Isaiah 40
1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
Here is a question: When is the God in the Old Testament speaking not only to the Jews, but also directly to us, Christians, today?
In some passages of the Old Testament we know that God is speaking to the Jews and not directly to today's Christians.
Leviticus 20
24 But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people.
We do know, for sure, that when God is providing comfort in the midst of our trials and tribulations, He is, indeed, speaking, directly to us.
Psalms 23
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me....
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Stewardship - Due Maintenance
1 Corinthians 9
7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
Stewardship, the support we provide to our church, either our local church or the church of Christ, is not, I think, a salvation issue. It has nothing to do with whether you are going to heaven or hell. But it is an important, practical matter.
More From 1 Corinthians 9
14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
In the passages above, we have God's word on how we should support our pastors. For anyone interested in Baptist history, following is an intrepretation of this passage.
London Baptist Confession of Faith A.D. 1644 - XXXVIII
That the due maintenance of the Officers aforesaid, should be the free and voluntary communication of the Church, that according to Christ's Ordinance, they that preach the Gospel, should live on the Gospel and not by constraint to be compelled from the people by a forced Law.
It was solid biblical doctrine in 1644, and I believe it is solid biblical doctrine today....
7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
Stewardship, the support we provide to our church, either our local church or the church of Christ, is not, I think, a salvation issue. It has nothing to do with whether you are going to heaven or hell. But it is an important, practical matter.
More From 1 Corinthians 9
14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
In the passages above, we have God's word on how we should support our pastors. For anyone interested in Baptist history, following is an intrepretation of this passage.
London Baptist Confession of Faith A.D. 1644 - XXXVIII
That the due maintenance of the Officers aforesaid, should be the free and voluntary communication of the Church, that according to Christ's Ordinance, they that preach the Gospel, should live on the Gospel and not by constraint to be compelled from the people by a forced Law.
It was solid biblical doctrine in 1644, and I believe it is solid biblical doctrine today....
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Isaiah 40: Comfort and....
Isaiah 40
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
This chapter has two subjects. First, is comfort to they that wait upon the Lord, all of us poor sinners and saints.
More From Isaiah 40
25 To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.
Second, is the essence of God, which is the glory of God.
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
This chapter has two subjects. First, is comfort to they that wait upon the Lord, all of us poor sinners and saints.
More From Isaiah 40
25 To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.
Second, is the essence of God, which is the glory of God.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Adversity And Teachers
Isaiah 30
20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:
21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
I'm not exactly sure who these teachers are. But their teaching of Bible doctrine makes our salvation possible. And then, in our times of adversity, their teaching of Bible doctrine makes our survival possible.
More From Isaiah 30
23 Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.
And here, Isaiah explains that Bible doctrine is like rain. It is what makes us grow.
20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:
21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
I'm not exactly sure who these teachers are. But their teaching of Bible doctrine makes our salvation possible. And then, in our times of adversity, their teaching of Bible doctrine makes our survival possible.
More From Isaiah 30
23 Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.
And here, Isaiah explains that Bible doctrine is like rain. It is what makes us grow.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Biblical Hermeneutics
Matthew 23
23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Wikipedia
Biblical hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation concerning the books of the Bible.
Here is one principle of Bible interpretation. Some things are more important than others. Judgment, mercy, and faith are more important than less weighty matters, such as tithing....
23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Wikipedia
Biblical hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation concerning the books of the Bible.
Here is one principle of Bible interpretation. Some things are more important than others. Judgment, mercy, and faith are more important than less weighty matters, such as tithing....
Friday, May 21, 2010
Romans 1 - God
Romans 1
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Here Paul seems to be directing his comments to all men, the good, the ungodliness, and the unrighteousness, saved and unsaved. And he seems to be saying that all men can understand certain things about God and his wrath.
God is evident in us.
More From Romans 1
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
God is evident in everything around us....
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Here Paul seems to be directing his comments to all men, the good, the ungodliness, and the unrighteousness, saved and unsaved. And he seems to be saying that all men can understand certain things about God and his wrath.
God is evident in us.
More From Romans 1
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
God is evident in everything around us....
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Gospel Church
Isaiah 35
1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.
Here, Isaiah may be referring to Edom after the destruction of the Edomites. He may be referring to a return to Israel after the captivities.
Most important, he is referring to the coming of the gospel church.
More From Isaiah 35
8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
And our walk is along the highway called the Way of Holiness. On this road we make our long journey home.
1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.
Here, Isaiah may be referring to Edom after the destruction of the Edomites. He may be referring to a return to Israel after the captivities.
