tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57037338332225847832024-03-13T22:23:03.382+00:00Born.Again.Christian.Heavy reading made light.BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-37368499315716692622017-05-13T13:42:00.002+01:002017-05-13T13:55:41.506+01:00The Theology of the Gospel<div class="p1">
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<span class="s1"><b>The Picture of the Gospel and the Necessity of Jesus</b></span></h3>
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<u>The Position:</u></h4>
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<span class="s1">God is a perfect God who can have no part with sin. This notion is explainable through the Old Testament priestly laws. Haggai 2:12-13 gives the following logic: <i>““If one carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and with the edge he touches bread or stew, wine or oil, or any food, will it become holy?”’ Then the priests answered and said, “No.” 13 And Haggai said, “If one who is unclean because of a dead body touches any of these, will it be unclean?” So the priests answered and said, “It shall be unclean.” 14 Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the Lord; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean.” </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Something clean cannot come into contact with something unclean lest it becomes unclean itself, for the unclean thing will by its nature defile it. Something clean can never cleanse something that is unclean, but something unclean can easily defile something that is clean. To put it another way, a clean white shirt can never make mud white no matter how white the shirt is, but mud can easily turn a white shirt black.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">We are sin-filled people. The Bible instructs us to confess our “sins”.</span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span><span class="s1"> This refers to the sinful acts that we commit. There is nobody who can realistically claim to have never committed a wrongful act, however for those who try to convince themselves of just that the Bible expands further. Paul, the apostle, not only instructs us to repent of our wrongful acts but also differentiates between sin in the singular and sins in the plural, for in addition to our sins (our wrongful acts), we also possess an imperfect sin nature. Our wrongful acts are a symptom of this underlying sin nature. Romans 7:18 states<i> “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.” </i>Paul is saying that nothing good dwells within us and this shows in our actions. Even when we wish to do good we make mistakes. Whilst there may be aspects of our lives that we can improve through self-discipline, we cannot alter our nature. We always gravitate back towards that which is unfruitful and unhelpful. Like a smoker craves a cigarette our nature craves that which is not good and can be damaging to us and those around us.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">In Jonah 1 the crew members cannot sail the ship out of the storm, despite trying through everything they knew and with all their strength. In the same way, it is impossible to alter our position with God, no matter how hard we try or how well-intentioned we may be. Our sin nature is a matter of fact and we cannot change our status through our actions. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">People can gain wisdom through life experience and it is certainly easier to deal with a situation if we have dealt with it before, therefore it seems plausible that we can learn to lessen the amount of sinful acts we commit each day (for example, an older person is less likely to make the same amount of mistakes as a younger teen). However, no matter how clean somebody may live, they cannot change their nature. Our nature is not something that can be trained. It is not something that can be lessened over time nor is it habitual. It is our inheritance. It is rooted within our DNA and very much part of us.</span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span><span class="s1"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOC8nGckTu4/WRcA0IdSDGI/AAAAAAAAAU4/8Ap1m1SqdAAOTsuKkQZuSpi7zpG2KItYACLcB/s1600/bread-loaf-fresh-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOC8nGckTu4/WRcA0IdSDGI/AAAAAAAAAU4/8Ap1m1SqdAAOTsuKkQZuSpi7zpG2KItYACLcB/s1600/bread-loaf-fresh-03.jpg" /></a><span class="s1">In a manufacturing process different raw materials are combined together to create a final product. With some products, the raw materials can be separated and returned back to their original state, but some cannot. When making bread, each ingredient is mixed together. Once the ingredients are mixed together it is impossible to separate them out again. This is how our nature is with sin. Sin is infused within us and cannot be separated. It has been added and is now within our nature. We are born into this sinful state. Even Paul the apostle describes himself as being carnal and sold under sin (Romans 7:14) referring to himself as “the chief of all sinners”.</span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span><span class="s1"> </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Having a sinful nature has not always been the case. The Bible tells us that God made mankind perfect in his own image and without sin. Genesis 1:27 tells us <i>God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them</i>. He breathed His Spirit into man <i>And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being</i> (Genesis 2:7). God’s Spirit is what gave us life and God was able to freely walk with man and be one with us (Genesis 3:8<i> And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day…</i>). In God’s own words, “it was good”.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">When man disobeyed God sin was added to the mix and mans’ nature altered. God could no longer have any part with this newly corrupted being and the harmony between God’s life-giving Spirit and Adam was fractured resulting in an enmity between man and God that has existed ever since. Ephesians 2:14 refers to the one man becoming two. </span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span></div>
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<span class="s1">The result of sin is separation from God (first seen in the second part of Genesis 3:8: <i>“and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden”</i>)<i> </i>and death. The separation from God’s life-giving Spirit has left man alone with his corruptible decaying self. In consequence a death sentence has been handed down: “i<i>n the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” </i>(Genesis 3:19). Romans 6:23 tells us, “<i>the wages of sin is death”.</i> Death is a reality that we all know and have experienced in some way and will personally experience at least once in our lives. Death is the only inevitability that we all share in.</span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span><span class="s1"> </span></div>
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<span class="s1">In Genesis 1:27 <i>God created man in His own image.</i> After the introduction of sin we read in Genesis 5:3 that <i>“Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begot a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth.” </i>Compare this verse to Genesis 1:27. In Genesis 1 God created Adam in <i>His</i> own image, however now in Genesis 5:3 Adam created his son in <i>his</i> own image, not Gods. It is Adam’s corrupted nature that is passed onto his son, rather than God’s perfect nature. Romans 5:12 <i>“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” </i>Seth inherited <i>his</i> father’s nature, not the spirit of <i>the</i> father God. We are all born into this sinful system from our birth. Theoretically, even if a person was to lock themselves away in a room and never commit a sinful act again, they would still have the sinful nature that separates them from God. Separation from God is like removing the life-support machine. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">When we stand before God we will be held accountable according to His standard, which has been revealed to us through the Ten Commandments. A citizen of England is subject to the laws of sovereign England and Wales. In the same way, a citizens of this world is subject to the laws of Almighty God. We have all broken God’s laws and have been measured and found wanting.</span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span><span class="s1"> It is justice when our courts punish perpetrators of the law. How much more just must it be for those in contravention of God’s law to be punished in the court of Almighty God. It is impossible to be blameless before the law of God because we are all already in contravention of it. Romans 3:20 states <i>therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">No matter how mournful one may be about the state of their nature, nothing can be done to alter or improve it. We are all inherently imperfect, therefore no amount of good deeds or charitable acts will help. The law is good and one should strive to keep it, however we can never possibly achieve such a feat. Like the crew members in Jonah who were brought to the realisation that they had no choice but to trust Jonah’s instructions, the law exists to bring us to the realisation that we are not perfect and there is nothing that we can do in our own strength to justify ourselves in the eyes of the law or repair the fracture between ourselves and God. Whilst the law is very good it provides no hope for us to cling to and merely reveals how accursed we are in our current state.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">So let us hear the conclusion of the matter: ever since the fall of Adam, we have been created in the image of man which reserves for us a hopeless inheritance<i>.</i></span><span class="s3"><i><sup></sup></i></span><span class="s1"><i> </i>We are all guilty before God and cannot hope to enter into His presence on our own merit. God does not desire this for us and He wants us to disclaim this sinful inheritance and claim another incorruptible inheritance that He has prepared for us. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">A blueprint for this exclusive way is set out in Isaiah 59-60, written approximately 600 years before Jesus came to earth. For those people at the time of Isaiah, the concept of a saviour was something to look forward to. For us today, salvation through Christ Jesus is available to us right now if we ask. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">The first part of Isaiah 59:2 clarifies our current position without God: </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Isaiah 59:2 "<i>But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear."</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Isaiah 59:9-15 <i>“Therefore justice is far from us, Nor does righteousness overtake us; We look for light, but there is darkness! For brightness, but we walk in blackness! 10 We grope for the wall like the blind, And we grope as if we had no eyes; We stumble at noonday as at twilight; We are as dead men in desolate places. 11 We all growl like bears, And moan sadly like doves; We look for justice, but there is none; For salvation, but it is far from us. 12 For our transgressions are multiplied before You, And our sins testify against us; For our transgressions are with us, And as for our iniquities, we know them: 13 In transgressing and lying against the Lord, And departing from our God, Speaking oppression and revolt, Conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. 14 Justice is turned back, And righteousness stands afar off; For truth is fallen in the street, And equity cannot enter. 15 So truth fails, And he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">How fitting a description for our world today. No matter how many attempts to better itself, whether political or social, our world continues in its depravity, falling deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole. It is filled with people yearning for fulfilment in the oddest of places without success; there is violence, wars and rumours of wars; there is oppression and revolt, lying and blaspheming; dishonesty, selfishness and considerable lack of justice; and this tempestuous state is constantly increasing. Our world is undeniably chaotic and unpredictable. It turns on anyone who is different or does not agree with its viewpoint. This world is the hopeless consequence of separation from God in which we all partake.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>The Lord Jesus:</b></span></h4>
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<span class="s1">Isaiah 59:15-16<i>“… Then the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor…”</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">God searched for an intercessor to bridge the gap that exists between us to make it possible for man and God to be harmonious once again, however as we all partake in this sinful inheritance, God was unable to find this intercessor among us. He therefore provided the intercessor as Himself. Isaiah 59:16:<i> "Therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained Him.” </i>God sent His own son in <i>His </i>likeness, the Lord Jesus, to act as the necessary intercessor between us and the Father. John 3:16 <i>"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">God has only ever created two people in His likeness. He created Adam in His likeness who brought about sin and He created Jesus in <i>His </i>likeness to rescue us from our sin. The Lord Jesus is the second Adam because He is the only man since Adam to be created in God’s perfect image. He did not inherit Adam’s nature, but God’s life-giving Spirit. 1 Corinthians 15:45 explains:<i> And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">The Lord Jesus came to create one new man from the two and reinstate the rightful position that was before to make it possible once again for God’s life giving Spirit to reside with man. Jesus did not come as a higher power, but as a human. Hebrews 2 refers to Him as the ultimate High Priest because we are able to relate to Him. He was weak to all the same temptations that we are weak to, yet He remained strong. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Hebrews 2:16-18<i> For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">The Lord Jesus humiliated Himself for our sake. Almighty God descended from on high to meet us, making Himself lower than the angels and taking on the form of common man. Even then, in such humiliation, He did not come as a mighty king, but somebody of humble means so that nobody should desire Him. Isaiah 53:3 tells us <i>He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.</i> He willingly became accursed upon the cross and allowed Himself to be held under the power of death for a time so that we may be freed from the hold sin has over each and every one of us. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">We are unable to deal with the requirements of the law and therefore have no power over the sentence that has been placed upon us as a consequence of the law. Romans 8:30 <i>For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh</i>. Knowing this, Jesus, the sinless Man who had fulfilled the law, died to sin for us</span><span class="s4"> </span><span class="s1">and descended into Sheol.</span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span><span class="s1"> In doing so, He was able to condemn sin in the flesh because He had no sin and therefore sin could not hold Him. He was sufficient to break the curse of the law. Romans 6:10 <i>For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.</i> His final humiliation was to subject Himself to the power of death and in doing so He defeated death and made a way for us to be free from the curse of the law upon us. Death is the only eventuality that we all have in common. It is the perpetual plague from which you cannot escape. However, as it is a consequence of sin it had no power over Jesus who had no sin. Whilst His earthly body physically died, death could not keep Him and for the first time the power of death was broken. A precedent was set there and then. He retrieved the keys of death and rose up on the third day. Revelation 1:18: <i>“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of death.”</i> </span></div>
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<span class="s2">Jonah 2:4 </span><i>Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight; Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’</i></div>
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<span class="s1">Jonah in his disobedience was cast out of God’s sight. This is a shadow, both of the separation we will all experience if we remain in our current state and what Jesus endured for our sake upon the cross. The Lord Jesus was forsaken by His Father, as the full curse of the law came down upon Him. He became sin and Almighty God could not even look upon Him.</span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span><span class="s1"> He was completely cast out of His own Father’s sight, yet as prophesied in Scripture He would look again toward the holy temple. Psalm 16:10 <i>“For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see Corruption.” </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>I</i>n John 2:19 Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple:</span><span class="s4"> “</span><span class="s1"><i>Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up””. </i>John 2:21 goes on to clarify that Jesus is referring to the temple of His body, therefore predicting His death and resurrection, yet spiritually His statement is significant also. In Mark 14:58</span><span class="s4"> </span><span class="s1">one of Jesus’s accusers testifies against Him claiming</span><span class="s4"> </span><span class="s1"><i>“We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’ </i>Whilst Jesus’s accusers were false witnesses, this statement is true. Through the death and resurrection of Christ, the Lord has done away with the old covenant that God had with His people. He has destroyed the physical letter of the law and brought in a spiritual and better covenant of salvation through grace. There is no longer any use for a high priest to make sacrifices for atonement of sin at the temple, as custom used to be, for now Jesus has made the ultimate atonement and through this God is able to reside within us. Quoting the prophet Jeremiah from around 580 years before Jesus,</span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span><span class="s1"> Hebrews 10:16 states <i>This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them. </i>For those of us who are cast out of God’s sight through our sin, we are able to look again toward the holy temple through putting our faith in Jesus.<i> </i>1 Corinthians 15:4 <i>He was buried, and He rose again on the third day according to the scriptures</i>. No longer is there any need for a temple made by hands, for God has chosen to build His temple within those who put their faith in Jesus and atone for their sin through Him and His sacrifice that He made for us. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Through Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice on our behalf He now holds two offices: one, as the ultimate High Priest making continual intercession for us to God; and two, as the king of kings, victorious over death and His enemies, declared in Isaiah 33:22: “<i>The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is out King; He will save us.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Three days and three nights the Son of Man resided in the heart of the earth, just as Jonah resided in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. Jonah is just a shadow of the much greater Christ who was to come. Whereas Jonah cried out to the Lord from the belly of the fish without any hindsight of what would happen to him the Lord Jesus was well aware that He would be killed, descend and ascend again on the third day, victorious by the power of God (Mark 8:31 “<i>And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”</i>).</span></div>
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<span class="s1">God sent the Lord Jesus as a sacrifice on our behalf. Most people never come to this realisation as they are too busy revelling in what the world has to offer. They fail to see that everything this world has is temporary. No state or material is permanent. For those that reach such realisation, the Lord Jesus has provided a way to be saved by taking the punishment that you deserve upon Himself. Galatians 3:13 tells us that to redeem us from the curse of the law, Jesus became the curse Himself. He allowed Himself to be crucified to take the punishment that we deserve upon Himself so that through Him we may be reconciled to God. Jesus sacrificed Himself on your behalf. He was sufficient because He had no sin in Him. Sin is death and He is sinless therefore when He died, death could not hold Him. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">In order to defeat the curse of the flesh that we suffer, Jesus came in the flesh, condemned sin in the flesh and defeated death in the flesh and through the power of God He was able to raise from the dead on the third day. He was sufficient to take away the sins of us all, much more sufficient than the animal sacrifices the Jews had to continuously make for atonement.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Nothing says it better than Hebrews 10:1; 11-14 <i>For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. … 11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">The sacrifice of Jonah when he was cast overboard in order to save the lives of the men onboard deflected the wrath of God away from the ship and crew, however it was not enough to take away the sins of the people. In comparison, Jesus Christ, died once for all sins. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">As we are imperfect and guilty we do not have the legal substance to be able to satisfy the debt that we owe for our offence of the law. However as the Lord Jesus is sinless His sacrifice is more than sufficient to satisfy. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">It is no coincidence that Christ died by way of a judicial sentence handed down by the Roman Empire. This is the judicial sentence intended for us. The Roman Empire represented the highest judicial power of the day, appointed by the grace of God Himself. No wonder their trial of Christ resulted in them finding no fault in Him. Yet still, despite Christ’s innocence, they numbered Him with transgressors and He was crucified in between two condemned criminals. </span></div>
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<span class="s2">Luke 23:14-15</span><span class="s1"> <i>indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; </i></span><span class="s3"><b><i><sup>15 </sup></i></b></span><span class="s1"><i>no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him.</i></span></div>
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<span class="s2">Luke 23:22-24</span><span class="s3"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><span class="s1"><i>Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.” </i></span><span class="s3"><b><i><sup>23 </sup></i></b></span><span class="s1"><i>But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. </i></span><span class="s3"><b><i><sup>24 </sup></i></b></span><span class="s1"><i>So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested.</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Christ’s death had to be by way of judicial sentence, because it was through His death that He Himself could serve the sentence that is reserved for us. Instead of the punishment under the law being handed down upon us, God out of His love handed down our punishment upon Him. That is why it says in Isaiah 53:5, written around 700 years before Jesus’s death, b<i>ut He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. </i>Jesus dealt with the curse of the law so that you don’t have to. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">There are two possible ways to be one with God: either keep God’s law or trust in Christ. Nobody except Christ has kept God’s law, therefore our only hope is to trust in Christ. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh.</span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Jesus was sinless and blameless yet He laid down His life and allowed Himself to be sentenced for crimes that He had not committed. 2 Corinthians 5:21<i> </i>tells us <i>For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” </i>God the Father poured out His wrath, reserved only for sin, upon Jesus. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">The Lord Jesus wilfully bore His Father’s wrath Himself as a substitute for us. Just as Jonah’s sacrifice deflected God’s wrath away from the ship, saving those onboard, Jesus’s sacrifice has the power to deflect God’s wrath away from us forevermore if we ask. <i>He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.</i></span><span class="s3"><i><sup></sup></i></span><span class="s1"><i> </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Just like the crew members in Jonah had to take an active decision to believe the instruction of Jonah to be saved, you must make an active decision to trust Christ for God’s wrath to be quenched. Christ has taken the punishment that we deserve and paid the ultimate price. He gave His life so that we may have ours. None are good, no not one. However Jesus is.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Like any gift the recipient must first accept it before benefitting from its value. To share in God’s perfect inheritance is to believe on Christ and the sacrifice that He has made. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Romans 10:13 assures us <i>whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Romans 10:9 promises us <i>that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">By putting your faith in Christ Jesus, you do away with your old sinful man. You are able to reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:11). By possessing the gift of God, you will possess the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus who makes you free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). You will no longer live in the flesh but in the Spirit. Through the Spirit of Christ, God’s Holy Spirit will once again be able to reside within you. No longer will you be governed by the things of the world, but by the Spirit of God, as originally intended for you. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">By accepting Jesus, when you stand before God, no longer will God look upon you the sinner, but upon His perfect Son within you who has already paid the punishment you deserve upon the cross. The contravention of God’s law has been dealt with and the issue of our sinful inheritance was dealt with when the old man was crucified and killed with Christ upon the cross. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">To be saved, do away with your old man created in the image of imperfect man by putting it on the cross with Jesus who can deal with it. Romans 6:11 tells those who have done this that they can “<i>count yourselves to be dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” </i>Disclaim the sinful inheritance and pick up the inheritance of God that is offered to you now and made available through Jesus. He made him who knew no sin to become sin for us. The perfect Christ wilfully sacrificed and crucified upon that tree, to take the punishment that we deserve upon Himself, so that by putting our trust in Him we may walk free.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Jesus is the last Adam, because His sacrifice is sufficient once and for all. 1 Peter 3:18 tells us ‘Christ died for sins once for all’, past, present and future. There is no need for anybody else. Through Christ Jesus<i> it is finished. </i>Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, we should no longer be slaves to sin (Romans 6:6).</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Ephesians 2:14 - 18: <i>“14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">God’s search for the intercessor concluded with Jesus who is able to make intercession on our behalf to God. Hebrews 7:25, <i>Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. </i>He is constantly interceding on behalf of those who approach Him and ask for forgiveness so that His conviction that is spent may cover them. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Only Jesus, the Last Adam, was sufficient to settle that sin upon the cross and therefore it is only through Jesus that we may approach God and be heard by Him. Only Christ has the power to break down that wall of separation that exists between us and God. Ephesians 2:14: <i>“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation”</i>.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Jesus is the only way to heaven for He is the only man still created in the likeness of God. Nobody else in history can boast such a feat and therefore nobody else is worthy to be able to deal with our sin and imperfection, for we are all numbered together, but Jesus. John 14:6 states: “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 3:3 states: “Verily, verily I say to you, nobody can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:13 states: “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Nothing says it better than 1 Timothy 1:15 <i>This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.</i></span></div>
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-BACChristian</div>
