Bible Study - Foundations - Jesus Died for Our Sins - Matthew 26 and 27 - April 1, 2012

Bible Study - Foundations – Jesus Died for Our Sins – April 1, 2012

This begins a new series of study entitled “Foundations of Our Faith.”

Our scripture for this lesson is Mathew 26:26-29, 36-39; 26:45-46, 50-54.

Our lessons for the next five (5) weeks will be taken from Matthew, Luke and John.

This is a fitting series since we are approaching Easter and without Easter, Christians would have no basis for believing in JESUS as their Savior. We must keep in mind that true Christianity is not a religion but CHRIST in you. No religion will get you to heaven. The only way to heaven is through the rebirth of your spirit by believing and accepting the atoning death of JESUS as payment in full for the penalty for sin. JESUS gave HIS life as the perfect sacrifice to pay the penalty for sin. Those who desire to be Christians must believe that HE died for them, ask HIM to forgive them for their sins and ask HIM to come into their lives. All who do experience the miracle of rebirth, which is the union of their spirit with the Spirit of GOD! In that instant, all who acknowledge their faith in CHRIST are conceived Spiritually and nothing will ever change the fact that they are GOD’S Sons and Daughters.

Those Spiritually conceived need the right Spiritual nourishment to grow, develop and mature as born-again Christians. Some born-again Christians may get off to a good start but decide they can run their lives better than GOD and stop their Spiritual nourishment, thus not develop as GOD planned for them. GOD gives all HIS children the right to choose. Once Spiritually conceived he/she is GOD’S Son or Daughter. If you received CHRIST as your Savior at a moment in your life but have not developed Spiritually, confess it. Ask CHRIST to restore the joy of your salvation and study the Bible, beginning with the Book of John. Talk to HIM, which is prayer. Ask HIM to restore your relationship with CHRIST, Who is the true vine. Allow HIS nourishment to flow from HIM to you and then through you, as HE leads and directs your life.

It is not repeating certain words. It is always about the attitude and desires of your heart. Do you want to be GOD’S obedient Son or Daughter and have an intimate, loving, dynamic relationship with HIM? If so, then tell HIM. When you choose for HIM to be preeminent in your life, you will discover the joy and power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. This next statement is not to frighten you but to inform you. When you are GOD’S child you become an enemy of Satan but know that “Greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Memorize the scripture found in 1 John 4:4 - You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One (CHRIST) who is in you is greater than the one (Satan) who is in the world. GOD has defeated Satan.

GOD is in you through the presence of the Holy Spirit. You are GOD’S Son or Daughter and you are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Christians can take themselves out of the circle of protection by exercising their will but they never take themselves from being GOD’S Sons or Daughters. HE never leaves you or abandons you. If you have left HIM, HE is waiting and eager for you to return exactly where you left HIM. Please make that decision to return to HIM now!!!

GOD’S redemptive plan for mankind is magnificent. Sin came into the world when Adam and Eve disobeyed GOD and ate the forbidden fruit. GOD promised Adam if he ate the forbidden fruit the result would be death. Disobedience/sin breaks fellowship with GOD. Adam’s sin broke fellowship and direct access to GOD. It took GOD’S only SON, JESUS, to leave HIS heavenly home, leave HIS Glory in heaven, and come to earth to be born a human, live as a human, be tempted in all ways as we are tempted, yet without sin and give HIS sinless life as the perfect, acceptable sacrifice to pay the penalty for sin.

HE gave HIS life to pay the sin debt in full. How do we know that HE paid it in full? The resurrection!!! The consequence for sin is death. CHRIST’S sinless death redeemed all who would accept HIM as their Savior.

Our lesson begins the night before JESUS was crucified. The timing of GOD is awesome. This was the week of Passover. The Jews had celebrated their redemption or deliverance from Egyptian bondage and slavery in the same way their ancestors had done the night before they were released from the Egyptians. Passover is still celebrated today. It is referred to as the Seder meal. JESUS and HIS disciples were celebrating this Passover meal in the upper room.

Only GOD can plan so perfectly. Passover was a special time of celebration in Jerusalem. It was the time the Jews celebrated their ancestors release from the bondage of Egyptian slavery. As you may recall, GOD instructed the Israelites to choose a lamb to be sacrificed and place the blood of the lamb over the door posts of their home. GOD would send the death angel to take the life of the first born Egyptian animals and male children. The obedient Israelites who placed the blood of the lamb over the doorpost of their home and remained in their home were spared. Like the blood of the lamb that saved the obedient Israelites from destruction in Egypt, the shed blood of CHRIST redeems all who believe in HIM from the power of sin and death. GOD gave the Israelites specific instructions on preparing for their exodus from Egypt, which is celebrate in the Seder meal today, which marks the beginning of Passover.

The crucifixion and death of CHRIST was the defining moment that HE gave HIS life so that whoever will believe in HIM will be redeemed from the bondage of sin and eternal Spiritual death. CHRIST is GOD’S perfect sacrificial Lamb Who took away the sins of the world. So that all who believe in HIM will be redeemed from sure eternal death. Let’s explore. JESUS and HIS disciples are in the upper room partaking of the Passover meal and also establishing the new covenant.

