Genesis 14
18 And Melchiz'edek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Melchizdek, King of Salem, gives us a view of the world from time immemorial, from the days of Abraham, to the days of the book of Hebrews, and beyond.
Hebrews 7
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
Hebrews 7 is the explanation, to a Jewish audience, of the righteousness and Godliness and holiness and, especially, the authority of Jesus Christ. It is also a repudiation of the Hebrew law.
And so, what is the relationship of Christians, those of us sitting in the pews, to the order of Melchizedec?
Philippians 1
2 To all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Phil'ipi....
Revelations 1
5 ....Jesus Christ....hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father.... Amen.
It appears that we, Christians sitting in the pews, are kings, saints and priests. Priests? Of the order of Melchizedec?
The subject of Melchizdek, King of Salem, is definitely worth on-going consideration...
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
New (And Old) Testaments - Church Order As An Example
1 Corinthians 14
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
Above is the New Testament guidance on church order and the place of women within the church. Following is the generally accepted Old Testament reference:
Genesis 3
16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
For those of us who read and understand the Bible literally, this provides an example of how the Old Testament passages support New Testament guidance. These two passages give an example of how church order, to some significant extent, has a basis in the Old Testament.
It is November, 2010. Does anything else need to be said about these passages?
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
Above is the New Testament guidance on church order and the place of women within the church. Following is the generally accepted Old Testament reference:
Genesis 3
16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
For those of us who read and understand the Bible literally, this provides an example of how the Old Testament passages support New Testament guidance. These two passages give an example of how church order, to some significant extent, has a basis in the Old Testament.
It is November, 2010. Does anything else need to be said about these passages?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Church Administrations And of Operations
1 Corinthians 12
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
Strong's Reference For Administrations
1248 // diakonia // diakonia // dee-ak-on-ee'-ah //
1) service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others
2) of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote
religion among men
2a) of the office of Moses
2b) of the office of the apostles and its administration
2c) of the office of prophets, evangelists, elders etc.
3) the ministration of those who render to others the offices of
Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either
collecting or distributing of charities
4) the office of the deacon in the church
5) the service of those who prepare and present food
Strong's Reference For Operations
1755 // energhma // energema // en-erg'-ay-mah //
1) thing wrought
2) effect operation
There are times when a Christian needs to give some thought to his church. What is it? How should it operate? What are the requirements for membership? Who is responsible? What tasks need to be accomplished? Who should accomplish such task? And a Christian needs to give some thought about how he or she should contribute. Above and below is just a little background for consideration.
Charles Sperry Chafer
There is little said in the Bible regarding the organization of churches, though there is nothing written to oppose it; and, since an organization is not in view, there is nothing written in the Bible as to membership in organized churches. The Bible emphasis is upon the true Church and that membership which is formed by the baptism with the Spirit.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
Strong's Reference For Administrations
1248 // diakonia // diakonia // dee-ak-on-ee'-ah //
1) service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others
2) of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote
religion among men
2a) of the office of Moses
2b) of the office of the apostles and its administration
2c) of the office of prophets, evangelists, elders etc.
3) the ministration of those who render to others the offices of
Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either
collecting or distributing of charities
4) the office of the deacon in the church
5) the service of those who prepare and present food
Strong's Reference For Operations
1755 // energhma // energema // en-erg'-ay-mah //
1) thing wrought
2) effect operation
There are times when a Christian needs to give some thought to his church. What is it? How should it operate? What are the requirements for membership? Who is responsible? What tasks need to be accomplished? Who should accomplish such task? And a Christian needs to give some thought about how he or she should contribute. Above and below is just a little background for consideration.
Charles Sperry Chafer
There is little said in the Bible regarding the organization of churches, though there is nothing written to oppose it; and, since an organization is not in view, there is nothing written in the Bible as to membership in organized churches. The Bible emphasis is upon the true Church and that membership which is formed by the baptism with the Spirit.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
A Thief In Night
Daniel 9
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.
Passages To Agonize Over
Is this a Bible prophesy? Is a week a year? Do seventy weeks equate to 490 years? Is this prophesy fulfilled? Is it allegory? How many God-fearing, Bible-believing Christians have pondered this passage? Am I the only one?
Here is satisfying commentary on this passage:
Every year or so I look at Daniel, Zecharia and Revelations. I find reading these books comforting and edifying. But, I admit, each time I start to read these books, I just can't make sense of the words. Then, I read some commentary, Scofield, Clanence Larkin, Charles Sperry Chafer, and the prophesies become clear. Passages on Bible prophesy from these three books are the only ones that I cannot understand without commentary.
Now, following is Bible prophesy I truly comprehend. The truth of this passage stabs your heart, the very second you finish reading it.
Matthew 24
42 Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.