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-66500817862406089902016-09-14T22:51:00.000+01:002016-09-14T23:16:03.274+01:00Jonah 3 - A second chance and a shadow of the new covenant to come<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time saying, Arise go to Nineveh that great city and preach to it the message that I tell you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The picture of Christ Jesus shown in the book of Jonah is visible throughout and is well worth a study. Focusing on chapter 3, we see a picture of both the humanity of Jonah, which should serve as a lesson to ourselves in our application of God's grace, and a picture of God's plan for salvation from the Old Testament through to the New Testament. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2"><b>Jonah 1:2</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.”</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">If we read Jonah chapter 1 we can see that Jonah chapter 3 begins exactly the same way that Jonah 1 began. We know from reading the previous chapters that Jonah refused to obey God in chapter 1. Jonah had his own ideas and instead chose to flee to Tarshish from the port of Joppa (Tel-Aviv) rather than go and give God's message of repentance to the people of Nineveh. The account of Jonah and what happens between chapters 1 to 3 needs no introduction. Picking up at chapter 3: how much easier would it have been for Jonah to have just obeyed God from the outset!? How much trouble this would have saved. How often this is this case. Taking multiple attempts is a recurring theme with God and we can be rest assured that no matter what mistakes we have made God will always show mercy and give us another chance (<i><b>Rom 8:38, Matt 18:22</b>)</i>. Jonah's disobedience of God shows his human weakness. It is weakness that comes natural to us all. Even the Lord Jesus Himself was susceptible to such weakness (it is why we can relate to Him), however unlike the rest of us, He remained strong. <b>Hebrews 4:15</b> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s2">God gives Jonah the same command in chapter 1 and chapter 3; God's Word never changes. The difference between chapter 1 and chapter 3 is Jonah’s response. In chapter 1, Jonah’s response is one of disobedience </span>whereas in chapter 3, Jonah obeys God’s command and makes his way to Nineveh to preach God’s grace. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">There are two significant points to draw from Jonah's newfound willingness to obey God that can help us in our faith and understanding of the gospel. </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">A weakening of the natural man:</span></u></b></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-size: medium;">There would not be many people who would not obey God after having gone through the ordeal that Jonah just has, however it is often necessary for God to test us and take us through trials in order to bring us out the other side in a state more able to complete His work. We are at our most effective in God when we are most reliant upon Him. <b>Galatians 5:17</b> speaks of the warring between our natural self and our spiritual self: <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. </span>In order to be effective tools for God it is important that we are of a mindset that can be used by God. <b>Isaiah 64:8</b> states <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. </span>For clay to be modelled it must be workable. The potter cannot produce a masterpiece unless the clay is workable. In the same way we must present ourselves to God as living and willing sacrifices to Him (<i><b>Rom 12:1</b>). </i>Our nature is at enmity to God (<i><b>Rom 8:7</b>). </i>We have freewill, therefore the more we choose to feed our nature, the more difficult it becomes for God to work through us. For this reason we must humble ourselves before God and remove our natural self from the equation. Only when we are in a position of dependence on God can we be worked and used for His purpose. Jonah was filled with pride, self-righteousness and hatred towards the people of Nineveh. In chapter 1 he was in no state to be a messenger of God. God corrects Jonah through his experiences to bring him to a place were God can use him. By reading chapter 4, we can see that even the ordeal Jonah has gone through has not completely cured him of his hatred and pride. God has to continuously test Jonah and correct him. </span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-size: medium;">In the same way God humbles us through our experiences. He corrects us, just as a father corrects his child (<b><i>Prov 3:12, Rev 3:19, Heb 12:6</i>)</b>. <b>Proverbs 3:12</b> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth</span><i>. </i>Sometimes it is necessary for a parent to correct their child. The child is likely ignorant to the reason they are being corrected, however it is for their good. <b>Proverbs 20:24</b> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way?</span> Whilst we do not have the benefit of hindsight, we can trust in the Lord knowing that whatever we are faced with, God can use it for His good (<i><b>Rom 8:28</b></i>). </span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-size: medium;">God can only use us if we let Him. He does not want our human way of thinking no matter how well-intentioned it may be. He wants empty vessels. He did not want Abraham’s attempt to conceive an heir (<i>Gen. 16</i>); He did not want Saul’s attempt to protect David with heavy cumbersome armour for him to fight Goliath <i>(1 Sam 17)</i>; He did not want Gideon’s mass armies (<i>Judges 7</i>); He did not want Peter’s strength to free Jesus from the Roman guards through violence (<i>John 18</i>). God wants to use us however first we must let Him use us. There is no place for God within us if we are already full of ourselves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1"><u><b>1 Peter 5:6-7 </b></u></span><i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-size: medium;">Our nature within us wars against the spirit. It is when our nature is weak that our spirit is at its strongest. Jonah was brought to a place of complete dependence upon God and was left in a desperate situation where he had no choice but to depend on Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1"><u><b>2 Corinthians 12:9 - 11</b></u></span><i> </i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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. 11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-size: medium;">Skipping forward in chapter 3 the king of Nineveh responds to the word of God with contrition. Verse 7 of the chapter tells us<i> </i>he proclaimed a fast throughout the land and wore sackcloth, which is a sign of remorse, in repentance to God: <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. </span>Here in the same way, the people of Nineveh are taking away their physical sustenance. They are abandoning their need for physical food and water and wearing sackcloth. They are depriving their natural self of the physical things it needs so that their spirit may abound (<b>2 Corinthians 12:10</b> <i>…</i> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">for when I am weak, then am I strong</span><i>).</i></span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>The Picture of the covenant's of God:</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-size: medium;">The progress of Jonah's obedience to God between chapter 1 to chapter 3 not only shows the human element of Jonah, which serves as an example to us, but it also illustrates the divine picture of God’s plan for our salvation. Jonah’s newfound willingness to obey is not solely due to the ordeal he has been through, for we see in chapter 4 that he still harbours the same attitude towards the people of Nineveh. <b>Jonah 4:2</b> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Ah Lord, was not this what i said when i was still in my country? … therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Jonah's reaction in chapter 1 and his attitude to the people of Nineveh throughout the book of Jonah is not unusual. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1">At the time of Jonah Nineveh was one of the largest and greatest cities in antiquity and was known for being a centre for religious worship of foreign gentile Gods. It is the capital of the belligerent nation of Assyria (Assyria is located across modern day Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey). Nineveh was revered by the world during this era and was a symbol of the gentile world. It is therefore significant that the God of Israel tasked Jonah to bring this message of repentance to Nineveh, a nation of Gentiles. </span>At the time of Jonah and before the death and resurrection of Jesus, God’s promises are reserved to the Jewish nation alone. However here we have God commanding Jonah to go and preach His message to the non-Jewish Gentile people of Nineveh. Here we can see Jonah’s mission is a direct picture of the mission of Christ and salvation which would soon be available to all, both Jew and Gentile, through the Lord Jesus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">As a Jew it would be expected for Jonah to be reluctant to bring God’s exclusive message of repentance to a Gentile people. This same reluctance was demonstrated by the Jewish disciples in the early church. Peter was at first unwilling to preach God’s grace to the Gentiles. Jonah’s attitude is shared by many Jews during the first century church who protested to preaching the gospels to the Gentiles.</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-size: medium;">God’s salvation is available to us all, however before Jesus’ resurrection God’s promises were only for the Jewish nation. <b>Acts 10:28 </b><i>Y</i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">ou are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile.</span> It would not be until after Jesus’ resurrection that salvation became available to all freely. <b>Romans 1:16</b> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.</span> Being sent to a gentile city would have seemed strange for Jonah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s2">When considering Jonah's reaction in chapter 3 compared to that in chapter 1, what is significant is what has happened in between. We read in Jonah 1:17, </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.</span><i> </i> Three days Jonah resides in the belly of the fish before being vomited back up onto dry land (<b>Jonah 2:10</b>). The experience of Jonah during his time in the belly of the fish is a picture of death. During this time, Jonah cries out to God. We read in<b> Jonah 2:6 "</b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I went down to the moorings of the mountains; The earth with its bars closed behind me forever; Yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God." </span>It is no coincidence that the Hebrew word for ‘pit’ used in <b>Jonah 2:6 </b>is <i>shachath</i> which literally means “death” or “grave”. In <b>Jonah 2:2</b> he proclaims<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>... “Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice." </i></span>Jonah's descent into the belly of the fish is a direct picture of the Lord Jesus who after being crucified descended into the depths of the earth in Sheol to preach to those in the grave and retrieve the keys to death before rising up again on the third day. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Ephesians 4:9</b> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">“Now this ‘He ascended’ – what does it mean but that He also descended into the lower parts of the earth?”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Revelation 1:18</b> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of death.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Psalm 16:10</b> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">“For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see Corruption.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">With this in mind the book of Jonah spans the old and new covenants of God. The first time God commands Jonah to preach to the Ninevites in chapter 1 Jonah refuses as he is acting under the premise of the old covenant and under the old covenant God’s promises are reserved to the Jewish nation alone. The second time God commands Jonah to preach to the Ninevites in chapter 3, Jonah has been into the depths and risen out of the belly of the fish. He is a new man. He has been resurrected and is now operating under the premise of the new covenant. Just as salvation has become available to us all under the new covenant by the Lord Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection, Jonah’s descent into the belly of Sheol and subsequent resurrection upon being vomited out of the mouth of the fish is a picture of the beginning of the new covenant. Now when God commands Jonah to preach to the gentile city, Jonah obeys. </span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-size: medium;">It should be noted that God’s mercy is visible throughout the whole of Jonah just as it is throughout the whole of the Old and New Testaments and today. Even under the old covenant when the promises of God are reserved to the Jewish nation, God shows mercy to the people of Nineveh. God will always have mercy on those who come to Him humbly. Throughout the Old Testament we see instances where God uses gentiles just as effectively as Jews. Take Rahab, the gentile woman who housed the Jewish spies (<i><b>Joshua 2</b></i>) who later came to live amongst the Jewish people and gave birth to Boaz. Also her daughter-in-law, Ruth, a gentile who was faithful and married Boaz. Not only does God show mercy on these two gentile women but He blesses them abundantly more than they can imagine; both of them are in the direct line of Christ (<i><b>Matt 1:5</b>). </i>God shows no partiality to his subjects and His mercy is available to us today. When we come to God we should petition Him in accordance with His mercy.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Ephesians 3:8-13 </b></u></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: medium;">To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Psalm 51:1-2</b><i> </i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">“Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is always before me.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Our Task Today:</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The book of Jonah may have been written 2,500 years ago, but it is just as relevant as it is now. As BACs we are confident of the salvation that has now been made available to all through the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we can attain righteousness and be saved and through our experiences and trials we can sanctify ourselves to God so that we may be holy for He is holy (<b>1 Peter 1:16</b> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It is written "be Holy for I am Holy"</span>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Do not dismay at trials or hard times for they are all working together for God's good: <b>James 1:2</b> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span class="text Jas-1-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="text Jas-1-3" id="en-NKJV-30270" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In Jonah 1 God commanded Jonah to go and preach the good news to Nineveh, a picture of the gentile world. That same mercy is available to us today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In Jonah 3 God commanded Jonah to go and preach the good news to Nineveh, a picture of the gentile world, showing that soon through the Lord Jesus Christ salvation would be available to all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In <b>Matthew 28:19</b> Jesus commands US directly <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"<span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">Go therefore</span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"> and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">God's Word has not changed. We must answer the call.</span><br />
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<span class="s2">-BACChristian</span></div>
BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-61009549421396631532016-08-16T14:28:00.001+01:002016-08-16T14:48:55.987+01:00How much proof do you need before you believe?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Belief in God is not about seeing God, nor is a lack of belief due to not seeing God. Belief in God is a choice you make about how you want to interpret the evidence for God's existence that has been presented to you. </div>
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Say a man was to begin speaking to you about his wife whom you had never met. It would be odd if you did not believe in her existence, even if you had never heard of her or seen her before. It is more than likely that you would take the man for his word. If for some reason you did not believe the man you may ask him to show you some proof that she exists, such as her photo I.D., marriage certificate or social security number. If the man was able to produce these documents, then this would be taken as proof of the wife's existence. The more evidence provided the more you would believe in her. The evidence could be documentary evidence or hearsay evidence, such as stories told about her by other people.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIdddpz3P1s/V7MTJwn95KI/AAAAAAAAAT8/fFHS7TlW8DMHHfhA0rHxr_wLVF9tk7HKACK4B/s1600/imgres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIdddpz3P1s/V7MTJwn95KI/AAAAAAAAAT8/fFHS7TlW8DMHHfhA0rHxr_wLVF9tk7HKACK4B/s400/imgres.jpg" /></a></div>
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Upon production of all this evidence, most people would be more than satisfied that the wife existed without a shred of doubt in their mind, however they have still not had actual proof that she exists or met her. It could be that the evidence produced is false, or has been tampered with or photoshopped or perhaps the people who have told you stories about her are delusional or liars. </div>
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<b>Hebrews 11:1</b> states <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"faith is the evidence of things not seen".</span></div>
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Believing that the wife exists after seeing her passport or other documents is to have faith in those documents that she exists. The documents are the "evidence of things not seen" - for you have not at this point seen the wife. </div>
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In the same way we have evidence to show God exists. There is documentary evidence in the Bible, which is given weight through the way it all adds up and coincides; and there is hearsay evidence through people's stories about Jesus and God, both given in the Bible itself and by billions of people in the world today. </div>
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It is possible to prove God's existence. The proof of God is in the evidence for God; just as the proof of the man's wife mentioned above is in the evidence presented about her. Believing in God is not about whether there is proof of God, it is about the choice you make as to whether to believe in the evidence you have been shown, which is the proof for God. </div>
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People who choose not to believe snub the evidence and give reasons as to why it is untrustworthy. They will say the Bible has been made by man or the people who claim to know God are unstable or religious nuts. Usually these people have never actually considered the evidence for themselves in any real way, yet they are adamant that their conclusion is correct - these people would not make good detectives. If you were to doubt the legitimacy of the wife's passport in the above example, you could take steps to ensure it was valid. You could look for the watermark or check the pages and customs stamps to see if it is genuine. In the same way, if you doubt the legitimacy of the evidence for God you should take steps to see if it is genuine and not just refuse to consider it. </div>
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When making your choice to believe or not to believe, make sure you study the evidence itself, rather than listening to what other people tell you. With such an important topic, it is crucial that you make the decision based on your own mind, not on the mind of others. </div>
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In the same way that you would scrutinise and analyse the wife's passport or birth certificate to make sure it is genuine, you should scrutinise and analyse the evidence for God. Before making a choice, read the Bible for yourself. Then you can be in a position to make your choice on your own.<br />
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You can also speak to those who claim to know God to see if their accounts add up. You may think this contradicts the advice to make the decision on your own, but it does not. In a criminal court case, in addition to the documentary evidence the prosecution gathers the statements of the witnesses who claim to have witnessed the crime. These statements give weight to what the truth is. The more the witness statements corroborate with each other, the more the statements are taken as 'proof' of what actually happened. The prosecution would not gather statements from people who do not claim to know what happened or do not claim to have been there, because their statements are irrelevant. You are trying to determine whether God is real as people say He is, therefore consider the accounts of those who claim to know Him. Witness testimonies are good enough for courts of law and in the same way the testimonies of Born Again Christians are good evidence for God.<br />
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The objective of this site is not to persuade but rather to present the evidence. The more overwhelming the evidence, the more common sense the answer becomes. </div>
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-BACChristian </div>
BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-24416432494592735952016-03-31T00:13:00.000+01:002016-05-10T01:12:07.300+01:00John 7:52 - The Pharisee's unknowing self-fulfilment of Scripture <div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">John 7:47-52</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><span class="text John-7-47" id="en-NKJV-26376" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">47 </span>Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? </span><span class="text John-7-48" id="en-NKJV-26377" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">48 </span>Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? </span><span class="text John-7-49" id="en-NKJV-26378" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">49 </span>But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” </span></i><i style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text John-7-50" id="en-NKJV-26379" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">50 </span>Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them,</span><span class="text John-7-51" id="en-NKJV-26380" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">51 </span>“Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” </span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">52 </span>They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Pharisees were constantly testing Jesus against the Scriptures to try and find fault in Him. Of course they were never able to find any faults and usually their 'testing' resulted in their own shortcomings being brought to light and the Scriptures being fulfilled by the Lord's teaching. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 7:52</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> the Pharisees are dismissive of Christ's teachings by remarking that </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"</span></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">no prophet has arisen</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">out of Galilee.”</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Preachers often say that the reason the Pharisees said this was because Galilee was a poor region and nobody of any worth would ever be expected to come from there. This is incorrect and to give this verse no more consideration than that is to miss out on the intricacies of the Word of God. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Even in this small remark, the workings of God's plan for salvation can be seen. The Pharisees have stumbled in their knowledge of Scripture and shown that Jesus is the Lord spoken of in the Old Testament. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Everything in God's word links coherently. This off-the-cuff remark made by the Pharisees is no exception. Perhaps the Pharisees gave this remark no more thought than a simple smear of Jesus' reputation, however its meaning goes much deeper than that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">The statement made takes us back to Jonah. </span>Jonah’s hometown is Gath Hepher, a border town of Galilee near to Nazareth within the inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun (<b>Joshua 9:13</b>); the very place were Jesus was from and carried out the majority of His ministry. Jonah the prophet was from Galilee.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The statement made by the Pharisees is blatantly incorrect on their part and raises questions over its meaning. I</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t cannot be concluded and would seem highly doubtful that the Pharisees would not have been aware that another prophet had come from Galilee. In fact the prophet Hosea also came from that same region therefore the people of the day and especially the Pharisees must have known that there were prophets from Galilee. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="s1">It could be argued that the Pharisees are sarcastically mocking Jesus by making this statement, however this argument does not hold up considering that the prophet Jonah is considered so highly by the Jewish people. Every year the book of Jonah is read in its entirety during the Yom Kippur service. If this statement </span>was made sarcastically it would not make sense because that would mean that the Pharisees are actually implying that prophets do come from Galilee which would have then given credibility to the claims of the day that Jesus was a prophet. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Arguably, the answer is that it shows the Pharisees shortcomings and downright ignorance concerning the spiritual things of God. The Pharisees saw themselves as pious and knowledgable in the religious texts, however they were spiritually blind. They were proud and naturally minded. Throughout the Gospels, we see that despite their knowledge of scripture they could not begin to recognise the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies taking place right in front of their eyes. Therefore it is possible that through this statement made by the Pharisees the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus: </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isaiah 44:18</b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> <i>they do not know nor understand; for he has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, and their hearts so they cannot understand.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was explained by Jesus in <b>Matthew 13:10-17: </b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; 15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’ 16 But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-rb4JGRsFQ/URWH1hltyKI/AAAAAAAAAEY/-6PqVGRXA7wZiHTsq1lM1El3Wch7jFgvA/s1600/god.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-rb4JGRsFQ/URWH1hltyKI/AAAAAAAAAEY/-6PqVGRXA7wZiHTsq1lM1El3Wch7jFgvA/s200/god.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The mysteries of the Gospel have been revealed spiritually through the Lord Jesus to those who accept Him in faith, however to those people who do not have faith, they remain spiritually blind and unable to see just like the Pharisees were throughout. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1 Corinthians 2:14</b> tells us that the natural man cannot discern spiritual things: </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"<i>But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.</i>"</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2 Corinthians 4:3-4</b><i> </i>states </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"<i>But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Pharisees were unable to see that Jesus was the Messiah because they were unwilling to and therefore they were blinded to all the evidence and fulfillments of Scripture taking place even to the point that they became wrong in their thinking. As stated by Jesus in <b>Matthew 13:15</b> </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"their eyes have closed." </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Their hardness to Jesus closed their eyes even to facts that would have been common knowledge in those days, such as the fact that Jonah and Hosea were both from Galilee. This hardness to the gospel was in itself a fulfilment of prophecy and necessary to fulfil God’s plan for salvation. <b>Romans 11:25</b> tells us </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">“… <i>that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in”. </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We read in <b>Romans 11:7-8</b> that it was God who chose to blind the Pharisees and Israel to the truth of Jesus: </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"<i>Just as it is written:“What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. … God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see And ears that they should not hear, To this very day.” </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This statement in <b>John 7:52 </b>shows the Pharisees blindness, which must have been brought on by God in fulfillment of the prophecy. The Pharisees were so unwilling to believe in Jesus that they were blind to see simple things and clear evidence before them. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It should be mentioned that whilst God brought blindness over the Pharisees in order to fulfil Scripture and His plan for salvation, they still would have had freewill and were free to reject or accept the spiritual things of God. Whilst it was God who blinded the Pharisees, this did not preclude them from believing or repenting. We know that there were individual believers amongst them. Nicodemus is mentioned in <b>John 7:50</b> and we read in <b>John 12:42</b> that there were believers amongst the rulers of Israel: </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"N<i>evertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue."</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This spiritual blinding was necessary to complete God’s plan for salvation, for i</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t was through Israel’s rejection of Jesus that salvation has become available to all, both Jew and Gentile </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(</span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romans 11:11</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">: and this brings us back to Jonah, a Jew tasked with a mission to go and preach a message of salvation to the Gentile city of Nineveh. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If the Pharisee’s statement is a result of their spiritual blindness it is interesting that within this statement it is the prophet Jonah who is inadvertently rejected together with Jesus because in <b>Matthew 12</b> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jesus compares Himself to Jonah and compares the account of Jonah with His own death and resurrection to come: "</span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span class="text Matt-12-40" id="en-NKJV-23530" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="text Matt-12-41" id="en-NKJV-23531" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">41 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> here."</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The words “arisen out of Galilee” used by the Pharisees are also significant in this respect. The greek word used by the Pharisees in <b>John 7:52</b> was <i>egeiro</i> which means "<i>to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life." </i></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This greek word was used throughout the gospels when referring to resurrection from the dead, Lazarus’ resurrection, Jesus’ resurrection and the raising of the Temple after three days which is representative of Jesus’ resurrection. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Returning back to Jonah who we know was raised up out of the belly of the fish -</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jonah 2:2</b> <i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jonah 2:6</b><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">… </span><i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God. </span></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Hebrew word for ‘pit’ used in <b>Jonah 2:6</b> is <i>shachath</i> which literally means “death” or “grave”. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, not only is the Pharisee's statement factually incorrect on the basis that there had </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">previously </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">been prophets from Galilee, but also the statement is spiritually incorrect on the basis that the previous prophet from Galilee had been swallowed into the belly of Sheol and lifted up out of the grave by God which resulted in the Gentile city of Ninevah repenting of their sin; which is a direct picture of the death and resurrection of Jesus which has resulted in salvation becoming available to the Gentiles. By using </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">egeiro </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the Pharisees have (and most certainly without intending to) referred to Jesus' resurrection before it had come to pass, rejected the picture of Jesus' death and resurrection painted by the prophet Jonah and rejected Jesus' resurrection to come. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To focus on Hosea, the other prophet from Galilee, Hosea also points directly to the coming death and resurrection of Jesus: <b>Hosea 6:2</b> states, </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"<i>After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight."</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In this one small statement in <b>John 7:52</b> that was made by the Pharisees to dismiss the authority of Jesus, the Pharisees have unknowingly managed to </span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">place Jesus side by side with Old Testament prophets, which is exactly the opposite of what they would have wanted to do; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">link Jonah, Hosea and Jesus together; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">refer directly to Jesus' resurrection which was to come; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">reject Jonah and Hosea as prophets; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">reject the account of Jonah which was considered highly and well respected and </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">fail to consider </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hosea 6:2</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, which are both in turn pointing directly towards Jesus’ resurrection to come; and </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">reject Jesus’ resurrection.</span></li>