Let’s read Matthew 26:26-29:
The First Lord’s Supper
26 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is My body.” 27 Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks, He gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood [that establishes]* the covenant;[5]it is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 But I tell you, from this moment I will not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it in a new way[6]in My Father’s kingdom with you.” 30 After singing psalms,[7] they went out to the • Mount of Olives.

JESUS instituted what Christians refer to as the Lord’s Supper the very night they were celebrating Passover. Out with the old and in with the new.

Just as Christian’s observe the Lord’s Supper today, JESUS took bread and broke it. HE referred to the bread as representing HIS body. John 6:35, 48 and 51:

• John 6:35
“I am the bread of life, ” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again.

• John 6:48
I am the bread of life.

• John 6:51
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh. ”

Then HE took a cup of wine, gave a prayer of thanks and stated that the wine represented HIS shed blood that established the covenant. The old covenant would be obsolete in a matter of hours but the new covenant would be far superior to the old covenant. It would go into effect the instant HE gave HIS life for the redemption of mankind. The giving of HIS sinless life gives direct access 24/7 to all who accept HIM as their Savior. It also sanctifies the human body of all who will believe in HIM such that the body of the Christian can be indwelled by the Holy Spirit. In essence, every place the true Christian steps becomes Holy ground because of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Ponder that!!!

Did HIS disciples fully understand all HE was telling them? No!!! They all went out singing. They went to the Mount of Olives and to the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas was on his way to betray JESUS.

Let’s read Matthew 26:36-39:
The Prayer in the Garden
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane,[10] and He told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is swallowed up in sorrow[11]—to the point of death.[12]Remain here and stay awake with Me.” 39 Going a little farther,[13] He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Just think about it. The original decision to disobey GOD and eat the fruit from the forbidden tree was made in the Garden of Eden. JESUS had a decision to make regarding the redemption of mankind. HE made that decision in the Garden of Gethsemane. How fitting. The redemption of mankind centered on the obedience of JESUS. That is why Christians worship CHRIST as their Savior. HE saved them from that which was impossible for them to save themselves, which is eternal death.

JESUS was approaching the moment and purpose for which HE had come to earth. Satan did all he could to get JESUS to take a short cut. At the beginning of HIS ministry, while in the desert, Satan offered paths for CHRIST to take to avoid the cross. JESUS had to ponder whether or not this was the right moment or a plot of Satan.
JESUS needed serious prayer, both from HIS disciples and Himself. JESUS knew that Judas would betray HIM. Could it be that JESUS was so concerned for Judas and his destiny that HE was asking HIS Father for some other way for HIS will for HIM to be accomplished? We don’t know but we do know that JESUS prayed so hard that in Luke 22:43-44 - [ 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. 44 Being in anguish, He prayed more fervently, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.][12] Notice that this scripture is bracketed meaning that it was not found in other manuscripts.

It is clear that JESUS was making sure that this was the absolute right moment. HE received confirmation and continued HIS appointed purpose.

There are times when we need to ask for prayer and receive strength when we face certain situations or circumstances. JESUS asked HIS disciples to watch and pray. Evil is all around us and Satan seeks to prevent us from accomplishing the plan that GOD has for our lives. Pray and ask GOD to confirm HIS leadership in your life. When HE confirms it, then do not be dissuaded, as we see in our next scripture.

Let’s read Matthew 26:45-46 and 50-54:
45 Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting?[18]Look, the time is near. The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up; let’s go! See—My betrayer is near.”

This is why I believe that JESUS was distraught over the fact that Judas’ life would be ruined because he betrayed JESUS. There was no other alternative. JESUS stated in Mark 14:21 - 21 For the • Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

The deed had been done. JESUS had been betrayed. I think JESUS was broken hearted because Judas had betrayed HIM. I think that Judas was ambitious. He knew that JESUS was extraordinary and had powers like he had never seen. I believe his motive and plan was to back JESUS into a corner and force JESUS to use HIS power to declare HIS kingdom. He likely believed that JESUS would thank him later and put him in charge of something special in HIS earthly kingdom. It is very sad when we realize that we have missed the whole point of something so important. I think that Judas saw the truth after it was too late to turn things around and being distraught he went and hanged himself. Notice in our next scripture that JESUS called Judas “friend.”

50 “Friend,” Jesus asked him, “why have you come?”[19]Then they came up, took hold of Jesus, and arrested Him. 51 At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in place because all who take up a sword will perish by a sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He will provide Me at once with more than 12 legions[20]of angels? 54 How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”

JESUS addressed Judas as friend. I can see the love that JESUS had for Judas radiating from HIS eyes to the eyes of Judas.

Peter was ready willing and able to fight to the death but JESUS told him to put his sword away. Peter and HIS other disciples were looking for a political Messiah. JESUS set the record straight. He told HIS disciple, don’t you know that I could have called more than 12 legions of angels to come to fight for ME. A legion was a unit measuring the size of the Roman army – 3,000 to 6,000 infantry troops and 100-200 cavalrymen. Bottom line JESUS had more than enough angel power to take care of business. HE did not use angel power, which may have been a huge temptation, because HIS mission was to give HIS life to pay the penalty for sin.