Passages To Agonize Over
Is this a Bible prophesy? Is a week a year? Do seventy weeks equate to 490 years? Is this prophesy fulfilled? Is it allegory? How many God-fearing, Bible-believing Christians have pondered this passage? Am I the only one?
Here is satisfying commentary on this passage:
Every year or so I look at Daniel, Zecharia and Revelations. I find reading these books comforting and edifying. But, I admit, each time I start to read these books, I just can't make sense of the words. Then, I read some commentary, Scofield, Clanence Larkin, Charles Sperry Chafer, and the prophesies become clear. Passages on Bible prophesy from these three books are the only ones that I cannot understand without commentary.
Now, following is Bible prophesy I truly comprehend. The truth of this passage stabs your heart, the very second you finish reading it.
Matthew 24
42 Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Personal Ministry
Romans 8
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
An Evangelist came to church last year. Some visits you just remember. He said that each Christian must have a ministry, I think he used the phrase "personal ministry." And he gave the example of a shy person who did not feel comfortable distributing tracts but helped clean the church. And he finally concluded that, when someone does bring an unsaved soul to church, you really want that sanctuary looking good, clean, neat, orderly and dusted. I remember he used the word dusted.
1 Peter 4
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
And here is information from Websters's 1828 dictionary on ministering:
Webster 1828 MIN'ISTER, n. [L.]
1. Properly, a chief servant; hence, an agent appointed to transact or manage business under the authority of another; in which sense, it is a word of very extensive application.
Moses rose up and his minister Joshua. Ex.24.
2. One to whom a king or prince entrusts the direction of affairs of state; as minister of state; the prime minister. In modern governments, the secretaries or heads of the several departments or branches of government are the ministers of the chief magistrate.
3. A magistrate; an executive officer.
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. Rom.13.
4. A delegate; an embassador; the representative of a sovereign at a foreign court; usually such as is resident at a foreign court, but not restricted to such.
5. One who serves at the altar; one who performs sacerdotal duties; the pastor of a church, duly authorized or licensed to preach the gospel and administer the sacraments. Eph.3.
6. Christ is called a minister of the sanctuary. Heb.8
7. An angel; a messenger of God.
Who maketh his angels spirits, his ministers a flaming fire. Ps.104.
Webster 1828 MIN'ISTER, v.t. To give; to afford; to supply.
He that ministereth seed to the sower--2 Cor.9.
That it may minister grace to the hearers. Eph.4.
Webster 1828 MIN'ISTER, v.i.
1. To attend and serve; to perform service in any office, sacred or secular.
I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the priest's office. Ex.29.
2. To afford supplies; to give things needful; to supply the means of relief; to relieve.
When saw we thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Matt.25.
3. To give medicines.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
An Evangelist came to church last year. Some visits you just remember. He said that each Christian must have a ministry, I think he used the phrase "personal ministry." And he gave the example of a shy person who did not feel comfortable distributing tracts but helped clean the church. And he finally concluded that, when someone does bring an unsaved soul to church, you really want that sanctuary looking good, clean, neat, orderly and dusted. I remember he used the word dusted.
1 Peter 4
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
And here is information from Websters's 1828 dictionary on ministering:
Webster 1828 MIN'ISTER, n. [L.]
1. Properly, a chief servant; hence, an agent appointed to transact or manage business under the authority of another; in which sense, it is a word of very extensive application.
Moses rose up and his minister Joshua. Ex.24.
2. One to whom a king or prince entrusts the direction of affairs of state; as minister of state; the prime minister. In modern governments, the secretaries or heads of the several departments or branches of government are the ministers of the chief magistrate.
3. A magistrate; an executive officer.
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. Rom.13.
4. A delegate; an embassador; the representative of a sovereign at a foreign court; usually such as is resident at a foreign court, but not restricted to such.
5. One who serves at the altar; one who performs sacerdotal duties; the pastor of a church, duly authorized or licensed to preach the gospel and administer the sacraments. Eph.3.
6. Christ is called a minister of the sanctuary. Heb.8
7. An angel; a messenger of God.
Who maketh his angels spirits, his ministers a flaming fire. Ps.104.
Webster 1828 MIN'ISTER, v.t. To give; to afford; to supply.
He that ministereth seed to the sower--2 Cor.9.
That it may minister grace to the hearers. Eph.4.
Webster 1828 MIN'ISTER, v.i.
1. To attend and serve; to perform service in any office, sacred or secular.
I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the priest's office. Ex.29.
2. To afford supplies; to give things needful; to supply the means of relief; to relieve.
When saw we thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Matt.25.
3. To give medicines.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Apostacy
2 Timothy 3
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
This is the great passage on apostacy. And here is the complate list of apostacies:
More From 2 Timothy 3
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
This is a link to a really good web page on apostacy.
