Jesus - Making Sense of Faith - Romans 4, 10 and Hebrews 12 - October 31, 2010

Bible Study – Jesus – Making Sense of Faith – October 31, 2010

This is our final lesson in our series entitled “The Case for Jesus.”
Our scripture is Romans 4:1-3, 13-25; 10:9-13; Hebrews 12:1-2.
My wife and I have been on travel for the past 2 weeks that is why the lessons were publised in advance. Hopefully, we are back on schedule. Blessings to all.

We are studying apologetics and our last study will be in the month of November dealing with “The Case for the Christian Life.” In this lesson we will explore the true meaning of Biblical faith. The Bible describes faith in Hebrews 11:1 - 1 Now faith is the reality[1] of what is hoped for, the proof[2] of what is not seen. Faith is a statement of belief. But we can believe something that is false and when we discover the truth that what we thought was true was actually false our belief system breaks down. This is why many people who become Christians may question their relationship to GOD through CHRIST. CHRIST did not measure up to what they thought HE should do for them because they had made false assumptions. It is critical that all Christians understand the difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge of CHRIST.


We can study, listen to pastors and learn about CHRIST but it takes a step of faith for us to know CHRIST. To know CHRIST is all about having an intimate, loving, dynamic relationship with HIM. If you are a Christian and don’t have this type of relationship with CHRIST but would like to, then I ask you to go to HIM and tell HIM of any grievances that you have with HIM. All stumbling blocks must be removed if you want to have a dynamic relation with CHRIST.


Christians must yield their wills to CHRIST and allow HIM, through the HOLY SPIRIT, to lead and direct their lives and reveal truth. As they do, they will experience the presence of CHRIST in their lives and grow and mature Spiritually. CHRIST will become real as we walk with HIM in faith. I know in my life, HE asked me to do small things and as I responded and HIS prompting was confirmed, I became more trusting. We are all different and HE may choose to work in your life differently.


Walking obediently with CHRIST does not mean a journey of ease but a journey of getting to really know CHRIST in an intimate way and building a knowing relationship with HIM. It is an active and interactive relationship. It is a relationship such that when HE says no or to wait, we accept it. We realize that HE is sovereign and will not give HIS children a serpent when they ask for a fish. CHRIST is the reality and manifestation of GOD. When you have CHRIST, you have GOD. When you walk with HIM and talk to HIM and obediently respond to HIS leadership, you experience the reality of HIM. Each step of faith you take, as HE leads you, builds upon itself. In each step of faith, you build your relationship with HIM and HIS reality is made manifest. You grow and mature Spiritually. When you read and study GOD’S Word, the Bible, HE will open up the treasures that are in HIS Word that apply specifically to you to help you grow and mature Spiritually. It is an awesome journey that takes time which is only restrained by our willingness to take a step of faith when HE asks us to do so.


A caution, be careful that you do not test GOD as you build your relationship with HIM through CHRIST. What am I trying to say? I have great faith that CHRIST can do anything. Since I have that faith, then when something comes along in life that does not go my way or challenges me, I ask CHRIST to either take care of the situation for me or give me guidance to take care of it. Then nothing happens. What is wrong? Nothing may be wrong except we may want to test CHRIST to prove that HE is real. HE is not a magic genie who pops out at our every selfish whim. We should ask ourselves, “What is our motive or the attitude of our heart when we ask CHRIST to do such-and-such?” The disciples of JESUS wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy a village that did not welcome them. This is captured in Luke 9:51-56:


51 When the days were coming to a close for Him to be taken up,[21] He determined[22] to journey to Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead of Him, and on the way they entered a village of the • Samaritans to make preparations for Him. 53 But they did not welcome Him, because He determined to journey to Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”[23]55 But He turned and rebuked them,[24] 56 and they went to another village.


GOD wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives. We should go to HIM with all things we encounter in life. “Well, I thought you said not to ask GOD for every selfish whim?” That is correct. Don’t ask for something that is not in accordance with HIS will and purpose for our lives. How do you know what the will and purpose for your life is? When you are in the right relationship with HIM you are in the HIS will.


It could be that GOD desires for us to be tested and to teach us. Often, when I face situations that GOD seems not to come to my aid and I quit fretting, I have to ask, “LORD what are YOU trying to teach me or what do I need to learn from this? What would YOU have me to do in this situation? What is the attitude of my heart toward YOU? Have I sinned against YOU?”


Many Christians question what they are experiencing as they journey with CHRIST. Questioning is good. Go to CHRIST in prayer, study the Bible, look around you and look and listen for HIM to give you the answers. The answer may come quickly or it may take time. Why does it take time? Because GOD is working either in our hearts or in the hearts of others or in the circumstances that need to come about for a satisfactory conclusion.


Most of us want and desire faith. We exercise faith every day when we cross a bridge, ride an elevator, sit in a chair, eat our food, drive a car, etc. Some of the time we may take the LORD for granted. We must be careful not to take a step of faith before the LORD leads us to take that step. I had to learn to wait upon the LORD. Many times I got ahead of the LORD and things did not work out as I had expected. When I would stop telling the LORD how disappointed I was in HIM and listened, then HE would reveal that I had gotten ahead of HIM. I still have trouble waiting upon the LORD. Faith is vital. I believe GOD can do anything. Faith must be coupled with permission from GOD to take action, when we are the ones to act. There are times when GOD has to do the acting or it may be a joint effort. When HE tells you to take action, then act. Keep in mind that it is our faith in GOD that is the key. It is not faith, confidence and trust in our abilities but faith, confidence and trust in GOD that is important. HE is the ONE with the power to bring about what is needed. It is not our faith that moves mountains but our faith in HIM that moves mountains. It is not our gifts of the Spirit but they are GOD’S gifts of the Spirit that are made manifest through us.


When we have the proper relationship with GOD through CHRIST, then we will know when to take action and when to wait. That is part of the sanctification process. We will make mistakes but GOD teaches us through our mistakes and we will grow and mature Spiritually, as we allow HIM to lead and direct us.


So let’s review. Faith can be seen through our actions. Faith in the wrong things or certain people can lead to disappointment. We build in our minds a trust factor and when that trust is compromised or broken, it is a major blow to our value and trust system. Often, our background and the things we were exposed to in our early development, shape our value and trust system. Our parents may have divorced and we prayed that they wouldn’t. We blame GOD because HE did not intervene. We must keep in mind that GOD gives every person a free will. HE can place stumbling blocks and barriers before people who are about to make wrong decisions but the person or persons have the freedom to ignore these barriers.


If this is your situation, then I ask you to be honest with GOD and tell HIM the problems you have with HIM and ask HIM to reveal truth to you through CHRIST. Ask HIM to help you to build the relationship HE wants you to have with HIM through CHRIST. Talk to HIM just as you would your very best friend. Read the Bible and ask HIM to reveal truth to you as you read HIS Word. I suggest starting with the Book of John, which is in the New Testament.


In our first scripture we will see the importance GOD places on faith in HIM.


