Three points:
1. People do labor and are weighed down with heavy burdens.
This burdens are not always financial, emotional, physical, it is the spiritual burden that people carry that is the heaviest. Being created in God's image and yet being carrying the burden of rebellion.
2. Jesus' yoke.
A well made yoke makes the burden easier, because the fit is correct. The pressure of the pulling is even allowing no sores. Jesus is the best carpenter. Jesus is the best master.
3. Rest for our souls.
Nothing like going to bed at night after hard work. Finally, a time to rest. The rest that the Lord Jesus gives is like no other. It is complete, perfect, and timeless.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
2 Timothy 3:13
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13)
Three points:
1. Things are going to get worse
Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
2. People are going to get worse.
Specifically, evil men and impostors. Evil people we will probably spot pretty easily; impostors are harder to spot. We need a standard; we have one--the Bible. The Lord Jesus has given us all that we need to know right from wrong.
3. Impostors.
The word impostor means a "pretender". Someone who pretends to be a Christian, but he/she is not. They know the lingo; they know the Bible; they know how to be "Christian", but they are not. The word also means "seducer". A seducer is someone who tries to get people to follow their way, rather than getting people to follow the way of the Lord Jesus and the way He taught.
Three points:
1. Things are going to get worse
Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
2. People are going to get worse.
Specifically, evil men and impostors. Evil people we will probably spot pretty easily; impostors are harder to spot. We need a standard; we have one--the Bible. The Lord Jesus has given us all that we need to know right from wrong.
3. Impostors.
The word impostor means a "pretender". Someone who pretends to be a Christian, but he/she is not. They know the lingo; they know the Bible; they know how to be "Christian", but they are not. The word also means "seducer". A seducer is someone who tries to get people to follow their way, rather than getting people to follow the way of the Lord Jesus and the way He taught.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Job 20:5
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment? (Job 20:5)
Three points:
1. The wicked triumph.
They win...for awhile. It seems like there is no hope. The Christians lose, society loses, families lose. Things just seem hopeless.
2. This triumph is short.
While the Christians wait, time goes slowly. eventually the tide turns, the winds start blowing from another direction, and God will win again.
3. The hypocrite has a short-lived joy.
Hypocrites are those who say one thing and do another. They have joy because people don't know their real self...for awhile. Eventually these, too, are exposed for what they are, and their joy is gone. Hopefully, it is gone to shame, then repentance, then forgiveness.
Three points:
1. The wicked triumph.
They win...for awhile. It seems like there is no hope. The Christians lose, society loses, families lose. Things just seem hopeless.
2. This triumph is short.
While the Christians wait, time goes slowly. eventually the tide turns, the winds start blowing from another direction, and God will win again.
3. The hypocrite has a short-lived joy.
Hypocrites are those who say one thing and do another. They have joy because people don't know their real self...for awhile. Eventually these, too, are exposed for what they are, and their joy is gone. Hopefully, it is gone to shame, then repentance, then forgiveness.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
James 5:8
You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
(James 5:8)
Three points:
1. Be patient.
Not much is harder is it? We CAN wait. Ask God to help, pray for one another, and remind ourselves that He WILL come. It is a matter of being content.
2. Establish your hearts.
Establish has the idea of "make up your minds", thus make up your minds that you will wait for the Lord's return patiently.
3. The Lord will return.
Don't know when, but He will. It is always close to happening, so we must always be ready.
(James 5:8)
Three points:
1. Be patient.
Not much is harder is it? We CAN wait. Ask God to help, pray for one another, and remind ourselves that He WILL come. It is a matter of being content.
2. Establish your hearts.
Establish has the idea of "make up your minds", thus make up your minds that you will wait for the Lord's return patiently.
3. The Lord will return.
Don't know when, but He will. It is always close to happening, so we must always be ready.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Job 42:6
Wherefore I abhor [myself], and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:6)
Three points:
1. We to take a good look at ourselves.
We think that all is good and right with us until we compare ourselves to God and His standards.
2. We need to be humble.
Yes, Lord, you are right and I am wrong. This is hard, isn't it?
3. We need to repent.
Repent is to change our attitude and actions. It is a work in our heart. We need to turn around and act, think, and talk as God wants. We have the Bible to tell us these things
Three points:
1. We to take a good look at ourselves.
We think that all is good and right with us until we compare ourselves to God and His standards.
2. We need to be humble.
Yes, Lord, you are right and I am wrong. This is hard, isn't it?
3. We need to repent.
Repent is to change our attitude and actions. It is a work in our heart. We need to turn around and act, think, and talk as God wants. We have the Bible to tell us these things
Monday, June 2, 2008
Psalms 148:13
All creation, come praise the name of the LORD. Praise his name alone. The glory of God is greater than heaven and earth. (Psalms 148:13)
Three points:
1. All Creation.
Think everything. This is all material things. Can mountains, trees, cats, cows, or ants praise God? That would be literalism. By the plain, normal reading of Scripture we would understand this to mean not by voice but literary device that everything in creation shows the greatness of God.
2. His name alone.
There is no other creator, God, Savior. His name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--Yahweh. Let us give no other our worship.
3. God's glory.
There is no words in human language to express God's glory. We see the glory of leaders, the rich, the powerful, sunsets, space, etc, but that in no way can even get close to have us understand God's glory.
Three points:
1. All Creation.
Think everything. This is all material things. Can mountains, trees, cats, cows, or ants praise God? That would be literalism. By the plain, normal reading of Scripture we would understand this to mean not by voice but literary device that everything in creation shows the greatness of God.
2. His name alone.
There is no other creator, God, Savior. His name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--Yahweh. Let us give no other our worship.
3. God's glory.
There is no words in human language to express God's glory. We see the glory of leaders, the rich, the powerful, sunsets, space, etc, but that in no way can even get close to have us understand God's glory.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
2 Timothy 4:4
And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:4)
Three points:
1. The Christians at some point in time will not want the truth.
It's hard to believe, but it is coming and maybe now is. You can talk to people and show them from the Bible "The Truth", but they might say, "Well, that was for Paul's day", or "Paul was a product of his time, and now we know better." Any excuse will do.
2. The truth will still be truth.
It doesn't change; people change. It is a matter of attitude, not of ignorance. Where are the preachers and teachers presenting the truth?
3. If truth is gone, then fables begin.
People have to believe something to guide their life. If the Bible is ignored, they will turn to something else. Everything else--doctrine, guidelines for living, and even the plain, normal reading of the Bible is turned aside.
Three points:
1. The Christians at some point in time will not want the truth.
It's hard to believe, but it is coming and maybe now is. You can talk to people and show them from the Bible "The Truth", but they might say, "Well, that was for Paul's day", or "Paul was a product of his time, and now we know better." Any excuse will do.
2. The truth will still be truth.
It doesn't change; people change. It is a matter of attitude, not of ignorance. Where are the preachers and teachers presenting the truth?
3. If truth is gone, then fables begin.
People have to believe something to guide their life. If the Bible is ignored, they will turn to something else. Everything else--doctrine, guidelines for living, and even the plain, normal reading of the Bible is turned aside.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