Some day I'd like to write about apostacy; it may be a worthy topic for consideration. But, not today....
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
This is the great passage on apostacy. And here is the complate list of apostacies:
More From 2 Timothy 3
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
This is a link to a really good web page on apostacy.
Some day I'd like to write about apostacy; it may be a worthy topic for consideration. But, not today....
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The View From The Pews - The Flock Of The Slaughter
Zechariah 11
17 Woe to the idle shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
This passage is about the Hebrews, and their shepards, rulers, who did not lead them to righteousness. This in turn, was one of the causes of the destruction of the Hebrews, the captivities. It can be read as providing guidance and insight on pastoral responsibilities to church leaders today. And, maybe, only Jesus can feed the flock, the flock of the slaughter:
Zechariah 11
4 Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;
I was reading blog posts about this passage the other night. The blog posts, some written by pastors, were on the subject of how pastors should apply fundamental Bible doctrine in their ministries. This passage from Zechariah was one of the referenced passages. Interesting....
And Finally From Zechariah 11
3 There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.
In the end, however, my view is from the pews, and I probably best not concern myself with such matters as pastoral responsibilities.
17 Woe to the idle shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
This passage is about the Hebrews, and their shepards, rulers, who did not lead them to righteousness. This in turn, was one of the causes of the destruction of the Hebrews, the captivities. It can be read as providing guidance and insight on pastoral responsibilities to church leaders today. And, maybe, only Jesus can feed the flock, the flock of the slaughter:
Zechariah 11
4 Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;
I was reading blog posts about this passage the other night. The blog posts, some written by pastors, were on the subject of how pastors should apply fundamental Bible doctrine in their ministries. This passage from Zechariah was one of the referenced passages. Interesting....
And Finally From Zechariah 11
3 There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.
In the end, however, my view is from the pews, and I probably best not concern myself with such matters as pastoral responsibilities.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
A Treasured Passage
Ephesians 4
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
My understanding of God's will, God's purpose for my life, God's plan fore my salvation, starts with this passage. And, it ends with this passage. Be that as it may:
Romans 3
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
My understanding of God's will, God's purpose for my life, God's plan fore my salvation, starts with this passage. And, it ends with this passage. Be that as it may:
Romans 3
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Monday, November 22, 2010
Matthew 23
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.
This chapter is about duties of the scribes and the Pharisees that sit in Moses' seat. It is about the place of God in our lives. And, it may be a message to our pastors.
Matthew 23
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Some Questions
Who gets your respect? Who is your teacher? Who do you look to in times of need? Who gives us advice, when you are desperate?
With this passage in mind, here are some more questions, asked a little differently. What is more wonderful than the good pastor, preaching the Word of God....in way that we can truly see the majesty and the glory of God? And, what is more wonderful than the good pastor who gives you that one needed piece of advice that, in the end, keeps you from falling off the cliff?
.,..The wonder of God's work and way, here on earth, and in heaven...
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.
This chapter is about duties of the scribes and the Pharisees that sit in Moses' seat. It is about the place of God in our lives. And, it may be a message to our pastors.
Matthew 23
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Some Questions
Who gets your respect? Who is your teacher? Who do you look to in times of need? Who gives us advice, when you are desperate?
With this passage in mind, here are some more questions, asked a little differently. What is more wonderful than the good pastor, preaching the Word of God....in way that we can truly see the majesty and the glory of God? And, what is more wonderful than the good pastor who gives you that one needed piece of advice that, in the end, keeps you from falling off the cliff?
.,..The wonder of God's work and way, here on earth, and in heaven...
The Church (Chafer)
2 Timothy 2
11 [It is] a faithful saying: For if we be dead with [him], we shall also live with [him]:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us:
I came accross the quote below from Chafer a few weeks ago, and can't seem to get it out of my mind. I have a hunch this is important....
From Chafer's Major Bible Themes
There is little said in the Bible regarding the organization of churches, though there is nothing written to oppose it; and, since an organization is not in view, there is nothing written in the Bible as to membership in organized churches. The Bible emphasis is upon the true Church and that membership which is formed by the baptism with the Spirit.
11 [It is] a faithful saying: For if we be dead with [him], we shall also live with [him]:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us:
I came accross the quote below from Chafer a few weeks ago, and can't seem to get it out of my mind. I have a hunch this is important....
From Chafer's Major Bible Themes
There is little said in the Bible regarding the organization of churches, though there is nothing written to oppose it; and, since an organization is not in view, there is nothing written in the Bible as to membership in organized churches. The Bible emphasis is upon the true Church and that membership which is formed by the baptism with the Spirit.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Church (Chafer)
Matthew 16
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The concept or the doctrine of the church seems problematic to me. There are so many stories of mal-functioning churches or churches that are going through difficult times. Maybe the problem is that churches are a peculiar, toxic mix of man and God's will. Be that as it may, following is provided for on-going consideration.
