The Good Seed

2012-01-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

Wisdom, Children and the Dark
Stephen Hawking turned 70 on Jan.8, 2012. This man is considered to be "...one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Einstein."(Calgary Sun-Jan.9) He has led an extraordinary life. Almost 20 years after his birth, he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig`s disease. He was not expected to live past his twenties.
Since that time he has been confined to a wheelchair and can only communicate via an electronic voice synthesiser; however, he "...has broken frontiers in research into theories of time, space, relativity and black holes."(Calgary Sun- Jan.9) In 1988, he published an international bestseller "A Brief History of Time" which was no small feat for a book about physics. He is currently a Cambridge University professor and researcher.
In May 2011, Mr. Hawking was reported to have made comments concerning Heaven in a newspaper interview. He maintains that " ...there is no heaven or afterlife...That is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark...".(Calgary Sun-Jan.8) The implication is that people who believe in an afterlife have the intellectual maturity of a small child.
As a Christian, I am one of those people who believe in the existence of Heaven and Hell. I admit that I was tempted to respond to Mr. Hawking`s comment with indignation. I started to feel angry that this man considered me to be a simpleton for my belief; however, I was reminded of several Bible passages concerning wisdom, children and the dark.
The Bible offers a warning to those who will find themselves to be the object of someone`s disdain. In 2 Peter 3:3, 5a the writer states:

First of all you must understand this, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own passions ... They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago...

Romans 1:19-22(in part) states:

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature, namely, His eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse...but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools...

I am not quoting these passages in an attempt to insult scientists. I am grateful for science. It is a blessing from God. The pursuit of knowledge leads to the truth; however, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 8:1, knowledge can also lead to arrogance. This is something that can afflict anyone including Christians. This sport of hurling contempt at each other does not lead to a full understanding of the truth.

As for children, they are often afraid of the dark. They are rarely afraid of learning. At first every concept is welcomed and accepted as being the truth. As we grow older we process all this information along with reality and find that not all things are true. Another thing that seems to happen as we get older is that we lose that enthusiasm for knowledge. We get, as is said, stuck in our ways and refuse to budge out of our ruts. In Matthew 18:1-4 Jesus responds to a question that was asked by His disciples:

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?" And calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them, and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.

Did Jesus mean that we should remain ignorant as children? No. The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about giving up "childish ways" in order to mature in the Christian faith. He also admitted that, at that time, he only knew "...in part."(1 Corinthians 13:11). The key word to both these passages is "humble". As Christians we are not to have the brain of a child but the heart of one.

Concerning the dark, it is unnatural to be always in the dark- physically and metaphorically. All life needs some amount of light in order to grow. A person who does not have a lot of knowledge is said to be in the dark. Also to be experiencing hardships in one`s life is described as having dark days. The dark is a scary place but having knowledge of the truth will help one navigate through the shadowy landscape. Jesus taught His believers in John 8:31-32(in part):

Jesus then said..."If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

Amen!

Approval

2011-10-17T12:58:00.005-06:00

The cult of self esteem tells us that everyone needs approval and praise. People like to feel important and that they are special. This feeds our sense of self worth according to the world. Some Christians have seemed to accept this concept and feel the need to incorporate this into their faith. The question I ask is: Should Christians be seeking this kind of approval? Is this a Scriptual concept?

Matthew 6: 1-5 Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them;

otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is heaven.

When therefore you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you as the

hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honoured

by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give

alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing; that your

alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

And when you pray, you are not to be as the hypocrites; for they love to stand

and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, in order to be seen by

men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

The passage above certainly flies in the face of today`s cult of self esteem. Of course we are all to do good to our fellow man for this is a noble pursuit. In this age of reality TV and celebrity fund raising, however, we must let as many people know of our good deeds as is possible. If others see and approve of our "alms" then we will feel important and special. Someone might ask what is wrong with that? Well Scripture seems to teach that we are to help out our fellowman but that we are not to put the focus on ourselves in any way. We are not to use someone`s misfortune or our piety to elevate ourselves in the eyes of others. It isn`t about us. It is about being faithful servants and seeking the approval of our Master.

Worship of the church

2011-02-06T21:04:00.006-07:00

When we love God with all our being, we will desire to worship Him. To worship God means to adore and literally “to kiss, like a dog licking His master’s hand”. In this verse, we see that God is in charge. He is the Master and Lord. It makes sense then that the way Christians are to worship God would be in a way that He desires.

There are different kinds of worship but only one kind is acceptable. Jesus said in

Matthew 15:9 and Mark 7:7 that it is in vain to worship God using traditions of man. Vain worship is without purpose before God.

In Acts 17:23, the apostle Paul was walking around Athens amidst their idols and noticed that one altar that was “to the unknown God. ” Paul told the Greeks that they were worshipping a God that they did not know, thus they were ignorantly worshipping the true God. God does not want a people to be worshipping Him when they do not really know Him. The only way to really know God is through His Word. Paul needed to teach the Athenians, Acts 17:19-25; 27-32.

Another type of worship that God doesn’t want is “will worship”. The American

Standard Bible states this well, Colossians 2:20-23. “ If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as ‘Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!’ (which all refer to things destined to perish with the using)-in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.” This is a type of worship that is based upon man’s will or self-will. It feels good to deny self but this is really self indulgence because it is not required by God and does not hold up what the Son of God did in putting to death the flesh.

There is a terrible type of worship in Mark 15:19, when the soldiers cruelly mocked Jesus. They bowed down to Him but they did not mean it at all. It was all in jest. This type of mockery is still being done by people in the world who use the name of Jesus for profit.

An important thing to consider in worshipping is God is to realize the differences between the worship in the Old Testament and the New, something which was brought up in earlier lessons. The Israelites worshipped God with animal sacrifices on the Sabbath (ie Saturday) and on specific feast days such as the Passover. Incense was offered up and praises were sung accompanied with harp and lyre. The methods of worship in the Old Testament are not necessarily the same as in the New Testament. We have to keep this in mind as we divide the Word of God, 2 Timothy 2:15.

Then there is the worship which glorifies the Godhead, John 4:24, “God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.” John 6:63 and John 17:17 emphasize that Jesus’ Word is Spirit, life and truth.

Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, teaches us how to worship God.