We all get notions about what truth is. The disciples had placed their trust in JESUS thinking that HE was going to establish an earthly kingdom. They wanted a part of it and were committed to fight for HIM. It would take them more time before they would comprehend and understand why JESUS had come to earth. It took HIS resurrection, ascension and the return of the Holy Spirit before it would all come together for them. The beauty is that it DID!!! Seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened. Father take the shackles off our minds so that we can see and understand truth.
Most of us have notions about what CHRIST is all about. We live in a time when being a Christian is not the thing to be. We as Christians have gotten our fire insurance, so-to-speak, that is we have received our salvation but stopped growing, maturing and obediently serving. Satan has muted our voices and obedient service to GOD. GOD’S power is still as real and relevant today as any time in the history of the world. It is time that we cast aside our false notions and say LORD here I am as I am; make me into the obedient Christian YOU desire for me to be.

It is time!!! CHRIST gave HIS life to redeem you from sin and death. You are a child of GOD. Do you believe it? If so, do you act like it? Now, is time to step up to the plate! Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Worship - I Thank You - Psalm 107 - March 25, 2011

Bible Study - Worship - I Thank You - March 25, 2011

This is our final lesson in our series entitled "The Heart of Worship."

Our scripture for this week’s lesson is Psalm 107:1-9, 33-38, 43.

The author of Psalm 107 is not known. It was written to celebrate the Jews’ return from exile in Babylon. It was praise to GOD thanking HIM for deliverance. Sometimes GOD has to allow us to go into exile to get our attention. When we study the interaction of the Jews and GOD, we can think of our walk as a Christian with GOD. It reveals the extent GOD will go to for HIS children to obediently serve HIM.

Psalm 107:1 and Psalm 92:1 both used the word “good.” The use of “good” in Psalm 92 refers to that which is pleasant, beneficial and appropriate. The use of “good” in Psalm 107 refers to the fact that GOD is good and is the source of good. Good is an attribute of GOD and those who embrace GOD and worship HIM aligning them with good.

GOD is the source of good and truth. In HIM there is no deceit. Therefore, when we worship HIM, HE requires that we come to HIM in Spirit and truth. HE is truth and when we approach HIM in truth, it honors and respects HIM. This sets the stage for genuine worship because HE is faithful. HE is not fickle. Because of HIS unchanging, faithful love we need to thank HIM for HIS care and involvement in our lives, even before we became HIS children.

Romans 5:8-9 -
8 But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!
9 Much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by His blood, we will be saved through Him from wrath.

Hebrews 1:13-14 - 13 Now to which of the angels has He ever said: Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool?[18] Or enemies a footstool for Your feet [19] Ps 110:1
14 Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?

Christians have much to thank GOD for HIS care for them. Only eternity will reveal how GOD protected us throughout our lives from things seen and unseen.  

We began our series of study with the psalmist longing for a relationship with GOD. Having the right relationship with GOD before CHRIST came to earth was different than after HIS birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension. GOD imposed the death penalty on mankind because of Adam’s sin. Only a perfect sacrifice could satisfy this penalty. How do we know that GOD accepted CHRIST’S death as full payment for sin? HIS resurrection is the proof. JESUS conquered death and GOD raised HIM from the dead as proof.

How can a person receive salvation? He/she can ask CHRIST to forgive him/her for his/her sins and for HIM to come into his/her life. It is not repeating certain words but is a matter of the heart. Those who believe that CHRIST gave HIS life for their sins, ask HIM to forgive them for their sins and for HIM to come into their lives, experience the miracle of rebirth. GOD’S Spirit unites with their spirit and they are born anew in their spirit/Spirit. At that instant the Holy Spirit indwells his/her body. Spiritual conception takes place and the born-again believer begins his/her Spiritual growth and maturity. Without rebirth, through CHRIST, it is impossible to truly worship GOD. This is ground zero. CHRIST opens a direct path to GOD for those who believe in HIM.

Rebirth makes Christians Sons and Daughters of GOD. This establishes a Father/child relationship such that Christians can approach and call upon GOD 24/7. The indwelling Holy Spirit teaches, enlightens, reveals truth, confirms truth, assures and seals Christians as they journey toward their Promised Land of Heaven.

When Christians consider the heritage they have by being a child of GOD, through their relationship with CHRIST, their natural response should be to worship HIM in Spirit and truth. When we receive a gift we thank the person who gave us the gift. This leads us to consider, as part of our worship, thanking CHRIST for giving HIS life for us as believers and GOD for allowing CHRIST to come to earth. This leads us to Psalm 107, which is a psalm of thanksgiving for GOD’S deliverance from something which was humanly impossible for them to deliver themselves from.  

Let’s read Psalm 107:1-3:

Thanksgiving for God’s Deliverance

¹ Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.^[1] 1 Ch 16:34
² Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim that He has redeemed them from the hand of the foe
³ and has gathered them from the lands— from the east and the west, from the north and the south. 