From Chafer's Major Bible Themes
As used in the New Testament, the word church means a called-out or assembled company of people. It has two distinct applications: (1) In its less important usage it refers to a local gathering of people, not necessarily Christians, who have been called out and assembled in one place (1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2; Phil. 1:2. Note, Acts 7:38; 19:32). (2) In its more important usage it refers to a company of people called out from the old creation into the new, being gathered by the Spirit into one organism or body of which Christ is the Head. This company includes all those, and only those, who have been saved in the period between the day of Pentecost and the return of Christ to receive His own. So, also, there are organized churches in the world with their memberships, but these should not be confused with the one Church of which Christ is the Head and all believers members in particular.
While there are a thousand stories of problematic churches, there are a lot of good ones. My sense is that if it wasn't for that occasional, perfect worship service, that service where you sing a song like the "The Old Rugged Cross" and it really gets to you, that service where the preaching has special meaning for you.... My sense is that if it wasn't for such a church service, then, I think, maybe, we would not be able to even start to understand Biblical events, such as the Millennium.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The concept or the doctrine of the church seems problematic to me. There are so many stories of mal-functioning churches or churches that are going through difficult times. Maybe the problem is that churches are a peculiar, toxic mix of man and God's will. Be that as it may, following is provided for on-going consideration.
From Chafer's Major Bible Themes
As used in the New Testament, the word church means a called-out or assembled company of people. It has two distinct applications: (1) In its less important usage it refers to a local gathering of people, not necessarily Christians, who have been called out and assembled in one place (1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2; Phil. 1:2. Note, Acts 7:38; 19:32). (2) In its more important usage it refers to a company of people called out from the old creation into the new, being gathered by the Spirit into one organism or body of which Christ is the Head. This company includes all those, and only those, who have been saved in the period between the day of Pentecost and the return of Christ to receive His own. So, also, there are organized churches in the world with their memberships, but these should not be confused with the one Church of which Christ is the Head and all believers members in particular.
While there are a thousand stories of problematic churches, there are a lot of good ones. My sense is that if it wasn't for that occasional, perfect worship service, that service where you sing a song like the "The Old Rugged Cross" and it really gets to you, that service where the preaching has special meaning for you.... My sense is that if it wasn't for such a church service, then, I think, maybe, we would not be able to even start to understand Biblical events, such as the Millennium.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
View From The Pews
Ephesians 4
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Here we find that there are five leadership positions: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. And, they are suppose to perfect the saints, edify the body of Christ, those of us sitting in the pews. It is not clear to me exactly how how is this suppose to happen?
This is a big job, with the following goal:
More From Ephesians 4
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
This is a very big job....
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Here we find that there are five leadership positions: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. And, they are suppose to perfect the saints, edify the body of Christ, those of us sitting in the pews. It is not clear to me exactly how how is this suppose to happen?
This is a big job, with the following goal:
More From Ephesians 4
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
This is a very big job....
Friday, November 19, 2010
Emerods Or Tumors
Deuteronomy 28
15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:
15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:
And here is an incredible list of the bad things that will happen to you if you do not harken to the voice of God:
More From Deuteronomy 28
16 Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field.
17 Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store.
18 Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
19 Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
20 The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.
21 The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it.
22 The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.
23 And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron.
24 The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou be destroyed.
25 The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.
26 And thy carcase shall be meat unto all fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray them away.
27 The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.
28 The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:
29 And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee.
In verse 27, is the tumors or hemorrhoids? And, is there a corresponding passage to this in the New Testament?
17 Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store.
18 Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
19 Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
20 The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.
21 The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it.
22 The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.
23 And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron.
24 The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou be destroyed.
25 The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.
26 And thy carcase shall be meat unto all fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray them away.
27 The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.
28 The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:
29 And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee.
In verse 27, is the tumors or hemorrhoids? And, is there a corresponding passage to this in the New Testament?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
A Problem In Corinth
1 Corinthians 5
1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
Here, we find a serious problem at the church in Corinth. And here is Paul's guidance:
More From 1 Corinthians 5
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
I think it odd, that Paul does not provide more specific guidance on how such problems should be resolved, how discipline might be meted out.
I also think it odd that such guidance is not addressed to a church elder or leader....
1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
Here, we find a serious problem at the church in Corinth. And here is Paul's guidance:
More From 1 Corinthians 5
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
I think it odd, that Paul does not provide more specific guidance on how such problems should be resolved, how discipline might be meted out.
I also think it odd that such guidance is not addressed to a church elder or leader....