Now we will look at 5 specific ways to worship God:

1.Studying, teaching and learning the Scriptures is a way to worship God. Multitudes came to hear Jesus speak. Jesus, after one hard teaching, saw what He knew would happen. Some of his followers would leave Him, John 6:57-69. Jesus’ Words are living. Studying these Words will lead to eternal life but we have to be able to stay with Him even when the teachings become difficult and hard to bear. After Jesus ascended into Heaven, the Apostles continued to teach. The Jewish leaders as with Jesus did not want to hear or believe and locked them up, Acts 5:17-33. The Apostles bravely taught the truth. Hearers have to listen and not be like the rulers whose indignation shut up their hearts to believing. Thus studying, teaching, listening and learning go together and are a part of kissing the Master’s hand.

2. Singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs praises God and is also another method that we teach one another. Colossians 3:16. Ephesians 5:19

3. Prayer is very important in the worship of God. In Acts 2:42, we read of the early Christians continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, and fellowship and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. The Bible has many passages which commands Christians to pray. 1 Timothy 2:8; Philippians 4:6.

4. Giving is a way of worshipping God. We see good works being done and money being shared within the church, Acts 4:34-37.

5. The Lord’s Supper is the greatest way to worship God for it is by remembering His death that the Christian recalls their own sin and the price that was paid for it. Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34.

These are all ways to worship God and they are to be done with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. We can do some of these items alone or with a few but it is the great gathering on the Lord’s Day, Sunday, that I want to address right now.

As Christ’s church, we have tried our utmost to strictly adhere to the directions of the New Testament. We have examined when we should gather together as a group or assembly in order to worship together. The church of Christ has looked at how the apostles and other holy people in the New Testament conducted themselves so as to have good examples to follow. Paul told his young helper Timothy to be a good example in 1 Timothy 4:12-13. Paul himself said to follow his own example, 1 Corinthian 11:1-2.

1. We see that Paul was teaching on the Lord’s Day in Acts 20:7. This first day of the week, Sunday, was the day that the saints had gathered to break bread and hear a sermon.

2.In Colossians 3: 15-16, we realize that the Christians are singing together. Once again they are gathered together as one body and the Word is dwelling in them richly, growing within them as they sing their hearts out to God. In the church of Christ, as we find no example of musical instruments being used, we sing only acapella or without instruments. There is no organ, piano or guitar used only the voices given us from God. Yes, instruments were used in the Old Testament and are mentioned as being present figuratively in Heaven, but in the pages of this present Christian age there is no mention so for this reason, we sing using our voices only.

3. Prayer is to be done at all times. Prayer is a vital part of our worship to God on Sunday.

4. Doing charitable works is to be a part of any Christian’s life but the gathering for the work of the church is done only on Sunday for us. We use the example in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, as giving for the collection for the saints on the first day of the week. There is no specific amount no give except to give cheerfully and as one has been prospered, 2 Corinthian 9:7.

5. The most vital part of the Lord’s Day gathering is the Lord’s Supper in which we have a portion of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, non-alcoholic grape juice. This occurs once a week as we read in Acts 20:7.

The men are the leaders and teachers in the church of Christ as 1 Timothy 2:11-14. Women are allowed to teach the children and other women, 2 Timothy 1:5 and Titus 2:4-5. Women respectively speak in Bible classes but do not take over the class as the teacher is in charge.

John 4:24, “God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.”

I come here as an ambassador for Christ and His Word. Please continue to study these verses for yourself for God calls each person through His Word. My words mean nothing, only those of Jesus Christ and His inspired followers of the New Testament.

The New Testament Church

2011-01-25T21:48:00.003-07:00

Today we will be studying the Church. There is a prophecy in the Old Testament that foretells of a new era, one in which people of all nations will come together and no longer war with one another but live in unity and harmony,

“ And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains; and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His path: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shaIl not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” , Isaiah 2:2-4. This passage came to pass in Acts on the day of Pentacost. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the ho use where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded because that every man heard them speak in his own language.”, Acts 2:1-6. This was the beginning and the establishment of the church in Jerusalem.

The Lord’s house in Isaiah 2:2 is the church, as Paul mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:15, “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

The peace symbolized by the swords being beaten into plowshares happened when the Israelites and Gentiles were made one before God through Christ’s death, as Paul says in Ephesians 2:11-17, “ Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles, in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time y were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby;” Also, in God’s church today, there is peace amongst people of many cultures and backgrounds as all submit to the Word of God.

The church is the Kingdom, which we have studied before. Mark 9:1 tells of the Kingdom of God coming with power while some of those that were listening to Jesus speaking would still be alive. “ And He [Jesus] said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the Kingdom of God come with power.” The Kingdom would come with power! That power was the Holy Spirit coming upon the twelve apostles on Pentecost, the day that the church began, “Then opened He [Jesus speaking after His resurrection] their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”, Luke 24:45-49 and Acts 1:8, “ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Jesus told Peter that the His church would be founded upon the confession of faith stated in Matthew 16:15-18, “ He [Jesus] saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my FAther which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock [not upon Peter but upon Peter’s words] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Notice, that at this point, Jesus spoke of the church as being in the future. It was not yet established. Jesus told the Apostles that the Holy Ghost would bring all things to their remembrance so that they could show others the way to Him, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”, John 14:26.

After Jesus ascended to Heaven, they had the power to speak in tongues of the many people that were in Jerusalem and proclaim the marvels of God in their own language. This miracle was a sign to these people that they were of God. See Acts 2:1-13. Peter gave the first gospel sermon in Acts 2:14-37. The multitude convicted of their sin in crucifying Jesus, the Son of God, asked “What shall we do? in verse 37. Peter instructed them to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins in verse 38. And thus the church began. Notice that in Acts 2:46-47, the scriptures mention the church and it is already in existence and people are being added to it! “ And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

The church is the body of Christ! As there can only be one head to a body. Jesus is the head of the church, His body. A head does not have several bodies, just one body. One head to one body. 1Cor 12:13 says that to be part of the body, a person has to be baptized into it. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” There is one Spirit, one baptism, one body, Ephesians 4;4-5. Ephesisans 1:22-23, “And hath put all things under His [Jesus] feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.” clearly states that the church is His body!

There is a real danger of being a part of a man’s church whose head is a worldly organization or person who creates their own rules by their own ideas. Only Jesus should be ruling through His Words and by the inspired writers of the New Testament. Remember the Pharisees who thought they knew everything but were not willing to submit to Jesus and His authority!

The church belongs to Jesus! Matthew 16:18 says “Upon this rock, I will build MY church.” Whose church is it?