The psalmist stated that GOD was good and what makes HIM good are HIS faithful attributes – HIS faithful love endures forever. GOD is not fickle. The Israelites strayed from GOD and ended up in exile but GOD rescued them.  

Christians may find themselves in a form of exile because they have strayed from GOD. We must keep in mind that GOD loves the sinner but hates the sin. Sin blocks a Christian’s fellowship with GOD and blocks his/her obedience to HIS leadership. Remember First John 1:9. Christians are to confess their sins, repent and GOD cleanses and restores. A Christian never loses his/her salvation because they have been born into the family of GOD but he/she can lose his/her rewards. GOD never leaves or forsakes HIS children and you can take that to the Bank of Heaven because GOD’S covenant with HIS children was secured by the shed blood of JESUS. This is something to be thankful for and rejoice in. 

GOD delivers HIS children from the hand of the foe regardless where the foe or GOD’S children are located. GOD is always watching our backs.  

Let’s read Psalm 107:4-9:

4 Some[2] Lit They wandered in the desolate wilderness, finding no way to a city where they could live.
5 They were hungry and thirsty; their spirits failed[3] Lit their soul fainted within them.
6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He rescued them from their distress.
7 He led them by the right path to go to a city where they could live.
8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and His wonderful works for the • human race.
9 For He has satisfied the thirsty and filled the hungry with good things.[4]

The psalmist recalled events in the history of the Israelites. They faced dire situations but when they called out to GOD, HE responded to their plight. GOD allowed the Israelites to get into situations which HE was the only ONE WHO could get them out. HIS desire was for them to call upon HIM, see HIS faithfulness, HIS ability to deliver them, come back to HIM and worship HIM. This should place all Christians on alert. GOD does place barriers to restrain Christians from going astray but if they choose to jump over the barrier, HE will allow them to get into situations that will result in them calling upon HIM for help.

When GOD rescues us from situations our response should be one of appreciation and thanksgiving. Often, we are like the man that fell off a high cliff and was falling to certain death. He screamed out for GOD to help him. As he fell, there was a huge root sticking out of the side of the cliff which caught hold of his pants and stopped his fall. The man quickly told GOD, “Never mind because this root caught me”.

GOD satisfies the Spiritual thirst of those who seek HIM.

 Ps 34:10; Lk 1:53Let’s read Psalm 107:33-38, 43:

33 He turns rivers into desert, springs of water into thirsty ground,
34 and fruitful land into salty wasteland, because of the wickedness of its inhabitants.
35 He turns a desert into a pool of water, dry land into springs of water.[18] Ps 114:8; Isa 41:17–18
36 He causes the hungry to settle there, and they establish a city where they can live.
37 They sow fields and plant vineyards that yield a fruitful harvest.
38 He blesses them, and they multiply greatly;[19] Gn 1:28 He does not let their livestock decrease.

GOD is in control of all things. The psalmist makes a contrast between those who rebel against GOD and those who obediently serve HIM. GOD may leave the unrighteous alone and they may be fruitful for a season. But GOD can dry up their bounty and they will experience great life threatening needs. Water is vital for life upon earth. When water dries up, the situation is dire. Such a situation becomes obvious to the unrighteous especially when they see the bountiful water supply of the righteous. The Jews equated the blessing and favor of GOD to their physical success.

We need to consider the Spiritual bounty of obediently serving GOD. The unbeliever lives in a Spiritual desert whereas the Christian lives where springs of living water gush from within and provides Spiritual water to nourish them. Christians should so live that their lives reflect CHRIST and produce fruit as a result of being grafted into the vine, which is CHRIST. Hopefully, non-believers will thirst for what Christians have.

43 Let whoever is wise pay attention to these things and consider[24] Lit and let them consider the Lord’s acts of faithful love.[25]

The psalmist ends with the challenge for the wise to ponder the things that he has written and consider the fact that GOD’S love for them never changes. HIS love is a faithful love that lasts forever. It is a covenant love secured by the shed blood of CHRIST. Such love is worthy of praise and worship. Ponder these things as you worship HIM. Blessings!

Bible Study - Worship - I Celebrate YOU - Psalm 92 - March 18, 2011

Bible Study – Worship – I Celebrate You – March 18, 2012

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “The Heart of Worship.”

Our scripture is Psalm 92:1-15.

Worship is from the heart and it is a celebration of the relationship a Christian has with CHRIST through the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is the moment where the cognitive body of flesh, which houses the born-again Spirit and the Holy Spirit, recognizes, acknowledges and responds to the majesty of GOD and the fact that it has been redeemed from death and restored to full fellowship and relationship with GOD through CHRIST.  When a Christian considers the rich heritage he/she has through his/her relationship with CHRIST, it is awesome and worthy of celebration through worship. All sins are forgiven – past, present and future through the shed blood of CHRIST. The Christian has eternal life, is clothed with the righteousness of CHRIST, is indwelled by the Holy Spirit and is born into the family of GOD through the miracle of the rebirth. His/her citizenship is in heaven and has the grace and freedom to come into the presence of GOD 24/7 and the list goes on.