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Women In Church
1 Corinthians 14
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
Above is the New Testament guidance on church order and the place of women. Following is the accepted Old Testament reference.
Genesis 3
16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
For those of us who read and understand the Bible literaly, this appears to present a problem, at least in 21st Century America, in an America in which woman have a significant voice. Also, Paul provides an example of how the Old Testament passages support New Testament guidance.
This issue is well worth additional consideration....
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
Above is the New Testament guidance on church order and the place of women. Following is the accepted Old Testament reference.
Genesis 3
16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
For those of us who read and understand the Bible literaly, this appears to present a problem, at least in 21st Century America, in an America in which woman have a significant voice. Also, Paul provides an example of how the Old Testament passages support New Testament guidance.
This issue is well worth additional consideration....
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Jesus' Marriage Feast
Matthew 22
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
This parable of the marriage feast finds Jesus teaching about a world we know only too well. And he provides us, all of us, with an invitation. We know, however, that too few of us accept this invitation. Too few respond to this holy call to redemption. And the parable concludes:
Matthew 22
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
This is an evil world. But I am comforted by both God's saving grace and also the truth I find in the Bible. Here is a verse from Paul that echos Jesus parable of the marriage feast:
Romans 8
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
And so, I look around, and I see the sad truth. This is an evil world full of lost souls. And we Christians are, in the end, but a small remnant.
It is a cool, damp, dreary morning. And it is drizzling. It is going to be a long commute.
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
This parable of the marriage feast finds Jesus teaching about a world we know only too well. And he provides us, all of us, with an invitation. We know, however, that too few of us accept this invitation. Too few respond to this holy call to redemption. And the parable concludes:
Matthew 22
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
This is an evil world. But I am comforted by both God's saving grace and also the truth I find in the Bible. Here is a verse from Paul that echos Jesus parable of the marriage feast:
Romans 8
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
And so, I look around, and I see the sad truth. This is an evil world full of lost souls. And we Christians are, in the end, but a small remnant.
It is a cool, damp, dreary morning. And it is drizzling. It is going to be a long commute.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Bible Prophesy (3 Of 3)
Zechariah 9
10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
This passage portends a day of profound peace. A day when Israel is stripped of its military might but, there is peace among the Jews, the gentiles and the Christians. Now that, is just a wonderful thought.
I think there are a number of characteristics of bible prophesy. Bible prophesy exhorts the faithful to righteousness. Bible prophesy is reasonably easy to understood. It references the eventual salvation of the gentiles. And, it describes reality as a Christian knows it; a Christian must see the reality of his or her daily life in the prophesy.
When reading the Old Testament, I am always comforted by references to the heathens, who I consider my spiritual forebears. Such passages show me my connection to God, thousands of years ago.
Also comforting is the conception of God in this passage. Here, God's presence, God's dominion, spans all space and all time.
10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
This passage portends a day of profound peace. A day when Israel is stripped of its military might but, there is peace among the Jews, the gentiles and the Christians. Now that, is just a wonderful thought.
I think there are a number of characteristics of bible prophesy. Bible prophesy exhorts the faithful to righteousness. Bible prophesy is reasonably easy to understood. It references the eventual salvation of the gentiles. And, it describes reality as a Christian knows it; a Christian must see the reality of his or her daily life in the prophesy.
When reading the Old Testament, I am always comforted by references to the heathens, who I consider my spiritual forebears. Such passages show me my connection to God, thousands of years ago.
Also comforting is the conception of God in this passage. Here, God's presence, God's dominion, spans all space and all time.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Children Of Wrath, Children Of Disobedience
Ephesians 2
1 And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:
Some Questions.
What happens to the children of wrath? Why is this question asked? For edification? For exhortation? To scare some to salvation?
Revelations 20
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
I think, maybe, in the end, the answers to all of these questions are God's business. And, maybe, I do not need to be concerned with them.
Let me give this some more thought....
1 And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:
Some Questions.
What happens to the children of wrath? Why is this question asked? For edification? For exhortation? To scare some to salvation?
Revelations 20
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
I think, maybe, in the end, the answers to all of these questions are God's business. And, maybe, I do not need to be concerned with them.
Let me give this some more thought....
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Fear (Of God)
Numbers 15
32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.
33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.
34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.
35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.
In the Old Testament, God's judgement is metted out on earth, as sinful events unfold. Especially note the story of the captivities.
In the New Testament, God's judgement, through Jesus, happens in heaven, on the judgement day.
Revelations 20
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Either way, God's judgement cannot be taken lightly.
This is the second time I have considered the passage about the man of sticks who gets stoned by the children of Israel in the time of Moses. Some passages are worth annual consideration.
32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.
33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.
34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.
35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.