Jesus’s church should bear His name. Romans 16:16 shows who the owner is, “The churches of Christ salute you.” Paul writes. The church belongs to God as is written in the book of Acts as Paul addresses the elders, “ Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood.”

There were many churches of Christ in the New Testament. They were known by their location. Churches are mentioned as being in Jerusalem, Acts 8:1; Philippi, Phillippians 1.1; Ephesus, Ephesians 1:1 and Revelations 1:2. These churches all taught the same thing but met separately in different locations.

What is the church?

Acts 11:22 says that the church hears! “Then the tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem.”

The church gathers as Acts 14:27 states, “And when they were come, and had gathered the church together.”

We understand from these verses then that the church is not a building but the people!

Acts 2:41 says the Lord adds to it! “Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Who does the adding? ____________ Acts 2:47. Who does He add? __________Acts 2:41. Those that received the Words of the Gospel. That is, the people that believed what they heard, repented of their sins, confessed their belief in Jesus and were baptized!

A person does not join a church but it is Jesus who adds a person to His church! If you just obey Jesus from the heart, we will all be members of the one church talked about in the Bible, the church of Christ.

The Ten Commandments

2011-01-10T23:59:00.003-07:00

This evening I was talking to a woman that said she believed that the Ten Commandments brought light into the world and that it was this light that would judge us at the end of time. I didn’t know how to respond at the time for I know that many people believe that the we are to follow the Ten Commandments today.

If I were talking with her right now, I would say that all but one of the Ten Commandments are repeated in the New Testament for Christians to follow. The one commandment that is not repeated is to keep the Sabbath Day holy. The Sabbath is Saturday, not Sunday as many assume. Sunday is referred to as The Lord’s Day in the New Testament because this was the glorious day when Jesus arose from the grave. Christians gather on this day to worship God and His Son, Jesus.

I would tell her that love is the fulfillment of the other nine.

Jesus answered a scribe that inquired of Him what the most important commandment was by replying in Mark 13: 30, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”

Do not the first three commandments teach this?

to have no other God before Him [not to worship man or his teachings, but God’s alone]

to make no image to represent Him [no idols to represent the Living and Invisible God]

to not take the Lord’s name in vain [not using His holy name as a profanity. How hurtful that would be to Him]

Paul, an apostle appointed by Jesus after His resurrection, stated in Romans 13;8-10 to “owe no man any thing, but to love one another; for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; [sound familiar?] and if there be any other commandment if is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

Jesus, Himself, went on to tell the scribe in Mark 13:31, “And the second [commandment of all] is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”

I would explain that He is the Light of the world as He stated in John 8:12, not the Ten Commandments and that He alone and His Words will judge us on the last day. “He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my Words, hath one that judgeth him: the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:48

The Christian Age

2010-12-26T14:51:00.002-07:00

Jesus lived under the Mosaical Age while on earth. He taught the people the most important message that God wanted them to learn and live by, which fulfilled all the Laws and regulations and could be summed up in one word..... love!

Matthew 5: 1-12. “And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when he was set, His disciples came unto him: And he opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are thy that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” These Beatitudes teach the love that God has for those souls that hunger and thirst after righteousness, seek what He wants with a humble heart, those that keep themselves pure for His sake and are willing to be persecuted for doing His Will. These people love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength.The peacemakers, the merciful and meek love their neighbors as themselves. Jesus in these verses as well as in the rest of chapter 5, teach what the depth of love to God and others looks like.

Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament Law through His perfect unity and obedience to His Father and through His love for mankind. This is shown in Jesus prayer to God before His death in John 17:18-21 ”As thou [God the Father] has sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them [the apostles] into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, [through His death] that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word [ those that believe in Him through the apostles’ teaching in the Bible]; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. “

The Old Covenant was a worldly figure for the Kingdom that was to come. Moses was given specific instructions on how to build the physical tabernacle which are recorded in Exodus chapters 25-27. Hebrews 9 compares the physical tabernacle of the Israelites with the spiritual temple of God. “ Hebrews 9:1-7 tells of the physical tabernacle, ”Then verily the first covenant [on Mount Sinai] had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick,and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all: Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; [ ten commandments]. And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:” This was the Day of Atonement of which we looked at last week.

Hebrews 9:8-10 states that “The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.” Jesus would bring the time of reformation from the physical, temporary ordinances they were given in the Old Testament. All the sacrifices offered before could not do what Jesus’ blood did, wash away sins. Hebrews 9:11-12 “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; [not the physical tabernacle that they were used to worshiping in], Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Jesus’ sacrifice only had to be offered once, not every year. Hebrews 9:25” Nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;For then must he often have suffered, since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world that he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”

Both the Old and New Testament were dedicated with blood, but Jesus’ blood was the blood that granted true remission of sins. Jesus told His apostles this as He instituted the Lord’s Supper in Matthew 26:27-28. “And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

Hebrews 9:15 explains that Jesus death was also necessary for those that lived under the Patriarchal and Mosaical Age as well in order to be forgiven. “And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first [that is the Old] testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” Everybody’s salvation hinged upon Jesus’ obedience to His Father to die on the cross.

This New Testament was established upon Jesus death. Hebrews 9:16-17 explains this, “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” In other words, a will isn’t in effect until after that person dies.

Jesus’ death was the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus is now in the heavenly tabernacle, not made with hands, in the true presence of God, in the spiritual Holy of Holies. Hebrew 9:24 “I For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Again we see the comparison of the sacrifices of the Old and New Testaments in Hebrews 10:1-1-12. In the Old, yearly atonement for the people had to be done whereas in the New, Jesus died once for all mankind, not needing that sacrifice to be repeated again and again. “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou has had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book, it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein,; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;” Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament and established a new law which is based totally upon love for God, faith in Jesus’ atoning blood and love for others.

Don’t you want to be a part of this Kingdom where Jesus is the only founder and King? Where only His Words are upheld and not commandments and examples taken from the Old Testament? One in which the New Testament is the only authority for all that is done.

Dividing the Word: Patriarchal and Mosaical Ages

2010-12-18T20:18:00.007-07:00

As we have learned, loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength is the first commandment and in order to love God totally we have to be willing to obey Him just as a child obeys their parent and shows them love, trust and respect for their authority.

Mark 10:13-16 “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the Kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.”

We also looked at how it is important to be able to understand God’s Word and what He requires of us so that we can be obedient to Him. King Solomon in his writings instructed his son to receive his words and seek to understand. Proverbs 4:1, “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.” We saw the parallel of a child understanding what their parent wants before they can obey them and us understanding what God wants in order to obey Him.