Christians can celebrate life when they ponder the miraculous human body they live in. This celebration of life continues when we look around and see the handiwork of GOD such as the beauty and order of the earth and the universe, the exact atmosphere, the distance of earth from the sun, its rotation which supports our existence. Consider the plants and the fruits that contain seeds that can be used to produce more fruit. These have come from GOD. They were planned and created by GOD and reflect HIS nature and attributes.

We do not know who wrote the Psalm 92. It was written for worship on the Sabbath. Praise is an important part of worship. Praise can be internal or it can be outward through corporate worship. Worship can be expressed through music, art, poetry, song, silence and the list goes on. But ground zero is being a child of GOD through salvation that only CHRIST can provide. Christians can fake worship or they can worship GOD in Spirit and truth. They must not mistake true worship for emotion. As stated earlier, when the flesh becomes part of the praise and celebration, Christians need to be aware that their flesh can become emotionally excited and confuse the excitement with worship. This is not to say that excitement cannot be true worship. It depends upon their heart. Truth worship can come through the joy of knowing CHRIST and having an intimate, loving relationship with HIM without an electric environment. Christians must be careful to seek HIM and fellowship with HIM and not the emotion produced by an emotionally charged environment. Worship is a celebration of what CHRIST has done for us by reconciling us to the FATHER through HIS death and HIS resurrection.

Let’s read Psalm 92:1-4: (Celebrate GOD in Worship)

God’s Love and Faithfulness
A psalm. A song for the Sabbath day.

¹ It is good to praise the Lord, to sing praise to Your name, • Most High,
² to declare Your faithful love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night,^[1] Ps 103:17; 136; Lm 3:22–23
³ with a ten-stringed harp and the music of a lyre.
⁴ For You have made me rejoice, Lord, by what You have done; I will shout for joy because of the works of Your hands.^[2]

The psalmist wrote that it was good to praise the LORD and to sing praise to HIS name. The word used for “LORD” was “Yahweh” the most sacred name for GOD. He ends verse one (1) referring to GOD (El) (Yahweh), the Most High. It is good to praise GOD morning and night, 24/7.

He stated that music was good to use when praising HIM. When we praise GOD and sing praises to HIM, the words sung or the music often reflect our relationship with GOD and how HE has cared for and watched over us. Music is a language of the heart to some of us. Often, it may be difficult for some of us to put into words what we feel in our hearts when we ponder GOD in our lives or our relationship with HIM. The words of a song, a tune or the combination of these, communicates within our hearts and spurs expressions of praises from our hearts to the heart of GOD.

When we worship, we reflect on the fact that we are surrounded by an abundance of things that reflect the handiwork of GOD, which we can celebrate. We also reflect on GOD’S protection for us or the courage HE gave us to face various matters in our lives.

GOD is active in our lives 24/7. We must keep in mind that HE gives us the freedom to choose and we can override what HE prompts us to do. But even then, HE works to bring about the best out of situations in our lives as recorded in Romans 8:28 - ²⁸ We know that all things work together[16] Other mss read that God works together in all things for the good[17] The ultimate good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. GOD is at work in all things in behalf of HIS children.

Since worship is a matter of the heart, worship is expressed in many different ways – Psalms, scripture, art, music, songs, poetry, nature, a smile, joy of seeing a baby or a child and the list is endless. GOD’S desire is for HIS children to worship HIM in Spirit and truth. May our worship be genuine! The psalmist continued his praise of the awesomeness of GOD, The Most High.

 Ps 19:1; 143:5; Isa 29:23

Let’s read Psalm 92:5-9: (Recognize the Eternal Realities of Worship)

5 How magnificent are Your works, Lord, how profound Your thoughts![3] Isa 55:8–9; Jr 29:11; Mc 4:12
6 A stupid person does not know, a fool does not understand this:
7 though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be eternally destroyed.
8 But You, Lord, are exalted forever.
9 For indeed, Lord, Your enemies— indeed, Your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered.

The psalmist rejoiced in the handiwork of the LORD and the thought that HE puts into all that HE does. He considered those who refused to acknowledge GOD and HIS involvement in their lives as stupid and foolish. A person can be ignorant but a person does not have to be stupid. Stupid is refusing to accept the obvious. When a person refuses to accept the obvious then he/she is being foolish. They do not seek truth or understand truth.

The psalmist compared the stupid and foolish to grass, which is for a season. GOD is eternal and all those who reject HIM destroy themselves eternally.

Those who refuse to acknowledge GOD in their lives place a barrier between them and GOD which blocks the opportunity for GOD to reveal Himself to them. GOD’S desire is for all who seek HIM to find HIM and have an intimate relationship with HIM. But people can refuse and reject the love that GOD has for them through CHRIST. But for those who are HIS children, we can rejoice in the great heritage that we have in CHRIST and worship HIM in Spirit and truth.