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-40018163954629487402015-09-20T13:41:00.001+01:002015-09-21T19:46:54.839+01:00Psalm 32: the Bit Between the Teeth.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Psalm 32:9 "be ye not as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This verse sums up the attitude of non christians towards christianity and religion in general. People think that being a Christian means sticking to a bunch of rules that nobody actually wants to stick to and having to use great self control in order to be able to do so. This attitude may carry some weight in relation to certain religions which are based on sticking to rules and finding favour through carrying out good works; but this kind of attitude holds no weight with true christianity and shows the lack of understanding of those who are not forgiven by Jesus and do not have the Spiritual understanding that is gained through putting your trust in Christ. (1 corinthians <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2:14</a> but the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People see Christianity as a religion and the Bible as its rulebook; if it is, that is only what man-made church has made of it. For true Christianity, that is, being forgiven by and trusting in the Lord Jesus, this is not what Christianity is. For the Bible is not a book of do's and don't's but rather a book of whys; why you should refrain from certain things and why you should do certain things. In todays' world people put great importance on the notion of freedom and believe that being 'free' is having the ability to do what they like when they like (and boy do they like to push the boundaries), but what they do not realise is that not all things are profitable and many of the things that they do in pursuit of 'freedom' are actually damaging and ultimately binding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a follower of Christ, they refrain from certain things, not necessarily because they 'have' to but rather because they want to and they understand why they should do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many examples come to mind, some that may appear more trivial to others in some people's mind. The 3rd commandment commands to not take the Lords name in vain. In today's world blasphemy is common place. A born again Christian does not blaspheme, not because they can't but rather because they would never in a million years want to. God loves us and has given us life through Christ, therefore why would we want to use his name as a swear word and why would we want to break one of his commandments? (John <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">15:14</a> "if you love me, keep my commandments").</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This example applies to all aspects of our lives and God's commandments. If we love God, we do not seek to keep God's commandments because we have to, it is not that we are bound like a horse with a bit between it's teeth, but rather it is because we want to. We recognise what God has done for us and therefore we cannot have any desire other than to live in a way that pleases Him and is worthy of the sacrifice that He made for us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you find yourself in a life or death situation and a person gives their life so that you may live and have a second chance you are not going to squander that chance. You would take it and strive to do something to make it worthy of the sacrifice that the person has made for you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the same way Christ gave His life for you so that you may have a second chance. Romans <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">6:23</a> states "for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is Eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse shows two groups of people: the first are those who are without Christ and live with sin prevailing in their hearts; the second are those who have accepted God's gift. We are all guilty of breaking Gods commandments and find ourselves within the first category. However because God loves us He does not want us to remain in that first category and therefore sent His only son, Jesus to die on our behalf. The Lord gave himself in our place and took the punishment for that sin which we deserve. Therefore by trusting in Him we can be made free and find ourselves placed into the second category. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God Has given us a great gift. We do not keep his commandments because we are bound by rules but we keep his commandments because we know the gift that he has given us and the cost that it came at. We do not want to squander the second chance that we have been given. We trust in Gods commandants because we know that each commandment protects and helps to build up. There is a reason why the Bible says what it says, there is a reason why God puts importance on the things that He puts importance on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the time of writing Psalm 32, the Lord Jesus had not yet come. God's law was prevalent and was what showed the people the problem of sin that we all have. The nation of Israel tried and failed again and again to keep Gods commandments. However like a horse with a bit between its teeth, the people would break the commandments and have to be brought back again and again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Galatians 3:23-25 states "but before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed, wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith has come we are no longer under a schoolmaster for we are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before Christ men had to seek in vain to try to remain pure by 'living good', but as we know from psalm 14:3 "there are none who are good no not one; all have turned aside." However today, we have Christ Jesus who came to earth as one of us and has kept those laws for us and died on our behalf taking that sin upon Himself so that now through faith in Him those natural commandments are not laws that we have to keep in order to earn God's favour, but rather they are written on our hearts through faith in Christ (Romans <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://3" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2:15</a>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We do not keep God's commands because we have to like a horse with a bit between its teeth, but rather because we want to because we recognise the great cost that God has given to rescue us from the chains of sin and the consequences that brings because He loves us so that we may be able to appear justified before Him and no longer be bound by the snares of sin but find ourselves truly free. </span></div>
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- BACChristian</div>
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-69551367795891393742015-08-11T10:48:00.000+01:002015-08-11T10:52:11.985+01:00Haggai 1:7 Do what God wants not what the world dictates<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AqhvZmjIqs/VcnFNBM2sxI/AAAAAAAAAS8/0SC1avGs56s/s1600/Screen-Shot-2014-01-12-at-10.55.30-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AqhvZmjIqs/VcnFNBM2sxI/AAAAAAAAAS8/0SC1avGs56s/s320/Screen-Shot-2014-01-12-at-10.55.30-PM.png" width="320" /></a><b>Haggai 1:7</b> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Hag-1-7" id="en-NKJV-22848" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Thus says the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> of hosts: “Consider your ways! </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Hag-1-8" id="en-NKJV-22849" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Hag-1-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Haggai begins with the Words of the Lord: </span></div>
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<span class="text Hag-1-2" id="en-NKJV-22843" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>“Thus speaks the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s house should be built.”’”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Hag-1-3" id="en-NKJV-22844" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>Then the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came by Haggai the prophet, saying, </span><span class="text Hag-1-4" id="en-NKJV-22845" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>“<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Is it</span> time for you yourselves to dwell in your panelled houses, and this temple<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-22845a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-22845a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Haggai+1&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-22845a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">to lie</span> in ruins?” </span><span class="text Hag-1-5" id="en-NKJV-22846" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>Now therefore, thus says the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> of hosts: “Consider your ways!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">“You have sown much, and bring in little;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Hag-1-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">You eat, but do not have enough;</span></span></div>
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You drink, but you are not filled with drink;</div>
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You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm;</div>
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And he who earns wages,</div>
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Earns wages <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">to put</span> into a bag with holes.”</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Hag-1-7" id="en-NKJV-22848" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>Thus says the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> of hosts: “Consider your ways! </span><span class="text Hag-1-8" id="en-NKJV-22849" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Hag-1-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The people of Israel have spent their efforts fortifying and building their own houses but have neglected the building of the temple of God. This can be read about <a href="http://bacchristian.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/haggai-11-11-satisfaction-comes-through.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Now God commands His people to begin constructing the temple. <b>Verse 12 </b>tells us of the people's obedience to God's command as they begin to turn their efforts towards constructing the temple: </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; text-align: start; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span><span style="text-align: start;">Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps; text-align: start;">Lord </span><span style="text-align: start;">their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps; text-align: start;">Lord</span><span style="text-align: start;"> their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps; text-align: start;">Lord</span><span style="text-align: start;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading through <b>Haggai 1</b> we can see how the people had neglected God and made themselves the priority. After being reprimanded by God they came back to obeying the Lord and building his temple. However, by looking at the background we can see that this was not as straight forward as it seems. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Haggai was a prophet during the time of the exodus from Babylon after the Israelites 70 year Babylonian exile. <b>Ezra 5:1 </b>states </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Then the prophet <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Haggai</span> and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophets, prophesied to the Jews who <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">were</i> in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">who was</i> over them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The book of Ezra shows how during the Israelites captivity, King Cyrus made a decree to allow the Israelites back to Jerusalem to construct the temple. However, after King Cyrus' reign had finished the decree was buried and the Israelites came against fierce opposition to their return and their construction of the temple. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The kings succeeding King Cyrus listened to the people who were against the Israelites and ensured that the temple was not constructed. It was during this time of oppression that the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah were prophesying. (<b>Haggai 1:1</b> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To us with the benefit of hindsight we are able to read <b>Haggai chapter 1 </b>and see how the people's attention was not directed toward God and then following the word of the Lord they turned back to Him and began constructing the temple. However, in reality, this was not the whole story. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Haggai had brought the command of the Lord. The command was the very thing that they had experienced extreme oppression and pressure for trying to do. God wanted the Israelites to build the temple, but the world did not and the circumstances certainly did not allow it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God instructs us to be His witnesses in this sinful world, however there will soon come a time when the world will not allow it. There will be times when the world will dictate that you act in a certain way that is contrary to the Word of the Lord. However, we must be encouraged and sure to do what God wants and not what the world dictates, for only through God can we receive blessing and fulfilment. The worlds way will amount to nothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Haggai 1:13</b> promises us </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>Then Haggai, the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s messenger, spoke the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s message to the people, saying, “I <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">am</i> with you, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God had asked what may have seemed impossible at the time, however God is bigger than this world and it is in Him whom we should trust. We go on to read in <b>Ezra 6:12</b> that following petition from the Israelites to the reigning king, .</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">..I Darius issue a decree; let it be done diligently.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even were something may seem impossible, God will make provision for those who have accepted Christ (<b>Matthew 6:26</b> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"</span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">).</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 8:28</b> </span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">His</i> purpose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We must trust in the power of God and not our own strength. Even when the world dictates something contrary to what God wants, we must be assured that God will provide a way for it to be accomplished. Never be dismayed by the worlds oppression. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We go on to read in Ezra 7:6 how Ezra, a scribe of the Law of Moses was raised up to lead the Israelites. Following the decree to allow the Israelites to construct the temple, King Artaxerxes continues to bless the Israelites: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ezra 7:18-20 </b></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Ezra-7-18" id="en-NKJV-12192" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">And whatever seems good to you and your brethren to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do it according to the will of your God.</span><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Ezra-7-19" id="en-NKJV-12193" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>Also the articles that are given to you for the service of the house of your God, deliver in full before the God of Jerusalem.</span><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Ezra-7-20" id="en-NKJV-12194" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>And whatever more may be needed for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to provide, pay <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">for it </i>from the king’s treasury.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the time Haggai first brought the command of the Lord to the people of Israel, they may have been sceptical. However by trusting in God we can see how they were blessed and able to complete what God wanted. For God could see the bigger picture and was able to provide a way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The decision of the Israelites to follow the word of God and turn their efforts towards building the temple was not an easy one, yet through their faith and trust in God they succeeded, for they knew the words in <b>Haggai 1:13</b> ran true:</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> "I am with you". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Deuteronomy 31:8 </b></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> "</span>And the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, He <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”</span></div>
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-78769485250123936272015-08-04T18:19:00.000+01:002015-08-04T19:32:58.349+01:00Joshua 2:19 - The Gospel in the Walls of Jericho<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Joshua 2</b> speaks of the spies of Israel sent out by Joshua to spy out the land of Jericho for Israel. During their time in Jericho, behind the enemy lines, the spies encounter a local harlot called Rahab who agrees to take them into her house to stay.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Joshua 2:2-3</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> states </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"<span style="line-height: 24px;">And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country.” </span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the country.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">To set the scene, Rahab is a citizen of Jericho and an enemy of Israel. Her own people are seeking out the spies who have come to gather information on the city before the army of Israel moves in. It would be expected for Rahab to give up the spies and side with her own people, however this is not what happens. Instead, we are told in verse 5 that Rahab chooses to hide the spies of Israel in her own home and protect them, rather than give them up. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 24px;">The spies were on an intelligence mission to see what the layout of the city was before the Army of Israel came to attack and Rahab would have known this. Rahab would have known that the spies successful mission would likely result in the overthrow and attack of her home town, yet despite this she still chooses to protect them. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 24px;">The reason for this is given in verse 8 -13:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Josh-2-8" id="en-NKJV-5878" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof, </span><span class="text Josh-2-9" id="en-NKJV-5879" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>and said to the men: “I know that the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. </span><span class="text Josh-2-10" id="en-NKJV-5880" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>For we have heard how the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">were</i> on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. </span><span class="text Josh-2-11" id="en-NKJV-5881" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>And as soon as we heard <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">these things,</i> our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the<span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God, He <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> God in heaven above and on earth beneath. </span><span class="text Josh-2-12" id="en-NKJV-5882" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a true token, </span><span class="text Josh-2-13" id="en-NKJV-5883" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.”</span></span></div>
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To reward Rahab for her faithfulness and unwillingness to give up the spies, to the point of risking her own life, the spies make a covenant with her not to harm her when the impending attack comes. </div>
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<span class="text Josh-2-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Joshua 2:14</b></span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"</span></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So the men answered her, “Our lives for yours, if none of you tell this business of ours. And it shall be, when the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you.”</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></div>
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The spies covenanted with her that when the attack comes, Rahab should bind a line of scarlet cord in her window. By doing this, the Israelites would know that no person within that house must be touched. However, anybody outside of the house would be in danger of being struck down and killed during the attack.</div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold;">Joshua 2:17</b><span class="text Josh-2-17" id="en-NKJV-5887" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"</span></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So the men said to her: “We <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">will be</i> blameless of this oath of yours which you have made us swear, </span></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Josh-2-18" id="en-NKJV-5888" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>unless, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">when</i> we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household to your own home. </span><span class="text Josh-2-19" id="en-NKJV-5889" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>So it shall be <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">that</i> whoever goes outside the doors of your house into the street, his blood <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">shall be</i> on his own head, and we <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">will be</i>guiltless. And whoever is with you in the house, his blood <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">shall be</i> on our head if a hand is laid on him. </span><span class="text Josh-2-20" id="en-NKJV-5890" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>And if you tell this business of ours, then we will be free from your oath which you made us swear.”"</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Skipping forward we are told in </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Joshua 6:17</b> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>"</b></span>Now the city shall be doomed by the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> to destruction, it and all who <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">are</i> in it. Only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all who <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">are</i> with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent."</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Joshua 6:22</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> states </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"But Joshua had said to the two men who had spied out the country, “Go into the harlot’s house, and from there bring out the woman and all that she has, as you swore to her.”"</span></div>
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<b><u>The Gospel in the Walls of Jericho</u></b></h3>
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We all know the story of the walls of Jericho and how the Israelite army marched around the city walls seven times for seven days until they collapsed. However, this account of the battle against Jericho is a great picture of the gospel and saving grace of the Lord Jesus that was to come.</div>
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Rahab, the harlot and common person represents us, who is living in the city of Jericho, a city at enmity from the people of God. Just like Rahab we are all sinful people who all fall short of the glory of God (<b>Romans 6:23</b>). </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here we see Jericho represent the world and its citizens the people of the world. The world is at enmity from God (<b>James 4:4 </b></span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">"</span><span style="line-height: 24px;">Adulterers and</span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">). </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Isaiah 59:2</b> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"</span></span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But your iniquities have separated you from your God; </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">And your sins have hidden</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">His</i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">face from you, </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">So that He will not hear."</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God's impending judgment upon the world is coming whether we like it or not and God is going to deal with the problem of sin and sinful people within the world. The Lord has promised us that He will one day deal with the injustice and wrongfulness of this world. However we are told in God's word that God loves us and does not want any of us to perish (</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 Peter 3:9</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> "</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The Lord is not slack concerning <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">His</i> promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance"</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just as in the story of Jericho, God has sent his spies into all the world to preach the Good News and attempt to claw back those who are lost. <b>Matthew 22:14 </b>tells us that "</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Many are called, but few are chosen")</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. God is calling each and everyone of us to Him, yet only few answer that call. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For those of us living in the world, like Rahab living in Jericho, we have a choice. A choice to either accept God's word and the message of his salvation brought by His spies, or reject it and side with the world. Whichever choice we make the truth does not change the fact that God will one day come to take sin into captivity. </span></div>
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By acknowledging the spies of Israel and allowing them into her house, Rahab was spared by the army of God when they invaded the city. The Spies tell her that anybody in her house at the time would be spared, provided that a scarlet cord is hanging from her window (verse 18), however those outside of her house will be dealt with in the same way as everybody else in the city.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here we should instantly see the parallel to the story of the Passover and the instructions to the Israelites to paint the blood of a lamb above their door frames to ensure that they escape the tenth plague of God (</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Exodus 12</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">). Just as the Israelites where to place blood above their doors, Rahab is instructed to bind a cord in her window crimson, the colour of blood (</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Isaiah 1:18 </b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Come now, and let us reason together, Says the Lord, Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.").</span></div>
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In both accounts, the significance of placing a visible item upon the door or window represents the blood of Christ that has been spilt on the resident's behalf. The sacrifice that Christ has made so that the benefactor may be spared from impending judgment. The significance also is a lesson to us to show that whilst we are in the midst of a sinful world, we should in no way be part of it. We should be in the world but not of it and it should be clearly visible for all to see that we have been saved by the the Lord Jesus. <b> Romans 12:2</b> tells us not to be conformed to this world. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In <b>John 17</b> Jesus prays for His disciples, His followers and the believers, stating at verse 15-17: </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><b>"</b></span><span class="text John-17-15" id="en-NKJV-26775" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.</span> </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="text John-17-16" id="en-NKJV-26776" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.</span> </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="text John-17-17" id="en-NKJV-26777" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth."</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We all live in this world and have purpose from God, it is not Gods plan to remove us from this world at this time, however we can be rest assured that we will be protected and always saved through the truth of God's grace (<b>Matthew 10:28 </b>"</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.").</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today we have a chance to abide in the house of the Lord, through accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as our saviour. We are promised in <b>Psalm 91:1-2</b> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">" <span style="line-height: 24px;">He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."</span></span></div>
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Just as Rahab lived within the city that was about to be overrun, we live in a sinful world that is going to be brought into judgment by God and just like Rahab we have a choice whether to accept God or reject Him. </div>
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If we accept Him God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (<b>1 John 1:9</b>) and save us from His coming judgment. But if we do not accept Him or leave His protection He will be blameless and any blood will not be on his hands. Just as in <b>Joshua 2:19</b>, where the spies clearly warn Rahab what would happen if she left the protection of her home, God has made his terms to us clear, that being, we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God and must put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ if we want to live. </div>
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God will not be guilty of any blood that is shed if the people are outside of His protection. However, we read in <b>Matthew 27:25 </b>in the account of the crucifixion of Jesus, how the men shouted and demanded for the blood of Jesus, an innocent man. <b>Matthew 27:25 </b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>"</b></span><span style="line-height: 24px;">And all the people answered and said, “His blood </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">be</i><span style="line-height: 24px;"> on us and on our children.”</span></span></div>
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The blood of Jesus is on our heads, yet still out of His love for us He died for us so that we may live. We must put our trust in Christ today and repent of the blood that is on our hands. Repent of the sins and wrongs that we have committed, separate ourselves from this sinful world which will surely be dealt with as it deserves and hide ourselves away in the protection of the Lord. </div>
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Make the choice today. Because we all have to sooner or later. </div>
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-BACChristian</div>
BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-13969127480140333862015-03-15T14:53:00.000+00:002015-08-05T17:31:34.760+01:00the World Wide Web<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">We are all unique. <b>Psalm 139:14</b> tells us that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. <b>Jeremiah 29:11 </b>tells us that God has a purpose and plan for each one of us, "</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">There are over 6 billion people on the earth (and a lot more in time gone by) and each one of us has a unique identity with differing abilities, skills and talents and each of us are born into different cultures and circumstances. Yet, despite this seemingly world wide chaotic situation where everybody is different, for those of us who are Christians we are told: </span><b>"</b>t</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">here is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (</span><b>Galatians 3:28</b>).</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">No matter how unique each person is, those of us who have accepted Christ Jesus as our saviour are one in Him, no matter who we are: big, small, old, young, rich, poor, criminal, lawmaker, English speaking, non English speaking. We all share this one unchanging commonality in Christ.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The Bible refers to us as brethren in Christ. No matter who we are or where we are from we are all intrinsically linked by this one truth within us. It truly is a world wide web that we can be a part of. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">As a Christian we have the privilege of being able to instantly find family no matter where we are. How often we can instantly befriend someone we have never even met and is completely different from us just because we both share that commonality in Christ.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The importance of this link is not to be underestimated and we can see from the Bible how important it is on more than one level.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Paul states in <b>1 Corinthians 1:10 "</b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">that</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> there be no divisions among you, but </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">that</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Paul makes it clear that it is through our brethren that we find encouragement and blessings. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>1 Thessalonians 5:11 </b>states "</span></span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."</span><br />
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<span class="versenum" style="background-color: #fdfeff; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2 Corinthians 1:11-14</b> states, </span></span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">behalf for the gift</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">granted</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">to us through many.</span><span class="text 2Cor-1-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. </span><span class="text 2Cor-1-13" id="en-NKJV-28814" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end </span><span class="text 2Cor-1-14" id="en-NKJV-28815" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>(as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">are</i> ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus."</span></div>
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We encourage one another to strive toward that heavenly crown. In doing so we also have a responsibility to each other that should not be neglected. In <b>2 Corinthians 1:11-14</b>, Paul is saying that we, the brethren in Christ, are able to boast in one another. </div>