Paul in 2 Timothy 2:15, says “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” We must be able to divide the Word of God.

Part of dividing the Word of God, is understanding the different periods within which God dealt with mankind.

Today, we are living in the New Testament times or in the Christian age but after creation, God spoke directly to man and gave him commandments such as when he told Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Genesis 2:16-17, “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”.

Also, God instructed Adam about marriage in Genesis 2:24, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh,” a verse which Jesus used to explain to the Pharisees about marriage in Mark 10:6-8. “ But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.” Jesus repeated this to stress that this was the way God intended marriage to be.

This time period after creation can be referred to as the Patriarchal Age because it was during this time that God spoke directly to the heads of families. We see other examples of this when God spoke to Noah who found grace in his eyes in Genesis 6:12-14, “ And God looked upon the earth, and , behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.”

God spoke to Abram in Genesis 12:1-2, “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:” God would change Abram’s name to Abraham in Genesis 17:1-5, “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for Me behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.”

It wasn’t until after the sin and fall of Adam and Eve, that animal sacrifices were offered to God. In Genesis 4:1-5 we read of Cain and Abel’s sacrifices to God, “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.” Abel offered his sacrifice through faith but Cain did not, Hebrews 11:4 “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”. It was the sacrifice of the best of Abel’s flock and not the grain offering of Cain that pleased God. Abel acted by faith which meant he heard and did the Will of God and Cain did not, Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

Noah also offered sacrifices to God when he and his family came out of the ark in Genesis 8:20-21a, “And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the Lord smelled a sweet savour.”

Abraham showed perfect obedience to God in being willing to offer up his son, Isaac, when God asked him to, except that an angel of the Lord prevented him from carrying through with the sacrifice. Remember that God had commanded Abram to be perfect in Genesis 17:1 and so he was by combining his faith in God with the obedience to Him. Genesis 22:1-18.

We are not living in the Patriarchal Age today. God does not speak directly to us. Knowing this is a part of dividing the word of God accurately. 2 Timothy 2:15

Jacob, Isaac’s son, and his family went to Egypt during a famine but became slaves of the Egyptians eventually. Genesis chapters 37, 39-50. The ruler of Egypt, in his fear of the growing population of the Israelites, ordered the baby boys that were born to the Israelites to be cast into the river. Exodus 1:8-22.

A certain mother hid her son. Exodus 2:1-10. “”And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son; and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children. Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? and Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother. And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.”

Moses later wanted to be among his own people and God used Moses to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt, Exodus 3:2-6; 9-14. God demonstrated His power to the Pharaoh through Moses and the twelve plagues, the last of which was the death of all the firstborn amongst the Egyptians, even their livestock, after which, he allowed the Israelites to leave. Having second thoughts on losing his slaves, the Pharaoh and his army pursued the Israelites through the parted Red Sea where they were drowned when God brought the waters back down upon them. Exodus chapters 4-14.

God called Moses to the top of Mount Sinai where He gave Moses the 10 commandments as well the statues and judgements for the Israelites to live by. Exodus chapters 19-34. Exodus 19:18 gives a vivid description of the sight that the Israelites saw, “And mount Siani was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.” The people heard the voice of God as He spoke the ten commandments, the first being given in Exodus 20:2, “I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” They were very afraid and asked that only Moses hear, Exodus 20:19, “And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”

This time period can be referred to as the Mosaical Age, when the Israelites lived by “The Law” which comprised of the ten commandments and the other judgements that were given by God including the holy days, purification of women after childbirth, unlawful marriages. There are four books in the Bible which reveal this Law: Exodus, Leviticus. Numbers and Deuteronomy.

There were specific commandments that are a part of this Mosaical Law concerning sacrifices, the greatest being the annual Day of Atonement. Leviticus 16:4-10 “He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on. And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering. And Aaron [who was the priest at this time] shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house. And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat. And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord’s lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But for the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.”

We are not living in this Mosaicial age today. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice on every body’s behalf including those that died under the different ages, the Patriarchal Age, the Mosaical Law and this Christian Age.

All of the commandments of the Old Testament Law were done away with in Jesus’ death. The New Testament writer, Paul, says that through baptism, a person is made alive with Jesus being forgiven of all sins and that the “handwriting of ordinances [that is, the Old Testament]” was blotted out, being nailed to the cross. Colossians 2: 12-14.

Jesus lived under the Mosaical Age. He kept the Law, perfectly, understanding it as it was to be understood, as Solomon had wished for his own children. It was not easy for Jesus to be obedient all the time, He was tempted, as we are but He turned to His Father continually for deliverance from it. Because of His unique combination of being both God and man, He knew where He came from, what was at stake and what He had to do in order to get back to Heaven and help us to get there too. Hebrews 5:8-9, “Though He were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”

After His death and the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentacost, another age began, the Christian Age. We will be studying this age as well as the established church in the coming year for it is important to count the cost of entering into the Kingdom as it says in Luke 14: 26-30, 33-35, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish...So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

Sources:

John M. Hurt Bible Lesson Three

Understanding

2010-12-12T14:28:00.001-07:00

We have studied about the first commandment. Remember in our study of Mark, the man who asked Jesus the question, “Which is the first commandment of all?” Mark 12:28

Jesus answered in verse 30, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” Then Jesus said in the next verse, “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”

“And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth; for there is one God: and there is none other but he: and to love Him with all with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices”, Mark 12:32-33. The young man that asked the question understood Jesus’ answer and as a result, Jesus told him in verse 34, “And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God.”

Our own responses to the Words of the Bible, show our understanding.

King Solomon in his writings instructed his son to receive his words, apply his heart to understanding and cry out for knowledge, Proverbs 2:1-5. “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee: so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding: Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures: then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” As a parent we see this parallel between a loving Father who wants their child to understand his teaching and live a good, long life. Proverbs 4:1-7, “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom : and with all thy getting get understanding.”

Jesus told the scribe that he was not far from the Kingdom of God, Mark 12:34. Jesus was bringing a new teaching to the Jewish nation and the scribe’s answer showed Jesus that his heart was ready to learn for he already understood what was important. He was willing to put all his trust in God before all else, even before the Old Testament law of the burning of sacrifices. Mark 12:33. Micah 6:8 is another verse in the Old Testament that sums up the first two commandments beautifully, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”. The scribe understood.