Let’s read Romans 4:1-3, 13-25: Abraham Justified by Faith
1 What then can we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 If Abraham was justified[1] by works, then he has something to brag about—but not before God.[2] 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.[3]


Abraham’s faith represents the cradle for our Christian belief. Abraham had faith in GOD and obeyed GOD. Simple but true. What did that simple obedient faith do for Abraham? The Apostle Paul made it clear that GOD did not justify or make Abraham righteous according to his works but according to his faith in GOD. His faith in GOD resulted in him obeying GOD and faithfully following GOD as GOD instructed him and led him. We know that Abraham was not perfect. He stumbled along his walk with the LORD. GOD knew his heart. GOD knows our hearts as well and HIS desire for each Christian is for him/her to be made in the image of HIS ONLY SON JESUS. But each Christian has the right to choose whether or not to obey the flesh or the HOLY SPIRIT. Obedience to GOD produces Spiritual growth and maturity.


The Promise Granted through Faith
13 For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.[8] 14 If those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made empty and the promise is canceled. 15 For the law produces wrath; but where there is no law, there is no transgression. 16 This is why the promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace, to guarantee it to all the descendants—not only to those who are of the law,[9] but also to those who are of Abraham’s faith. He is the father of us all 17 in God’s sight. As it is written: I have made you the father of many nations.[10] He believed in God, who gives life to the dead and calls things into existence that do not exist. 18 Against hope, with hope he believed, so that he became the father of many nations,[11] according to what had been spoken: So will your descendants be.[12] 19 He considered[13] his own body to be already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb, without weakening in the faith. 20 He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 because he was fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 Therefore, it was credited to him for righteousness.[14] 23 Now it was credited to him was not written for Abraham alone, 24 but also for us. It will be credited to us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.

When a person accepts CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR by faith, GOD accrues that step of faith to him/her as righteousness. The same as HE did for Abraham. When a person exercises his/her faith, it joins him/her to Abraham because of faith. He/she in essence becomes a descendant of Abraham because of their bond of faith in GOD. But more importantly he/she becomes a child of GOD through the miracle of the rebirth. This can only happen through what CHRIST did for all who would believe that HE gave HIS life for them. HIS death broke the sin barrier and gave all who believe direct access to GOD, their FATHER, through rebirth. GOD’S Spirit joins with our spirit and we become GOD’S child.


Paul makes it clear that faith in GOD is no comparison to obeying the law. The law is important to reveal to each person how far short he/she is in being righteous. JESUS magnified this short fall when HE taught that people must not only obey the law, the Ten Commandments, but also the spirit of the law. JESUS said to hate a person was like killing that person and to lust after a woman was the same as committing adultery. The obvious question should be, “Then who can be made righteous enough to be acceptable to GOD?” That is why CHRIST gave HIS life so that all who believe in HIM will be saved from the penalty of sin, which is death. All believers are made righteous when they accept CHRIST as their SAVIOR. Second Corinthians 5:21:
21 He (GOD) made the One (CHRIST) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (CHRIST).


GOD promised Abraham a son. Abraham was 100 years old before GOD gave him the promised son through his wife Sarah who was 90 years old. Talking about waiting on the LORD! I understand why he and Sarah took matters in their own hands when Sarah offered her maidservant to Abraham to produce a child. Thus Ishmael was born. His descendants are the Arabs and the descendants of Isaac are the Jews. Ishmael was not the son GOD promised to Abraham. GOD wanted Abraham to know for certain that the child given to him was truly from HIM. Thus, when it was impossible from a human point-of-view for them to conceive and produce a child, bang, GOD gave them a child, Isaac.


GOD does the impossible. JESUS is a descendant of Abraham and Isaac. The very existence of JESUS from a human lineage point-of-view was the result of GOD giving Abraham and Sarah a son who they named Isaac. If you read in the book of Genesis, you know that GOD asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. GOD tested Abraham’s faith. Abraham’s faith was so strong in GOD that he believed that if he sacrificed Isaac, which meant reducing Isaac to ashes, GOD would raise him from the ashes.


GOD promised the Messiah/CHRIST to the Israelites, they waited but when HE came to earth, most of the religious leaders rejected HIM because they were looking for a political Messiah. The linage of CHRIST began with a man of faith, Abraham. Abraham and Sarah had to wait until GOD gave them a son in their old age. The birth of Isaac was a miracle. GOD gave mankind the birth of the Messiah through the miracle birth of JESUS to an obedient virgin girl called Mary.


CHRIST lived as a normal human. HE was subject to all the temptations of a human, yet HE remained sinless. HE performed miracles to demonstrate that HE was the SON of GOD. HE even raised those who had died from death to show that HE had power over death. Who has that power, except GOD! HE was crucified on the cross because HE said HE was GOD. HE had the power to come down from the cross. Instead, HE gave HIS life for all who would believe in HIM so they would be saved from the penalty of sin and the consequences of sin, which is death.


So how do you become a born-again believer in CHRIST?

Let’s read Romans 10:9-13:
9 if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 Now the Scripture says, No one who believes on Him will be put to shame,[7] 12 for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, since the same Lord of all is rich to all who call on Him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.[8]


First of all, Paul makes it clear that GOD is no respecter of persons. That is, HE does not discriminate. HE is available to all.


Salvation is so simple that many say it is too easy. People want to do something. But CHRIST has already paid the price for sin with HIS life. CHRIST did HIS part by giving HIS life for you and me. Our part is to accept it. But notice in verse 9 that Paul makes it clear that a person is to believe in his/her heart that GOD raised JESUS from the dead. Why? Because many good people have died but only CHRIST was raised from the dead, which is proof that HE was and is the true SON of GOD.


As mentioned earlier there is a difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge. Head knowledge is gained from reading and studying about JESUS. Heart knowledge comes from really knowing JESUS because you know HIM and what HE has done for you. HE gave HIS life for you, so that you can experience the miracle of rebirth in your spirit. HE did what you could not do for yourself regardless of how pure you think you could live your life. CHRIST dying is one thing but GOD raising HIM from the dead is another! Many people have died for good causes but GOD raising CHRIST from the dead confirms that HE was GOD’S ONLY SON. Buddha and Mohammad lived and died. They were in search for GOD. They are still dead. Yet, people make a religion out of them.


If you have never asked CHRIST into your life you can do so right now by praying the following prayer or something similar: “LORD, I am a sinner and I ask YOU to forgive me of my sins. I believe that CHRIST gave HIS life for my sins and I ask HIM to come into my life right now.” If you prayed this prayer or one similar, then thank HIM for forgiving you of all your sins and for coming into your life.


You have been born into the family of GOD, have eternal life, your citizenship is in heaven, the HOLY SPIRIT indwells you and this is just the beginning of an awesome journey with CHRIST. Get a Bible and begin reading in the Book of John, which is in the New Testament. Talk with CHRIST just as you would speak to your best friend. Ask HIM to reveal Spiritual truths to you and to lead you to fellow Christians who can help you grow in CHRIST. Ask HIM to lead you to a church that teaches truth so you can grow and mature Spiritually.