Let’s read Psalm 92:10-15: (Enjoy the Benefits of Worship)

10 You have lifted up my • horn[4] Ps 89:17,24; 112:9; 1 Sm 2:1 like that of a wild ox; I have been anointed[5] Syr reads You have anointed me with oil.
11 My eyes look down on my enemies; my ears hear evildoers when they attack me.
12 The righteous thrive like a palm tree and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon.
13 Planted in the house of the Lord, they thrive in the courtyards of our God.
14 They will still bear fruit in old age, healthy and green,[6] Ps 1:3; Jr 17:8
15 to declare: “The Lord is just; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”[7]

The statement “YOU have lifted up my horn” is a beautiful statement of the power, strength and care of GOD for HIS children. The horn was a symbol of the power based upon the strength of the animal represented by its horn. He referred to a “wild ox.” A tame ox was one thing but a wild ox was quite another. A wild ox could not be tamed. A wild ox defends its offspring and territory. GOD does the same for HIS children.

Those who were called for special purposes such as a king were anointed with oil. GOD anoints HIS children with the oil of the Holy Spirit and calls them to obediently serve HIM. Oil was also used for healing, hospitality, preparing food, providing physical light, providing income and a symbol for the Holy Spirit. GOD provides for all of our needs.

The care and protection of GOD was expressed in verse 11 such that even though things happen to him, GOD fought his battles. Those who place their trust in GOD can stand up to the onslaughts of their enemies just like the healthy, hearty palm and cedar trees.

The psalmist continued as he wrote about the righteous compared to the stupid and foolish. The righteous are like palm trees and the mighty cedar trees of Lebanon. The roots of palm trees sink deep into the ground to tap the water that is deep under the desert sands and survives in the dry lands. The cedars of Lebanon need the surface water but grow large, tall and strong. They were used for building strong beautiful structures. Both trees have their own unique purpose and are nurtured, protected and cared for by GOD just as GOD cares for HIS children. Many trees produce less fruit as they grow older and mature but these trees continue to bear fruit as they age because they were planted in the house of the LORD and thrive in the well watered court yards of GOD. The psalmist may have thought of the palm trees being planted outside the well watered areas of the court yards and the cedars planted within the court yards. That is speculation but it brought to mind, are we a palm tree or a cedar tree? Some Christians sink their roots deep into GOD’S Word to tap the living water and others are watered. Both serve the LORD and are used according to HIS plan and purpose.

Then the psalmist wrote of GOD as the solid rock. A rock was a symbol of stability and a firm foundation. Just as the rock was a symbol of stability and strength, I believe we can think of the rock as being a symbol for the complete nourishment that GOD provides to those who obediently serve HIM and desire to grow in their experiential knowledge of HIM.

The psalmist captured truth in his depiction of the trees bearing fruit, being healthy and green as they age. Christians who serve the LORD, through their relationship with CHRIST, continue to grow and mature. The longer they obediently serve HIM, the more they know HIM, the more they understand HIM, the more they trust HIM and the more confidence they have in HIM, as they walk with HIM each day. As the song goes, “The longer I serve HIM, the sweeter HE grows.”  

When we consider what GOD has done for us as HIS children, it prompts us to express our thanks to HIM for HIS goodness toward us, which leads into our next week’s lesson. Blessings!

Bible Study - Worship - I Call on You - Psalm 86 - March 11, 2011

Bible Study - Worship – I Call on You – March 11, 2011

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “The Heart of Worship.”

Our scripture is Psalm 86:1-17.

Psalm 86 was written by King David. Bible scholars are not sure at what stage of life he was in when he wrote it. As we study the various Psalms, we discover that David and others, who wrote Psalms, faced issues in their lives that we often face. Our enemies or circumstances may be different from a hostile group of people closing in on you to kill you. But it may be an addiction, financial woes, battles with friends, battles at the workplace, battles within the home, church and the list goes on.

Before CHRIST, GOD occupied some place outside of those seeking the presence of GOD, whereas Christians are blessed mightily because of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Before CHRIST, the worshippers and seekers of help, comfort and assurance sought HIM in the temple or certain places of worship. Christians have the presence of GOD within them 24/7. Our un-confessed sin may block us from sensing HIS presence in our lives but HE never leaves us or forsakes us. First John 1:9 tells us - 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgivePs 103:3; Jr 31:34; Mt 9:6; 26:28; Col 1:14; Jms 5:15 us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Because the various writers of Psalms wrote down their interactions with GOD, we have the opportunity of reading and learning from them today. Many years ago, I attended a Campus Crusade for Christ meeting where Rev. Peter Lord spoke. He challenged us to keep a prayer journal. I kept one for awhile but soon stopped because it became more of a life story and journey rather than capturing requests to GOD, HIM revealing truth, dialogue or HIS response to my requests. But a prayer journal is a good idea. It will reveal our interaction with the LORD and how HE answered our prayers. A prayer journal can be left behind for others to have a record of some of our intimate moments with our LORD after we have departed this earth.

In our last series of study, we studied that Christians have the fullness of CHRIST in them the instant they receive CHRIST as their Savior. They are washed whiter than snow and are made righteous through the shed blood of CHRIST. Christians are fully Christian at the instant of their salvation.    