He was ready to receive the mystery of the Gospel which was new to the Jews at this time. Jesus would be bringing together the Jews and Gentiles by His death on the cross, as Paul proclaimed in Romans 1: 16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” .

This change in belief that God’s chosen people were not only be the Israelites but would now include other nations would take great love and trust in God for a Jew to accept as well as a love for his neighbour. The Jewish people were expecting an earthly Messiah and an earthly kingdom, not a spiritual Kingdom as we studied last week, especially not a spiritual Kingdom that would be shared with Gentiles.

This same love and trust in God is required today as we read the New Testament. Many of the Pharisees and rulers believed in Jesus but would not confess Him as the Christ because they loved the praise of men more than they loved God. Unlike the scribe, they were not close to receiving the Kingdom. Jesus said that these were they that were prophesied in Isaiah 6:10, “He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.” and therefore they would not be able to enter into the Kingdom, John 12:42-43, “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

As we studied last week, the Kingdom of God is in existence now. Jesus is the King, ruling in Heaven at the right hand of God, Luke 1:31-33, “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever: and of His kingdom there shall be no end.” His subjects are those who are unafraid to confess Him as Lord, change their lives from sinfulness and be immersed in the waters of baptism for the forgiveness of their sins. These are the people of the Kingdom of God, for they have obeyed the King and His teachings, Romans 6:17-18, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”

Don’t you want to be a part of this Kingdom not made with hands as we read about last week in Daniel 2? “Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.” Daniel 2:34. This stone was the Kingdom of God that was set up during the divided kingdom of Rome. Daniel 2:41. Daniel 2:44 “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.”

Be obedient to that form of doctrine which the Bible teaches, Romans 6:17-18 and you will be set free from from sin and become a part of this Kingdom which stands forever. Arise and be baptized as Paul did in Acts 22:16 and wash away your sins.

Solomon taught his children to seek understanding and that those that find her are blessed, Proverbs 3:13-14, “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.”

Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength that you might receive the wisdom that is found in God’s Holy Bible.

Jeremiah, an Old Testament prophet, warns us not to lean upon our own understanding, Jeremiah 10:23, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. “ . Solomon warned in Proverbs 16:25 that there is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is death.

Solomon’s own son, Rehoboam, did not heed his father’s advice and as a result the kingdom of Israel became divided,1 King 11:43-12, and was eventually destroyed by Babylon, Jeremiah 39:1-9.

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:” Proverbs 1:5. Thank you for being here today to listen to lessons from God’s Word.

Psalm 119:169-176

“Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word.

Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.

My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.

My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.

Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.

I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.

Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.”

The Kingdom of God

2010-12-05T20:29:00.002-07:00

One of the most well known prayers of the Bible is known as The Lord’s Prayer, Luke 11:2. “And he[Jesus] said unto them, when ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come.” This is a prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. People often recite this today but I want to draw your attention to one point; His disciples were instructed to ask that God’s kingdom come.

In Mark 8:31, Jesus prophesied of his death and and resurrection then later in Mark 9:1, “And he [Jesus] said unto them, verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.”

Jesus was telling his disciples that the prayer they were to ask for, that is that God’s kingdom come, would be answered while some of them were still alive. This prayer that people are reciting today, has in part, been already fulfilled.

Today, you will learn about the Kingdom of God.

Jesus said in Mark 9:1, that the Kingdom of God would come with power. This powerful event which Jesus prophesied was on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:1-4. The multitude that heard the twelve apostles proclaiming the wonderful works of God in their own languages were amazed, Acts 2:6-8. Peter explained to the crowd that this was the last days, spoken of by the prophet, Joel in Acts 2:16-21. This was the Kingdom of God.

This Kingdom of God was prophesied by an Old Testament prophet, Daniel. Daniel was one of the Israelites who was taken into captivity when Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon in 586 BC. In the book of Daniel, we read of Babylon’s king, Nebuchadnezzar, who had a dream which troubled him but he could not remember what it was about. He asked the wise men of his country, the magicians, astrologers, sorcerers and Chaldeans to tell him what he had dreamt and what it meant. Of course, they could not answer him and told him, that no one would be able to answer his request. They did not take into account, the prophet of God, Daniel, who was in Babylon. Daniel 2;1-47 .

Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar that the image which he dreamt about stood for different kingdoms. His own kingdom was symbolized by the head of gold. After him, another kingdom would overtake the Babylonians, signified by the breast and arms of silver, the Medo-Persians, Daniel 5:31-Daniel 6:1. Another prophet also foretold of this defeat of Babylon in Isaiah 13:16-19 and Isaiah 14:4.

The Medo-Persian Empire was followed by another kingdom which would “bear rule over all the earth”, the Greek Empire led by Alexander the Great, the Kingdom of Brass

The Romans took over the Greek Empire, and are symbolized by the iron legs. Incidentally, Rome’s weapons were made from iron

The feet of the image were iron mixed with clay, the divided kingdom of Rome. It was during this divided Kingdom that God would “set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand for ever”, Daniel 2:44. This is the Kingdom of God which was set up at Pentecost when the earthly Roman Empire was still in existence. It is not an earthly kingdom as the others were, as Jesus stated in John 18:36.

This spiritual Kingdom is the stone cut out of the mountain not made with hands. Hebrews 12:18-29 compares the nation of Israel with the new spiritual Kingdom of God brought in through Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant. Hebrews 12: 18-29

Isaiah 2:2-3. This passage proclaims the establishment of the Lord’s Kingdom in the last days and that many nations would flow into it. This is what occurred at Pentecost and is still occurring today. Isaiah 2:3, “Let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths.”

Jesus preached that the time was fulfilled and that the Kingdom was at hand, Mark 1:15.

Jesus is the King and His Words will bring eternal life as Peter said before he confessed all their belief in Jesus as the Son of the living God. John 6:68-69.

After Jesus ascended into Heaven, Peter and the rest of the apostles preached unto others about Jesus telling them in Acts 2:38 to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins.

Jesus will receive you into His Kingdom today, if you will but believe in Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, confess your belief that He is the Son of the living God before others, repent of your sins and be baptized for the remission of your sins.

Mark 4:26-29 Now is the day for God’s harvest

The First Commandment

2010-11-28T13:48:00.004-07:00

Jesus answered a scribe who asked Him, what the first commandment was. Mark 12:28-30

Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:4-5 which states. “Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

The love to God that was the most important commandment was to be shown by obedience to the statutes and judgments of God, an obedience that sprung from a heart that was totally devoted to God and that put God first. Deuteronomy 5:29 and 6:6. This is the essence of faith, a belief that obeys from the heart. A heart that only feels and does not obey, is not an active, living faith and does not love God totally.

