7 July 10
1 John 4:8
He who doesn't love, doesn't know not God; for God is love.
Three Points
1. We all need love.
Some animals need group/pack acceptance. People need love. We need tenderness, compassion, gentleness, time, and a feeling of being special, having more attention and priority than others. Love is a choice. There may be an emotional part, but it is not always there. Love is more about giving then getting. God is the ultimate example. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
2. Where will we get love?
All need love. In desperation they often seek it in wrong places and wrong people. Many manipulators will lie to get what they want. For the first step we need to repent (turn from our sins) and trust in Jesus Christ alone. Then we are reconciled to God and will have God's love and care instead of wrath. It doesn't mean everything will be smooth and easy, for often it means rejection and troubles. If people showed love like God does, the world would be better, but people will not because we are born narcissists.
3. God is love.
Seeing the many disasters and wars in the world, most have a hard time believing this. The disasters and wars are from people seeking their own, rather than God's will. James 4:1-3 Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Do not they come from your pleasures that war in your members? You lust, and do not have. You kill, covet, and cannot obtain. You fight and make war. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask, and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Philippians 2:19
Philippians 2:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Three points:
1. Salvation
This is not salvation from sin. It may be deliverance from prison, but the basic idea is that whatever happens, God is able to deliver. (Matthew 10:28) "And fear not them who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." And )1 Peter 3:14) "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear, neither be troubled." There is safety in God's care. Things may be terrible and terrifying, but God can bring peace to our souls as well as deliverance.
2. Through prayer
We are to (Galatians 6:2) "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ," which is based on (John 13:34) "A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." We need to pray for one another. Prayer may be work, even boring, but we need one another. If we love one another, we will pray for each other.
3. Supply
God gives the help that is needed. He may use humans (think of the widow that Elisha was sent), situations (as when Paul was in prison and there was an earthquake), even an angel (remember Peter in prison and the doors opening of themselves?). We may have to wait and learn patience, (James 1:4) "But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing." We have an example, so (James 5:10) "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience."
Three points:
1. Salvation
This is not salvation from sin. It may be deliverance from prison, but the basic idea is that whatever happens, God is able to deliver. (Matthew 10:28) "And fear not them who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." And )1 Peter 3:14) "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear, neither be troubled." There is safety in God's care. Things may be terrible and terrifying, but God can bring peace to our souls as well as deliverance.
2. Through prayer
We are to (Galatians 6:2) "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ," which is based on (John 13:34) "A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." We need to pray for one another. Prayer may be work, even boring, but we need one another. If we love one another, we will pray for each other.
3. Supply
God gives the help that is needed. He may use humans (think of the widow that Elisha was sent), situations (as when Paul was in prison and there was an earthquake), even an angel (remember Peter in prison and the doors opening of themselves?). We may have to wait and learn patience, (James 1:4) "But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing." We have an example, so (James 5:10) "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience."
Sunday, May 23, 2010
2 Thessalonians 1:9
2 Thessalonians 1:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.
Three points:
1. Everlasting destruction
Everlasting, never ending, going on forever and forever. Imagine walking on and on, never is there time for rest, food, water; just walking. Never stopping destruction. Destruction means destroyed. We think of destruction as being done then over with, but this destruction just goes on and on. Pain that never ends, sorrow that never ends, no hope, no encouragement, no pleasure, no one to care about you--it is too late.
2. Presence of the Lord
They will be far away from God. We were created for fellowship with God, to be with Him. Instead of being with Him, they are far away never to be close to His blessing, comfort, or glory. To be always in the presence of a king meant to be able to have your petition heard by him, to work with him, to have him bless you.
3. Glory of His power
To never see His glory and feats of healing strength for you and others. The destruction that is going to happen to those who sin will come from God's glorious power. He wants all to repent. He warns all of the punishment for breaking the Ten Commandments. Finally, punishment comes.
Three points:
1. Everlasting destruction
Everlasting, never ending, going on forever and forever. Imagine walking on and on, never is there time for rest, food, water; just walking. Never stopping destruction. Destruction means destroyed. We think of destruction as being done then over with, but this destruction just goes on and on. Pain that never ends, sorrow that never ends, no hope, no encouragement, no pleasure, no one to care about you--it is too late.
2. Presence of the Lord
They will be far away from God. We were created for fellowship with God, to be with Him. Instead of being with Him, they are far away never to be close to His blessing, comfort, or glory. To be always in the presence of a king meant to be able to have your petition heard by him, to work with him, to have him bless you.