It is like human conception. The instant the sperm and egg unite, a human is conceived. The embryo is fully human and has the fullness of human life. At that instant, the human growth process begins. That human embryo needs nourishment and care in order to grow and develop into a fully functional human. The Spiritual rebirth of the human spirit, through faith in CHRIST, results in a child of GOD. From that instant the born-again believer has the fullness of CHRIST but needs to grow Spiritually. The Spiritually born need nourishment, training, exercise, etc.

Remember what CHRIST said in John 15:5 - 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.

Just as the growing embryo needs nourishment from its mother and care after birth, Christians need nourishment that is provided by being grafted into the true Spiritual vine, CHRIST.

Worship is part of our growing and maturing in CHRIST. Since Christians have the fullness of CHRIST in them, why do they need to worship? We discussed in our last lesson that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is housed in a body of flesh. The process of sanctification is a lifelong process of bringing our flesh into conformity with the Spirit to make Christians into the image of CHRIST. This is accomplished through the renewing of the mind, which is part of the sanctification process.

One aspect of worship is for Christians to look into GOD’S mirror. Christians are in the world. The Holy Spirit brought to mind those who work in a coal mine. They interact with the world of coal all day and when they come out of the mine, they are covered in coal dust. The evidence of their days work is on their faces, hands and on their clothes. As Christians function in the world, it is easy for them to have the dirt and grime of the world on them. Unless we look into GOD’S mirror, we never know what we look like Spiritually. A part of worship is prayer or talking to GOD and asking HIM to examine our lives in relation to where we are and where we need to be from HIS view point. Reading and studying the Bible, prayer and worship can be mirrors for our Spiritual progress and development. As Christians, are we going through the motions or are we truly coming into the presence of GOD in Spirit and truth? Each individual Christian and GOD knows the truth of our relationship with HIM. David was talking to GOD, in essence, praying. What is prayer?

Prayer is carrying on a conversation with GOD. A conversation is a two-way street. It is us talking and then listening. A prayer journal is a good way to record our conversation with GOD. This gives us a record of our interaction with GOD. There is no set protocol for talking to GOD, other than honesty. Let’s consider Psalm 86.

Let’s read Psalm 86:1-7, 14:

Lament and Petition

A Davidic prayer.

¹ Listen, Lord, and answer me,^[1] Ps 4:1; 17:6; 71:2; 102:2 for I am poor and needy.
² Protect my life, for I am faithful.^[2] Ps 37:28; 97:10; 1 Sm 2:9 You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.
³ Be gracious to me, Lord, for I call to You all day long.^[3] Ps 27:7; 57:1; 119:58
⁴ Bring joy to Your servant’s life,^[4] Ps 90:15; 92:4 since I set my hope on You, Lord.^[5] Ps 43:8
⁵ For You, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive, abundant in faithful love^[6] Ex 34:6; Nm 14:18; Neh 9:17 to all who call on You.
⁶ Lord, hear my prayer; listen to my plea for mercy.
⁷ I call on You in the day of my distress, for You will answer me.^[7]

David asked GOD to listen to him because he was powerless to solve the situation he was in (Verse 14). He needed GOD’S help, GOD’S power and GOD to protect his life. David may have gotten himself into a situation that he thought GOD might have questioned. If so, he realized this and asked GOD to extend HIS grace (Be Gracious to me) to him and come to his aid.

Psalm 86:14 gives us information regarding his situation:

14 God, arrogant people have attacked me; a gang of ruthless men seeks my life.[15] Ps 119:69,85 They have no regard for You.

David’s hope was in GOD. He reminded GOD of WHO HE was – kind, ready to forgive, abundant in faithful love to all who call on HIM. I think his reference to “all” was his way of reminding GOD that “all” included him.

I have a friend that I prayed with years ago who prayed with an open Bible. When he asked GOD for something he would quote scripture where GOD promised to do so-and-so. He would claim that promise in his prayer. In verse 5, David was reminding GOD of WHO HE was. David had experienced these attributes of GOD as he had grown in his knowledge of GOD and his interaction with GOD over time and various situations in his life.

When Christians come before GOD, it is important that they know who GOD really is. David was confident that GOD would listen to him and respond. This does not always mean that we will get what we ask for but we trust HIM when the answer is “no”. Ps 20:1; 50:15; Gn 35:3

Let’s read Psalm 86:8-13:

8 Lord, there is no one like You among the gods, and there are no works like Yours.[8] Ex 15:11; Dt 3:24; Isa 45:21
9 All the nations You have made will come and bow down before You, Lord, and will honor Your name.[9] Ps 22:27; 66:4; Zch 14:16
10 For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God.[10] Ps 83:19; 2 Kg 19:15; Jr 10:6
11 Teach me Your way, Lord, and I will live by Your truth.[11] Ps 26:3; 27:11; Isa 2:3 Give me an undivided mind to fear Your name.[12] Ps 111:9; Dt 28:58; 1 Kg 8:43
12 I will praise You with all my heart, Lord my God, and will honor Your name forever.
13 For Your faithful love for me is great,[13] Ps 57:10; 145:8 and You deliver my life from the depths of • Sheol.[14]

As David thought of the faithfulness of GOD, it led him to praise GOD as reflected in verses 8, 9 and 10. David knew the true living GOD because they had walked together. Do you know the true living GOD that dwells within you?