Let’s read Hebrews 12:1-2:
The Call to Endurance
1 Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus,[1] the source and perfecter[2] of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him[3] endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.[4]


The writer of Hebrews tells us that we have a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Some believe these witnesses are those on earth who are watching us but others believe there is a cloud of witnesses in heaven who are watching us, who are cheering us on to obediently serve GOD. The writer tells us that the most important thing in this earthly life is to not allow any sin keep you from obediently serving GOD through our relationship with CHRIST. But to do that we must have the right relationship with CHRIST. Build your relationship with CHRIST and let HIM teach you, lead you and guide you to all truth.


Many Christians serve GOD in their flesh but GOD wants them to serve HIM as HE leads and directs them. That means placing your faith in CHRIST and trusting HIM to lead you as the HOLY SPIRIT leads, prompts and guides you. So how do you do that? Each Christian needs to say “LORD, here I am just as I am, take my life and use it as YOU choose. Make me into the obedient Christian YOU want me to be.” It doesn’t have to be these exact words but it is the relinquishing of your will to CHRIST. It is no longer, “I who lives but CHRIST WHO lives in me.” It is an awesome journey of walking in faith with CHRIST.


Keep in mind that this world is not our destination. All humans are passing through this life on their way to eternity. Earth is a temporary stopover. No person will escape death. All will stand before GOD at judgment day. Consider the words of JESUS words spoken in John 5:24:
24 “I (JESUS) assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.


Want to by-pass judgment? Then accept CHRIST as your SAVIOR by faith!!!

Jesus - Jesus the One and Only - John 3, 14 and 1 Timothy 2 - Octiber 24, 2010

Bible Study – Jesus – Jesus the One and Only – October 24, 2010

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “The Case for Jesus.”
Our scripture is John 3:16-18; 14:1-11; 1Timothy 2:3-6.
This is likely the number one issue in Christianity; JESUS the ONE and ONLY. It isn’t fair or is it? If GOD was truly love HE would allow everyone to enter heaven or at least allow everyone to choose a way to get to heaven. GOD made man/woman and HE made him/her with the freedom to choose. HE could have said forget it but HIS love for HIS creation compelled HIM to give mankind an opportunity to be redeemed from the sentence of death. GOD is all knowing, omniscience. If GOD is all knowing then HE knew before HE made man that man would sin? Yes. So why did HE make man? It is my opinion that GOD’S foreknowledge allowed HIM to know that mankind would fall. If HE had acted upon HIS foreknowledge and not made man, then, HE would have condemned mankind before HE ever created it. HE chose to allow mankind to exist and HE had a plan for the salvation of mankind. HIS Plan involved the sacrifice of HIS ONLY SON for all who would believe in HIM (CHRIST). GOD knows the beginning from the end. HE is in charge whether you like it or not. HE is sovereign.

It is HIS role is to bring people to salvation. It is a Christian’s role to be obedient to HIS guidance through the HOLY SPIRIT and be a witness for GOD. Keep in mind that true Christianity is not a religion. People make a religion out of Christianity but true Christianity is a personal relationship with GOD through CHRIST. It is CHRIST in you that makes you a Christian not you in a church or Synagogue or temple or climbing a certain number of steps.

The following scripture is the core of Christianity and expresses who GOD is and why HE allowed CHRIST to come to earth.

Let’s read John 3:16-18:
16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His • One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.[10] 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the • One and Only Son of God.

Realize that JESUS is speaking these words. GOD loved HIS creation. This love included all human beings and nature. HE gave HIS ONLY SON. HE gave HIM by allowing CHRIST to leave HIS position in heaven, to leave HIS Glory to come to earth. CHRIST had a choice and was willing to give HIS life for all who would believe in HIM.

If there had been another way to GOD, then HE would not have needed to send HIS ONLY SON to earth. GOD allowed HIS ONLY SON to become vulnerable as a human and to be tempted in all ways as mankind is tempted. GOD knew that HIS SON would have to remain sinless or otherwise HE would not be the acceptable sacrifice for sin that HE required.

Why did GOD do this other than out of love? Notice in verse 16, “so that everyone who believes in HIM will not perish but have eternal life.”

Muhammad and Buddha were searching for GOD. They were mere mortals. When they died they remained dead. Yet, humans made a religion out of their search for GOD. They are no different than any other human in the search for GOD. So what’s the difference with Christianity?

In Christianity, GOD came to mankind. GOD reached out to mankind through HIS ONLY SON, JESUS. GOD was willing for HIS ONLY SON to come earth. HE/CHRIST lived as a human, subject to all the frailties of humans, even death. HE got hungry, HE wept, HE got tired, HE slept, HE got thirsty and HE associated with the people the religious leaders looked down upon.

HE met with religious leaders but HE did not try to be politically correct when HE spoke to them. HE spoke truth and HIS truth did not match their interpretation of truth. I finished an interesting book recently – “The Jesus You Can’t Ignore” written by John MacArthur, published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN. (My friend Ken Page told me about this book and let me read his copy. I am grateful to Ken for this.) John MacDonald does a great job of presenting a side of Jesus that many Christians do not consider.

JESUS made it clear that GOD did not send HIS SON to condemn the world but that the world would have had an alternative to sin and death. GOD offers freedom from sin and life eternal to all who will accept what JESUS did on the cross for him/her and believe in HIM. It is a free gift. It requires a decision. Is there any other way? No. But what is wrong with this way, after all, the ONE WHO made mankind designed the way back to HIM. Notice that GOD did not send JESUS to condemn the world. The world was already condemned for all have sinned and fallen short of GOD’S requirements. The world and all in it have no hope outside of GOD’S redemption. Yet, while we were sinners CHRIST died in behalf of who would believe in HIM.

Reject JESUS and a person continues to remain under the penalty of sin, which is death. Do you want to live forever? Then JESUS is the way, the truth and the life. Simple but true. It is your decision. GOD gave you the freedom to choose. Choose correctly because it has eternal consequences.

Let’s read John 14:1-11:
The Way to the Father
1 “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe[1]in God; believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places;[2]if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way where I am going.”[3]5 “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where You’re going. How can we know the way?”

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Jesus Reveals the Father
7 “If you know Me, you will also know[4]My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” 8 “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me?[5]The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe[6]because of the works themselves.

JESUS was teaching HIS disciples truth before HE was to be crucified. HE had told them about heaven and that HE was going to prepare a place for them, as well as, all believers. HIS disciples had walked with HIM and seen many miracles. Thomas asked HIM a good honest question in verse 5. JESUS answered him in verses 6 and 7. Then Philip kicked the questioning up to a higher level. He wanted to see the FATHER. He wanted further proof that JESUS was really the SON of GOD. Many of us want physical proof that JESUS was and is the true SON of GOD. Philip had seen miracles performed at the hands of JESUS. Yet, he wanted more. Our human curiosity is never ending.