3. Glory of His power
To never see His glory and feats of healing strength for you and others. The destruction that is going to happen to those who sin will come from God's glorious power. He wants all to repent. He warns all of the punishment for breaking the Ten Commandments. Finally, punishment comes.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
1 Corinthians 3:21
1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's
Three points:
1. People are put on a pedestal.
In this chapter, Paul, Apollos, Cephas (Peter) are thought of as important people. You can sense the meaning, "Cephas lead me to Christ and baptized me, but you only had Joe the janitor." So thoughts of pride enter our hearts. God wants us to understand that we are not to do this. Truly Godly people do not want this attention.
2. Glory
To give glory and receive glory; to feel proud to be a part of a group of people who have been helped, preached to, baptized by, and taught by. We should give our glory from the Messiah--Jesus. Psalms 39:6 "Surely every man walks about like a shadow! Surely they are stirred up in vain. He heaps up the produce, and does not know who shall gather it." Our boasting...Jeremiah 9:24 "...but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am Jehovah, doing kindness, justice, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, says Jehovah."
3. All things are your's
Romans 8:28 "And we know, that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose." Even if things are difficult and uncomfortable, God has His ways to bring good in and from that situation. The greatest that God has given is His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus. Romans 8:32 "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
Three points:
1. People are put on a pedestal.
In this chapter, Paul, Apollos, Cephas (Peter) are thought of as important people. You can sense the meaning, "Cephas lead me to Christ and baptized me, but you only had Joe the janitor." So thoughts of pride enter our hearts. God wants us to understand that we are not to do this. Truly Godly people do not want this attention.
2. Glory
To give glory and receive glory; to feel proud to be a part of a group of people who have been helped, preached to, baptized by, and taught by. We should give our glory from the Messiah--Jesus. Psalms 39:6 "Surely every man walks about like a shadow! Surely they are stirred up in vain. He heaps up the produce, and does not know who shall gather it." Our boasting...Jeremiah 9:24 "...but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am Jehovah, doing kindness, justice, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, says Jehovah."
3. All things are your's
Romans 8:28 "And we know, that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose." Even if things are difficult and uncomfortable, God has His ways to bring good in and from that situation. The greatest that God has given is His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus. Romans 8:32 "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
Monday, May 17, 2010
Matthew 15:9
And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' " Matthew 15:9
Three points:
1. Worship
It is interesting that they WERE worshiping. BUT all their worship was in vain; it was not accepted by God, because it was not true worship. Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield to them that put their trust in him. Since every word is true, we need to worship God the way He has instructed us. Isaiah 58:1-7. The problem is we may have the right form, but the wrong reasons.
"Cry aloud, do not spare, lift up your voice like a trumpet, and declare to my people their disobedience, and to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways: as a nation that did righteousness, and did not forsake the ordinance of their God, they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God. 'Why have we fasted,' say they, 'and you do not see? Why have we afflicted our soul, and you take no knowledge?'"Behold, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, you fast for strife and contention, and to strike with the fist of wickedness: you do not fast this day so as to make your voice to be heard on high. Is such the fast that I have chosen? the day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? "Isn't this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Isn't it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh?
2. Teaching
We are commanded to teach. How else do we learn? We can teach by word, example, sharing experiences, etc, but something is wrong when we teach error. James 3:1 My brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive greater condemnation.
3. Commandments of men
You know about the Ten Commandments. Those are right and true. Jesus himself said, (Matthew 11:29) "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls." How different the commandments of men with their long lists and impossible demands. Let us be safe in the rules that Jesus gave us in the New Testament.
Three points:
1. Worship
It is interesting that they WERE worshiping. BUT all their worship was in vain; it was not accepted by God, because it was not true worship. Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield to them that put their trust in him. Since every word is true, we need to worship God the way He has instructed us. Isaiah 58:1-7. The problem is we may have the right form, but the wrong reasons.
"Cry aloud, do not spare, lift up your voice like a trumpet, and declare to my people their disobedience, and to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways: as a nation that did righteousness, and did not forsake the ordinance of their God, they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God. 'Why have we fasted,' say they, 'and you do not see? Why have we afflicted our soul, and you take no knowledge?'"Behold, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, you fast for strife and contention, and to strike with the fist of wickedness: you do not fast this day so as to make your voice to be heard on high. Is such the fast that I have chosen? the day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? "Isn't this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Isn't it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh?