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I am able to boast in my brethren who has faith in Christ and lives in a way that brings glory to God because He is living in a way that brings glory to God and he is the same as me through Christ. In turn he should be able to boast in me because I too am putting my trust in Christ and living my life in a way that is bringing glory to God. The result of this is that we are both encouraged together to strive toward that heavenly crown.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Paul writes this at the end of 2 Corinthians chapter 1. To clarify his point, he goes on in <b>2 Corinthians 2:1-2</b>: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 24px; line-height: 19.2000007629395px;">"</span></span><span class="text 2Cor-2-1" id="en-NKJV-28826" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. </span><span class="text 2Cor-2-2" id="en-NKJV-28827" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?"</span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-2-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">If we are encouraged by our ability to boast in our brethren in Christ, then that means we must also be discouraged when a brethren acts in a way of which we cannot boast, for as we know we are all one in Christ. If a member of the brethren is sad or not living in a way that glorifies God, then this can be damaging to the gospel and can be damaging to our faith and relationship with God, as we become discouraged. In turn, that person will also become discouraged by our state of discouragement. </span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-2-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>2 Corinthians 2:3</b></span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> "</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">the joy</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">of you all."</span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-2-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">As Christians we have a responsibility toward one another, for we all make up the body of Christ. This is not a responsibility to take lightly. Of course the benefit of the brethren is that we are able to build each other up and encourage one another if one of the brethren feels low or saddened, however if you are one of those people who is constantly complaining and sorrowful and not joyful of anything, this can take its toll on other members of the brethren. We should be careful that we do not discourage one another.</span></div>
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In this way, it is the same as any relationship, in order to receive we must also give. We cannot constantly receive, for the other person will be left bereft. In order for the brethren to operate we must all work together giving and encouraging in Christ. By one brethren giving, another will receive the benefit and move forward in their relationship with Christ and in turn, by that brethren giving, the original member will also receive benefit and move forward in their relationship with Christ. </div>
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We are all unique and different, but now indeed there are many members, yet one body (<b>1 Corinthians 12:20</b>). </div>
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<b>2 Corinthians 12:4-6</b>: "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries but the same Lord, And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all."</div>
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Let us remember the responsibilities we have as followers of Christ. Not only do we have a responsibility to walk in the light and act as salt and light to the unbelievers, but we also have just an important responsibility towards our brethren and those already saved. Our duty to non-believers is to give them a full account of the gospel. Our duty to believers is to build each other up in Christ. Do not complain and grumble, but focus on the immense gift and blessing we have received from God our Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. </div>
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-BACChristian<br />
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-29945212314405854602015-02-06T13:02:00.004+00:002015-02-06T13:26:42.750+00:00Galatians 5 Becoming Spiritual and not Carnal<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Romans 8:6 "F</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">or to be carnally minded </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> death, but to be spiritually minded </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> life and peace."</span></div>
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There is a common misconception amongst God-believers today that we are all the 'children of God'. We are not. There are two groups on this earth; those who belong to God through Christ Jesus and those who do not belong to God and are separated from him. </div>
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If you have put your faith in Christ, then His Spirit dwells within you and you are a child of God and even equal heirs with Christ. How humbling the generosity of God the Father is, the fact that despite all the wrong we have committed, not only has He made a way for us to be saved, but He has even made a way for us to be lifted up as equal heirs to His Son Jesus Christ who died for us. </div>
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<b>Romans 8:16-17</b> <span class="text Rom-8-16" id="en-NKJV-28133" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 "</span>The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Rom-8-17" id="en-NKJV-28134" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Him,</i> that we may also be glorified together."</span></div>
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For those who have not put their faith in Christ, God's Spirit does not dwell within them and they are separated from Him. <b>Romans 8:9</b> states "<span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His."</span> </div>
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Not only are those who have not put their faith in Christ "not His", but they are considered to be children of the world and of the devil, not children of God.</div>
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<b>1 John 3:8 </b>states <b>"</b><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil."</span></div>
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This is a harsh truth that Christians may not like or may not like to talk about and one that non-Christians find offensive. But it is the truth. </div>
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That is why <b>John 3:19</b> states "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."</span></div>
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<b>James 4:4</b> states "...<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."</span></div>
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People may ask why this enmity must exist, but it is a natural consequence of God's perfection. If God is so completely holy and completely perfect then anything that is not of Him can only be completely unholy and completely imperfect. There is no in between. For to be perfect is truly to be perfect. To be imperfect is a long way from perfection. Even if you are imperfect in just one area of your life, that one area would render the whole of you imperfect. That is why <b>James 2:10</b> states "If you have broken the law in one place, you have broken it in all."</div>
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There are no in betweens when the notion of perfection is involved. There are no "sitting on the fence" positions; you are either in one camp or in the other. Those who have Christ within them have a perfect Spirit because they belong to Him. They also look forward in hope to that day when they will be made completely perfect. That day cannot come to those who are still on this earth, because we all live within the shell of an earthly body which is fallen. That is why <b>2 Corinthians 4:16</b> states "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">man</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day."</span> However, those who do not have Christ within them, they are inherently wicked and have no place in the sight of God. <b>Isaiah 59:2 </b>"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">But your iniquities have separated you from your God; </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">And your sins have hidden</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">His</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">face from you, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">So that He will not hear."</span></div>
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<b>Romans 6:16-18 </b>explains to us this stark contrast and the impact of putting our faith in Christ <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"<span class="text Rom-6-16" id="en-NKJV-28085" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">leading</i> to death, or of obedience <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">leading</i> to righteousness? </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Rom-6-17" id="en-NKJV-28086" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>But God be thanked that <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">though</i> you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Rom-6-18" id="en-NKJV-28087" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness."</span></span></div>
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If you have not put you faith in Christ then you are a slave to sin which leads to death and are inherently wicked. Put your faith in Christ to move out from the darkness you are currently in and into the light of righteousness. </div>
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As born again Christians going forward, we must leave those worldly practices behind that we once knew and go on to live out the righteousness of God, which is within us. The question is how do we do this? How many times do you see Christians who do not live what they claim to believe. How many times do you hear of Christian who are depressed or living worldly lives. How many times do you see churches full of gossipers and backbiters, giving importance to worldly things and ignoring the things of God. <b>Colossians 3:2</b> instructs us, "set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth." Why is it that in a church you can usually count the number of Christians who actually do this on one hand? How is it possible that we have made this radical life-changing decision for Christ and yet no outward change has come about in our lives? Why is it that time and time and time again we strive to do better but always end up back at the start? Paul, in his letter to the Corinthian church stresses the need to move on from being mere 'babes' in Christ. Why do so many remain spiritually immature? </div>
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On a practical level it is due to the fact that we are too immersed in our world and our culture - a world which belongs to the devil (<b>2 Corinthians 4:4</b>) and not to God. We constantly fill our minds with non-spiritual things, therefore it is inevitable that what comes out of us will be non-spiritual. <b>Matthew 12:34</b> tells us that "the mouth speaks what the heart is full of". We cannot realistically expect to be spiritually mature Christians if we spend our days filling our minds with that which is impure. We cannot be spiritually mature if we spend our time on social media, watching unwholesome television, listening to songs that glorify defiling and worldly things, spending our time surrounded with unholy people, going to unholy places that are filled with sin. We cannot spend our days immersed in our ungodly society and then expect to be edified through a 'quiet time' or 'study' with God's Word. It cannot happen! It is impossible! This may sound extreme, but is anything too extreme where the holiness of God is concerned? We must cast off the works of this world, otherwise we have no chance to excel in our relationship with God and bring the true glory to Him that He deserves, or to receive the true benefit that He has given to us through Jesus Christ! </div>
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Until we take this extreme stance and understand the seriousness of the wickedness of the world and of ourselves we will never leave the fleshly, carnal state that we find ourselves in. However, this extreme stance cannot be taken through our own strength. This is not a question of discipline. It is not an issue of how mentally tough or strong we can be or how much self-control we can exert so that we may start to live better healthier lives. It is not a question of whether we have the ability to cut things out of our lives, or refrain from doing certain things in an effort to train our bodies and our minds. For any attempt to do this is futile and will surely fail. This is proven by the amount of Christians who strive to do better but cannot seem to shake the dust of the world from them. </div>
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To move on from being babes in Christ, to move on from being wrapped up in this world and to move on and become spiritual and content fulfilled beings and shake this gritty worldly dust that clings to us once and for all we must come to the realisation of our depraved state. We must understand where we are and where we have come from. </div>
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We live in a fallen world and we live in fallen bodies. A person is not a body; a person is not flesh and blood. If you speak to somebody you are not speaking to flesh and blood, you are speaking to some spirit that exists within that flesh and blood. We must realise that we are not made up of one entity but different entities tied together. We all have a body, but within us we all possess a soul and a spirit and that is what makes us. We have free will and what our soul clings to is what we chose, whether it is to the body and the temporary things of the world that lead to death and misery or whether it is to God's Spirit which is holy and right and can give eternal life. For those of us who belong to Christ, Christ's spirit is within us and it is that which we should be controlled by. To those who do not have Christ, do not have Christ's spirit within them and they are controlled by their bodies and all the physical temporary urges that come with that. However, what we find is that many Christians, who should be controlled by the perfect Spirit of God within them are in fact still controlled by these temporary and unsatisfying urges of the body. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><b>Romans 8:8</b> "So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God."</span></div>
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In order to move on from being a fleshly being and to become spiritual we must realise that we are trapped in a fleshly shell, which wants to do that which is contrary to God's spirit within us. It is a body which wants to do that which is defiling and it naturally gravitates towards those short lived destructive indulgences which bring only death, like a smoker is drawn toward a cigarette. </div>
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In order to become Spiritual we must first understand where we have come from and what we truly are. <b>Proverbs 20:6</b> says that man will declare his own goodness. How true this is. But in order for us to leave behind the ways of the world we must learn to declare our own depravity. Only when we realise how low we really are and humble ourselves beyond doubt can we have any chance to be lifted up by the branch of Christ and His arm outstretched towards us. We may consider ourselves good or maybe 'okay', but in comparison to the holiness of God we are wretched!</div>
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Turn to <b>Galatians 5</b>, looking at the fruit of the Spirit. How many times have we heard sermons on the following 3 verses:</div>
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<b>Galatians 5:22-25</b> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Gal-5-22" id="en-NKJV-29185" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">22 </span>But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Gal-5-23" id="en-NKJV-29186" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </span>gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Gal-5-24" id="en-NKJV-29187" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">24 </span>And those <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">who are</i> Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Gal-5-25" id="en-NKJV-29188" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">25 </span>If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.</span> </span></div>
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How many times have we read Galatians 5 and focused on these three verses and examined ourselves in accordance with them? How many times have we strived to keep them, even attempted to train ourselves so that we may begin to show these qualities through fasting and self-discipline? How many times have we made excuse for ourselves, and justified ourselves by convincing ourselves that we have recently shown some of these qualities? How many times have we come to the conclusion that "whilst we do not possess them all, we are on our way and we are doing quite well considering the fact that we are sinners".</div>
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We love to focus on the fruit of the spirit and attempt to justify ourselves in our own minds by proudly noticing that we have recently shown some of these qualities; that we have recently shown joy or peace or kindness or self-control. We go through the list and tick the boxes for each one. Where we find one which we do not possess we make a note that we must do better in that area! </div>
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But, I believe we are starting with the wrong verses. We are listening to the part of the chapter which describes the end result. How can we possibly make it to the end if we do not bother to acknowledge where we have begun?</div>
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Very few sermons and very few Bible studies focus on the verses preceding these 3 verses. What we must do in order to become spiritual and to truly possess the fruit of the spirit is to focus on the part of the chapter that none of us like. Read the whole passage and not just the end:</div>
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<b>Galatians 16-25</b> "<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Gal-5-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.</span><span class="text Gal-5-17" id="en-NKJV-29180" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. </span><span class="text Gal-5-18" id="en-NKJV-29181" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Gal-5-19" id="en-NKJV-29182" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-29182c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-29182c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205#fen-NKJV-29182c" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</span> fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, </span><span class="text Gal-5-20" id="en-NKJV-29183" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, </span><span class="text Gal-5-21" id="en-NKJV-29184" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">21 </span>envy, murders,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-29184d" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-29184d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205#fen-NKJV-29184d" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</span>drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">you</i> in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Gal-5-22" id="en-NKJV-29185" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">22 </span>But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, </span><span class="text Gal-5-23" id="en-NKJV-29186" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </span>gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.</span><span class="text Gal-5-24" id="en-NKJV-29187" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">24 </span>And those <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">who are</i> Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. </span><span class="text Gal-5-25" id="en-NKJV-29188" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">25 </span>If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. </span><span class="text Gal-5-26" id="en-NKJV-29189" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">26 </span>Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."</span></span></div>
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Usually when we read the passage above, we focus on verses 16-18 and then quickly skim over verses 19-21 or even skip to verse 22. This is not what we should be doing. Instead we should first look at verses 19 - 21 and realise where we have come from and what we truly begin as. </div>
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We can spend a long, long time examining ourselves and looking for the qualities of the fruit of the spirit within us until we find them (and somehow we usually manage to convince ourselves that we have found them). However, it is usually the case that we are instantly able to find the works of the flesh within us. </div>
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In order to become spiritual we must first acknowledge that we are carnal and fleshly. In order to become holy we must first realise we are depraved. In order to become righteous we must first realise that we are evil. Just as when we visit a doctor, we must first learn that we are sick before we take the cure. </div>
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For the non-Christian you must realise you have fallen short of God's standards and only through Christ can you be saved. Once we realise we are sinners we then can be given the cure of Christ. Put your trust in Christ and you will be saved from your sinful state.</div>
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Then, once saved, in order to grow we must go beyond this realisation. We must go on to realise that we live in a fallen body and what we are is completely foreign to who God is. We are literally nothing without God. We cannot train ourselves to become spiritual. It is impossible. We have literally no hope without God. We are depraved. </div>
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How humbling and overwhelming the grace of God becomes when we look at it from our true position. How high up the walls of the pit which we came from are. How glorious God is in comparison to us! It is a depressing realisation to understand what we truly are, but a necessary one to understand what God has actually done for us.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3CipgY0zQw/UptH5fS-XYI/AAAAAAAAAMg/rg5Rpi60WZY/s1600/cross-sunbeam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3CipgY0zQw/UptH5fS-XYI/AAAAAAAAAMg/rg5Rpi60WZY/s1600/cross-sunbeam.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><b>John 3:16 </b>"For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son that whoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."</div>
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We are made of the works of the flesh spoken of in Galatians 5. We are without hope and wholly bad. Yet God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us. He sent His perfect Son Christ Jesus to literally take on the depraved nature that we all have so that we may have a chance to become glorious in Him and so that we may become equal heirs with Him. Even though we are filled with such depravity we can become equal heirs with Christ. <b>2 Corinthians 5:21</b> states "He made Him who knew no sin to become sin for us". </div>
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Now we know what Jesus has done for us let's not remain in the very place where Jesus had to go in order to save us! We are from the pit of depravity and sin and nothing is good within us. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, out of His love for us came down into that pit and took on that form of depravity so that we may be lifted out of it. Now that we know this, how can we possibly remain there!? But so many of us do. We cannot let this sacrifice go to waste! Realise what you have been saved from, if in fact you have been saved, and if you have been saved, leave the place where you have been saved from, don't dwindle there!</div>
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To become spiritual and to have any hope of leaving behind the ways of this world we must see what we truly are and where we have all begun and we must understand that whilst we are on this earth we are living in a body which is inherently evil and cannot be good. No attempt to keep God's laws in our own strength will work. <b>Romans 7:1</b> "Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?" </div>
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No matter how many times we attempt to do good we will fail <b>Romans 7:14</b> "For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin."</div>
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<b>Romans 7:15-25</b> sums it up best:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Rom-7-15" id="en-NKJV-28107" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">"15 </span>For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. </span><span class="text Rom-7-16" id="en-NKJV-28108" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">it is</i> good. </span><span class="text Rom-7-17" id="en-NKJV-28109" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>But now, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">it is</i> no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. </span><span class="text Rom-7-18" id="en-NKJV-28110" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">how</i> to perform what is good I do not find. </span><span class="text Rom-7-19" id="en-NKJV-28111" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>For the good that I will <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">to do,</i> I do not do; but the evil I will not <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">to do,</i> that I practice. </span><span class="text Rom-7-20" id="en-NKJV-28112" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>Now if I do what I will not <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">to do,</i> it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Rom-7-21" id="en-NKJV-28113" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">21 </span>I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.</span><span class="text Rom-7-22" id="en-NKJV-28114" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">22 </span>For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. </span><span class="text Rom-7-23" id="en-NKJV-28115" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </span>But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. </span><span class="text Rom-7-24" id="en-NKJV-28116" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">24 </span>O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? </span><span class="text Rom-7-25" id="en-NKJV-28117" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">25 </span>I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!"</span></span></div>
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Jesus has saved us from our carnal selves. We cannot save ourselves. The only way to leave our fleshly worldly desires and lives behind is to first, realise what they are; then realise what Jesus has done for us and the gravity of the sacrifice He made and the gravity of what we have been saved from; and then realise that only through Jesus can we leave it all behind once and for all!</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 8:9-11</b> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"<span class="text Rom-8-9" id="en-NKJV-28126" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. </span><span class="text Rom-8-10" id="en-NKJV-28127" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>And if Christ <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> in you, the body <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> dead because of sin, but the Spirit <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> life because of righteousness. </span><span class="text Rom-8-11" id="en-NKJV-28128" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-8-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Romans 8:2 tells us how we can become Spiritual, and it truly is the only way we can become spiritual:</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="text Rom-8-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Romans 8:2</span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; line-height: 22px; position: relative; text-align: start; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; text-align: start; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">"</span><span style="text-align: start;">For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."</span></span></div>
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Stop looking to justify yourselves in your own minds. Stop puffing yourselves up when you show a quality that is a fruit of the spirit and thinking that you are beyond the need for redemption or that you are "doing well". Instead, realise the depravity of the flesh and the body which you have and the fact that you can do nothing but cling to Jesus and be set free from the world through the spirit of life in Christ Jesus. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 8:12-13</b> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"<span class="text Rom-8-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. </span><span style="text-align: start;"></span><span class="text Rom-8-13" id="en-NKJV-28130" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."</span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Romans 6:1-14</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Rom-6-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?</span><span class="text Rom-6-2" id="en-NKJV-28071" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? </span><span class="text Rom-6-3" id="en-NKJV-28072" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? </span><span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NKJV-28073" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Rom-6-5" id="en-NKJV-28074" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">in the likeness</i> of <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">His</i> resurrection, </span><span class="text Rom-6-6" id="en-NKJV-28075" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>knowing this, that our old man was crucified with <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Him,</i> that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. </span><span class="text Rom-6-7" id="en-NKJV-28076" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>For he who has died has been freed from sin. </span><span class="text Rom-6-8" id="en-NKJV-28077" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,</span><span class="text Rom-6-9" id="en-NKJV-28078" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. </span><span class="text Rom-6-10" id="en-NKJV-28079" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>For <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">the death</i> that He died, He died to sin once for all; but <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">the life</i> that He lives, He lives to God. </span><span class="text Rom-6-11" id="en-NKJV-28080" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Rom-6-12" id="en-NKJV-28081" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. </span><span class="text Rom-6-13" id="en-NKJV-28082" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>And do not present your members <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">as</i> instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">as</i> instruments of righteousness to God. </span><span class="text Rom-6-14" id="en-NKJV-28083" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-6-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Read the above passage and pray to God that the Holy Spirit that will fill you when you put your faith in Christ will take precedence in your life, and that your soul within you will cling to the goodness of that Spirit, and not gravitate towards the natural tendencies of the flesh and body.</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-6-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Do not let Jesus' sacrifice go to waste. Call on God now and depend upon him and allow this life-changing radical decision to have a life-changing radical effect on your life. </span><br />
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<span class="text Rom-6-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">-BACChrsitian</span></div>
BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-79115022933815186102015-01-30T15:30:00.000+00:002015-01-30T15:37:24.164+00:00Matthew 13: - Nail your flag to the mast<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="line-height: 24px;">As Christians when we enter a new situation or meet new people it is important that we make a stand for what we believe right away. If we don't then it will be much more challenging for us to present the gospel and show the truth of Christ. Those people who know you best, such as family members, who have seen you grow up are often the hardest people to speak to about the Gospel. In comparison, contrary to what people say, preaching to a stranger is easier. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 24px;">What is the reason for this? If we try to speak to somebody that we know well about the gospel, they are in a position to scrutinize us or remind us of past mistakes we have made and therefore it makes it harder to preach with any credibility. Whatever we say, people can bring up some personal mistake or character trait that we possess and use it to throw whatever we say back in our face. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 24px;">Of course, unlike us, the Lord Jesus was perfect and nobody would be able to scrutinize Him based on his past or what He had done (although they tried and failed many times), however we can still see the same principle in Matthew 13:53-58. He was unable to speak with those in His home town. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>Matthew 13:53-58 </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Matt-13-53" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. </span><span class="text Matt-13-54" id="en-NKJV-23594" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">54 </span>When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Man</i> get this wisdom and <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">these </i>mighty works? </span><span class="text Matt-13-55" id="en-NKJV-23595" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">55 </span>Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? </span><span class="text Matt-13-56" id="en-NKJV-23596" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">56 </span>And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Man</i> get all these things?” </span><span class="text Matt-13-57" id="en-NKJV-23597" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">57 </span>So they were offended at Him. </span><span class="text Matt-13-57" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">But Jesus said to them, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.”</span> </span><span class="text Matt-13-58" id="en-NKJV-23598" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">58 </span>Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Jesus was not born to a rich family or to a family of academic stature. He was born in a stable without any beauty. He was brought up in circumstances that nobody would consider to be desirable. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-13-58" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Isaiah 55 </b> states, </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"</span></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">And as a root out of dry ground. </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">He has no form or comeliness; </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">And when we see Him, </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">There is</i><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">no beauty that we should desire Him."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">The people listening in <b>Matthew 13</b> knew where Jesus was from. They knew that He was a carpenter's son. For this reason, when Jesus began to teach them from the Scriptures they refused to listen. Even though the Words that Jesus was saying would have been with great authority and like nothing the people had ever heard before, the people rejected Him. Instead of listening to the great wisdom Christ was expounding, instead they said "Is this not the carpenters son? Is not his mother called Mary?" In other words, "who is this guy to preach to us? We know him. He has grown up around here. He's beneath us, how can he possibly preach to us religious leaders?"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22px;">For this reason Jesus replies </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: 22px;">"A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house."</span></div>
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Jesus moves on away from his home town to places were nobody knows were He is from. Nobody knows of His upbringing. Therefore when he speaks, people listen, and are amazed at what He is saying.<br />
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If you want to be salt and light to those around you, it is important that you let those around you know what you stand for right away. Nail you flag to the mast. By doing this, those whom you speak with will not be able to use potential personal failings against you and your words will carry weight as they are backed up with your actions. You will still make mistakes, however the fact that you have stood up and made known your allegiance to Christ Jesus from the start will put you in the position to stand up and preach Christ crucified.<br />
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By making known that you are a Christian at the earliest opportunity, then when you speak up for Christ people will listen and respect you. You will be accountable as a witness to God and your actions will be scrutinized more closely by those around you, but even when you make mistakes, you can use this as an opportunity to preach the Gospel and show the fact that nobody is perfect and we are all without excuse and in need of a saviour.<br />
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However, if you do not make it known that you are a Christian, you will find it very hard to subsequently stand up for Christ. When you stand up, rather than people listening to you, they will say "how can this person say all of this when we have known them to act just like us?" or "how can this person say all of this, who are they to judge, we have never known them to stand up before."<br />
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To those of us who are already Christians and are considering speaking up for the Lord, you will know how hard it can be to speak up when you have previously being living a life of sin with the very people who you want to speak to.<br />
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To those of us who have recently become Christians, it is a great opportunity to stand up and show those people around you the mercy of God and how the power of the gospel can transform your life.<br />
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To those people who are already Christians and find themselves in the predicament whereby they have not made known their faith and therefore struggle to speak up for Jesus, take courage in the Lord and have faith in God, knowing that he will bless you and strengthen you, giving you the words to speak up and give a defence for the Gospel of Christ, which we all need to hear. Don't delay it any longer and nail your flag to the mast at the earliest opportunity.<br />
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<span class="text Matt-13-58" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Matt-10-27" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">Matthew 8 27 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.</span> </span><span class="text Matt-10-28" id="en-NKJV-23446" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">28 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.</span> </span><span class="text Matt-10-29" id="en-NKJV-23447" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">29 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.</span> </span><span class="text Matt-10-30" id="en-NKJV-23448" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">30 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.</span> </span><span class="text Matt-10-31" id="en-NKJV-23449" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">31 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."</span></span></span><br />
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-55486876636632233772015-01-19T11:41:00.000+00:002015-08-05T17:30:15.882+01:00Romans 6: Sin and McDonalds<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 3:23</b> states "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jeremiah 17:9</b> states " the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1 John 1:8</b> says "if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are all sinful. Jeremiah says that our hearts are desperately wicked. We do not label ourselves "desperately wicked", but that is the reality we must accept. Not only are we sinful but we enjoy sin and the gratification it provides, albeit temporary. <b>Hebrews 11:25</b> states that people will "...enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 6:16</b> states: "<span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">leading</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> to death, or of obedience </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">leading</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> to righteousness?"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 6</b> looks at the effect of putting your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. It states that for those who have not put their trust in Christ and had a renewal of mind, they are literally a slave to sin, addicted to its temporary high's that it provides. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have a choice as to whether to find our satisfaction in sin and things of the world, which is passing away and will one day come to an end, or to put our trust and find our fulfilment in Christ, who is eternal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 6:17-18</b> states that through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross, we can move away from being enslaved to sin and instead become slaves to righteousness. ("<span class="text Rom-6-17" id="en-NKJV-28086" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">But God be thanked that <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">though</i> you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Rom-6-18" id="en-NKJV-28087" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.")</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Rom-6-18" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">This concept of becoming a slave to righteousness is not liked by sinners. For man wants nothing more than to be free. Free of rules and laws and especially free from things that tell them what they can or cannot do. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">But these people are blinded by their addiction. They cannot see that we all must be slaves to something, either sin or to righteousness. You can either be a slave to sin which causes you to remain in your stupor and which leads nowhere, or become slaves to righteousness and have a renewal of your mind so that, instead of naturally swaying towards things that are not good, you will naturally want to do that which is good and righteous. What sinners cannot see is that whilst they believe they are free, they are in fact slaves to sin and the things which bind them; slaves to money, slaves to status, slaves to the ways of the world, slaves to physical gratification. Sinners don't like the idea of being 'slaves to righteousness' but they forget the fact that they are slaves themselves and being a slave to righteousness will make them really free in comparison to the oppression that exists through being slaves to sin. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 6:23</b> states "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">For the wages of sin </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> death, but the gift of God </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we put our trust in and base our lives upon is what we are slaves to on this world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The slave to sin is like a man who eats McDonalds. The food is pleasurable to him and he enjoys eating there. He thinks it is very good, and for a time, it is good. It does taste nice. He would scoff at anyone who tells him that he is a slave to it or that he is not free, but pretty soon it starts to take its toll. In comparison the slave to righteousness is eating in a fine restaurant. He is being wined and dined and sits in a nice environment eating food that is good for him. But, the slave to sin cannot see that. He cannot see past his burger and would rather remain there instead of the fine restaurant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The film, "Supersize Me", which followed a man who ate nothing but Mcdonalds for 30 days showed the effect that it had. Before the end of the 30 days he had become depressed and doctors warned him that he would die if he continued. He received severe headaches if he did not get his Mcdonalds' fix as his sugar levels would drop rapidly, which he had become reliant on due to the high sugar content in the Mcdonalds buns. He was addicted to Mcdonalds. He would have enjoyed the taste of it at first. The gratification that it brings you, but soon it would have started to taste bitter in his stomach. In his mind he was free, but he was in fact a slave to it, even though it was killing him. His physical body demanded it in order to survive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So are the state of sinners in this world today. They think they are free and enjoy the taste of sin, but whilst they sit their enjoying their cheap thrills they are not aware that a table at a fine restaurant has been prepared for them. It is there waiting for them, but instead, they chose to remain in the fast food joint, for that is what they are slaves to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are slaves to sin, then that sin, although may bring pleasure for a short while, will lead to death. <b>Revelation 10:9</b> states <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">“Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are a slave to righteousness you will be truly free. <b>Psalm 119:103</b> "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" <b>Romans 12:2</b> states <span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> "</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through putting our trust in Christ, our minds will be renewed so that we are no longer slaves to that which ultimately is worthless and instead we will hate those things that we once took joy in. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Put your trust in something which you can rely upon. Sinners may think that being a Christian means that you are captive, but in fact it is the complete opposite. Those who put their trust in God are the ones who are free, whilst sinners remain slaves to the ways of the world, which ultimately lead to nothing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">By putting your trust in Christ you are going from death to light, from darkness to light and from slaves to sin to slaves to righteousness. We will all be held accountable one day, whether we like it or not, and on that day, what you have put your trust in is important. <b>1 Corinthians 3:12-15 </b>tells us that what we have done during our time on earth will be tested in fire, those things of the world will be like hay and stubble and will be burnt up, whilst the things of God will stand the test of fire as gold and silver. </span><span class="text 1Cor-3-12" id="en-NKJV-28423" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">(</span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">Now if anyone builds on this foundation </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">with</i><span style="line-height: 24px;"> gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text 1Cor-3-13" id="en-NKJV-28424" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text 1Cor-3-14" id="en-NKJV-28425" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>If anyone’s work which he has built on <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">it</i> endures, he will receive a reward.")</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-3-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-3-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything on this world is temporary. By putting your trust in things of the world, the things you have done will in no way stand the test of fire. Only by putting your trust in Jesus Christ, and the works that He has done, will you be able to withstand the test. Only by being slaves to righteousness will you withstand. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-3-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><b>Matthew 6:19-21</b> states, "</span><span class="text Matt-6-19" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Matt-6-20" id="en-NKJV-23303" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Matt-6-21" id="en-NKJV-23304" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">21 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your time on this earth is temporary and may end today, therefore do not live it as a slave to things which are meaningless. Instead, store up treasures in heaven by putting your trust in Jesus Christ. Acknowledge your sin and ask Jesus to set you free from the slavery you are in so that you may go from being slaves to sin to slaves to righteousness.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-6-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Stop tasting the things which are sweet to your mouth but bitter in your stomach and instead fill your lives with that what is satisfying and true. <b>Psalm 34:8</b> "T</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">aste and see that the</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">good; </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Blessed</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">the man</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">who</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">trusts in Him!"</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-BACChristian </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(For the record, in reality I actually like Mcdonalds).</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lCJ62j-Z1U/VcI6Dwb6Z1I/AAAAAAAAASo/FK6o-52YpaE/s1600/mcd3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lCJ62j-Z1U/VcI6Dwb6Z1I/AAAAAAAAASo/FK6o-52YpaE/s320/mcd3.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></span></span></div>
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-50322327259465318912015-01-16T22:03:00.001+00:002015-01-18T21:30:10.117+00:00Proverbs 20:24 A man's steps are of the Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6v4S3vwgvs/UhKp4HbNlwI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/oZW739bnVZk/s1600/ship_storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6v4S3vwgvs/UhKp4HbNlwI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/oZW739bnVZk/s1600/ship_storm.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
The Lord is in control. <br />
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It may not be clear to us at the time what is happening or why, but what is definite is that all things are in God's hands. There may be times when we question events, but ultimately our understanding is not enough to comprehend the ways of the Lord.<br />
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<b>Proverbs 20:24</b> states, "A man's steps are of the Lord, how then can a man understand his own ways?"<br />
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No matter what situation arises, those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ can take comfort in the knowledge that their heavenly Father is in control. <b>Romans 8:28</b> states: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."<br />
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When Jonah had been thrown overboard into the tempestuous seas, <b>Jonah 1:17</b> states "Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights."<br />
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We have all heard the story of Jonah and the Whale and have the benefit of hindsight when we read it. We know that Jonah would be thrown over board, swallowed by a great fish and ultimately saved so that he may go on to preach to the people of Nineveh. However, for Jonah, who did not have the benefit of hindsight and did not know what was coming next, it must have been hard for him to understand what was happening to him. Things seem to go from bad to worse, from the boat hitting a storm to being eaten by a large fish. For Jonah (and for anybody who may find themselves in a similar situation) when he is sat on the boat before the storm came he could not have even begun to imagine that in a few hours time he would be thrown into the sea and then be eaten by a whale. Yet, despite Jonah's limited understanding and knowledge, God knew very well how the situation would plan out. Verse 17 tells us that He had even prepared the fish to eat him.<br />
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Ultimately, God is in control. <b>Isaiah 40:22</b> states that God<span class="text Isa-40-22" id="en-NKJV-18443"> "sits above the circle of the earth,</span><span class="text Isa-40-22"> And its inhabitants <i>are</i> like grasshoppers,</span><span class="text Isa-40-22"> Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,</span><span class="text Isa-40-22"> And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in."</span><br />
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<span class="text Isa-40-22">As Christians we should not become bitter or hopeless in any situation that we find ourselves in, but rather increase our faith in Him and obtain peace in the knowledge that everything is in His control. <b>Isaiah 55:9</b> "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than yours." </span><br />
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<span class="text Isa-40-22"><b>Matthew 6 25:34</b> states:</span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-25"><span class="woj">"... do not worry about your
life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body,
what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than
clothing?</span> </span> <span class="text Matt-6-26" id="en-NKJV-23309"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup><span class="woj">Look
at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into
barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value
than they?</span> </span> <span class="text Matt-6-27" id="en-NKJV-23310"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup><span class="woj">Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?</span></span> <br />
<span class="text Matt-6-28" id="en-NKJV-23311"><sup class="versenum">28 </sup><span class="woj">“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;</span> </span> <span class="text Matt-6-29" id="en-NKJV-23312"><sup class="versenum">29 </sup><span class="woj">and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.</span> </span> <span class="text Matt-6-30" id="en-NKJV-23313"><sup class="versenum">30 </sup><span class="woj">Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, <i>will He</i> not much more <i>clothe</i> you, O you of little faith?</span></span><span class="text Matt-6-31" id="en-NKJV-23314"><sup class="versenum"> 31 </sup><span class="woj">“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’</span> </span> <span class="text Matt-6-32" id="en-NKJV-23315"><sup class="versenum">32 </sup><span class="woj">For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.</span> </span> <span class="text Matt-6-33" id="en-NKJV-23316"><sup class="versenum">33 </sup><span class="woj">But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.</span> </span> <sup class="versenum">34 </sup>Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day <i>is</i> its own trouble."<br />
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We do not understand our own steps or our own paths, but God does and we can have the utmost confidence in Him.<br />
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<b>Isaiah 43:2</b> "<span class="text Isa-43-2" id="en-NKJV-18508">When you pass through the waters, I <i>will be</i> with you;</span><span class="text Isa-43-2"> And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. </span><span class="text Isa-43-2">When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,</span><span class="text Isa-43-2"> Nor shall the flame scorch you."</span><br />
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<span class="text Isa-43-2">Do not worry. Seek first the kingdom of God. </span><br />
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<span class="text Isa-43-2">-BACChristian </span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NKJV-23317"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-30537579152238162872015-01-13T11:44:00.000+00:002016-11-09T14:38:28.439+00:00The Gospel and the Berlin Wall<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Berlin Wall was constructed on 13 August 1961 separating East Berlin from West Berlin. The wall followed the border between Soviet Union communism and Western democracy that had come about following the end of WW2 when German occupation was split between the four allied powers. It was the physical manifestation of the term 'Iron Curtain' coined by Winston Churchill, representing the separation between the East and the West during the cold war.</div>
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Between 1945 to 1961 movement of people between West and East Berlin was possible although heavily restricted, however once the decision to build the wall was passed construction began immediately without notice and barbed wire was erected overnight to stop people from defecting from the East to the West. Families were separated and the curtain closed on those living in the East. It was still possible to move between the East and West of the city through a subway still in operation, however that too was soon bricked up and an outer ring railway service commenced in 1961 separating East from West in totality. Thereafter, the Soviets guarding the Eastern side of the wall were instructed to shoot on sight any defectors found trying to enter West Berlin. </div>
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There was a large no mans' land situated in between the borders making it virtually impossible for people to pass. Ingenious attempts were made to cross the border. On one occasion people in the East discovered that the iron beams that supported the wall were constructed horizontally within the wall. They successfully drove a low car through the wall underneath the iron beam. Shortly after the design was altered to include diagonal iron beams to make it even more secure and an impassable gulf divided the city until its removal in 1989.</div>
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<b>Luke 16:26</b> states: "<span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">26 </span><span class="woj" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’"</span></div>
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Just as the Berlin wall separated those in the East from the West, a wall of sin separates us from God. Unlike the Berlin wall which allowed some brave people to cross over, this wall between us and God is impossible to vault.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XEwK2iDrnY0/VDZjrZbvTyI/AAAAAAAAARg/RsgIUcIKDGA/s1600/berlin%2Bwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XEwK2iDrnY0/VDZjrZbvTyI/AAAAAAAAARg/RsgIUcIKDGA/s1600/berlin%2Bwall.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Our sin estranges us from God, for God is perfect and He can have no part with it. This is not what God originally intended for us. God intended for us to dwell with Him together, however due to our sinful nature a wall of separation appeared. God was not the builder of this wall, we were. Now, for us, no matter how well-intentioned or how many good deeds we may do, it is impossible for us imperfect people to come into the presence of a perfect God, for it is impossible for something imperfect to touch something perfect.</div>
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We may not consider ourselves as bad people, however we must accept the fact that we are not perfect. We all boast imperfections. Even a person who is 99% perfect is 100% imperfect. There is no middle ground with the state of our being in comparison to the glory of God, therefore regardless of how "good" we may perceive ourselves to be, we still find ourselves standing on the wrong side of an impassable wall of separation from God and no attempt to bring it down will succeed.</div>
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God does not want us to be separated from Him any longer. <b>John 3:16</b> states, <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." </span></div>
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God knew that we could never mount the wall of separation that exists therefore out of His love for us He sent Himself in human form as the Lord Jesus Christ to earth to die for us. Unlike us, Christ was 100% perfect, therefore he was 100% sufficient to remove that wall of separation that is sin.</div>
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<b>Ephesians 2:14-18</b> states:<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> "<span class="text Eph-2-14" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Eph-2-15" id="en-NKJV-29245" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>having abolished in His flesh the enmity, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">that is,</i> the law of commandments <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">contained</i> in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">from</i> the two, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">thus</i> making peace, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Eph-2-16" id="en-NKJV-29246" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Eph-2-17" id="en-NKJV-29247" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Eph-2-18" id="en-NKJV-29248" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father."</span></span></div>
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Through Christ we can be reunited with God as originally intended and walk freely with Him: not because we are in anyway perfect, but rather because Christ is perfect and through Christ we have a mediator, an intercessor, a reliable bridge to gap that gulf that currently exists.</div>
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We cannot surpass the wall in our own strength, but we can put our trust in Christ who is able to break down the wall of sin that separates us.</div>
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<b>John 14:6</b> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the life, nobody comes to the Father except through me."</span></div>
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-BACChristian</div>
<br />BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-16812786007726650522015-01-12T10:27:00.001+00:002015-01-12T10:46:08.618+00:00Andrew Lloyd Webber on Wifi in churches<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.9871425628662px;">The composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has urged churches across the country to be fitted with Wi-Fi in a bid to make them a more integral part of the community.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.9871425628662px;">The mail reported him saying, “I want to get every church in the country on Wi-fi. Once you do that, the church becomes the centre of the community again." </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.9871425628662px;">This completely misses the point of what the church is there to do and is like trying to fix a broken leg with a plaster. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.9871425628662px;">A lot of churches now use social media and other online avenues to promote events and reach out to their community. Whilst this may be effective in promoting the church, installing wi-fi is not the issue that needs to be tackled. Churches do not find themselves on the fringe of society because they do not have wi-fi. For starters, wi-fi is relatively new (past 10 years?) and church numbers have been dwindling for years.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.9871425628662px;">The reason churches find themselves irrelevant in today's modern world is because they no longer preach a true account of God. This is the real issue, and until this is solved churches will always struggle on. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.9871425628662px;">It is a spiritual reason that church numbers are falling rapidly and no man-made fix, such as wi-fi can help. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.9871425628662px;">The church has left its duties as being a spiritual pillar of society, laying out God's moral objective standard to be adhered to, and has moved into becoming 'tolerant' and 'modern'. These words are not bad in themselves, but the effect of them on the state of the church are. It seems that the churches main goal today is to be "inoffensive". They talk incessantly about loving one another, however their idea of love now seems to be based upon making people happy. The church now refuses to condemn actions that it previously classed as sinful, in an attempt to be inoffensive and conclusive and hopefully to bring people through their doors. However, that is not what love is. Sometimes love is offensive. Sometimes, people do things which are not what is best for them or the greater good and it is the job of a loving, caring person to rebuke them and guide them in the right direction. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.9871425628662px;">30 years ago, when a person would go awry, the church would guide them back onto the correct path. Today, when a person goes awry the church encourages them to keep on going and waves them off. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.9871425628662px;"><b>Proverbs 3:11-12</b> states "my son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights."</span></div>
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<span class="text Heb-12-7" id="en-NKJV-30220" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Heb-12-8" id="en-NKJV-30221" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Heb-12-9" id="en-NKJV-30222" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">us,</i> and we paid <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">them</i> respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Heb-12-10" id="en-NKJV-30223" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>For they indeed for a few days chastened <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">us</i> as seemed <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">best </i>to them, but He for <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">our</i> profit, that <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">we</i> may be partakers of His holiness. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Heb-12-11" id="en-NKJV-30224" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.</span></div>
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Churches have neglected their spiritual duties in so many ways and this numbness that people feel towards 'religion' and Christianity today is a consequence of that. Churches have become powerless because they no longer preach the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness that is available to us through that.