In verse 11, David wanted to know GOD more intimately. He wanted GOD to teach him and doing so would help him live as GOD desired. Maybe this was David’s way of saying, “GOD if you will teach me, then I won’t get myself into these situations where YOU have to keep coming to my rescue.”

David’s desire was to have a mind firmly set on GOD’S mission for him. His desire was to serve GOD out of reverence and a sound mind. Then he could praise GOD from a pure heart and a heart that had no hidden motives. His heart would not be compromised.

David knew that GOD loved him because HE had plucked him from the depths of Hell itself. GOD had rescued him and placed his feet on solid ground. David’s mind was likely recalling all the times that GOD had rescued him from life threatening situations.

David fought various enemies and saw the hand of GOD at work in his life. GOD works in our lives every moment of every day. Only eternity will reveal the many times HE has rescued us from certain death by altering our life or preventing us from coming into contact with unseen things that would cause us serious harm. Ps 30:3; 49:14–15; Jnh 2:3–6

Let’s read Psalm 86:15-16:

15 But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abundant in faithful love and truth.[16] Ex 34:6; Nm 14:18; Neh 9:17
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me. Give Your strength to Your servant; save the son of Your female servant.

David had made his request to GOD and again he reminded GOD of HIS nature – compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abundant in faithful love and truth. Then, in essence, it seems that David was saying since YOU are compassionate, gracious, etc. please help me in this time of need. David needed GOD’S strength to carry on. David also needed assurance from GOD that HE would help him.

His next statement, “save the son of YOUR female servant,” is interesting. Some translate this as “save YOUR faithful son.” Some believe that David was speaking of “Israel” as the female servant.  Some think it was a pious woman, possibly his mother.

Could it be that the statement just came out which may have startled him or puzzled him when he said it? I remember years ago, I was coming home from work one afternoon and praying. I prayed that I would be in the right frame of mind when I got home and the thought occurred to me that the family may have had a bad day. So I prayed for each one beginning with my wife and each of our three (3) children by name and when I had called all of their names, I said, “and for our unborn child.” That was a shock to me because we were not expecting a baby. About a week or so went by and my wife said, “If I did not know better, I would think I am pregnant.” I told her what had happened to me. Yes, she was pregnant with our fourth child. The LORD wanted him prayed for before we knew that he had been conceived but GOD knew.

Could David’s statement be prophesy regarding the promised Messiah? CHRIST was of the earthly linage of David and if something happened to David would that have disrupted GOD’S plan for JESUS’ mother Mary? Folks, we may have to wait to get the answer to that question when we get to heaven.

Let’s read Psalm 86:17:

17 Show me a sign of Your goodness; my enemies will see and be put to shame because You, Lord, have helped and comforted me.

David asked GOD to reveal Himself to these arrogant, ruthless people who did not acknowledge HIM in their lives. David wanted GOD to vindicate him in such a way that those who were seeking to kill him would see that GOD was his protector. Have you ever felt like that? I think many of us have at one time. But when GOD does not come to our rescue, what then? Do we still trust HIM?

Years ago, I read the book “Tortured for Christ.” Sometime later, I was pondering the book. Something triggered me to tell GOD that I am better to my children than HE is to HIS children. I told HIM, “If I was GOD and someone harmed a hair on my child’s head, I would ZAP them. That person would know without a doubt that he/she had harmed one of my children.” GOD is so awesome. After I shut up, HE responded. HE said, “Suppose I did exactly as you said and ZAPPED the person who harmed one of MY children so that all would know that they better not harm one of MY children. Why would someone come to ME? Would it be because the person loved ME or because of the protection I would provide?” That was a no brainer. I said, “Because of YOUR protection.” GOD does watch over and protect HIS children but HE is also sovereign. I know that HE has watched over me many times in my life and kept me from harm.

Salvation is step one in a lifelong journey. Serving GOD through CHRIST is not easy and HE never told us that it would be easy. Christians can approach GOD with their questions, problems, requests, praises or any way they choose. HE wants them to be honest with HIM. HE knows when we are faking it. When we fake it, there is a Spiritual problem that needs attention and repairing. Don’t try to cover over your true feelings but let your requests be known to HIM. Isaiah 1:18 tells us:

¹⁸ Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

GOD listens and is open to us as a loving Father. Have a conversation with HIM and keep in mind that a conversation is a two-way street, talk and listen.

May your journey with HIM be awesome and exciting because in 1 Peter 5:6-7, the Apostle Peter tells GOD’S children to - 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time,[10] Lit in time [11] Jb 22:29; Mt 23:12; Lk 14:11; 18:14; Jms 4:10
7 casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.[12] Ps 55:22; Mt 6:25–34