Most important, he is referring to the coming of the gospel church.
More From Isaiah 35
8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
And our walk is along the highway called the Way of Holiness. On this road we make our long journey home.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Doubts
John 10
24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
Before I was baptized in my local church, I had few doubts.
I had no doubts about the existence of God. No doubts about the return of Jesus. No doubts about the workings of the Holy Spirit. No doubts about the rightness of fundamental Bible doctrine. No doubts about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
My only doubts were about my readiness to be a Christian. About my readiness to be a member of the community of Christians - the body of Christ, the local church.
24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
Before I was baptized in my local church, I had few doubts.
I had no doubts about the existence of God. No doubts about the return of Jesus. No doubts about the workings of the Holy Spirit. No doubts about the rightness of fundamental Bible doctrine. No doubts about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
My only doubts were about my readiness to be a Christian. About my readiness to be a member of the community of Christians - the body of Christ, the local church.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Adam
Romans 5
19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
In Romans 4, we were sent back to the Old Testament, to read about Abraham. In this chapter, we are again sent back to Genesis, but this time to remember the story of Adam.
Genesis 2
17 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.
These two passages provide the lesson on our sinful essence. And, of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
If there is a list of ten or fifteen Bible passages most important to the Christian faith, my guess is this passage from Genesis 2 is on it.
19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
In Romans 4, we were sent back to the Old Testament, to read about Abraham. In this chapter, we are again sent back to Genesis, but this time to remember the story of Adam.
Genesis 2
17 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.
These two passages provide the lesson on our sinful essence. And, of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
If there is a list of ten or fifteen Bible passages most important to the Christian faith, my guess is this passage from Genesis 2 is on it.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Impute
Romans 4
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
The words impute or imputed are used five times in this chapter. God imputes sin to Jesus. God then imputes righteousness to man.
We don't sing about imputation in my church. And I don't remember ever hearing the word used in preaching.
Webster 1828 Impute
To charge; to attribute; to set to the account of; generally ill, sometimes good. We impute crimes,sins, trespasses, faults, blame, &c., to the guilty persons. We impute wrong actions to bad motives, or to ignorance, or to folly and rashness. We impute misfortunes and miscarriages to imprudence.
One of building blocks of strong faith is ever increasing knowledge of God, in all of his intricate, complicated glory.
Colossians 1
9 ....we....pray....
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Next lesson, propitiation....
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
The words impute or imputed are used five times in this chapter. God imputes sin to Jesus. God then imputes righteousness to man.
We don't sing about imputation in my church. And I don't remember ever hearing the word used in preaching.
Webster 1828 Impute
To charge; to attribute; to set to the account of; generally ill, sometimes good. We impute crimes,sins, trespasses, faults, blame, &c., to the guilty persons. We impute wrong actions to bad motives, or to ignorance, or to folly and rashness. We impute misfortunes and miscarriages to imprudence.
One of building blocks of strong faith is ever increasing knowledge of God, in all of his intricate, complicated glory.
Colossians 1
9 ....we....pray....
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Next lesson, propitiation....
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Christ, The Reconcilar
Romans 5
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Before you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, before your faith is firm, strong and finished, you need some knowledge, of God and Jesus.
In the 1990's, before I was saved, I heard Elder Laissaire Bradly, of the Cincinnati Primitive Baptist Church, preach three sermons on "Christ, The Reconcilar." It was one of the turning points of my spiritual life. It was the the first time I truly understood that Christ is the center of time, of history, of heaven, of earth. The center of the hearts and souls of those of us who call his name.
My decision on, or for Jesus, as fate would have it, came later.
Colossians 1
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Before you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, before your faith is firm, strong and finished, you need some knowledge, of God and Jesus.
In the 1990's, before I was saved, I heard Elder Laissaire Bradly, of the Cincinnati Primitive Baptist Church, preach three sermons on "Christ, The Reconcilar." It was one of the turning points of my spiritual life. It was the the first time I truly understood that Christ is the center of time, of history, of heaven, of earth. The center of the hearts and souls of those of us who call his name.
My decision on, or for Jesus, as fate would have it, came later.
Colossians 1
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Melchizedek and Jesus
Psalm 110
4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
This post is about Melchizedek and Jesus.
First, Psalm 110, a Psalm of David, is prophetic, foretelling the coming of the Messiah.