JESUS asked Philip in essence, “What further proof do you need that I AM the SON of GOD?” I and the FATHER are ONE. Philip if you cannot see that MY FATHER and I are ONE then consider the miracles that MY FATHER performed through ME.

We all have questions. Questions are good because they lead to truth. Ask CHRIST the hard questions but when you do be open to HIS reply. We know that Philip still had some Spiritual growing and maturing to do. The crucifixion and resurrection of CHRIST were yet to take place. Without the resurrection there is no more reason to believe that HE is the SON of GOD than any other human who has walked upon earth. The resurrection was GOD’S proof to all people that JESUS was HIS ONLY SON. Accept it or reject it. Be careful because the consequences are eternal.
 Christians serve a risen SAVIOR, WHO lives and because HE lives so will all who believe in HIM.
 Let’s read 1Timothy 2:3-6:
Instructions on Prayer
1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, a man, Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself—a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.
 Prayer is our communication link to GOD through CHRIST. Paul was telling Timothy to pray for all things. Pray for those who have earthly authority over you. Christians can do more from a loving point-of-view than from a militant point-of-view. This is not saying to roll over and play dead when things are not going according to GOD’S plan. But seek your guidance and direction from HIM in all matters.
 Notice in verse 4 that GOD’S desire is for all to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. Religion offers false truth. So how can a Christian know truth? Verses 5 and 6 make it clear. CHRIST is truth and truth comes through a loving, intimate relationship with HIM.


CHRIST is the mediator between GOD and man/woman. CHRIST is GOD reaching down from heaven to mankind. Sin was and is the barrier between GOD and mankind. CHRIST gave HIS life through the shedding of HIS Blood to pay the penalty for sin. GOD required the blood sacrifice. CHRIST broke the sin barrier. GOD set the rule and GOD provided HIS ONLY SON as the prefect sacrifice.


Since the moment CHRIST gave HIS life on the cross, the sin barrier has been broken. The way to GOD, the FATHER, is open to all who will accept what CHRIST did for them on the cross. If that was all, then I can understand why some would question the legitimacy of a person claiming to be GOD’S ONLY SON and dying on a cross. The proof is HIS resurrection and the fact that HIS disciples had scattered but they all came back and gave their lives to tell others about CHRIST, the Messiah.


Just as JESUS told Philip to believe in HIM because of the miracles he had seen. Later Philip could add because of HIS resurrection and so should we. No other person in the history of the world has ever done defeated death. Fact or fiction, you decide. I chose it as truth many years ago and it is reconfirmed daily. HIS handiwork surrounds us all. JESUS IS THE ONE AND ONLY!!! But what about? The only “what about” you need to be concerned with is your salvation. Then you will know what to be concerned about as you are led by the HOLY SPIRIT. You are accountable to GOD. If two (2) people are drowning and one can save himself/herself, when that happens, then he/she is in a position to help the other person.

Up to the moment that JESUS dies on the cross, people needed to go through a priest to access GOD. Since CHRIST gave HIS life on the cross, was resurrected and ascended into heaven, HE became our way to GOD. All Christians can approach GOD directly, even to the point of calling HIM, Daddy. CHRIST’S passion accomplished direct access to GOD for all believers. CHRIST stands as the advocate for all believers before the FATHER. HE mediates between GOD and mankind. When a Christian sins Satan is ready to condemn him/her before GOD but CHRIST steps in to say, “There is no condemnation because they are covered by MY blood. They are righteous and belong to GOD. I gave MY life for them and their sins.” Christians serve a living SAVIOR WHO intercedes in their behalf before GOD.

The book of Hebrews is good to read to study the connection between the sacrifice of JESUS, sacrificial system and access to GOD. In essence, the shedding of the blood of animals for the remission of sin was a place holder for the moment CHRIST shed HIS blood. Up to the moment that HIS blood was shed for sin, all who lived before that moment were looking to the day that HE would give HIS life on the cross. They did not necessarily know that. Since that moment, all Christians are looking back to the cross as the moment the sin barrier was broken. All who believe in CHRIST are saved by faith and because of HIS shed blood. What happened to those who died before CHRIST gave HIS life on the cross, those who were looking forward to the cross?


First Peter 3:18-22:
18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all,[23] [24]the righteous[25] for the unrighteous,[26]that He might bring you[27] to God,[28]after being put to death in the fleshly realm[29]but made alive in the spiritual realm.[30]19 In that state[31] He also went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison[32] 20 who in the past were disobedient, when God patiently waited in the days of Noah[33] while an ark was being prepared; in it, a few—that is, eight people[34]—were saved through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the pledge[35] of a good conscience[36] toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 22 Now that He has gone into heaven, He is at God’s right hand, with angels, authorities, and powers subjected to Him.[37]


When CHRIST died on the cross HE went to the place of the dead and presented Himself as the Promised Messiah to those who had departed this life in death. When HE died HE also took those who were in Paradise with HIM to heaven. GOD never leaves anything undone. HE finishes what HE begins. HE wants to begin a work in you. Allow HIM to do that by accepting HIM as your SAVIOR. How far does the love of GOD extend? Paul said it best in Romans 8:33-39:
33 Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the One who justifies. 34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. 35 Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.[19]37 No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!
 For GOD so loved the world that HE did what for you? Sent HIS ONE AND ONLY SON!!!

Jesus - What's So Different About Jesus? - John 6, 9 and 20 - October 17,2010

Bible Study – Jesus – What’s So Different About Jesus? – October 17, 2010

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “The Case for Jesus.”
Our scripture is John 6:66-69; 9:17, 24-25, 31-33, 35-38; 20:26-29.
Who is JESUS? Who is JESUS to you? A great man? A delusional person who wanted his ten minutes of fame? Or is HE the SON of GOD?


Some of JESUS’ followers turned away from HIM. Take Peter, one of JESUS’ disciples. He walked with JESUS for about three (3) years. He witnessed many miracles, yet when JESUS was arrested he denied HIM three (3) times. After denying HIM, Peter could have walked away but he didn’t. Peter repented of his denial of CHRIST and went on to be an apostle. After JESUS was resurrected, Peter saw and touched the resurrected CHRIST. Peter watched as CHRIST ascended into heaven after HIS forty (40) days stay on earth after HIS resurrection. So why did Peter come back after he had denied CHRIST three (3) times? Did he remember some of the things JESUS had said to HIS disciple before HIS crucifixion? Did he begin to see the truth?


Many Christians become disillusioned about who CHRIST is and what role HE is to play in their lives. I know I did. I had defined CHRIST as I wanted HIM to be and guess what? HE disappointed me. HE did not measure up to my expectations. CHRIST did not measure up to Peter’s expectations and he denied HIM. So what can we do when CHRIST does not measure up? Ask HIM to reveal truth to us. It is important to study GOD’S Word, to trust and pray to find the truth. It has been a long journey for me and I am still discovering wonderful truth. My misconceptions and false notions are slowly being dispelled. It is part of the sanctification process.