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When Paul visited Corinth he states that he claimed to know nothing but Christ crucified. If churches are ever to become an integral part of the community again then this is what they must do. They must strive to be preachers of the gospel and truth to the world and not popular with the world. The reason that Christianity is so attractive to people of the world is because it offers a way of life that is completely different to this world.</div>
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Churches today have taken the power out of the gospel and attempt to replicate the world. It offers nothing different to the futile world, therefore no wonder people no longer make the effort to get out of bed to go.</div>
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<b>2 Timothy 3:3-4</b> tells us to expect this to happen in the end days.</div>
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<span class="text 2Tim-4-2" id="en-NKJV-29873" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text 2Tim-4-3" id="en-NKJV-29874" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">because</i> they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text 2Tim-4-4" id="en-NKJV-29875" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>and they will turn <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">their</i> ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.</span></div>
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<span class="text 2Tim-4-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Sadly, this truth seems to be coming to pass right now. What are we to do in this instance? 2 Timothy 3 goes on to tell us what to do in verse 5<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">-BACChristian</span></div>
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-88293945513018468912014-10-09T11:32:00.000+01:002014-10-09T11:41:56.166+01:00The Gospel in Isaiah 59 - 60<div style="text-align: justify;">
Isaiah chapters 59-60 presents a perfect picture of the gospel, even though it is written approximately 600 years before Jesus came to earth. These chapters add to the weight of the Bible as the supreme Word of God and give us hope in a bleak situation. For those people at the time of writing of the book of Isaiah, the things spoken of were things to look forward to. For us today, these things have come to pass and the hope in Christ Jesus is available to us right now. Read <b>Isaiah 59-60</b> and see the living breathing Word of God.</div>
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<b><u>The Hopeless Situation We are In:</u></b></h3>
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<b><u>Chapter 59</u></b></div>
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Chapter 59 provides a picture of the world today and the current position for those who do not know Christ Jesus. Are you one of those people?</div>
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<b>Isaiah 59 1-3</b> states,<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Behold, the</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">’s hand is not shortened, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">That it cannot save; </span></span><span class="text Isa-59-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Nor His ear heavy, </span><span class="text Isa-59-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">That it cannot hear.<span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">2 </span></span><span class="text Isa-59-2" id="en-NKJV-18803" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">But your iniquities have separated you from your God; </span><span class="text Isa-59-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">And your sins have hidden <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">His</i> face from you, </span><span class="text Isa-59-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">So that He will not hear.<span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">3 </span></span><span class="text Isa-59-3" id="en-NKJV-18804" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">For your hands are defiled with blood, </span><span class="text Isa-59-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">And your fingers with iniquity;</span><span class="text Isa-59-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Your lips have spoken lies, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px;">Your tongue has muttered perversity.</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">". </span></div>
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God is far from those people who do not know Jesus. Verse 2 states that He has hidden His face from them and cannot hear their prayers. How is this so? For we know that God is Almighty and omniscient. He is the author and creator. <b>Matthew 10:29</b> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will." </span></span>Not even a bird falls to the ground without God's say so, yet the Bible states that God cannot hear the prayer's of those who do not know Christ Jesus.<br />
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Many people today claim that righteousness/heaven is attainable through many ways and not just Jesus, but this is completely untrue, for without Jesus God cannot hear your prayers and petitions and you will always be in the position described in <b>Isaiah 59:2</b>. The reason?... Sin.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEwK2iDrnY0/VDZjrZbvTyI/AAAAAAAAARc/UqjoDhTRC0A/s1600/berlin%2Bwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEwK2iDrnY0/VDZjrZbvTyI/AAAAAAAAARc/UqjoDhTRC0A/s1600/berlin%2Bwall.jpg" height="286" width="320" /></a>Sin separates us from God like the Berlin wall separated East and West Germany. Only Jesus was sufficient to settle that sin upon the cross and therefore it is only through Jesus that we may approach God and be heard by Him. Only Christ has the power to break down that wall of separation that exists between us and God. <b>Ephesians 2:14</b> states, <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation</span>". </span>We need to ensure that we are right with Christ before anything else.</div>
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Continue reading <b>Isaiah 59</b> and we can see this truth confirmed.</div>
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<b>Isaiah 59:2</b> tells us that it is our imperfect sinful nature that separates us from the perfect God. We are in darkness without God. We fumble around looking for the light switch without success. That is the reason that we spend our lives searching for fulfilment without success. That is the reason that we partake in activities that are clearly not good for us, even enjoying them, and why our lives are a mess. V<b>erses 3-8</b> describes this increasing problem: <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"No one calls for justice, nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and separate lies; they conceive evil and bring forth iniquity." </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">How familiar these verses sound in today's world.</span></div>
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<b>Isaiah 59:1-15</b> shows us the futility of the worlds way and the hopelessness of our situation without Christ.</div>
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<b>Isaiah 59:15</b> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Then the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor..."</span></div>
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<b><u>The Intercessor and What God Did For Us:</u></b></h3>
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The fall of man in <b>Genesis 3</b> brought about sin and resulted in our separation from God. God has been working towards a victory to reclaim us back to Him out of the grips of death ever since. <b>Isaiah 59:15</b> tells us what He had been searching for - an intercessor, that is, somebody righteous enough to be able to bridge the gap between us and God and deal with this problem of sin once and for all. <b>Isaiah 59:15 </b>also tells us the result of God's search; He was unable to find such a person. </div>
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The 10 commandments are the standard of perfection required by God. They show us that no man is perfect and therefore no man was or is sufficient to mediate between man and God. Hope seems lost at verse 15. For this reason, God did the only thing He could to solve the problem of sin; He offered down Himself to be the intercessor.</div>
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<b>Isaiah 59:16</b> goes on to say, <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained Him."</span></div>
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Remember at the time of writing of Isaiah, none of this had happened. The people of the day waited blindly for these things to come so that they may be saved, however they did not know how they would come about. Today we know that God sent Jesus Christ to earth to die for us.</div>
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<b>John 3:16</b> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." </span></div>
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<b>Isaiah 59:17-18</b> describes how Jesus became this intercessor so that we may have access to God through Him. <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"He put on a breastplate of righteousness and a helmet of salvation."</span> This verse is the same as the words in <b>Ephesians 6</b>. Again it is clear to see the hand of God upon the Bible and how it all links together.</div>
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<b>Isaiah 59:21 </b>shows us the result of Christ Jesus coming down to act as intercessor. It shows us the result that His death upon the cross and sacrifice on our behalf would have (remember, at the time of writing none of this had happened). <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"This is my covenant with them; My spirit is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth."</span></div>
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God has made a covenant with us through Jesus' death upon the Cross. A covenant is an agreement or a contract. However its connotations are slightly different, in that a covenant is more of a one sided agreement and the promise cannot be altered by our actions. In a contract the agreement can be varied based upon the actions of the parties. One party may void a contract through breaches of the contract's terms. However, a covenant remains the same. It is a promise that never waivers. God has made a covenant with us. We can break this covenant and not accept its terms. If we do so we have to deal with the consequences. The consequences are that we will live in the hopelessness as described in <b>Isaiah 59:1-15, </b>however not accepting it will not void the promise that God has made to us. That promise remains the same. It is that through putting your trust in Christ Jesus and repenting from your sinful ways, you can have access to Him.</div>
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<b><u>Chapter 60</u></b></div>
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<b>Isaiah 60</b> continues on from chapter 59 and tells us of the result of God's intercession and the amazing position that is available to us all through Christ Jesus. <b>Isaiah 60:1</b>, <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Arise shine, for your light has come!".</span></div>
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Now through Jesus we can gain access to God, for our sin has been dealt with by Christ upon the cross 2,000 years ago. God has offered us this perpetual state of peace and we must put our trust in Jesus to accept it.</div>
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<b><u>Saved by Christ:</u></b></h3>
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For those who have put their trust in Christ they can be confident of their salvation, no matter what may happen. They are in that state of confidence and salvation so described in <b>Isaiah 60</b>. Until the day that we meet Him, upon our death, we must live in the same fashion as Christ did during His time on the earth. We have discussed <b>Isaiah 59:18</b> which shows how Jesus acted when He came to this earth: <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"He put on a breastplate of righteousness and a helmet of salvation." </span>As Christians in today's world we are instructed to do the same. </div>
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<b>Ephesian 6:11-20</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Eph-6-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. </span><span class="text Eph-6-11" id="en-NKJV-29349" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. </span><span class="text Eph-6-12" id="en-NKJV-29350" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">hosts</i> of wickedness in the heavenly <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">places.</i> </span><span class="text Eph-6-13" id="en-NKJV-29351" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Eph-6-14" id="en-NKJV-29352" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, </span><span class="text Eph-6-15" id="en-NKJV-29353" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;</span><span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NKJV-29354" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. </span><span class="text Eph-6-17" id="en-NKJV-29355" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; </span><span class="text Eph-6-18" id="en-NKJV-29356" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— </span><span class="text Eph-6-19" id="en-NKJV-29357" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, </span><span class="text Eph-6-20" id="en-NKJV-29358" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.</span></span></div>
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<b>Ephesians 4:1</b> "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called."</div>
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You are being called right now. The picture portrayed in <b>Isaiah 59-60</b> has come to pass. What a magnificent truth this is. Let us answer this wonderful call and walk worthy of the great undeserved gift that God has given us - grace through His Son Christ Jesus. </div>
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<b>Ephesians 5:8</b> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"For you were once in darkness but now you are in light in the Lord. Therefore walk as children of light."</span></div>
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Christ has destroyed the brick wall that separates us from God so that we can be one. He has shone His light into the darkness and if you accept Him that light will dispel the darkness. </div>
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<b>Ephesians 2:14-18</b> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"<span class="text Eph-2-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Eph-2-15" id="en-NKJV-29245" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>having abolished in His flesh the enmity, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">that is,</i> the law of commandments <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">contained</i> in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">from</i>the two, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">thus</i> making peace, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Eph-2-16" id="en-NKJV-29246" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Eph-2-17" id="en-NKJV-29247" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Eph-2-18" id="en-NKJV-29248" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.</span>".</span></div>
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<b>John 1:5</b> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."</span></div>
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Christ has made it possible to dispel the darkness we are in, to rescue us from these chaotic times.</div>
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Now is the time.</div>
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<b>Isaiah 60:19 </b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">“The sun shall no longer be your light by day, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">But the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">will be to you an everlasting light, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">And your God your glory."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-BACChristian</span></span></div>
BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-90742520954172209802014-10-01T10:55:00.002+01:002014-10-02T09:55:25.823+01:00The next Wall Street Crash: Shemitah <div style="text-align: justify;">
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BACChristian is designed to debunk theological nonsense, explain the Gospel and to show how the Bible is the inerrant word of God. This post, being slightly different from the others, looks at the modern financial economies and their possible connection to time cycles ordained in the Bible. It may be a post out of a conspiracy theory nut's dreams, however the information raises serious questions which all links in with the Bible.</div>
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The Bible often instructs us on financial matters. It teaches general principles of money management such as to not be indebted to anybody and to tithe our earnings. In <b>Matthew 25:14-30</b> Jesus speaks on the parable of the talents, whereby people are given money to invest. </div>
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However, the Bible also provides more specific instructions. Turn to <b>Leviticus 25</b>. God instructs the Israelites that every seventh year is to be a year of rest - a year of rest for the farm land; a year of rest for investing; a year of repayment of debts; and a year to treat slaves as equal. After every seven, seven year periods (so the 49th year) is the year of Jubilee. In the jubilee year, all debts are off; land is returned to its original owners and slaves are set free. This year of Jubilee is a picture of the forgiveness of God that we can attain through His Son Jesus Christ.<br />
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Click here (<a href="http://bacchristian.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/leviticus-25-jesus-in-year-of-jubilee.html" target="_blank">Jesus in The Year of Jubilee</a>) to read the post on the year of Jubilee and what it means.<br />
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Let us focus on the seven year cycles.<br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: start;">Leviticus 25:2-6</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: start;"> "Speak to the sons of Israel, and say to them, ‘When you come into the land which I shall give you, then the land shall have a sabbath to the Lord. Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard and gather in its crop, but during the seventh year the land shall have a sabbath rest, a sabbath to the LORD; you shall not sow your field nor prune your vineyard. Your harvest’s aftergrowth you shall not reap, and your grapes of untrimmed vines you shall not gather; the land shall have a sabbatical year. And all of you shall have the sabbath products of the land for food; yourself, and your male and female slaves, and your hired man and your foreign resident, those who live as aliens with you’"</span><br />
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In accordance with Leviticus 25, every 7 years there is a year of rest for the Jewish nation. This year is known as <i>Shemittah. </i>The word <i>Shemitah </i>literally means 'to release'. The keeping of <i>Shemittah </i>was important. <b style="font-family: Palatino, 'Book Antiqua'; text-align: start;">2 Chronicles 36:20-21 </b><span style="font-family: Palatino, 'Book Antiqua'; text-align: start;">tells us that t</span>he 70 year Babylonian captivity of Israel came about because Israel had failed to keep God's commandments regarding <i>Shemittah (</i><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"And those who had escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and to his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its sabbaths. all the days of its desolation it kept sabbath until seventy years were complete."</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino, 'Book Antiqua'; text-align: start;">)</span><i>. </i><br />
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<i>Shemi</i><i>ttah </i>is based on the Jewish calender and runs from 29th Elul - 29th Elul. In today's world, that is September to September (the day differs each year). This year it falls on 25th September 2014 (last Thursday) to 13th September 2015, therefore we are now in the year of <i>Shemittah</i>.<br />
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<b><u>25th September 2014 - 13th September 2015: The Year of Shemittah</u></b><br />
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What relevance does this bear today?<br />
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People believe that the year of <i>Shemittah </i>is linked to the economy. Whether it is or not, is ultimately unknown, however it is interesting to see that the stock market has severely corrected itself during every <i>Shemittah </i>year.<br />
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Go back 7 years from today to the previous <i>Shemittah </i>year, 2008. In 2008 we experienced the worst financial collapse of our times and the world was plunged into recession which it is still recovering from. Go back 7 years from 2008 we hit 2001. The world trade centre attacks took place on September 11th, the end of the <i>Shemittah </i>year, leading to a massive stock market crash on September 17th.<br />
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We can continue to go back all the way through history and see how the year of <i>Shemittah </i>coincides with a market crash. Coincidence?<br />
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Continuing on... going back 7 years from 2001 we hit 1994, the year of a massive bond market collapse resulting in the demise of major bank Fannie Mac and near bankruptcy of the state of California.<br />
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Go back 7 years again and we hit 1987, the year of 'Black Monday' on 19th October. Go back 7 years again to 1980 where there was a stagflation crises during the Thatcher and Reagan era.<br />
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1973? - Oil embargo crisis, resulting in the three day week in Britain, economic downturn and even rationing in parts of USA.<br />
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1966 - massive market correction.<br />
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1959 - crash<br />
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1952 - the beginning of the Suez crisis, seen by many as the true end of the British Empire, and a poor economic year<br />
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1945 - end of world war two, beginning of the cold war.<br />
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1938 - downturn/ depression era<br />
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1931 - Britain leave gold standard causing market crash (contrary to popular belief, the biggest market crash happened in 1931 and not 1929).<br />
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You get the picture. This goes all the way back.<br />
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Could it just be a coincidence? Could it be God's way of protecting His chosen people? Could it be a sign of things to come? The Bible states that God has given us signs to be able to discern the season and the second coming of Christ.<br />
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Whichever it is.... it's interesting. The year of <i>Shemittah </i>is due to end on 13th September 2015. On that day there also happens to be a lunar eclipse - which is another sign used in the Bible preceding events. To understand that requires you to study the Bible and its meanings, which is not included in this post.<br />
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Are we are due for another crash this year? Let's see what happens.<br />
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God has given us signs to discern the times and the return of His Son Jesus. When that is we do not know. In <b>Matthew 25</b> Jesus tells those who have put their trust in God not to be worried. Whatever happens, we can be assured that the Lord Jesus' return is imminent and that His truth never changes, therefore it is crucial that we are right with God, for we do not know when He is coming. We must put our trust in Christ and the sacrifice He made for us upon the cross. <br />
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<b><u>Matthew 25: 5-8; 29-30</u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Matt-24-5" id="en-NKJV-23963" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">"5 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="text Matt-24-6" id="en-NKJV-23964" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all</span><span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-23964a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-23964a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-23964a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">these things</i>must come to pass, but the end is not yet.</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="text Matt-24-7" id="en-NKJV-23965" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences,</span><span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-23965b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-23965b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-23965b" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> and earthquakes in various places.</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="text Matt-24-8" id="en-NKJV-23966" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">All these <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">are</i> the beginning of sorrows.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Matt-24-29" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">29 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="text Matt-24-30" id="en-NKJV-23988" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">30 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."</span> </span></span><br />
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-46338769830197599542014-09-22T12:08:00.004+01:002014-09-22T12:16:00.575+01:00James 1:2 - How to take joy in hard times<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>James 1:2</b> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Keeping faith in God during hard times should be relatively easy if you know the truth and have the truth within you because you know that this world is just a flash in comparison to eternity (<b>2 Corinthians 4:17</b>) and that no matter what happens, nothing changes the truth of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, <i>for Christ Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (</i><b>Hebrews 13:8). </b>However to remain joyful in that faith is a different matter and is much more difficult.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">James 1:2 does not just tell us to remain faithful through hard times, but also to remain joyful in that faith. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How can one take joy in a terrible bleak situation?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">First, note </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">James 1:3: </b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">""knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">James 1 tells us to have joy during trials because the testing of faith produces patience. Therefore, James 1 is talking to those who already have a faith in Christ. It is talking to Christians, not to just anybody. For how could it be talking to somebody without faith? If a person is experiencing a terrible situation then it would not make sense for that person to be joyful, for they have nothing to be joyful about. No <b>James 1:2 </b>is talking directly to those who have faith in Christ Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is this fact through which we are able to begin to discover how we are able to take joy in various trials.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The ability to take joy in trials depends on what you put your hope in and what mindset you possess. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In <b>Philippians 1:12-13 </b>Paul, speaking from prison states, "</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Paul suffered tremendous physical trials, from being blinded by God to suffering shipwreck near Malta, to being bitten by a poisonous snake, to being cast out by his own people and imprisoned for what he believed and for the message he preached. Most of the New Testament is written by Paul from behind prison walls, yet he was still able to not only remain faithful to God during these periods, but also joyous.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">From reading the epistles it is evident that this was made possible through his mindset. For Paul knew the truth of the matters at hand and chose to focus on the things of God rather than the things of this world. <b>Colossians 3:1-2 </b>states, </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set you mind on things above, not on things on the earth." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Paul knew this world could offer him nothing to truly satisfy him, or anything permanent. Only in Christ can we find eternal fulfilment and refreshment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 Corinthians 4:16 </b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In <b>John 4:13-14 </b>it states, "</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Jesus answered and said to her, "whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water, springing up into everlasting life."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Paul knew what mattered and what did not, which is why in <b>Philippians 1:21 </b>he states, "</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For to me to live is Christ, but to die is gain."</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> He knew what was important, which is why in the passage in <b>Philippians 1:12-13</b> stated above, Paul was able to take great joy in the fact that he had been imprisoned, because it resulted in the furtherance of the very thing which he took joy in and the very thing which he knew was important; the furtherance of the news of the Lord Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Returning to <b>James 1</b> we can see this same principle in <b>verse 11</b>:</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> "For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As BACs we must attain the mindset of higher things; the mindset that this world and everything in it is fading away, but the gift of God is everlasting and unchanging. That is something to take joy in. Once we have this mindset we are able to be joyous in every situation, good or bad, for we know that no matter what happens, we will always be saved in Christ Jesus our Lord and He will never neglect us nor leave us. For this very reason <b>Philippians 4:4 </b>proclaims, </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say rejoice!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This revelation is the basis for the Sermon on the Mount given by Jesus in <b>Matthew 5-7.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Matthew 6:25 </b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Therefore do no worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Matthew 6:30 </b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Now if God so clothes the grass of the field which today is and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Matthew 6:33-34</b> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own troubles."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In essence: do not worry about this world, for I <i>[Jesus] </i>am bigger than all of it. Put your faith in Me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Isaiah 55:8-9 </b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways says the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth so are My ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Proverbs 20:24</b> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"A man's steps are of the Lord, how then can a man understand his own ways?"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We can take joy in hard times because we have a hope in Christ who is working in us a more greater glory. Now this does not mean we will be happy in every situation. If something terrible has happened, it would be strange, even disrespectful perhaps, to be happy and all smiles. This is not what <b>James 1:2 </b>is telling us. For if we look at the the people of the Bible we clearly see times when they are not happy. Psalms is filled with desperate cries to the Lord. Christ himself was an emotional being, distressed in the garden of Gethsemane, angered by the temple, saddened by Lazarus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is not about being happy and smiley, but rather joyous and content in the knowledge that no matter what life throws your way, you will always be confident in the salvation of the Lord God, through Christ Jesus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To those without faith in Christ Jesus, indeed there is not much to be joyful about in trials and tribulations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Isaiah 55:6 </b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-BACChristian</span></div>
BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-24876893456470168282014-09-16T00:32:00.000+01:002014-09-19T10:04:47.497+01:00Psalm 22: the separation; lowliness; and spiritual affliction Jesus endured for you<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Psalm 22</span></b></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Why are You so</i> far from helping Me,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">And from</i> the words of My groaning?</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-2" id="en-NKJV-14207" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And in the night season, and am not silent.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Ps-22-3" id="en-NKJV-14208" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>But You <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">are</i> holy,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Enthroned in the praises of Israel.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-4" id="en-NKJV-14209" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>Our fathers trusted in You;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">They trusted, and You delivered them.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-5" id="en-NKJV-14210" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>They cried to You, and were delivered;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Ps-22-6" id="en-NKJV-14211" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>But I <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">am</i> a worm, and no man;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">A reproach of men, and despised by the people.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-7" id="en-NKJV-14212" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>All those who see Me ridicule Me;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">saying,</i></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-8" id="en-NKJV-14213" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>“He trusted in the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, let Him rescue Him;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Ps-22-9" id="en-NKJV-14214" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>But You <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">are</i> He who took Me out of the womb;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">You made Me trust <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">while</i> on My mother’s breasts.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-10" id="en-NKJV-14215" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>I was cast upon You from birth.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">From My mother’s womb</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">You <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">have been</i> My God.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-11" id="en-NKJV-14216" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>Be not far from Me,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">For trouble <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> near;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">For <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">there is</i> none to help.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Ps-22-12" id="en-NKJV-14217" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>Many bulls have surrounded Me;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Strong <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">bulls</i> of Bashan have encircled Me.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-13" id="en-NKJV-14218" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>They gape at Me <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">with</i> their mouths,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Like</i> a raging and roaring lion.</span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Ps-22-14" id="en-NKJV-14219" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>I am poured out like water,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And all My bones are out of joint;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">My heart is like wax;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">It has melted within Me.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-15" id="en-NKJV-14220" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>My strength is dried up like a potsherd,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And My tongue clings to My jaws;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">You have brought Me to the dust of death.</span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Ps-22-16" id="en-NKJV-14221" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>For dogs have surrounded Me;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">They pierced My hands and My feet;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-17" id="en-NKJV-14222" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>I can count all My bones.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">They look <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">and</i> stare at Me.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-18" id="en-NKJV-14223" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>They divide My garments among them,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-18" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And for My clothing they cast lots.</span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Ps-22-19" id="en-NKJV-14224" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>But You, O <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, do not be far from Me;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-19" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">O My Strength, hasten to help Me!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-20" id="en-NKJV-14225" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>Deliver Me from the sword,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-20" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">My precious <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">life</i> from the power of the dog.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-21" id="en-NKJV-14226" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">21 </span>Save Me from the lion’s mouth</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And from the horns of the wild oxen!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-22-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You have answered Me.</span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Ps-22-22" id="en-NKJV-14227" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">22 </span>I will declare Your name to My brethren;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-22" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-23" id="en-NKJV-14228" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </span>You who fear the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, praise Him!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-23" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-23" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-24" id="en-NKJV-14229" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">24 </span>For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-24" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Nor has He hidden His face from Him;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-24" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">But when He cried to Him, He heard.</span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Ps-22-25" id="en-NKJV-14230" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">25 </span>My praise <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">shall be</i> of You in the great assembly;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-25" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I will pay My vows before those who fear Him.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-26" id="en-NKJV-14231" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">26 </span>The poor shall eat and be satisfied;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-26" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Those who seek Him will praise the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-26" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Let your heart live forever!</span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Ps-22-27" id="en-NKJV-14232" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">27 </span>All the ends of the world</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-27" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Shall remember and turn to the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-27" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And all the families of the nations</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-27" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Shall worship before You.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-28" id="en-NKJV-14233" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">28 </span>For the kingdom <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-28" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And He rules over the nations.</span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Ps-22-29" id="en-NKJV-14234" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">29 </span>All the prosperous of the earth</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-29" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Shall eat and worship;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-29" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">All those who go down to the dust</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-29" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Shall bow before Him,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-29" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Even he who cannot keep himself alive.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Ps-22-30" id="en-NKJV-14235" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">30 </span>A posterity shall serve Him.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-30" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">It will be recounted of the Lord to the <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">next</i> generation,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-31" id="en-NKJV-14236" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">31 </span>They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-22-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">That He has done <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">this.</i></span></span></div>