Remember the rich man in Mark 10:17-22. He asked Jesus an important question too. He asked “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responded by saying to this man that he knew the commandments, keep them. The man thought that he had kept them all, not realizing that his heart was not totally devoted to God. Jesus wanted him to see that he had to love God with his whole heart, mind, soul and strength. He violated the most important commandment and had put another god before the true God. He loved money more and Jesus could see this. Jesus loved this man and wanted him to see his lack of love and obedience but he could not and went away sorrowful.

The same holds true for us today. God requires that we put Him first and not let our love for anything in this world prevent us from following Him and obeying Him. We are not even to let our love for mother, father, brothers or sisters to hold us back from following Jesus and being obedient to His Word. Luke 14:26

You might think that this type of obedience is impossible, but remember what Jesus told his disciples when they asked after Jesus told them how difficult is was for the rich to enter into the kingdom of God. “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

Obedience shows love for God. Jesus Himself states this in John 15: 10-12. Jesus had to obey the Father and we have to obey too. 1 John 5:2 Hebrews 5:8-9

Just as in Old Testament times, God is a jealous God and we must not put other gods before Him. Exodus 20:3-6 ; 1 Corinthian 10:22

In the Old Testament, God promised blessings to the Israelites that obeyed Him, Deuteronomy 7:11-15 and warnings for those that disobeyed, Deuteronomy 8:18-20. It is the same today.

We must obey because of a deep and real love for God, one that places Him above all else. In order to obey God, we have to understand what He wants of us. This is why it is so important to listen to these lessons then go and study this for yourselves. See if this is what the Bible teaches. Remember that Jesus did not condone the teachings of men, Mark 7:1-7. The Pharisees did not understand God’s teachings because their hearts were far from God. They did not love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. They wanted to believe what they wanted.

Are you willing to lay down your life before Jesus and obey His instructions on how to be saved?

The Bible teaches that the Gospel has to be preached and obeyed, Romans 10: 8-18.

Call on the Lord today by repenting of your sins, confessing that Jesus is the Son of God and be baptized and your sins will be washed away just like Saul did when the christian Ananias said to him in Acts 22:16, “And why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

Take the lessons that I have given you and go over them. Have good hearts like in the parable of the sower, Mark 4:3-20, that you might receive the Word of God and bear fruit, “some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.”

Forgiveness of Sins

2010-11-14T19:14:00.003-07:00

Sin separates God and man. Romans 3:23 states that all men have sinned. People are not born sinful but develop a sinful nature by choosing to sin when they are old enough to make that choice for themselves. All men and women, except Jesus, have chosen to sin but babies and children are innocent and pure before God. Matthew 19:14

God is holy, and only a holy and perfect sacrifice could atone for the sins we have committed. This is why Jesus needed to be the atonement for man’s sin, no other sacrifice would do. Hebrews 9

Only through Jesus can one be forgiven, but how is that forgiveness achieved? Do we only believe that Jesus has forgiven us? Do we have to be baptized as a baby then confirm later that this is what we want? What does the Bible teach? The Bible is the authority on what is pleasing to God, not man’s teaching.

In Matthew 26:28, Jesus, before the day He died, instructed His apostles to remember Him and His death. It is often referred to as the “Last Supper”. In this verse, Jesus stated that His blood was of the new covenant and would be shed for many for the remission of sins. Here we learn that it is Jesus’ shed blood which will forgive us from our sins. How does one come into contact with His blood?

In Luke 24, the resurrected Jesus appeared to His apostles and explained the Scriptures to them, so that they could understand that His death and resurrection were all prophesied in the Old Testament. Jesus told them, in verse 47, that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Notice that repentance was not given as the remission of sins, but an attitude and change of heart that coincides with the remission of sins.

In Acts 2:37-38, after Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, Peter preached this message to the people at Jerusalem, just like Jesus instructed them to. After Peter’s words convicted many in the crowd that they had sinned by putting Jesus to death, they asked, “What shall we do?” Peter responded, “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Here it is clearly stated that baptism is for the remission of sins. Baptism, an act of faith, is when the blood of Jesus cleanses a person from their sins.

Romans 10:9-10 teaches that one has to confess with their mouth that Jesus is the Son of God. Romans 10:15 also shows the necessity of being taught the gospel, while verse 16 states that gospel must be obeyed.

These verses, and many others, teach that it is not faith alone that saves. One has to hear the gospel and obey it by believing, repenting, confessing that Jesus is the Son of God, and be baptized for the remission of their sins.

Many have been baptized already, but was it the baptism that Jesus commanded? Baptism means to be immersed or dipped, not sprinkled as some denominations practice.

Babies cannot become Christians, as they can not make the choice for themselves. They cannot hear the gospel, believe in it, repent of any sins, confess with their mouth, and their “baptism” is usually only a sprinkling of water not an immersion. All of these facts make their conversion to Christianity invalid.

There is no teaching in the Bible of confirmation in order to become a Christian, it is a man made practice. To become a Christian, one must be born again by following the pure Words of God. 1 Peter 1:23-25

There are many denominations that baptize adults by immersion, but not for their remission of sins. It is sometimes referred to as an “outward sign of an inward grace” which means that they believed they were saved before being baptized. This baptism is not for the remission of sins that Jesus told His apostles to teach.

In Acts 19:1-5, Paul met twelve men that had been baptized only in the baptism of John the Baptist. They had not heard of Jesus, and Paul had them re-baptized for the remission of their sins in the name of Jesus Christ. Likewise, it is necessary for those today who have been baptized, but not according to the Bible instructions, to be re-baptized.

It is by hearing God’s Word, receiving it like a a child and obeying it that a person becomes a Christian and has that hope of salvation if they continue in it until death.

By baptism, you are added to His church, Acts 2: 41,47, and become a member of his body, the church of Christ, as taught in the New Testament.

God is near, now is the time to make that choice for eternity.

Plan of Salvation

2009-06-20T21:54:00.004-06:00

We, in the church of Christ, teach that people have to hear the Gospel of Jesus, believe in Him and His teachings,repent of our sins, confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, be baptized and be faithful until death in order to be saved.