So how do we get misconceptions and false notions? Much comes through well meaning Bible teachers, televangelists, Christian friends, preachers and our filter system. We have selective hearing and read into things we hear or read to apply them quickly to our situation at that moment. Keep in mind that all Christians are the enemy of Satan. He wants to deceive, discourage, defeat and destroy all Christians. He does not want any Christian to live the abundant life that has been planned for every Christian.


Let’s explore our scripture. What on earth was going on when JESUS’ followers were turning their backs on HIM?


Let’s read John 6:66-69:
66 From that moment many of His disciples turned back and no longer accompanied Him. 67 Therefore Jesus said to the Twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?” 68 Simon Peter answered, “Lord, who will we go to? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!”[17]


JESUS had fed the five (5) thousand the day before and walked on water to catch up with the boat headed for the opposite shore. The crowd whom HE had fed missed HIM and learned that HE had gone to the opposite shore. They followed HIM to the other side the next day. JESUS told them that they were looking for HIM not because they sought Spiritual food but because HE had fed them physically and not because they recognized HIM as the SON of GOD. They were looking for a free meal/a hand out.


HE made the connection between the physical bread they had eaten and HIM being the Bread of Life/Spiritual Bread. HE told them that HE came from heaven, that HE was the living bread and whoever eats this bread will never die. HE was teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. Those listening to HIM, referred to as disciples/followers, said HIS teaching was hard and who could accept it? This leads us to our scripture.


From that moment, many of HIS disciples turned back. JESUS did not run after them or change HIS message in an effort to lure them back. HE was not trying to build a feel good following. HE was focused on truth. HE was and is truth. HE was not in a popularity contest. At first blush one might conclude that the original disciples were the ones who were turning their backs on HIM. We read further that JESUS directed a specific question to the twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?”


Peter answered for the twelve. This was the same Peter who denied HIM when HE was arrested. Peter was convinced that JESUS was the promised Messiah. So what had Peter and the other disciples, as well as many of JESUS’ followers, concluded about JESUS? They thought HE would be a political Messiah. HE would deliver them from Roman rule. They were looking for an earthly kingdom, not a Spiritual Kingdom. It is easy for our circumstances to shape our theology.


It is easy for us to draw the wrong conclusions about the Spiritual plans of GOD which are accomplished through a blend of the Spiritual and physical worlds. In our next scripture we fast forward in the ministry of JESUS.


Let’s read John 9: 17, 24-25, 31-33, 35-38:
17 Again they asked the blind man,[3] “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” “He’s a prophet,” he said.


JESUS had healed a man who had been blind from birth. The man’s parents had confirmed to the Jewish religious leaders that their son had been blind since birth. They had never seen such a miracle and neither had they ever heard of such a miracle. So they questioned the man whose eyes JESUS had healed. The previously blind man answer was. “He’s a prophet.”


24 So a second time they summoned the man who had been blind and told him, “Give glory to God.[4] We know that this man (JESUS) is a sinner!” 25 He answered, “Whether or not He’s a sinner, I don’t know. One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I can see!”


The religious leaders approached the healed man for a second time to ask him to give GOD the credit because they knew the man who had healed him was a sinner. The healed man gave a classic response, “I was blind, and now I see!” He did not need any more proof than that. This is what happens when a number of people experience salvation. They were Spiritually blind but when they asked JESUS to forgive them for their sins, believed that CHRIST died for them on the cross and asked HIM to come into their lives, it was as dramatic as a physically blind person receiving his/her sight. Not everyone has this dramatic transformation. Some experience the unveiling of their Spiritual eyes gradually.


31 We (The religious leaders plus the healed man) know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He listens to him. 32 Throughout history[5] no one has ever heard of someone opening the eyes of a person born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, He wouldn’t be able to do anything.”


The healed man was lecturing the religious leaders because he saw that they were struggling in an effort to determine the Spiritual nature of the person who had healed him. It was hard for the religious leaders to accept the fact that the blind man was healed. He was asking them to follow his logic - GOD does not listen to sinners but if a person was GOD-fearing and does HIS will, HE listens to that person. Neither the healed man nor the religious leaders had ever heard of anyone healing the eyes of a person born blind. Therefore, the person who healed him must be a GOD-fearing person. The religious leaders kicked him out. How dare the healed man try to usurp their religious expertise.


Does this sound familiar? Human religious leaders today think that just because they have the title, they are endowed with great Spiritual knowledge and discernment. GOD is no respecter of persons. HE will speak and reveal to whomever HE chooses. The Bible tells us that HE spoke through a jack ass.


35 When Jesus heard that they had thrown the man out, He found him and asked, “Do you believe in the • Son of Man?”[7]36 “Who is He, Sir, that I may believe in Him?” he asked. 37 Jesus answered, “You have seen Him; in fact, He is the One speaking with you.” 38 “I believe, Lord!” he said, and he worshiped Him.


JESUS heard that the man HE had healed was banished by the religious leaders and HE went to him. It seems that GOD wanted the religious leaders to banter about who healed the man with the man in an effort to get them to open their hearts to HIM. Nothing doing, they had their minds made up and were not open to change. Stubbornness is an evil thing that blocks the Spirit of GOD from working in a person’s heart.


It was clear that the man JESUS healed was firm in his faith. His heart was open to salvation. JESUS approached him for a second time and opened his eyes Spiritually. WOW!!! The love of GOD is overwhelming. GOD never gives up on a person but HE chooses the right time to approach him/her to reveal Himself.


Notice the words of the man healed, “I believe, LORD.” Notice that immediately following his acknowledgement of CHRIST, he worshiped HIM. When CHRIST opens our Spiritual eyes it leads us to worship. We see CHRIST in a totally new light. HE is the SON of GOD, our SAVIOR. The process of sanctification leads us to know HIM in a more intimate, loving way. During the process we build a relationship with CHRIST.


Let’s read John 20:26-29:
26 After eight days His disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer.” 28 Thomas responded to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed.[8]Those who believe without seeing are blessed.”


JESUS had been crucified, buried and resurrected. Mary Magdalene had seen JESUS after the resurrection and reported it to the disciples. The disciples were locked in a room and JESUS appeared to them. Thomas was not present. They told Thomas about their encounter with JESUS, What was Thomas’ reaction? John 20:24-25 says it best:


24 But one of the Twelve, Thomas (called “Twin”), was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!”


So, eight days later the disciples are again behind closed and locked doors and Thomas was with them. JESUS appeared to them and challenged Thomas to check HIM out. JESUS challenged him to place his finger in the nail scars in HIS hands and place his hand in HIS side.


Thomas did not need to touch HIM, just seeing HIM was convincing enough. JESUS told him that he believed because he had seen HIM but blessed are those who believe without physically seeing HIM.


Christians see JESUS with their Spiritual eyes. The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT secures and confirms a Christian’s salvation. The HOLY SPIRIT teaches, enlightens, empowers, confirms, comforts, guides and reveals.