2. Teaching
We are commanded to teach. How else do we learn? We can teach by word, example, sharing experiences, etc, but something is wrong when we teach error. James 3:1 My brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive greater condemnation.
3. Commandments of men
You know about the Ten Commandments. Those are right and true. Jesus himself said, (Matthew 11:29) "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls." How different the commandments of men with their long lists and impossible demands. Let us be safe in the rules that Jesus gave us in the New Testament.
Friday, April 23, 2010
1 Timothy 1:5
1 Timothy 1:5
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.
Three points:
1. The end
End here means the stopping point, the finish line, and also means the conclusion. The commandment's goal, the effect, is love, good conscience, and faith. Romans 13:8-10 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there is any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love works no ill to one's neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Emphasis-editor).
2. Love out of a pure heart
This love is a giving love, a love of choice, not necessarily the love of emotion. This love must come from a pure heart. There must be no manipulation in this love, there must be nothing false, a true heart and a true love. 1 Peter 4:8 Above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
3. Good conscience
Conscience is "Internal or self-knowledge, or judgment of right and wrong; or the faculty, power or principle within us, which decides on the lawfulness or unlawfulness of our own actions and affections, and instantly approves or condemns them--Webster 1928. Of course, the standard that underlies this is God's law. No one is innocent, other than the Lord Jesus, so here would be who has confessed, asked forgiveness, and repented. A conscience can be thrust away: 1 Timothy 1:19 holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust away made a shipwreck concerning the faith, and seared: 1 Timothy 4:2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared.
4 Faith unfeigned
Faith is believing God, so it is believing what He has given in His Bible. Unfeigned is a faith that is not faked, not a hypocritical faith. Faith here is referring to faith in Jesus Christ--who He is, what He did, and what He taught. It is a saving faith.
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.
Three points:
1. The end
End here means the stopping point, the finish line, and also means the conclusion. The commandment's goal, the effect, is love, good conscience, and faith. Romans 13:8-10 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there is any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love works no ill to one's neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Emphasis-editor).
2. Love out of a pure heart
This love is a giving love, a love of choice, not necessarily the love of emotion. This love must come from a pure heart. There must be no manipulation in this love, there must be nothing false, a true heart and a true love. 1 Peter 4:8 Above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
3. Good conscience
Conscience is "Internal or self-knowledge, or judgment of right and wrong; or the faculty, power or principle within us, which decides on the lawfulness or unlawfulness of our own actions and affections, and instantly approves or condemns them--Webster 1928. Of course, the standard that underlies this is God's law. No one is innocent, other than the Lord Jesus, so here would be who has confessed, asked forgiveness, and repented. A conscience can be thrust away: 1 Timothy 1:19 holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust away made a shipwreck concerning the faith, and seared: 1 Timothy 4:2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared.
4 Faith unfeigned
Faith is believing God, so it is believing what He has given in His Bible. Unfeigned is a faith that is not faked, not a hypocritical faith. Faith here is referring to faith in Jesus Christ--who He is, what He did, and what He taught. It is a saving faith.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Luke 9:13
But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.
(Luke 9:13)
Three points:
1. Jesus at Work
His work was to do the Father's will. He was preaching the true Gospel and healing the people. The day was long and His disciples noticed the people were tired and hungry, so they said, "Send them away." In essence they were asking a prayer.
2. Jesus' Response
"You give them something to eat." This was the unexpected answer. The disciples had requested and expected the Lord Jesus to send the people away into the surrounding area for lodging and food. They showed compassion and thought a good solution to the problem.
3. What We Learn
What we pray for and expect for an answer to might be totally different. As it turns out here, Jesus' solution to the problem was different then they expected. Let us be encouraged; God's answer may be different then what we expect, but it is a better answer to our prayers.
(Luke 9:13)
Three points:
1. Jesus at Work
His work was to do the Father's will. He was preaching the true Gospel and healing the people. The day was long and His disciples noticed the people were tired and hungry, so they said, "Send them away." In essence they were asking a prayer.
2. Jesus' Response
"You give them something to eat." This was the unexpected answer. The disciples had requested and expected the Lord Jesus to send the people away into the surrounding area for lodging and food. They showed compassion and thought a good solution to the problem.
3. What We Learn
What we pray for and expect for an answer to might be totally different. As it turns out here, Jesus' solution to the problem was different then they expected. Let us be encouraged; God's answer may be different then what we expect, but it is a better answer to our prayers.
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