Hebrews 7
1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Second, Melchizedek is a notably mysterious character in both the Old and New Testaments. He may be a type of the Holy Ghost. In this passage, the Paul explains to the Hebrews that Christ is superior to the Hebrew priests and the Levites. Melchizedek took tithes from Abraham, and Levi paid tithes to Abraham. The Hebrews, in turn, paid their tithes to the Priests. The priests and their Law, in effect, separated the Hebrews from God.
Christ, on the other hand, is of the order of Melchizedek and is therefore directly linked to God.
Two questions. First. Why did God make these connections between Jesus, Melchizedek, Abraham, David and the Hebrew priests? Second. How should we apply these passages to our humble, daily, Christian lives?
It looks like I have material for a few days of thoughtful meditation. I have no answers today....
4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
This post is about Melchizedek and Jesus.
First, Psalm 110, a Psalm of David, is prophetic, foretelling the coming of the Messiah.
Hebrews 7
1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Second, Melchizedek is a notably mysterious character in both the Old and New Testaments. He may be a type of the Holy Ghost. In this passage, the Paul explains to the Hebrews that Christ is superior to the Hebrew priests and the Levites. Melchizedek took tithes from Abraham, and Levi paid tithes to Abraham. The Hebrews, in turn, paid their tithes to the Priests. The priests and their Law, in effect, separated the Hebrews from God.
Christ, on the other hand, is of the order of Melchizedek and is therefore directly linked to God.
Two questions. First. Why did God make these connections between Jesus, Melchizedek, Abraham, David and the Hebrew priests? Second. How should we apply these passages to our humble, daily, Christian lives?
It looks like I have material for a few days of thoughtful meditation. I have no answers today....
Friday, May 7, 2010
Romans 3 - We Are All Sinners
Romans 3
7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
This chapter is about God. Abounded equals illustrated....
Romans 3
1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
This chapter is about the Hebrews. I particularly like the phrase "oracles of God."
More From Romans 3
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
This passage is about man's inate depravity.
More From Romans 3
24 .... Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
This passage is about Jesus.
In conclusion
13 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
This chapter is cold, clear divinity. It is the truth of the Bible, it is the truth all around us....
7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
This chapter is about God. Abounded equals illustrated....
Romans 3
1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
This chapter is about the Hebrews. I particularly like the phrase "oracles of God."
More From Romans 3
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
This passage is about man's inate depravity.
More From Romans 3
24 .... Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
This passage is about Jesus.
In conclusion
God is glory,Psalms 114
I am an abject sinner,
Jesus saves...
13 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
This chapter is cold, clear divinity. It is the truth of the Bible, it is the truth all around us....
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
That....Says It All
Romans 5
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
That....says it all.
Well, actually, this is the book of Romans. And that doesn't even come close to saying it all....
Paul Continues In Romans 5
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Now. That, in all of its grammatical glory....says it all.
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
That....says it all.
Well, actually, this is the book of Romans. And that doesn't even come close to saying it all....
Paul Continues In Romans 5
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Now. That, in all of its grammatical glory....says it all.
Monday, May 3, 2010
They Also Serve Who Only Stand And Wait
Romans 4
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
So, you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Then you get baptized. Mixed into this you read your Bible. And then, at some point, you are confronted with the practical, maybe profound question. Now what? What am I supposed to do now?
I have no interest in poetry. Or literature. Or opera. Or symphonies. Or any kind of culture stuff. Except, for some reason, I came accross this poem many years ago and never forgot it. And it discusses the questions above.
On His Blindness, A Sonnet By Milton
When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait."
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
So, you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Then you get baptized. Mixed into this you read your Bible. And then, at some point, you are confronted with the practical, maybe profound question. Now what? What am I supposed to do now?
I have no interest in poetry. Or literature. Or opera. Or symphonies. Or any kind of culture stuff. Except, for some reason, I came accross this poem many years ago and never forgot it. And it discusses the questions above.
On His Blindness, A Sonnet By Milton
When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait."
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Paul And Abraham
Genesis 17
11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
The book of Romans starts here in Genesis 17 with the story of Abraham. This passage shows us the significance of circumcision to the Jews.
Genesis 17
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
From here in Genesis 17 God's word on salvation unfolds. And the definition of salvation in Romans for gentiles is given in terms of circumcision and being a Jew.
Romans 2
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.
11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
The book of Romans starts here in Genesis 17 with the story of Abraham. This passage shows us the significance of circumcision to the Jews.
Genesis 17
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
From here in Genesis 17 God's word on salvation unfolds. And the definition of salvation in Romans for gentiles is given in terms of circumcision and being a Jew.
Romans 2
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.
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