In the Old Testament, God's judgement is metted out on earth, as sinful events unfold. Especially note the story of the captivities.
In the New Testament, God's judgement, through Jesus, happens in heaven, on the judgement day.
Revelations 20
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Either way, God's judgement cannot be taken lightly.
This is the second time I have considered the passage about the man of sticks who gets stoned by the children of Israel in the time of Moses. Some passages are worth annual consideration.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Biblical Theology
Luke 24
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Reminder, for future consideration.
Here, Jesus talks to two disciples after he rose from the dead. This passage ties the Old Testament and New Testament together. It also becomes the basis of Biblical Theology. To understand Jesus and his sacrifice, you must study the Old Testament.
Hosea 6
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Reminder, for future consideration.
Here, Jesus talks to two disciples after he rose from the dead. This passage ties the Old Testament and New Testament together. It also becomes the basis of Biblical Theology. To understand Jesus and his sacrifice, you must study the Old Testament.
Hosea 6
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Third Heaven
2 Corinthians 12
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.
The third heaven is a doctrine or concept that I could not figure out on my own. The doctrine of the third heaven seems not to be often referred to, at least, I had not noticed it before. I did look it up to get some basic background on this passage, and it is a useful doctrine, logical, to me. Chalk it up to an increase of the knowledge of God.
Jamieson Faussett Brown
A man--meaning himself. But he purposely thus distinguishes between the rapt and glorified person of 2 Co 12:2, 4, and himself the infirmity-laden victim of the "thorn in the flesh" (2 Co 12:7)
And Also From Jamieson Faussett Brown
The first heaven is that of the clouds, the air; the second, that of the stars, the sky; the third is spiritual.
The steam boiler that heats my old house is not working today. Not sure what is wrong, but steam boilers are always expensive to fix. There are no good, cheap plumbers. And winter is coming on. My Bible study was particularly comforting this morning. It's good to take a break from the cares of the world.
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.
The third heaven is a doctrine or concept that I could not figure out on my own. The doctrine of the third heaven seems not to be often referred to, at least, I had not noticed it before. I did look it up to get some basic background on this passage, and it is a useful doctrine, logical, to me. Chalk it up to an increase of the knowledge of God.
Jamieson Faussett Brown
A man--meaning himself. But he purposely thus distinguishes between the rapt and glorified person of 2 Co 12:2, 4, and himself the infirmity-laden victim of the "thorn in the flesh" (2 Co 12:7)
And Also From Jamieson Faussett Brown
The first heaven is that of the clouds, the air; the second, that of the stars, the sky; the third is spiritual.
The steam boiler that heats my old house is not working today. Not sure what is wrong, but steam boilers are always expensive to fix. There are no good, cheap plumbers. And winter is coming on. My Bible study was particularly comforting this morning. It's good to take a break from the cares of the world.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Zecharia's Four Chariots
Zecharia 6
1 And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains [were] mountains of brass.
2 In the first chariot [were] red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
3 And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.
4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What [are] these, my lord?
5 And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
A question. Who are the four spirits of the heavens? The apostles? All missionaries? All pastors? Whoever thy are, they went forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
To me, this passage is about God way and working in the world.
Zecharia 6
7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.
I do not know why, but the phrase "walked to and fro" is, to me, the dearest phrase in the Bible. I find more comfort in this passage than the twenty-third Psalm....
Revelations 7
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
1 And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains [were] mountains of brass.
2 In the first chariot [were] red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
3 And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.
4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What [are] these, my lord?
5 And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
A question. Who are the four spirits of the heavens? The apostles? All missionaries? All pastors? Whoever thy are, they went forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
To me, this passage is about God way and working in the world.
Zecharia 6
7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.
I do not know why, but the phrase "walked to and fro" is, to me, the dearest phrase in the Bible. I find more comfort in this passage than the twenty-third Psalm....
Revelations 7
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Candlestick Of Gold and The Two Olive Trees
Zechariah 4
1 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep,
2 and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:
3 and two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.
The echos between the Old Testament and New Testament. Breath-taking. Like threads of a tapestry weaved consistently over ages.
Revelations 11
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth
The importance of the message in Revelations, the unfolding of the mystery of the church and the future beyond it, strikes me. The olive trees must be Peter And Paul.
And Finally From Zechariah 4
13 And he [the angel] answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
14 Then said he, These [two olive trees] are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
1 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep,
2 and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:
3 and two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.
The echos between the Old Testament and New Testament. Breath-taking. Like threads of a tapestry weaved consistently over ages.
Revelations 11
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth
The importance of the message in Revelations, the unfolding of the mystery of the church and the future beyond it, strikes me. The olive trees must be Peter And Paul.