JESUS is not out to win a popularity contest but HE is about truth. When I have been disappointed in JESUS, it has been because I have gotten ahead of HIM or learned that I had false notions and made false assumptions. If CHRIST has disappointed you tell HIM and ask HIM to reveal truth to you. Then look for HIS answer. It will come if you do not close your mind.

Jesus - WHy "Good" is not Good Enough" Isaiah 5 and Romans 3 - October 10,2010

Bible Study – Jesus – Why “Good” is not Good Enough – October 10, 2010

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “The Case for Jesus.”
Our scripture is Isaiah 5:20-23; 6:1-5; Romans 3: 21-26.
Many people believe if they are good enough, GOD will somehow let them into heaven. People must realize that GOD is the standard for perfection. Isaiah 64:6a tells us that the very best in any human is like filthy rags compared to GOD’S standard: 6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;


Why take a chance? Second Corinthians 5:21 tells us that when we have CHRIST - 21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we (Christians) might become the righteousness of God in Him.


When we ask CHRIST to forgive us for our sins and to come into our lives, HE does. Not only do we have eternal life but we also are made righteous. We are justified by the shed blood of CHRIST. Justified carries the idea of “just-as-if-I-never-sinned.” GOD declares a believer in CHRIST justified. Why, because CHRIST lived a sinless life. HE was the perfect sacrifice required by GOD to satisfy the penalty for sin. How do we know that GOD accepted HIM as the perfect sacrifice for sin? It is because GOD confirmed it by the resurrection of CHRIST. This is the reason the HOLY SPIRIT can indwell born-again Christians. It is because the instant a person accepts CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR; he/she is made righteous by the shed blood of CHRIST. A believer in CHRIST is cleansed or made pure by CHRIST’S passion in order for the HOLY SPIRIT to indwell that person. GOD’S Spirit unites with the human spirit thus the believing person experiences the miracle of rebirth. Christians retain their flesh bodies in order to remain on earth and serve GOD.


I have heard non-Christians say, “I am better than most Christians I know.” We all fall short of GOD’S standard for human behavior. That is why we need CHRIST and why when Christians receive CHRIST into their lives, GOD gives them HIS Grace. Christians will still sin because they are housed in this body of flesh that is why GOD gives them grace. Grace outweighs all sin – past, present and future. As long as Christians are housed in this body of flesh, they will battle the lure and frailties of the flesh. GOD still gives Christians with their right to choose. Christians who choose to yield their wills to GOD begin a lifelong process of sanctification or a willingness to be made more into the image of CHRIST. Let’s examine our selected scriptures.


Let’s read Isaiah 5:20-23:


20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own opinion and clever in their own sight.[10]22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, who are fearless at mixing beer, 23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.


The prophet Isaiah wrote the Book of Isaiah. It was written about 800 years before the birth of CHRIST. He used the word “woe.” Woe has several meanings. It can refer to a serious warning by GOD. If you do so and so something bad will happen either to you or to those you have influenced or both. It is a condemnation by GOD. It can infer shame and repentance. It can refer to a lament.


The woes in Isaiah 5 cover a variety of sins; verse 8 social - 8 Woe to those who add house to house and join field to field until there is no more room and you alone are left in the land. Verse 11 any abuse - 11 Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of beer, who linger into the evening, inflamed by wine. Verse 18 lies - 18 Woe to those who drag wickedness with cords of deceit and [pull]* sin along with cart ropes,


Then we get into our scripture beginning with verse 20, we see that woe to those who justify their evil deeds by calling them good. This concept is repeated two (2) more times to stress the seriousness of misrepresenting truth – (1) representing darkness for light and light for darkness (2) representing bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.


Woe to those who think they have all the answers and are self-sufficient.


Woe to those who pride themselves in being able to drink lots of alcohol. And when they get into trouble they brag about being able to get out of it because they bribe those who have authority over the laws they broke. This leaves the innocent with no recourse for the actions of the guilty.


Isaiah was revealing the nature of mankind in a depraved state. It sets the stage of why mankind needs salvation that is greater than keeping the law. Man can manipulate the letter of the law while missing the spirit of the law. JESUS focused on the spirit of the law and why HE came to earth, lived a sinless life, gave HIS life to conquer sin and fulfill the Spirit of the law. By the same token JESUS was no namby-pamby. HE took on the Jewish religious establishment. HE called them a pit of vipers. HE never sucked up to them but HE gave them truth that most ignored.


Let’s read Isaiah 6:1-5:


Isaiah’s Call and Mission
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and His robe[1] filled the temple. 2 Seraphim[2] were standing above Him; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of • Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth. 4 The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 Then I said: Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, [and]* because my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.


Isaiah tells us that “In the year King Uzziah (uh ZIGH uh) died,” which gives us a date of about 740 B. C. when this event happened. Isaiah had a vision of GOD on HIS throne. Consider that Isaiah was a prophet of GOD. HE likely had lived obeying the law. He saw Seraphim, which is plural for Seraph. Seraphim are heavenly beings and have been referred to as fiery or burning ones. Isaiah realized that HE was in the presence of GOD. When Isaiah faced the purity and Holiness of GOD, he felt unclean and ruined. If a prophet of GOD felt unclean, all humans will feel unclean to the point of wanting to die to avoid being exposed to the Purity and Holiness of GOD. When Christians build an intimate, loving relationship with GOD through CHRIST, the closer they come to HIM the more they realize their sinful nature. A Christian’s comfort is in the fact that the shed blood of CHRIST makes him/her righteous before GOD. When Christians stand before their Holy GOD they may say, “We are unclean.” HE will say, “I only see your purity because your faith in MY ONLY SON and HIS shed blood in your behalf cleanses you of all sin. MY son or daughter, enter into MY presence.” It does not get any better than that on earth or in heaven. Christians have direct access to GOD through CHRIST 24/7.

Let’s read Romans 3:21-26:


God’s Righteousness through Faith
21 But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed—attested by the Law and the Prophets[18] 22 —that is, God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ,[19] to all who believe, since there is no distinction. 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the[20] glory of God. 24 They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Him as a propitiation[21] through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. 26 He presented Him to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be righteous and declare righteous[22] the one (Christians) who has faith in Jesus.


The Apostle Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome. In essence, he was saying to his readers, “You have followed the law and the prophets as a way to righteousness and to GOD. GOD has revealed a way to righteousness and to HIM through HIS ONLY SON, JESUS WHO fulfilled the Law and to whom the Prophets attested to in GOD breathed prophesy. Righteousness is imputed (extend quality to someone else) to all who believe in HIM. This is something the Law could never do. Obeying the Law is something a person does in his/her strength and ability. Righteousness is a gift given by GOD through the obedience of CHRIST to all who believe in HIM and accept HIM as their SAVIOR.


All humans have sinned regardless of the fact they are Jew or Gentile or no matter how religious they have been. All sinners who accept CHRIST as their SAVIOR are justified by His grace through redemption. How is this cleansing of sin and the imputing of righteousness possible? We must keep in mind that GOD is GOD. HE is sovereign. HE sets the requirements. GOD, as stated in verse 25, presented CHRIST as propitiation or as the perfect sacrifice. CHRIST was the perfect sacrifice or atonement to turn the wrath of GOD from the sinner who believes in CHRIST.