Peter at Pentacost in Acts 2, told the people in Jerusalem about Jesus and the crime they had committed by crucifying the Son of God, verses 23 and 36. Their belief in Peter’s words are shown by the piercing of their hearts; they asked, “Brethren, what shall we do?” v 37. Peter responds in verse 38 by telling them to “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” They had to realize the depth of their sins and change their mindset towards sin before they were baptized. The life they would be living afterwards would be a new life as stated in Romans 6. Their old man was being crucified with Christ in baptism into His death, Romans 6:3.

Numerous examples of conversion are stated throughout the Bible, especially in Acts.

Philip, after the scattering of the Christians by Saul, in Chapter 8, proclaimed Christ to the Samaritans, v 5. They believed the message.”being baptized, men and women alike,” v12.

Further along in the same chapter in verses 26-39, Philip is told by the Holy Spirit to talk with an Ethiopian eunuch who is reading the Scriptures. The man admits that he need help to understand and Philip preaches Jesus to him.We know that Philip’s preaching of Jesus included baptism as the Ethiopian exclaims to Philip in the next verse, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” Philip tells him he has to believe with all his heart first and the Ethiopian answers, I imagine exuberantly, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” In this conversion, we see the example of hearing, belief, confession and baptism.

Lydia, in Acts 16, also hears the Gospel as proclaimed by Paul and is baptized. The prison guard in chapter 16 as well hears the Gospel, probably through the singing and teaching of Paul and Silas while they were in prison. He was frightened by the earthquake and the fear that the prisoners escaped as he would be held accountable for them by his life. He asks them,”What must I do to be saved?” They tell him to believe in Jesus. Then they speak more of the Word of the Lord to him and his household and immediately they are baptized. Only after their baptism is there rejoicing and celebration,, “having believed in God,” as verse 34 states.

Romans 10: 9-17 reveals the need for confession, belief, hearing and for someone to preach the Word of God.

Peter shows the importance of baptism in the plan of salvation as well in 1 Peter 3:21. “And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Original Sin

2009-02-02T21:13:00.008-07:00

The original sin was committed by Adam and Eve. God directly commanded Adam that he was not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Gen 2:17. The serpent deceived Eve by making her doubt God’s warning. She believed that this knowledge would be profitable so she persuaded her husband to eat with her. Gen 3:4-6. They now had the knowledge of good and evil. This knowledge brought with it guilt for they knew that they had done evil by disobeying God’s only law. Consequently God cast them out of the Garden of Eden so that they would not eat of the tree of life and live forever in their fallen, disobedient state. Gen 3:22-24

We too bear the same penalty as Adam and Eve. We do not have access to the tree of life. Death is the consequence that they passed onto us, their descendants. The knowledge that Eve so desired has also been passed down from generation to generation but the nature of mankind was not corrupted by Adam and Eve’s sin.

Babies are born as innocent as Adam and Eve were when they walked with God in the Garden (Gen 2:25) before the fall. As children grow, they are taught what is good and what is evil. They then reach a level of understanding and maturity when they are able to decide for themselves which direction to take. Their innocence is corrupted when they yield to sinful desires. The Bible states that every person (Rom 3:23),, except one (Heb 4:14-15),, has succumbed to worldly temptations. Mankind did not inherit a sinful nature from Adam and Eve.

Romans 3:10-18 is cited as proof that mankind inherits a sinful nature. These verses are quotes taken from the Old Testament, notably the Psalms. Psalms 14:1-3. which states that “the fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works , there is none that doeth good” is taken to mean that even babies are corrupt. Paul’s purpose in this chapter was to show to the Jews that they were as corrupt as the Gentiles to whom they felt superior (Rom 3:9). Corruption is a matter of choice of thought or action against God. David himself stated so in Psalm 14:1 “they have done abominable works” and in Ps 5:10,” for they rebelled against thee.” Babies are incapable of choosing to think or act against God.

Hebrew poetry is filled with figurative language. Psalm 51:5 states “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Psalm 58:3 describes the wicked as going astray from the womb. This is not a literal statement because babies are not born with the ability to speak. In Ps 139:14-15, David states “I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.” In Ps 22:9-10, David says to God, “ but thou art he that took me out of the womb, thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts. I was cast upon thee from the womb, thou art my God from my mother’s belly.” David’s emotions of grief or exultation are reflected in his poetry. Psalms uphold the belief that man is born good and without sin.

Babies and children are upheld as a model of purity in other Bible verses as well. In Matthew 19:14, Mark 10: 14-16 and Luke 18:16-17, Jesus extols children as an example of those who will enter the kingdom of God. Adults are to be converted and become like children. (Matt18:3) Paul tells the brethren to be like children in their lack of malice. (1 Cor 14:20) Malice is kakia in Greek and is defined as "badness in quality or the vicious character generally" in Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Strong's Comprehensive Concordance of the Bible further describes kakia as depravity.

A sinful nature is not inherited.

Mankind’s inherent nature has not changed since Adam and Eve’s. This couple only lacked the knowledge of good and evil. (Gen 2:17). Children too lack this knowledge. In Deuteronomy 1:34-39, God did not hold the children accountable for their parent’s decision of sinfulness. The nature that Eve demonstrated in the Garden (Gen 3:6) when she lusted for the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, exists now (1 John 2:16). Jesus had the same nature as us, but through His closeness and obedience to the Father as His Son, He did not give into the temptations that were very real in His life ( Matt 4:1-11; Heb 2:18). Even though babies are born sinless at birth, they can not return to the Garden of Eden because the tree of life is guarded by cherub with a flaming sword. (Gen 3:24). Death is the consequence of that original sin, not an inheritance of a nature in which there is no free will to choose good or evil for ourselves.

The original sin was an act of choice by Adam and Eve. It is not an inherited state of humanity. The psalms poetically describe mankind’s goodness from conception. New Testament passages of Jesus and Paul instruct us to be like children. Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s choice of disobedience. (Rom 5:12) and through that sin, the consequence of death but human nature has been the same from the beginning, beings with free will.

“ Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.” Isaiah 7:15

Sources

The Gospel Truth by Alfred T. Overstreet

Minutes with Messiah -questions answered on line by Tim O'Hearn

Original Sin doctrine on Wikipedia

Many Mansions

2008-10-17T17:04:00.014-06:00

John 14:2-5 "In my; Father's house are many mansions;if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also."

John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

John 14:23-24 ..."if a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me."

Matthew 28:19-20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen"

Faith Only?