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This Psalm's time of writing is approximate, around 1,000 years before Jesus walked the earth, yet to anybody who has read the account of the death of Jesus it is clear that Psalm 22 is referring to Jesus' crucifixion, which adds weight to the fact that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypeQf1aIoKY/U2d2z0tZ0oI/AAAAAAAAAOc/s4lSNRLIoKg/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypeQf1aIoKY/U2d2z0tZ0oI/AAAAAAAAAOc/s4lSNRLIoKg/s1600/images-1.jpeg" height="200" width="160" /></a><br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 22:1-2 Separation</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In <b style="line-height: normal;">Deuteronomy 6:14-15</b> God warned the Israelites about going after the other gods that their new neighbours (since coming out of Egypt to the promise land) followed</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: normal;">"</span><span class="verse-ref" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: normal;">14 </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: normal;">You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are around you—</span><span class="verse-ref" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: normal;">15 </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: normal;">for the </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: normal;">Lord </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: normal;">your God in your midst is a jealous God—lest the anger of the </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: normal;">Lord </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: normal;">your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from off the face of the earth." </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(N.B.: the fact that the Israelites would even consider following such a god as Baal really shows the seriousness of the idolatry that the nation of Israel were guilty of in the Old Testament!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Baal was known as the God of fertility and was depicted as a bull, having supposedly fathered a divine bull. Baal was considered the most powerful God by the Canaanite's. Throughout the Old Testament the power of God is directly contrasted against the shortcomings of Baal (which again warrants a study in itself). (<b>1 Kings 17</b> describes how Elijah showed that God was in control and not Baal by commanding the rain to cease for seven years in the name of the Lord. In <b>1 Kings 18</b>, 450 prophets of Baal attempt to have fire rained down from the heavens. After their unsuccessful attempts, God sends down fire upon the prayer request of Elijah, causing the people around to fall down and declare that the Lord is the one true God and not Baal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 24px;">For Christ Jesus is the perfect Son of God who has defeated death. Death could not hold Him. We are told that he rose again on the third day.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">1 Corinthians 15:3-4 </span></span><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text 1Cor-15-3" id="en-NKJV-28722" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, </span><span style="line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text 1Cor-15-4" id="en-NKJV-28723" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."</span></span></span><br />
<span class="oblique" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24px;"><b>1 Corinthians 15:55-57</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Verse 1 begins with the phrase spoken by Jesus before He gives up His life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Matthew 27:46</b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> <span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jesus prays to His Father many times throughout the Gospels. The last time before His crucifixion being the prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. (</span><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Matthew 26:39 </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">... </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">“O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">will.</i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">”). </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When the Lord cries out on the cross this is the first time that He refers to God as God and not as "my Father", signifying the separation that had come about between God the Father and Jesus the Son whilst He was hanging on the cross. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2 Corinthians 5:21 </b>states </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"God made Him who knew no sin to become sin for us, so that in Him we may be made righteous." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">God is a God of righteousness and perfection and can have no part with the ways of the world. When Jesus was upon the cross He took your sin upon Himself. <b>2 Corinthians 5:21 </b>states that He became sin. All of the evil and bad of the world was upon His shoulders at that time. What a grave weight He had to bear. It was such that Isaiah tells us that He became unrecognisable to those who looked at Him (<b>Isaiah 52:14</b> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men;").</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">God the Father, who declared in <b>Matthew 4</b> regarding Jesus, "<i>This is My Son, with whom I am well pleased</i>", had no choice but to forsake His only Son, for He could not have any part with the sin that Jesus had become. Just as God had to hide Himself from the Children of Israel through fire or cloud (<b>Psalm 78:14</b> "</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Then He led them with the cloud by <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-15128A" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-15128A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span>day </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And all the night with a</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-15128B" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-15128B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">light of fire") </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">because His glory was so perfect that the Israelites could not comprehend it, lest they surely die like in the story of Uzzah, the Levite man who touched the Ark of the Covenant and was instantly struck down dead (<b>2 Samuel 6:1-7 & 1 Chronicles 13:9-12)</b>, God hid Himself from Jesus when He was upon the cross.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Isa-59-2" id="en-NKJV-18803" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; position: relative;"><b>Isaiah 59:2 </b>states </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Isa-59-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; </span><span class="text Isa-59-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And your sins have hidden <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">His</i> face from you, </span><span class="text Isa-59-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">So that He will not hear."</span></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 22:6-8 Lowliness</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We cannot underestimate how low Jesus became upon the Cross. It was not just a horrific bloody execution which took place; this was the death of a perfect man who took upon Himself wilfully the sin of the world so that through His sacrifice we may be made free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the culmination of a perfect man who humbled Himself to the point of death for our sakes. <b>Hebrews 2:9 </b>states<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Isaiah 53:2-3</b> states </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, </span><span class="text Isa-53-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; position: relative;">And as a root out of dry ground. </span><span class="text Isa-53-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; position: relative;">He has no form or comeliness; </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: 20px;"><span class="text Isa-53-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">And when we see Him, </span><span class="text Isa-53-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">There is</i> no beauty that we should desire Him.3 </span></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: 20px;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" id="en-NKJV-18715" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">He is despised and rejected by men, </span><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. </span><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">And we hid, as it were, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">our</i> faces from Him; </span><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">He was despised, and we did not esteem Him."</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Psalm 22:6 </b>states "But I am a worm and no man".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Verses 1-2 show the separation between God the Father and Jesus the Son upon the cross. Verse 6 begins to show us the severity of this separation and how far Jesus has fallen for our sakes. Christ upon the cross is a 'worm and no man'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To understand why Jesus is described as a worm we can turn to the Old Testament. Jacob is referred to as a worm in <b>Isaiah 41:14:</b> </span><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">“Fear not, you worm Jacob, You men of Israel! I will help you”, says the Lord and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In <b>Job 25:1-6</b> we read, </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"</span></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;">Then Bildad the Shulite answered and said: “Dominion and fear belong to Him; He makes peace in His high places. Is there any number to His armies? Upon whom does His light not rise? How then can man be righteous before God? Or how can he be pure who is born of a woman? If even the moon does not shine, and the stars are not pure in His sight How much less man, who is a maggot, and a son of man who is a worm?"</span><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 19.2000007629395px;">Here in Job, the oldest book in the Bible, Job's friend Bildad is talking to Him about the contrast between the glory of God and mankind who are sinful. He ends the comparison looking at the son of man. If even the moon does not shine (for it does not, it merely reflects the light of the sun) and the stars are impure in the sight of God then how much less must we as humans be considered in comparison to God's glory, and how much less the son of man, who is a <i>worm.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Matthew 20:28</b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Jesus states: </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"J</span></span><span style="line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">ust as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Psalm 22:8 </b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">can be seen fulfilled in </span><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Matthew 28:41 </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Matt-27-41" id="en-NKJV-24171" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">41 </span>Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, </span><span style="line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Matt-27-42" id="en-NKJV-24172" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">42 </span>“He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. </span><span style="line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Matt-27-43" id="en-NKJV-24173" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">43 </span>He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Note that even at this point, when Jesus the man is suffering upon the cross to the point that those around are astonished, even then, </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Matthew 28:41 </b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">says that the chief priests were "mocking" Jesus and <b>Matthew 28:39</b> states </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"</span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads"</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> (<b>Psalm 22:7 "</b></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px;">All those who see Me ridicule Me;"</span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;"> ).</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Philippians 2:5-8,</b> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Phil-2-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">"</span>Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, </span><span style="line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="text Phil-2-6" id="en-NKJV-29398" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, </span><span style="line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="text Phil-2-7" id="en-NKJV-29399" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">and</i> coming in the likeness of men. </span><span style="line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="text Phil-2-8" id="en-NKJV-29400" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">the point of</i> death, even the death of the cross."</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>Psalm 22:12-13 Spiritual Affliction</u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is said that the mention of bulls in verses 12-13 refers to the spiritual torment that Jesus endured upon the cross. Indeed the Son of God Almighty, who had come to earth and lived a perfect life - God's plan for our salvation, the Saviour and Messiah who was expected to come to earth as a warrior and defeat the oppression over Israel by the Romans and reunite the land as in the days of King David - was dying upon the cross. This was a time for celebration amongst Satan and the evil spirits that roam this earth. Their job was done. Jesus' own people had rejected Him and led Him to slaughter. How gleeful and tormenting the evil spirits and Satan would have been during this time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ancient Evil spirits warrants a study in itself, to see how it all links in with the bigger picture and to show once again how the Bible is the Word of God. For now, to briefly explain, Baal is an ancient god that was worshipped by the Gentiles (specifically the Canaanite's and Amorite's) during the Old Testament period. Baal worship is documented both in the Bible and other historic sources. Knowledge of Baal greatly increased following the discovery of stone tablets dated back to the 2nd century in Northern Syria in 1929, which detailed who Baal was and old Canaanite practices. It was common practice for followers of Baal to offer human sacrifices. I<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">n <b>Jeremiah 19:</b><span class="verse-ref" style="line-height: normal;"><b>5,</b> Jeremiah speaks out against the rituals of those who worshipped Baal:</span></span><span class="verse-ref" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="verse-ref" style="line-height: normal;">"</span><span style="line-height: normal;">and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or decree, nor did it come into my mind—".</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The reference to bulls in <b>Psalm 22:12</b> is likely to be evil spirits in reference to Baal. Psalm 22 goes on to refer to the 'bulls of Bashan'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bashan was a place to the east of the River Jordan where the people worshipped demon spirits.The first mention of Bashan is in <b>Genesis 14:5</b> which makes reference to <i>Ashteroth Karnaim</i> - a city in the land of Bashan. Funnily enough, the name <i>Ashteroth Karnaim </i>literally translates to "<i>Ashteroth of the horns". Ashteroth</i> was the female fertility Goddess of the Canaanites. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is truly amazing to delve deep into the Bible as you begin to see how everything links together and how everything coincides and coheres in such a way that the Bible must be what it says it is: the Word of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.0399990081787px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Psalm 22:13</b> states that the bulls of Bashan "gape at me like a roaring lion". <b>1 Peter 5:8 </b>states </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"</span></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Be sober, be vigilant; because</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."</span></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">The End:</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have looked at Jesus' separation from His Father, His lowliness and meekness to the point that He is unrecognisable and His spiritual affliction He endured whilst separated from His father. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What terrible things Jesus endured for you. How sobering the thought of His crucifixion is and how we will never be able to truly imagine what He went through. However, we also know that the gospel is good news. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christ Jesus made Himself low for our sakes. However we know that when you are weak, then you are strong (<b>2 Corinthians 12:10). </b>We know that those who are last shall be first in the Kingdom of heaven (<b>Matthew 20:16). </b>We know that in <b>Genesis 32 </b>when Jacob is wrestling with God that it is the point when he is at his weakest, and his hip joint is dislocated so that he can no longer stand, that he is finally blessed and renamed as Israel - all pictures of Christ to come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Psalm 22:21 "</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px;">Save Me from the lion’s mouth </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px;">And from the horns of the wild oxen! .... </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24px;">You have answered Me."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">God does not neglect His Son. God does not allow Him to see corruption. <b>Psalm 16:10, "</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption."</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">We read in Philippians 2:5-8 above how Christ made Himself low for our sakes and humbled Himself to the point of death. However if we read on </span><span class="text Phil-2-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">we are told: </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Phil-2-9" id="en-NKJV-29401" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, </span><span style="line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Phil-2-10" id="en-NKJV-29402" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, </span><span style="line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Phil-2-11" id="en-NKJV-29403" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>and <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">that</i>every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> Lord, to the glory of God the Father."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Phil-2-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="oblique" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">“O Death, where <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> your sting </span><span class="oblique" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">O Hades, where</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="oblique" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">your victory?”</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span class="text 1Cor-15-56" id="en-NKJV-28775" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">56 </span>The sting of death <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> sin, and the strength of sin <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> the law. </span><span class="text 1Cor-15-57" id="en-NKJV-28776" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">57 </span>But thanks <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">be</i> to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let us not treat the cross and what Christ did as an emotionless historic fact. Let us remember what He endured upon that cross for our sake. How terrible it must have been and oh how we do not deserve anything from Him. Yet let us also not forget the good news that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners, of whom I am chief! (<b>2 Timothy 1:15</b>) and that He is now seated at the right hand of God waiting for the enemies to be made His footstool. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">-BACChristian</span></div>
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-60405107770719525842014-09-04T14:22:00.000+01:002014-09-04T14:48:16.002+01:00The Emotions of Christ<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emotions are one of the biggest
downfall of mankind. They are fickle. They come and go and they can be
deceptive. If we were to act on every emotion we have then our lives would be
incredibly volatile. We would probably end up with a lot of broken down relationships, and possibly in jail (or is that just me?). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Martin Luther (the 16thC
reformist, not Martin Luther King) said </span><i><span style="line-height: 107%;">“Feelings come and feelings
go, And feelings are deceiving; My warrant is the Word of God-- Naught else is
worth believing.”</span></i><span style="line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As humans our emotions are a
natural thing to us, both bad and good. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not often do we think about the Lord as an emotional being. When we speak about what Christ has done, we talk about it in a cold and unemotional way. We are able to say "Jesus died for you" with ease as if it is some empty phrase.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is easy to think about Christ as
God Almighty who came to the earth to defeat sin and was perfect. However, we
must not forget that the Lord Jesus was also an emotional being, just like us. We
read in the gospels of His anguish and turmoil in the garden of Gethsemane before His arrest and crucifixion; we read about the pain He suffered on the
cross; and we read about His righteous anger as He turned the tables in the
temple and lashed out at the blasphemy against God amongst the Jewish people of
His day. The Lord was an emotional man and we should remember this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b>Hebrews 2:14-15</b> states, <i>“<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white;">14 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white;">Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh
and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might
destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="text"></span><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background: white;"><span id="en-NKJV-29993" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">15 </span></span></sup></b><span style="background: white;">and
release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to
bondage.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"></span><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background: white;"><span id="en-NKJV-29994" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">16 </span></span></sup></b><span style="background: white;">For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does
give aid to the seed of Abraham.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"></span><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background: white;"><span id="en-NKJV-29995" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">17 </span></span></sup></b><span style="background: white;">Therefore,
in all things He had to be made like</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background: white;">His
</span></span><span style="background: white;">brethren, that He might be a merciful
and faithful High Priest in things</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background: white;">pertaining</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">to God, to make propitiation for the
sins of the people.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"></span><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background: white;"><span id="en-NKJV-29996" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">18 </span></span></sup></b><span style="background: white;">For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He
is able to aid those who are tempted.</span>”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">Christ
did not come down as almighty God to invade and conquer, as so many people of
the day expected the Messiah to do. Christ came down lowly and without beauty. <b>Isaiah 53:2</b> states <i>“For He shall grow
up before Him as a tender plant,</i></span></span><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"> <span class="text"><span style="background: white;">And as a root out of
dry ground.</span></span></span> <span class="text"><span style="background: white;">He
has no form or comeliness;</span></span> <span class="text"><span style="background: white;">And when we see Him,</span></span> <span class="text"><span style="background: white;">There is</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span></i><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white;">no beauty that we should desire Him</span>.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christ
came down as human, just like me and you. It says in <b>Hebrews 2:17</b> that in all things He was made like His brethren (me
and you). <b>Hebrews 2:16</b> states that “He
did not give aid to angels but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.” Verse
16 here is stating that He did not come in the likeness of strong mighty
angels, He came in the likeness of a meek human being, with emotions, who is
tempted in exactly the same way as we are tempted. <b>Galatians 3:29 </b>states, <i>“If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s
seed and heir according to the promise.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus
was a man. He had all the same temptations and problems that we suffer each day.
That is why we can relate to Him as our Saviour and He can relate to us. He knows what you are going through for He has been through it Himself already. He suffered all that we suffer
every day, yet unlike us, He was perfect, and He remained perfect. That is why
He is our ultimate High Priest. That is why He was able to take the sins of the
world upon Himself; because He was sufficient to bear the punishment, as He was
worthy and perfect to be able to do so. The Bible tells us that sin is death.
But Jesus had no sin in Him, therefore death could not hold Him and He was able
to save us from this wretched state that we are all in. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We
should remember the emotions that Jesus possessed and the struggles He would
have had to endure. We read in Matthew 4 about His arduous temptation in the
wilderness. Yet at all times He remained perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through
our own emotions we can begin to relate and understand just some of the
enormity of the sacrifice that the Lord voluntarily made. One can only imagine how our Saviour felt during His time on earth; a
perfect man wrongly accused to the point of death. Mocked and numbered amongst
the transgressors, yet like a lamb to the slaughter He remained silent. How
difficult and devastating this must have been to bear. How words cannot
describe the emotions He would have felt. Indeed, they cannot. Yet through our
own emotions, that we experience every day, perhaps we are able to get just a
glimpse of what He would have felt. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We
understand the heartache that can be felt through relationships, we understand
the feelings of injustice over small matters, we
understand the feelings of sorrow and mourning and grief. Imagine the feelings that the
Lord would have suffered throughout His life. A man who was susceptible to all
the things that we are, yet He was able to remain perfect. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From
reading God’s Word, His final and complete revelation to us, we can see the
emotions of Christ. Look at the feelings of betrayal and anguish felt by Hosea,
as He lives with an unfaithful wife. Look at the feelings of helplessness and
listlessness of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes as He looks at all His riches and realises
that nothing on this earth can bring fulfilment, look at the utter despair of
Job as everything that was important to Him was taken away. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These
are the emotions that Christ would have felt as He gave up His life for you. He
was not some distant entity. He was a man to whom we can relate. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let
us stop telling people ‘Jesus died for you’ as if it has become some sort of empty
phrase. Let us remember that Jesus is God, yet He came down as human. Let us
remember through our own emotional understanding, how dire a situation the Lord
put Himself in for our sakes. Let us remember the realness of His death and
sacrifice and let us remember that we are able to relate to Him, and He to us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our
ultimate High Priest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text"><b><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">2 Corinthians 5:21</span></b></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"> <i>“</i></span></span><i><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">For He made Him who knew no sin<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">to be</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> sin for us, that we might become the
righteousness of God in Him.</span>”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Romans 10:9 <i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"</span></i></b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved"</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-BACChristian</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-65561232088802631282014-09-01T18:25:00.000+01:002014-09-01T18:25:20.719+01:00Proverbs 27:17 - The right kind of fellowship<span class="text Prov-27-17" id="en-NKJV-17187" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Proverbs 27:17</b> "As</i> iron sharpens iron, s</span><span class="text Prov-27-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">o a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As Iron sharpens Iron</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">When cutting a loaf of bread, people say "let the knife do all the work". That is good advise... if the knife is sharp. If the knife is blunt you will have a tough time cutting through the loaf, and will probably end up with a shabby looking slice of toast at the end of it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">It is the same with our faith in Christ. When we put our trust in Jesus Christ, John 14 promises us that a helper, the Holy Spirit, will fill us. In doing so we will be able to have a relationship with God and our minds will be renewed. We will be filled with the power of God. <b>Matthew 19:26</b> states "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible".</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">When we put our trust in Christ we are adopted into the family of God and unplugged from this world to which we are all at one time in our lives (for some that means the whole of their life) slaves too. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-6-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text Rom-6-16" id="en-NKJV-28085" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Romans 6:16-18</b> "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">leading</i> to death, or of obedience <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">leading</i> to righteousness? </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Rom-6-17" id="en-NKJV-28086" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>But God be thanked that <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">though</i> you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Rom-6-18" id="en-NKJV-28087" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness."</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-6-18" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text Rom-6-18" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Romans 6:23</b> </span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">For the wages of sin </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> death, but the gift of God </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Christ is the light of the world, and by putting our trust in Him that light resides within us. <b>Matthew 5:14</b> states "You are the light of the world". <b>John 1:5</b> states that the "light shines in the darkness, but the darkness did not comprehend it."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">As Christians we are in the world, but not of the world. <b>Romans 12:2</b> states, </span></span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">This means that although we live in a world that is filled with darkness, we are separate from it and are light. </span></span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Romans 12:1</b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> instructs us, "</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">which is</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> your reasonable service."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">We must ensure that we are able to shine brightly in this dark environment and present ourselves to God worthy of the sacrifice which Christ Jesus made for us. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">We are unable to do this if our light is dim. Just like the knife needs to be sharpened to cut through the loaf of bread in the above example, we need to ensure that our light is bright so that it may pierce through the darkness allowing us to show others the love of Christ and the sacrifice He made for them and also so that we may be able to remain worthy of that sacrifice and not succumb to our sinful nature. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><b>Matthew 5:16</b> "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Those of us who have put our trust in Christ are soldiers behind enemy lines, constantly being bombarded every day, bombarded by other peoples actions, bombarded by our emotions, bombarded by our circumstances, bombarded by what we see and look at. We must take steps to ensure that our light within us remains bright, to ensure that we remain sharp. For if the light becomes dull, or we become blunt, we are sure to make a mess of life and of our relationship with God, just like we are sure to make a mess of our toast in the morning if we try to cut the loaf with a blunt knife.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">In order to remain sharp and bright, we should focus on that which is light and good. <b>Matthew 6:22</b> states </span></span><span class="text Matt-6-22" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Matt-6-23" id="en-NKJV-23306" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> that darkness!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><b>Colossians 3:2</b> "Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The most prominent ways to ensure you remain bright and sharp are to focus on Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><b>Hebrews 12:2</b> "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">our</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Proverbs 27:17</b> tells us that a way to do that is through the countenance of our friends. This is referring to fellowship with other believers who believe in the same Christ as you do. For no man is an island (this saying came from a monk, and not the Bible, but it is true!). In Corinthians Paul talks about how his boast is in the brethren (his brothers and sisters in the Lord) because they believe in what he believes and also show the light of Christ in their lives, just as his brethren boasts in him. We should come together to build each other up in the Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><b>Hebrews 3:13</b> states, "</span></span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">but exhort one another daily, while it is called </span><span class="oblique" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">“Today,”</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."</span><br />
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<b>1 Corinthians 14:26 </b>states, "<span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Just as iron sharpens iron, fellowship with other brothers and sisters in the Lord sharpens us as Christians in this dark world. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Churches today love fellowship, however it is important that we get the right fellowship. Socialising is nice, but ultimately this will not sharpen our walk in the faith. In order to do that, we must have more than just social meetings; we must exhort one another, come to each other for advice, read the Scriptures and praise God together. It is through this kind of fellowship, the right kind, that we can be sure that we will be sharpened. Not only will this allow us to cut through the darkness with ease, but it will also allow us to withstand in that darkness so that we do not succumb to the ways of the world.<b> Proverbs 1:10</b> warns us, "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">My son, if sinners entice you, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Do not consent."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">We should also study God's Word, for this is the true sharpening tool and the foundation of our faith. <b>2 Timothy 3:16 </b>"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">All Scripture </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> given by inspiration of God, and </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Hebrews 4:12</b> states "</span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">For the word of God </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Have fellowship with your brethren in the Lord, have fellowship with the Lord, and read His Word which is "sharper than any two-edged sword", and you will be certain that you will be light to the world and as sharpened iron. ...You will have no problem slicing your toast in the morning!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Just as Moses, after He had been in the presence of the Lord up on Mount Horeb in <b>Exodus 34:35</b>, the people who saw Him could see the Lord as his face shined from the glory of God.</span><br />