Second Corinthians 5:21 states it best:
21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we (Christians) might become the righteousness of God in Him.


Notice the word “become.” Salvation is just the beginning of a Christian’s Spiritual journey. Just as a new born baby has to have care, nourishment, exercise, etc. so does a new Christian. It is a journey to Spiritual growth and maturity. Some grow faster and mature quick than others. It takes a commitment and a dedication to GOD through CHRIST. It takes an intimate, loving relationship. CHRIST, in essence, becomes your best friend. You discuss the most intimate details of your relationship with HIM. HE already knows every minute detail about you, so talk to HIM about what ever bothers you and particularly why you may be angry with HIM. Each Christian chooses whether or not to build and maintain a relationship with CHRIST. But I can tell you, it is an awesome relationship. But be honest with GOD. HE can handle all your railings against HIM. Remember HE loved you so much that HE allowed HIS ONLY SON to come to earth and give HIS life for you. The process is called sanctification or the process of being made into the image of CHRIST.


Paul used several words to drive home what happens to a Christian when they receive salvation.


In verse 23, Paul stated “That there is no distinction.” Distinction between what? Between those who followed the law, such as the Jews or the Gentiles and those who followed nothing or some pagan gods. All people are sinners. Following and obeying the law does not set you free from the law. This is a pitiful state for mankind. So what is mankind’s hope? CHRIST! CHRIST fulfilled the law for you.


In verses 25 and 26 Paul stated that GOD accepted what CHRIST did for mankind as the perfect sacrifice for the original sin of Adam and Eve, as well as, all sin. GOD placed HIS stamp of approval on JESUS’ giving HIS life through the shedding of HIS blood and HIS approval that CHRIST was the perfect sacrifice. Although not mentioned here, I quickly add, that GOD raised HIM from the dead as the first fruits of those who are to believe and receive eternal life, as well as, a new glorified body.


Paul used the following words:
Justified – All true Christians are considered pure or just-as-if-they-had-never-sinned by GOD because of HIS grace toward them.


Redemption – You redeem a slave or prisoner by paying a price. Original sin and our sins made us slaves to sin. We had to be redeemed from the clutches of sin and death which sin brings by the shed blood of CHRIST. GOD required a perfect sacrifice.

Propitiation – Perfect Sacrifice worthy of atoning for sin. CHRIST measured up according to GOD’S requirements. I used to argue with GOD before giving my life to CHRIST. “Why can’t I give my own life for my sins?” HIS reply, “Because you do not qualify. I demand a perfect sacrifice and you are not perfect but whereas you do not qualify MY SON JESUS does. All you have to do is accept what HE has already done for you.” It made sense to me.


Righteous – Places all Christians in right standing with GOD because of what CHRIST did for all who believe in what HE did for them on the cross.


Grace – GOD’S unmerited favor – Something no one can earn or deserves. It is a free gift from GOD because CHRIST gave HIS life as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Because HE conquered sin, HE also conquered death, which is the consequence of sin.


Mankind is helpless to redeem itself from the penalty of sin and death. That is why every person who has ever lived or will ever live needs salvation through the shed blood of CHRIST. The very best any man or woman has to offer is not good enough. The very best any human has to offer GOD is like filthy rags as quoted at the beginning of our sturdy.


I can hear some say, “Well how about those who have never heard of JESUS or babies or unborn children or? GOD will judge both the great and the small. Notice the word “judge.” All who know the truth and reject it will be held accountable to GOD. Look at what JESUS had to say for all who believe in HIM as recorded in John 5:24:


24 “I (JESUS) assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.


Do you want a sure thing? Then accept CHRIST as your SAVIOR, NOW!!!


Look at John 3:16-18:
16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His • One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.[10] 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the • One and Only Son of God.


The choice is yours. Don’t worry about those who have not received the truth but worry about those who have received the truth. Is that you? Then today is decision day. Please accept CHRIST as your SAVIOR and make HIM the LORD of your life.

Jesus - Sin is a Big Deal - Genesis 3 and Romans 5 - October 3, 2010

Bible Study – Jesus – Sin is a Big Deal – October 3, 2010

This begins a new series of study entitled “The Case for Jesus.”
Our scripture is Genesis 3:1-6, 16-19, 24; Romans 5:12-14.
As you recall we are studying apologetics this entire quarter. Apologetics is not apologizing but it is defending our faith in a rational well reasoned manner. We know what we believe and why. We know that the foundation of our faith in GOD as evidenced by the indwelling CHRIST, confirmed by the HOLY SPIRIT. Our witness or testimony is a powerful tool to confirm our faith in CHRIST.

Last month we began our study examining GOD and understanding GOD in our lives. Today, we begin another study to examine JESUS and why we should place our faith and trust in HIM over any other well known religious leaders. We will study “The Case for Jesus” for the next five (5) weeks.

John 3:16-18 captures GOD’S purpose for redeeming mankind:

16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His • One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.[10] 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the • One and Only Son of God.

GOD sent HIS ONLY SON to come to earth and experience human existence. GOD’S desire for mankind was for Adam and Eve to live obedient to HIS commands and the earth to be the perfect home for mankind for eternity. GOD did not create mankind to be robots but HE created mankind with the free will to choose. Our scripture focuses on man and woman making a decision. Their decision shows the nature of the human heart. Man and woman chose to disobey GOD. GOD had placed Adam in charge of the Garden. Adam was responsible to GOD and Eve was responsible to Adam.

Let’s explore.

Let’s read Genesis 2:15:

15 The LORD God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree of the garden,[16] 17 but you must not eat[17] from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.”[18]

GOD had formed man, Adam from the dust of the ground. HE placed Adam in charge of the garden which included the tree of the knowledge of good and evil as well as the tree of life. GOD instructed Adam that he could eat from any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam was responsible for the garden and what went on in the garden. The garden was his responsibility. Then GOD made woman by taking a body part from Adam. When Adam saw her for the first time he in essence said, “WOW!!! This is what I have been waiting for.”
Life was good in the garden until one day Satan, in the form of a serpent, entered the lives of Eve and Adam. In our next scripture we see that Satan engaged Eve in a conversation. A word of caution, any time you try to reason with Satan, you will lose. He appeals to humans through their flesh. Let’s explore.

Let’s read Genesis 3:1-6:

The Temptation and the Fall of Mankind.
1 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”[1]
See how Satan distorts GOD’S words. He raised a question, which demands a defense. “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from ANY tree in the garden’?” Notice Eve’s reply.
2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. 3 But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’ ”[2]

When we add to GOD’S Word we get into trouble. Satan knows GOD’S Word and he knew he had an opportunity when Eve revealed that she didn’t. She added to GOD’S Word “or touch it.” GOD never told Adam he could not touch it. When we add to GOD’S Word something that is not in it, we get disappointed ors leap to certain conclusions about GOD and what HE will do in our behalf. GOD demands obedience to HIS commands not for HIS sake but for our sake. HE knows the consequences for disobedience and HIS desire is to keep us out of trouble.