And Finally From Zechariah 4
13 And he [the angel] answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
14 Then said he, These [two olive trees] are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
Aged Men And Aged Women
Titus 2
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
In the previous chapter, Paul provides guidance to elders. Here, he provides guidance to mature church members, aged men and aged women. It is well worth considering church order and, in partiuular, the responsibilities of various members of a church.
"Not given to much wine" seems misplaced. Here is Matthew Henry's comment:
Matthew Henry Complete
Not given to much wine; the word denotes such addictedness thereto as to be under the power and mastery of it. This is unseemly and evil in any, but especially in this sex and age, and was too much to be found among the Greeks of that time and place. How immodest and shameful, corrupting and destroying purity both of body and mind!
Women drinking appropriate amounts of wine may be a comment more approprite to Greeks in Titus' time than to Christians in the 1600's or Christians today.
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
In the previous chapter, Paul provides guidance to elders. Here, he provides guidance to mature church members, aged men and aged women. It is well worth considering church order and, in partiuular, the responsibilities of various members of a church.
"Not given to much wine" seems misplaced. Here is Matthew Henry's comment:
Matthew Henry Complete
Not given to much wine; the word denotes such addictedness thereto as to be under the power and mastery of it. This is unseemly and evil in any, but especially in this sex and age, and was too much to be found among the Greeks of that time and place. How immodest and shameful, corrupting and destroying purity both of body and mind!
Women drinking appropriate amounts of wine may be a comment more approprite to Greeks in Titus' time than to Christians in the 1600's or Christians today.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Bible Prophesy - Tyre (2 Of 3)
Isaiah 23
1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.
I studied this passage yesterday, this passage about Tyre, the harlot, which, in the days of the Acts of the Apostles, welcomed Christians. Last night I dreamed about it. And this morning I woke up thinking of it.
It comforts me like a warm fire on a cold night.
Question
What is the edification of Bible phophesy? On one hand, it exhorts us to faith. But, maybe more important, prophesy is our lesson in the workings of God here on earth. And, also, it is comforting to understand that good can come from bad. If God wills it....
1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.
I studied this passage yesterday, this passage about Tyre, the harlot, which, in the days of the Acts of the Apostles, welcomed Christians. Last night I dreamed about it. And this morning I woke up thinking of it.
It comforts me like a warm fire on a cold night.
Question
What is the edification of Bible phophesy? On one hand, it exhorts us to faith. But, maybe more important, prophesy is our lesson in the workings of God here on earth. And, also, it is comforting to understand that good can come from bad. If God wills it....
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Bible Prophesy - Tyre (1 Of 3)
Isaiah 23
1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.
Here, is the prophesy of the judgement of Tyre, the Phoenician city, the commerical center, the harlot.
More From Isaiah 23
15 And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot.
And, after seventy years, still a harlot, she is singing and, back in business. But now this harlot will serve beneficial purposes.
More from Isaiah 23
18 And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.
This harlot, this city in Phenice, will, in the end, serve God's purpose. She will be one of the first centers of Christianity.
Acts 11
19 Now they [the first ministers of the Gospel] which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.
Here, is the prophesy of the judgement of Tyre, the Phoenician city, the commerical center, the harlot.
More From Isaiah 23
15 And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot.
And, after seventy years, still a harlot, she is singing and, back in business. But now this harlot will serve beneficial purposes.
More from Isaiah 23
18 And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.
This harlot, this city in Phenice, will, in the end, serve God's purpose. She will be one of the first centers of Christianity.
Acts 11
19 Now they [the first ministers of the Gospel] which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Odd Metaphors
Revelations 21
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
There are a couple of metaphors found in the Bible that I do not take comfort in. These metaphors do not, to me, adequately express the profound, abstract, timeless, power of God. Above and below are such passages.
Isaiah 66
11 That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.
Some day, I might read and reconsider this post. I might delete it.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
There are a couple of metaphors found in the Bible that I do not take comfort in. These metaphors do not, to me, adequately express the profound, abstract, timeless, power of God. Above and below are such passages.
Isaiah 66
11 That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.
Some day, I might read and reconsider this post. I might delete it.
Friday, November 5, 2010
One Poor Spirit, Trembling Man
Isaiah 66
1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Here, God is Lord of heaven and of earth. And, he appears not to be concerned with the particular affairs of this world. He appears not to be concerned with any particular house that we might build for him, any particular place of his rest on earth.
His true concern is the heart of the man who is poor, contrite of spirit, and trembleth at God's word. And who is "this man?" Is He Christ, who came to earth poor and contrite? Or is he referring to his saints, who are poor and who are contrite and who trembleth at God's work? The answers to these questions are not nearly as important as the questions.
God's saving grace is personal. It transcends family, church, and nation.