2007-11-24T08:43:00.003-07:00

Many denominations teach that a person is saved when he believes in Jesus, repents of his sins and asks Jesus into his heart. The most commonly used verse to prove this is John 3:16. Of course, faith in Jesus is the cornerstone of a Christian life, but we teach that belief is the beginning of the conversion process.

Let’s look at other verses from the book of John, John 8:24-36. In this passage, Jesus is talking to the scribes and Pharisees. He tells them if they do not believe in Him, they will die in their sins. As he spoke to them of the Father, many of these listeners believed in him. Jesus did not then say that they would not die in their sins because they now believed in Him. Instead, He said to those scribes and Pharisees that believed on Him, that they were to continue in His Word. Then they would know the Truth and the Truth would set them free. He goes on to explain to them that they were servants of sin. He said this to them, even though they believed in Him.
Romans 6:16-18 talks about being servants of sin. How is one set free from sin? Belief and repentance are a necessary part of the salvation plan but Romans 6: 3-7 states that the body of sin is crucified with Jesus in baptism. Baptism is an important part of the plan. This is the way through which one is set free from sin.

Into the Water

2007-10-12T19:59:00.002-06:00

Baptizo: Greek word meaning to make whelmed (ie. fully wet) ... especially of the ordinance of Christian baptism. Strong`s Concordance

In Acts 8: 26-39 is the story of the evangelist Philip telling the good news of Jesus to an Ethiopian eunuch. Philip met up with this man while he was reading a passage from Isaiah. The Ethiopian wanted these words explained to him. Philip did so adding the plan of salvation to his teaching:

v36 And as they went along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What is to prevent my being baptized?"

v37 And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he replied, " I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

v38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch , and he baptized him.

v39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more...

The Purpose of Baptism

2007-10-11T11:58:00.002-06:00

1. Baptism is the culmination of steps that a person takes when he desires to become a Christian. After hearing the Gospel of Jesus and His kingdom, Acts 8:12, a person either believes or rejects the Good News. Believing God’s Word enables that person to see that they are a sinner and have fallen short of the righteousness of God, Romans 3:23. This knowledge leads to repentance or a change in attitude towards sin and a commitment to live for Christ, Acts 17:30. Then a public declaration of a belief in Jesus as the Son of God in made, Acts 8:36-37, followed by baptism, Acts 8;38-39. Baptism is a commandment, Acts 10:48; Mark 16:16.

2. Baptism is more than a symbol as many denominations teach. Romans 6:3-5 states that baptism is an actual burial with Christ into His death. This is a spiritual burial where people wanting to become Christians come into contact with the blood of Christ. Jn 19:34; Rev 1:5; 7:14; Col 1:14.

3. It is after submission to Christ in baptism that a newness of life is possible, Romans 6:4-14. As Jesus was raised from the dead, a person is raised from the water into a new spiritual life as a Christian.

4. Baptism is for the remission of sins, Acts 2:38. Jesus paid the penalty for man’s sins through His death on the cross. It is in baptism into His death that forgiveness is received.

5. Baptism is for salvation, Mark 16:16; 1Peter 3:21. Many denominations teach that baptism in not essential to salvation and that salvation occurs upon belief only. They say that God’s grace alone saves. It is true that we can do nothing on our own to merit salvation but doing what God tells us to do is obedience and is required on our part, 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1Peter 4:17.

6. Baptism washes away our sins, Acts 22:16 which is a figurative way of stating that our sins are forgiven. (remission of sins)

7. People are born again through the water of baptism and the Holy Spirit, John 3:3-5.

8. It is through baptism that a person enters into Christ, Galatians 3:27 and becomes a part of His body, the church. 1Corinthian 12:13; Colossians 1:18; Acts 2:41,47. It is in Christ that all spiritual blessings, especially eternal life, are found. Ephesians 1:3; 2Timothy 2:10.
It is in Christ, that we become a new creature, 2Cor 5:17.

The Difference

2007-08-04T11:46:00.003-06:00

As a child I believed that there is a God. His Son Jesus was born in a stable and died on a cross. If a person believed this and went to church and was really "good " he or she could eventually go to Heaven. This was my concept of Christianity well into my adulthood.

About fifteen years ago I was shown a more accurate concept of Christianity. I realized that there is a big difference between being a Christian and being someone with Christian beliefs. This clearer understanding was achieved in a rather simple way: what I thought was the truth was measured against what was actually written in the Bible. What really became clear to me was that a Christian was someone who made a real committment to God; not someone who generally agreed with and practised parts of the truth. A person who makes and lives by this committment can expect to eventually go to Heaven.This committment comes about by following the plan of salvation:

Hear the Word- Romans 10:17
Believe the Word- John 20: 30-31
Repent- 2 Corinthians 7: 10
Confess His Name- Matthew 10:32
Be baptized- Mark 16: 15-16
Remain faithful to the end- Matthew 24: 13

If you are reading this , haven`t followed the plan of salvation and still think you`re a Christian, please look up and read the following Scriptures. Heed these words that Jesus spoke:

Matthew 7: 21-27

Matthew 12: 30

John 14: 15, 21

Here are some other Scriptures to read concerning this post: James 2: 19-24; Mark 16: 15-16; 1 Timothy 1: 3-7; Matthew 10: 22; Revelation 21: 3-4.

The Search

2007-07-28T11:57:00.003-06:00

I thought I was a Christian all my life. I was baptized as a baby into the Catholic religion. I attended a Catholic school. I believed in Jesus and in everything else I was taught.

Then someone read the Bible to me. The Words cut me to the heart because what was read was not what I was taught or practised. I came to trust those Words as I realized they were what would guide me to heaven. I finally left the church of my childhood.

It was during the process of leaving that I came in contact with a group of people that claimed to be the church of Christ. I had been studying the Bible prior to this time so when I heard their teachings, I studied it for myself.

After much difficulty, I was able to see that I was not saved. It didn’t matter that since a child I had believed that Jesus was the Son of God. I was still lost because I had not followed what the Bible says on how to become a Christian.

The Bible says that:
• I had to hear the Words of the Bible. Romans 10:17
• I had to believe that these Words were from God and that they were true. Hebrew 11:6
• I had to repent. I had to agree to change my life to suit God, not me. Acts 17:30
• I had to confess publicly that I believed that Jesus was the Son of God. Romans 10:9-10
• I had to be baptized into Christ, immersed into His death. Once, I did this, I became a Christian. I was in Christ. Galatians 3:27; 2Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:3-5

I write this blog to share with you what I have learned from the Good Seed.