When Satan heard the words “or touch it” he knew that he had an opportunity to lead Eve into disobedience. So what does Satan do next?

4 “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman.[3]
“No, No! You will not die if you touch it” was the implication. You can almost hear the conversation, “Go ahead and touch it. Look I can touch it and I did not die.” In essence Satan was saying “GOD lied to you.” Now the next step builds on the foundation that GOD is hiding something from you. Now is your opportunity to be like GOD.
5 “In fact, God knows that when[4] you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God,[5] knowing good and evil.”
It was true that those who ate of the fruit their eyes would be opened to knowing good and evil but he left out one very important point. That you will also die.

You can almost hear the conversation, “Eve go ahead and look at that luscious fruit. It is as tasty as it looks. Now just reach out and touch it. See nothing happened.” She does and nothing happened.

6 Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate [it]* ; she also gave [some]* to her husband, [who was]* with her, and he ate [it]* .[6]

Eve must have been excited. It appears that Adam was standing along beside her and did not open his mouth. He could have said, "Eve, what are you about to do? GOD told me that I could not eat the fruit of that tree and neither can you!" No, it seems that Adam was standing there waiting to see what happened. Adam may have thought, "Just maybe Satan was telling the truth. Having the powers that GOD has would not be bad. Just think of all that I could do if I had HIS powers."

Sin is enticing. Our human nature is drawn to sin. Sin leads to death; not only physical death but death of our relationship between us and GOD. Now mankind has fallen and was subject to physical and spiritual death.

GOD made Adam and Eve with the freedom to choose. What is mankind to do? GOD always has a plan. Let’s see.

Let’s read Genesis 3:7-15:

7. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

The moment they disobeyed GOD they knew it. They have the knowledge of good and evil. They realized that they were naked. When humans disobey GOD they are Spiritually naked and they try to cover up with other religions, works, many good things to compensate in an effort to fill the void.

Sin’s Consequences

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze,[7] and they hid themselves from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.[8] 9 So the LORD God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard You[9] in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” 11 Then He asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I had commanded you not to eat from?”

Adam and Eve heard the Lord GOD walking in the garden and they hid themselves. When we sin we try to hide from GOD. But guess what? GOD seeks us just as HE called out to Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” GOD knew exactly where they were but HE wanted them to come to HIM.

Now, let’s see what happened. This is the first example of transference of guilt. “I did not do it!”

12 Then the man replied, “The woman You gave to be with me—she gave me [some fruit]* from the tree, and I ate.” 13 So the LORD God asked the woman, “What is this you have done?” And the woman said, “It was the serpent. He deceived me, and I ate.”[10]14 Then the LORD God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than any livestock and more than any wild animal. You will move on your belly and eat dust all the days of your life. 15 I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your • seed and her seed. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.[11]

Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. GOD condemned what Satan had done and told him that he might think he had won the battle but GOD would have the final word. Verse 15 is a foreshadow of the promise of JESUS to redeem mankind from this original sin and death. The seed of woman will produce a person, JESUS, WHO will strike a death blow to you. You will try to kill HIM but HE will survive your blow because GOD will raise HIM from death. This will be proof that HE conquered sin and death. All mankind who will believe on JESUS will be redeemed. We only know all of this by studying the entire body of scripture as captured in the book we call the Bible, GOD’S Word.

Then GOD told Adam and Eve what their actions had resulted in for their lives.

Let’s read Genesis 3:16-19, 24:

16 He said to the woman: I will intensify your labor pains; you will bear children in anguish. Your desire[12] will be for your husband, yet he will dominate you. 17 And He said to Adam, “Because you listened to your wife’s voice and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘Do not eat from it’: The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor[13]all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.[14]19 You will eat bread[15] by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust.”


24 He drove man out, and east of the garden of Eden He stationed • cherubim with a flaming, whirling sword to guard the way to the tree of life.

Disobedience drives a wedge between mankind and GOD. The birth, sinless life of CHRIST, HIS death, resurrection and ascension is proof that HIS shed blood redeemed all who will ask HIM to forgive them for their sins and to come into their lives. This is the miracle of rebirth and salvation from sin and death. CHRIST gave HIS life for all who will believe in HIM.

Why was GOD so quick to drive them from the garden? Genesis 3:22- 24 gives us the answer - 22 The LORD God said, “Since man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil, he must not reach out, and also take from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.”[17] 23 So the LORD God sent him away from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove man out, and east of the garden of Eden He stationed • cherubim with a flaming, whirling sword to guard the way to the tree of life.
If Adam and Eve had eaten the fruit from the tree of life, mankind would have lived forever in its fallen state. Sin, decay, disease, suffering, etc. would still have happened but death would not free a person from his/her plight. Death sometimes is a blessing.

The Apostle Paul addresses original sin in our next scripture and connects Adam’s sin with the reason CHRIST had to give HIS life to redeem those who believe in HIM.

Let’s read Romans 5:12-14:

Death through Adam and Life through Christ

12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all men, because all sinned.[3] 13 In fact, sin was in the world before the law, but sin is not charged to one’s account when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam’s transgression. He is a prototype of the Coming One.

Adam sinned and sin and death came into the world. Why Adam since Eve was the first one to disobey GOD? Simply, GOD placed Adam in charge of the garden. Adam was the responsible person and GOD held him accountable.

I was in Poland a few years ago teaching through an interpreter a group of teenagers. I told them to come prepared to ask me any question each day. On the last day, I noticed a group of girls giggling when it came time for them to ask me a question. I thought to myself they must have thought of a good one. Little did I know that they did have a question that caused me to quickly go to GOD in prayer for the answer.

They asked, “Why didn’t GOD send a daughter instead of a son?” Now that put me into panic mode. I prayed and the LORD gave me an answer. It was the fact that HE had placed Adam in charge of the garden and HE held him responsible and accountable. Thus sin came into the world. Adam could have told Eve not to do what she was about to do. Even if she disobeyed GOD, he did not have to when he knew the consequences.

CHRIST had to come as a human, live as a human, subject to all the frailties of a human and yet remain sinless. CHRIST was the sinless SON of GOD WHO gave HIS life to pay the penalty for sin which GOD had imposed on mankind. CHRIST had to shed HIS blood because GOD requires the shedding of blood for the remission of sins. CHRIST gave HIS life to redeem all who will believe in HIM and what HE did for them on the cross. The proof that HE accomplished the mission GOD had for HIM is the fact that GOD raised HIM from the dead. Christians worship a living SAVIOR, which is confirmed by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

Verse 14 states that death reigned from Adam to Moses. Why is that significant? Simply, GOD gave the law, the Ten Commandments to Moses. People did not have the law up to the time of Moses, yet GOD holds them accountable and they died. Ignorance of the law does not excuse a person from death and being accountable to GOD. All humans were and are still subject to death. CHRIST offers eternal life to all who believe in HIM as their SAVIOR.