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Be Sharp.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">-BACChristian</span>BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-5713575034494979302014-09-01T15:02:00.001+01:002014-09-01T15:04:43.958+01:00Live Worthy of your Call - Ephesians 4:1<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="chapternum"><b>Ephesians 4:1</b> “</span><span class="text"><i>I, therefore, the prisoner of
the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called”</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having a relationship with Christ is not
just about accepting Him as your saviour and acknowledging what He has done and
who He is; it is about living in a way that is worthy of the sacrifice that He
has made for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In <b>Ephesians 4:1</b> Paul instructs us to live
worthy of the calling with which we were called. In order to do that we need to
first accept the call. <b>Matthew 22:14</b> states “many are called but few are chosen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text"><b>2 Peter 3:9</b> states “</span><b><sup><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">9 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white;">The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men
count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God does not want any to perish. He wishes for all to be
brought back to Him through Christ Jesus; however the majority of us do not
accept the call with which He calls us.<i> If
you want to know more about this then read other posts and statement of faith
on this site, or take the ‘am I a good person test’ to find out about God’s
call and what He has done for us. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf2dk3t_rDc/VAR7HS9Z4HI/AAAAAAAAAQM/ZB5Ys8599js/s1600/Telephone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf2dk3t_rDc/VAR7HS9Z4HI/AAAAAAAAAQM/ZB5Ys8599js/s1600/Telephone.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those who have accepted His call, we must then go on to
live worthy of that call. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Paul writes Ephesians, He is in prison. He has been
imprisoned for preaching the Gospel of Christ. Yet, despite being imprisoned
for this, most of the New Testament is made up of letters from Paul encouraging
us to follow Christ, which is the exact thing he has been
imprisoned for. In <b>Phillipians 1:21</b> Paul states, “For me to live is Christ, and
to die is gain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paul understood the great sacrifice that God made in order for
us to be saved and to redeem us from the death which sin brings – the death which
all mankind are subject to. Paul knew the heavy price Jesus paid for our
salvation, a price which cost his life. Paul was well aware of the second
chance He had been given by God, to enable him to become one with our perfect
God and creator, as God initially intended for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paul also recognised the futility of what the world has to
offer us. He recognised that this world is but a flash in comparison with
eternity and that what we put our trusts and hopes in is important. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;">He states in <b>Romans 8:18</b> “</span><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); line-height: 107%;">I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with
the glory that will be revealed in us.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); line-height: 107%;">He states in <b>2
Cornithians 4:17</b> “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh
for us a far more exceeding<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i>and</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> eternal
weight of glory;</span>”<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;"><b>1 Peter 5:10</b> states “</span><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); line-height: 107%;">And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in
Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and
make you strong, firm and steadfast.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); line-height: 107%;">In <b>Matthew 6:19-21</b> Jesus
states, “</span><span class="woj"><b><sup><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white;">“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white;">where
moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span id="en-NIV-23303" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">20 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white;">But
store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white;">where
moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"></span><span style="background: white;"></span> </span><span class="woj"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span id="en-NIV-23304" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">21 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white;">For
where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.</span></span>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paul new that everything on this world is
temporary. As it says in the book of Ecclesiastes, the world and everything in
it are fading away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white;"><b>1 John 2:17</b> states, “</span></span><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); line-height: 107%;">The world and its desires pass away, but
whoever does the will of God lives forever.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); line-height: 107%;">As Christians who have
put our trust in Christ, do not just remain static in our faith and continue to
occupy ourselves with things that are of no benefit to us. </span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;"><b>1 Corinthians 10:23</b> states, “</span><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); line-height: 107%;">"I have the right to do anything," you say--but
not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"--but
not everything is constructive.</span>” [NIV].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Rather, go on and live
in a way that is worthy in accordance with the sacrifice made. Fill your lives
with the Spirit. Focus on the light and equip yourself with the armour of God
so that you may not fall prey to the world which brings nothing but
unfulfillment and worthlessness, but instead be able to withstand in the evil
day, having done all to stand (Eph. 6).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Imagine if you are in a
life and death situation because of a mistake you have made. It is because of
your own actions that you are in this life threatening position. Yet, your
friend, who is nearby, quickly sees your struggle and jumps in, so that you may
be saved. In doing so your friend loses his life. How tragic this would be and
how distraught you would feel. If this were to happen, you would want to live
your life in a way that is worthy of the sacrifice your friend made for you,
the sacrifice that enabled you to have a second chance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">This is exactly what Christ
Jesus did for you. We have breached God’s laws and put ourselves in a position
which ultimately leads to our death. We take pleasure in that which is not good
for us and is not of God, yet Jesus saw the predicament we were in and instead
of condemning us, which He had every right to do, He sacrificed His own life to
allow us the opportunity to live free from all that rubbish the world has to
offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Let us go on and live
worthy of the call of God, lest we trample the sacrifice Christ made under our
feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">“For God so loved the
world that He sent His one and only Son, that whoever so believeth in Him shall
not perish but have everlasting life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">-<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); line-height: 107%;">John
3:16<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">BACChrsitian<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-20517982563308954102014-08-18T17:33:00.000+01:002014-08-18T17:36:37.160+01:00God v Evolution Movie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/U0u3-2CGOMQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Check out this short movie on evolution.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wB2c575r_Mo/U_IreQ9aPbI/AAAAAAAAAPs/kccyhiyBjho/s1600/evolution.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wB2c575r_Mo/U_IreQ9aPbI/AAAAAAAAAPs/kccyhiyBjho/s1600/evolution.gif" height="186" width="200" /></a></div>
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-8499580077169972014-08-18T15:39:00.003+01:002014-08-18T15:40:35.824+01:00Lessons from Hollywood<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dA2CTP8-F9s/U_IL2qF2lzI/AAAAAAAAAPc/3LwKhsH7zsQ/s1600/hollywood-star-18915835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dA2CTP8-F9s/U_IL2qF2lzI/AAAAAAAAAPc/3LwKhsH7zsQ/s1600/hollywood-star-18915835.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The death of Robin Williams last week came as a shock to many and a stark reminder of the reality of death that we all must experience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is yet another tragedy amongst the princes and princesses of Hollywood. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why is it that the lives of so many stars, who seem to have it all, end up in tragedy? </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Could it be that because they have had all that the world has to offer right in front of them, they quickly realise that none of it can actually bring fulfilment and happiness?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The majority of us spend our lives chasing after things that the world offers in a pursuit to find fulfilment and happiness at a nice steady pace. It is harder for us to see the futility of what the world offers as easily as the stars of Hollywood, who have had everything flung upon them all at once and quickly realise that the world cannot bring them happiness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The majority of us live regular lives with regular jobs with a nice holiday or two each year. In comparison, it seems like the rich and the famous are involved in the strangest things. We see the gossip magazines and newspapers discussing their latest bizarre escapades; their changes of religion; their weird personal hobbies and the fact that they seem to do everything to the extreme, whether it is becoming addicted to heroin or spending every second dedicated to charity works and mission.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps it is because unlike the majority of us, who spend our time working towards having a comfortable life, taking comfort in what we can, the rich and famous have already experienced all that the world has to offer, all the fine dining and luxuries, and realised that they do not bring happiness, therefore they desperately search for something else that will. They have tasted all the world can offer and realised that they haven't found anything that leaves them really satisfied. They do everything to the extreme in order to fill their lives with something, anything that can bring them contentment. Perhaps it is this desperation to discover something more that results in so many tragedies amongst the rich and famous of Hollywood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The latest tragedy, Robin Williams, reminds us that nothing that the world has to offer lasts. Everything is temporary. Not only can we not take material things with us when we die, but also clearly, these things do not bring real happiness even during life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bible tells us at <b>1 John 2:17</b> something that none can argue with: "The world is passing away, and everything in it...". Everything the world can offer us is temporary. We cannot take anything with us into death, but even during life, they are of no avail to us. <b>Matthew 6:19</b> instructs us: <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal...</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hunger and thirst are very real to us, but also very temporary. We may be hungry before lunch, however after we have eaten, we are full and the hunger has gone. In the same way, the food that fills us is also temporary and by evening, we are ready to eat another large meal. This is because these things only bring temporary fulfilment. It is the same for everything that the world has to offer us; money, nice weather, nice possessions, nice hobbies. They taste sweet to us at first, but they soon become sickly and we are left feeling yet again, unfulfilled and searching. <b>Revelation 10:9</b> states <span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but 'in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.'"</span> We may get a new car which brings joy, but soon it becomes common and we look forward to the next one. We may move into a new house, but soon the house of our dreams begins to look a bit drab and we look for ways to improve it. Nothing that we can get can from this world can satisfy our desire to be fulfilled and content.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rich and famous know this feeling all too well. Sadly, most of them never find the thing that can really fulfil them and their life ends in tragedy.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This world is temporary, as is everything in it. Even our own bodies are perishing. Therefore it is futile to attempt to fill ourselves with these things, because they soon pass away and we are left looking for the next fix.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Matthew 26:6 </b><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?"</span></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To ever be really fulfilled and have purpose in life, we need to base it upon something which is not passing away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>John 6:27</b> tells us "<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The passage at <b>Matthew 6:19</b> goes on to state: <span class="text Matt-6-19" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">"19</span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Matt-6-20" id="en-NKJV-23303" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Matt-6-21" id="en-NKJV-23304" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">21 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Colossians 3:2</b> tells us to "set our minds on things above, not on things of the earth."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b>1 John 2:17</b>, goes on to say: "the world is passing away and everything in it, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">but he who does the will of God abides forever."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To ever be truly fulfilled and left not wanting, we must put our hope in something that is eternal and unchanging. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fulfilment comes through faith in God. <b>Psalm 62:5</b> states "<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For He is the only thing that remains the same. He was the same in 1656 as he is in 2014, and He will be the same in 2096 (if we get that far) than He is today. Everything in the world changes day by day, but He remains the same. <b>Hebrews 13:8</b> states "Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only through putting our trust in Him and what He has done for us on the cross can we ever truly be fulfilled. Of course we will still be subjected to the temporariness of this world, for we are part of it, but as it states in <b>2 Corinthians 4:16 </b>"Though the outward man is perishing, the inward man is being renewed day by day."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;"><b>Matthew 6:21</b> states "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">Build your treasure in the world, which is temporary, and your happiness too will be temporary. Put your faith and treasure in God through the Lord Jesus, who is eternal and everlasting, and your happiness too will be eternal and everlasting.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Learn from the stars of Hollywood. Not often are they the greatest role models, but in this instance they are. For we can see from the lives of those who have had everything, that none of it can bring true happiness, none of it can last, and it all ends in tragedy for those who put their faith in things of the world. </span></span></div>
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-46014813345557978382014-05-05T12:30:00.000+01:002014-09-11T16:33:07.554+01:00Jehovah's Witnesses are not Christians<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypeQf1aIoKY/U2d2z0tZ0oI/AAAAAAAAAOY/skgnP0MxdU8/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypeQf1aIoKY/U2d2z0tZ0oI/AAAAAAAAAOY/skgnP0MxdU8/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></span></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>What is a Christian?</u></span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be a Christian is not to only believe on Jesus, but to be adopted into His family through putting your trust and faith in Him and repenting of your sin and the way you used to live before you accepted Christ. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Bible often uses metaphors that we are able to understand to describe our salvation. In <b>Romans 11:17 </b>Paul describes Christians as branches, grafted into the olive tree: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"<span class="Apple-style-span">And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree,"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be a Christian is much more than to hold a high moral fibre and believe in the things of the Bible. It is to become one with God through Christ and become distinct from the world.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>John 15:19</b> states, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"<span class="Apple-style-span">If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be a Christian is to recognise the hopelessness of our situation, in that we are sinners and one day must face a holy God to be held accountable for what we have done. To be a Christian is to recognise that we fall short of the glory of God and are guilty before Him for breaking His laws. To be a Christian is to recognise that God loves us so much that He became man Himself, as His son Jesus Christ, to die for us and take the punishment for the things we have done wrong. To be a Christian is to recognise that the only way to salvation is through putting our trust in Jesus Christ, the man who sacrificed Himself for us. To be a Christian is to repent of our sin and trust in Jesus. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus says in <b>John 14:6</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Lord Jesus Christ is central to Christianity.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>John 1:12</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> states "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We must believe in His name and trust in Him as our saviour.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why Jehovah's Witnesses are not Christians:</span></b></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*any statement as to what JW believe has been taken from www.jw.org </span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe that Jesus Christ is equal to God.</u> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>www.jw.org states:</i></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>12. How do we know that the firstborn Son is not equal to God?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>Is the firstborn Son equal to God, as some believe? That is not what the Bible teaches. As we noted in the preceding paragraph, the Son was created. Obviously, then, he had a beginning, whereas Jehovah God has no beginning or end. (Psalm 90:2) The only-begotten Son never </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 20px;">even considered trying to be equal to his Father. The Bible clearly teaches that the Father is greater than the Son. (John 14:28;1 Corinthians 11:13) Jehovah alone is “God Almighty.” (Genesis 17:1) Therefore, he has no equal.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Why this is untrue:</b></u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is untrue and an unbiblical view. There is a previous post on this blog regarding the Trinity, which shows how God is one God made up of three separate entities, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit - each equal to each other. However, to rebut this statement by the JW, lets go down another route:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, JW's claim regarding Jesus being created is untrue. In fact, the Lord Jesus was there in Genesis 1. </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 John 5:7</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Jesus Christ is also "the light of the world". </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In <b>Genesis 1</b> we see God the Father (1:1</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"God created the heavens and the earth"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">); God the Spirit (1:2 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"and the Spirit of God hovered over the waters"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">); and God the Son. The Son is there as both the Word and the Light. (1:3 "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">God <b>said</b> let there be <b>light </b>and there was <b>light."</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">). Note that the light is first mentioned in verse 3, however our only source of light, the sun was not created until verse 16. This light mentioned in verse 3 is a different light to the one that is given from the sun. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Furthermore, throughout the old testament, we see God the Son incarnated in human form. The angel of the Lord is called 'yahweh' in Hebrew. In Genesis 18 we are told that the 'angel of the Lord' appeared to Abraham amongst the terebinth trees. In Genesis 38 we are told how Jacob wrestles with the angel of the Lord.</span></div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><b>Exodus 6:3 </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">states, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">“I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty (El Shaddai), but by my name ‘the LORD’ (Yahweh) I was not known to them.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was a definite time when Jesus was incarnated as man on the earth (0 B.C.). However to say that this is when He was created is wrong. He always existed. That is why in </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Revelation 22:13</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Jesus states </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Jehovah's Witnesses state that Jesus did not even consider to be equal to God. Again this is untrue. Time and time again Jesus admitted and claimed to be God Almighty. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Lets look briefly at the story of Moses and the burning bush in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><b>Exodus 3</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Exodus 3:13-14</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, <i>when</i> I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What <i>is</i> His name?’ what shall I say to them?”</span></div>
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<span class="text Exod-3-14" id="en-NKJV-1594"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”"</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Exod-3-14" id="en-NKJV-1594"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now let us look to the famous passage in </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John 8:58</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Jesus said to them,<span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="woj">“Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”"</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="woj"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus here is claiming to be God Himself. The religious leaders at the time knew this too, because they knew their Scripture (unlike the Jehovahs Witnesses), which is why we are told in </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8:59</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple,<span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">going through the midst of them, and so passed by."</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Pharisees knew the seriousness of the claim Jesus had made in <b>John 8:58 </b>and they considered it blasphemy, which is why they took up stones to kill Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Without a doubt, Jesus certainly did claim that He was God Almighty.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Philippians 2:5-7</b> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"</span><span class="text Phil-2-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="text Phil-2-6" id="en-NKJV-29398" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="text Phil-2-7" id="en-NKJV-29399" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">and</i> coming in the likeness of men." </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus is Michael the archangel:</u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Light', Helvetica, 'Droid Sans', Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>www.jw.org states:</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Light', Helvetica, 'Droid Sans', Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Archangel. </strong>God’s Word refers to Michael “the archangel.” (<a class="jsBibleLink jsNoScroll" data-bible="nwt" data-targetverses="65001009" href="http://www.jw.org/en/publications/bible/nwt/books/jude/1/#v65001009" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jude 9</a>) This term means “chief angel.” Notice that Michael is called <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">the</span>archangel. This suggests that there is only one such angel. In fact, the term “archangel” occurs in the Bible only in the singular, never in the plural. Moreover, Jesus is linked with the office of archangel. Regarding the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, <a class="jsBibleLink jsNoScroll" data-bible="nwt" data-targetverses="52004016" href="http://www.jw.org/en/publications/bible/nwt/books/1-thessalonians/4/#v52004016" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 4:16</a>states: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice.” Thus the voice of Jesus is described as</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Light', Helvetica, 'Droid Sans', Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><span class="refID" id="page219" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; text-align: justify; width: 0px;"> </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Light', Helvetica, 'Droid Sans', Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>being that of an archangel. This scripture therefore suggests that Jesus himself is the archangel Michael.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why this is untrue:</span></b></u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">This claim is completely unbiblical yet again. To rebut this claim indefinitely, lets look at the passage that the JW website uses itself. The JW website refers to Jude 9 to show that Jesus is Michael the archangel. In fact, this verse shows the complete opposite.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><b>Jude 1:9</b> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here, it says that Michael the Archangel "dared not bring against him [satan] a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!". </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Satan is a powerful being. There is no doubt about it. The earth currently belongs to him and he has great power. A third of the angels sided with him when he was cast out of heaven. He is to blame for everything wrong with this world (that's a lot of wrong!...) and Michael, God's most powerful angel knew this. Michael knew that satan (Lucifer) was too powerful even for him! That is why we are told that he dared not bring an accusation against him, but instead said the Lord rebuke you. Michael knew that he was not powerful enough to rebuke the devil in his own strength, therefore He had to rely on the power of the Lord and use His name, which is powerful enough to rebuke satan. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you read the book of Acts, you will see countless stories were followers of Jesus have failed to cast out demons because they have been too strong for them. The only time they are successfully able to cast out the demons is when they rely upon the authority of God and come in Jesus' name. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael here is showing us his limitations. This is in comparison to Jesus, who had no problem in casting out demons and rebuking the devil himself (in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Matthew 4</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) in his own strength. Jesus did not have to rebuke in the name of the Lord, because He is the Lord.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further evidence that Jesus is not Michael the archangel can be seen in Revelation. When the angel reveals to John in Patmos the vision of the end days, John falls on his feet and begins to worship the angel. The angel is quick to rebuke John and tell him that only God is to be worshipped. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again going back to the gospels, we see countless times when the disciples fall at Jesus' feet and worship Him. Not once does Jesus rebuke or stop the people who worship Him. On the contrary, He accepts their worship and compliments them on their faith. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Matthew 28:9</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"<span class="Apple-style-span">And behold, Jesus</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24201A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span">met them and said,</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="woj">“Greetings!”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">And they came up and</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24201B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span">took hold of his feet and</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24201C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span">worshiped him."</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>In conclusion:</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">In conclusion we have looked at the Bible and at verses which show that clearly Jesus has claimed to be God Almighty and has differentiated Himself from the angels. There is much theology that we could look into to determine why Jehovah's Witnesses are incorrect in what they believe, but it is not necessary. It is only necessary to look to the claims of Jesus himself, because it is Jesus that is central to being a Christian.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">By looking at the claims of Jesus, which we have done above, we must come to one of two answers:</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;">Jesus is a liar. </span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;">There cannot be any other answers than that. For if Jesus' claims are true, then He is God Almighty and Jehovah's Witnesses are wrong.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;">But if what Jehovah's Witnesses say is true, then this not only makes Jesus a liar, but also it makes the Bible, which is the source of our faith, to be untrue also. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;">Now if Jesus is a liar, then that makes Him in contravention of the ninth commandment, which therefore means that He is not perfect, which therefore means that He was unable to take the punishment for our sins, because He too was a sinner, which therefore means that His death on the cross was of no effect, and there is no such thing as the Christian faith.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;">If Jesus is a liar, then that also means the Bible is incorrect. We are able to put our wholehearted trust and faith into the Bible because it adds up completely and is the source of our faith. If this part of the Bible is incorrect then it all becomes untrustworthy, meaning we have no basis for our faith, again meaning that there is no such thing as Christianity. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;">Jesus Christ Himself claims to be God Almighty. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;">A Jehovahs Witness does not believe this. Therefore there are two conclusions:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;">A) Jehovahs Witnesses are wrong in what they beleive</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;">B) Jesus is a liar and therefore the whole Bible is brought into disrepute.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;">I know what I believe.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Collosians 2:9</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"For in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead, bodily"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 20px;">-BACChristian</span></span></div>
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BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703733833222584783.post-2056954134122550782014-05-03T00:11:00.001+01:002014-05-03T00:11:40.451+01:00Jesus in Daniel in the lions den<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Following from the previous post, lets continue at <b>Daniel 6</b>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you've read any other posts on here, you've grasped the fact that everything in the Bible points to Christ and the Gospel.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lets look at how Daniel is a picture of the Christ to come, approximately 548 years later:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just like Jesus, Daniel faces opposition from the local leaders of his day. Jesus often received hostility from the Saduccees and Pharisees, who made up the Jewish council. (<b>Daniel 6:4</b> "...so the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel...").</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Similarly, <b>Mark 3:2</b> states "some Pharisees were trying to find fault with Jesus..." <b>Verse 6</b> states, "then the Pharisees went out and began to make plans with the Herodians. They wanted to kill Jesus."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The religious leaders of Jesus' day were unable to find fault with Him despite their efforts. In<b> Luke 23:4</b> after interrogating Jesus, Pilate declared "I find no fault in this man" The Lord Jesus is perfect, without blemish or spot.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the same way we are told about Daniel in <b>Daniel 6:4</b> that the governors "could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Daniel 6:5</b> tells us how the governors had to revert to looking for fault in Daniel concerning the law of God: "we shall not find any charge against Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How often in the gospels did the Pharisees and Saducees look to trap Jesus through using the law of God. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>John 8:3-6</b> <span class="text John-8-3" id="en-NKJV-26385"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">3 </sup>Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, </span><span class="text John-8-4" id="en-NKJV-26386"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">4 </sup>they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. </span><span class="text John-8-5" id="en-NKJV-26387"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup>Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” </span><span class="text John-8-6" id="en-NKJV-26388"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>This they said, testing Him, that they might have <i>something</i> of which to accuse Him.</span> </span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Daniel 6:16-17</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Dan-6-16" id="en-NKJV-21922"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast <i>him</i> into the den of lions. <i>But</i> the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” </span><span class="text Dan-6-17" id="en-NKJV-21923"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here we can see the obvious illustration of Christ's crucifixion death and burial in the tomb. Lets take each verse in turn:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Verse 16:</u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Verse 16 tells us that it was the king who gave the command to cast Daniel into the lions den. We know from verse 14 that the king was reluctant to give judgment on Daniel and wanted to deliver him.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the same way, God forsook Christ and caused Him to be crucified upon the cross and die. God did not want to do this, but He knew that the death of His only Son was the only way salvation could come to us.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Verse 17:</u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just as the stone was laid on the mouth of the lions den and sealed, we are told in Matthew 27 how the stone was laid over Jesus' tomb. <b>Matthew 27:66</b> states: "So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Daniel 6:23-24</b></span></div>
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<span class="text Dan-6-23" id="en-NKJV-21929"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">23 </sup>Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Dan-6-24"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">24 </sup>And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast <i>them</i> into the den of lions—them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Dan-6-24"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finally we can see the resemblance between Daniel and Jesus in verses 23 and 24.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Dan-6-24"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Verse 23:</u></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The den represents Hades, the place were Jesus visited when he died on the cross, during the period between His death and His resurrection. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Ephesians 4:9-10</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Eph-4-9" id="en-NKJV-29282"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> "</sup></span>(Now this, <span class="oblique">“He ascended”</span>—what does it mean but that He also first<sup class="footnote" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-29282a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eph.4.9-Eph.4.10#fen-NKJV-29282a" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> descended into the lower parts of the earth? <span class="text Eph-4-10" id="en-NKJV-29283"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)."</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Eph-4-10" id="en-NKJV-29283">We are told in <b>Revelation 1:18</b> that whilst Jesus was in Hades He defeated death and death had no power over Him. "</span>I <i>am</i> He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We know from <b>Romans 6:23</b> that the wages of sin is death. Sin is death. The reason we all die is because we have all sinned. However, Jesus had not. Jesus is perfect, and therefore death had no affect over Him. This is why He was able to defeat death. Not only did death not have affect over Him, but also He defeated death so that we can be set free of it too. He set the captives free. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is why after 3 days He was able to raise again - because He had no sin in Him. After 3 days He was risen by the power of God and was exalted on high. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Verse 24:</u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The lions had no affect over Daniel, because Daniel was found innocent before God. In the same way, death had no affect over Jesus because He was innocent and sinless. However, we can see in verse 24 that the lions devoured the governors and their families before they even touched the bottom of the pit. In the same way, we are all sinners and have all committed wrongs, therefore we will be devoured in hell, if we were to die as we are. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Death certainly does have an affect over us, and we cannot escape it. This is why it is absolutely imperative that we put our trust in Christ Jesus, to ensure that through putting our trust in Him, the man who defeated death and set the captives free, we too will escape the wiles of death and the teeth of the lions and be saved.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-BACChristian</span></div>
BAC Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577345055881381907noreply@blogger.com0