1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Here, God is Lord of heaven and of earth. And, he appears not to be concerned with the particular affairs of this world. He appears not to be concerned with any particular house that we might build for him, any particular place of his rest on earth.
His true concern is the heart of the man who is poor, contrite of spirit, and trembleth at God's word. And who is "this man?" Is He Christ, who came to earth poor and contrite? Or is he referring to his saints, who are poor and who are contrite and who trembleth at God's work? The answers to these questions are not nearly as important as the questions.
God's saving grace is personal. It transcends family, church, and nation.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Separation (From The Unclean Thing)
2 Corinthians 6
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
The unclean thing probably refers to Jewish ceremonial law, though not dietary law. It probably refers to laws about idols. Here is the previous verse.
More From 2 Corinthians 6
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
This to me is an excellent way to understand the doctrine of separation. Love thy God, and stay separate from idols
It's a dreary Thursday morning. But I'm off and running, with a spirit-filled attitude....
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
The unclean thing probably refers to Jewish ceremonial law, though not dietary law. It probably refers to laws about idols. Here is the previous verse.
More From 2 Corinthians 6
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
This to me is an excellent way to understand the doctrine of separation. Love thy God, and stay separate from idols
It's a dreary Thursday morning. But I'm off and running, with a spirit-filled attitude....
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
For Whom Did Jesus Die?
Romans 8
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
I do not know why I have spent so much time considering this one question. For whom did Jesus die?Above is from Paul. Following is from Jesus.
John 15
18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
If you accept Jesus as your savior, and if you worship regularly and faithfully and if you conscientiosly read your bible, at some point, the light goes on, and you say, " Hey, I did not chose Him, He chose me."
John 15
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
I do not know why I have spent so much time considering this one question. For whom did Jesus die?Above is from Paul. Following is from Jesus.
John 15
18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
If you accept Jesus as your savior, and if you worship regularly and faithfully and if you conscientiosly read your bible, at some point, the light goes on, and you say, " Hey, I did not chose Him, He chose me."
John 15
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Marching Orders
1 Thessalonians 5
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
We are a country at war, and should be familiar with the metaphors of war.
Here, we have our marching orders, from God, on how to live our daily lives. And if we follow those orders, then we will....
More From 1 Thessalonians 5
16 Rejoice evermore.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
We are a country at war, and should be familiar with the metaphors of war.
Here, we have our marching orders, from God, on how to live our daily lives. And if we follow those orders, then we will....
More From 1 Thessalonians 5
16 Rejoice evermore.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Samuel Bagster
Ephesians 4
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Samuel Bagster worked in the hinterlands of the Christian faith. R. A. Torrey based his Treasury of Scripture Knowledge on Bagster's earlier work, and indeed, credited Bagster for his efforts. Samuel Bagster's efforts no doubt enriched the spiritual of millions of Christians.....
Samuel Bagster Biography
Samuel Bagster was an English publisher. He was born in 1772 and died in 1851. He was a founder of the firm of Bagster & Sons, celebrated for their bibles. He began business as a London bookseller in 1794, and soon turned his attention to the publication of bibles, bringing out a Hebrew Bible the Septuagint (Greek) version, and the English version, with 60,000 parallel references, followed by his great polyglot Bible, which in its final form showed eight languages at the opening of the volume. Separate versions in different languages were also brought out, with various other aids to the study of Scripture; a polyglot Book of Common Prayer, in eight languages; etc.
When we read our Bibles and, at some point, check out the reference in those narrow columns next to the Work of God, how many of us think of Samuel Bagster? And, how many thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands (?) of Christians are out there, working in the hinterlands of the Christian faith, just like Samuel Bagster?
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Samuel Bagster worked in the hinterlands of the Christian faith. R. A. Torrey based his Treasury of Scripture Knowledge on Bagster's earlier work, and indeed, credited Bagster for his efforts. Samuel Bagster's efforts no doubt enriched the spiritual of millions of Christians.....
Samuel Bagster Biography
Samuel Bagster was an English publisher. He was born in 1772 and died in 1851. He was a founder of the firm of Bagster & Sons, celebrated for their bibles. He began business as a London bookseller in 1794, and soon turned his attention to the publication of bibles, bringing out a Hebrew Bible the Septuagint (Greek) version, and the English version, with 60,000 parallel references, followed by his great polyglot Bible, which in its final form showed eight languages at the opening of the volume. Separate versions in different languages were also brought out, with various other aids to the study of Scripture; a polyglot Book of Common Prayer, in eight languages; etc.
When we read our Bibles and, at some point, check out the reference in those narrow columns next to the Work of God, how many of us think of Samuel Bagster? And, how many thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands (?) of Christians are out there, working in the hinterlands of the Christian faith, just like Samuel Bagster?
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