Bible Study - Stand (4) - GOD'S Promise of Answered Prayer - Luke 11:5-13 - September 27, 2015

Bible Study – Stand (4) – GOD’S Promise of Answered Prayer – September 27, 2015

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Stand Strong: Building Your Life on GOD’S Promises.”

Our focus scripture is Luke 11:5-13.

GOD always answers prayer.

I have found that GOD always answers prayers – no, yes or wait. GOD always hears the prayer of the repentant sinner for forgiveness and salvation with a positive response - YES. GOD always hears the prayers of HIS children; as his children, it is HIS response that often gives us concern if it is “no” or “wait”.

We always like to see or receive a positive response. When the response is “no” or “wait” we often question GOD – Did YOU hear me? Don’t YOU care? Have I done something wrong? Do YOU not understand? And many other questions we have for GOD.

I have often found that I was not Spiritually prepared to receive or understand the answer. Having to wait is always the pits. We like a quick response. If our computer doesn’t respond quickly, we get upset, or when we call or go into a place of business, we want a quick response to our needs, after all our time is valuable. The list goes on.

“No” is most often the most difficult answer to take; after all we know what is the best outcome of whatever we are asking of GOD.

This lesson focuses on prayer. What is prayer? Prayer is simply talking to GOD. Ideally, it is communication between GOD and the person. We need to speak and we need to listen.

Often, we think of prayer as asking GOD to respond to our physical needs but do we consider our Spiritual needs? The movie “War Room” is a most excellent movie and if you have not seen it, I encourage you to see it. It is on prayer. We in America have gotten away from serious prayer. We have our rote sayings but not genuine prayer until we get into trouble or a family member has a specific need.

As Christians, we can come into the very presence of GOD because we are HIS children. Christians are all sinners saved by the shed blood of JESUS and are under GOD’S grace. We all have baggage from our self-life or the flesh. Often, we have strongholds which we have either knowingly or unknowingly allowed to be built in our lives. Strongholds are the best fortified and the strongest bastions for defense. Some strongholds are good but others compromise our relationship with GOD and others and have been established by our flesh nature or Satan. These strongholds must come down, brick by brick and stone by stone and destroyed, the void created must be filled by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Strongholds are anything that controls our lives except the indwelling Holy Spirit; bitterness, hatred, gossip, addictive things that enter our lives and the list goes on.

Satan cannot read your mind but Satan can place ideas and temptation before you to see how you respond. He is looking for the things that you find pleasing and then he makes sure to guide you to those things with one purpose in mind and that is to entrap and enslave you. These things become strongholds and will control your lives. Some may not be bad things but often they are addictive things. They may be good things which rob us of obediently serving the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Does this mean Christians cannot have any fun or pleasure? NO! But it does mean that we need to be on guard of the things we allow to come into our lives. We need to take inventory by asking and allowing the Holy Spirit to examine our lives, desires and intentions. When we go before GOD, our Father, we need to be honest with HIM as HE examines our lives and HE reveals things that we need to give up, bring under HIS control or the things we need to do more of. Often, we need Spiritual correction as we obediently serve our LORD GOD.

Christians need to communicate with GOD. Although JESUS was the Son of GOD, HE spent a lot of time speaking to HIS Father in prayer. It was after JESUS was praying that HIS disciples asked HIM to teach them how to pray.

Let’s explore!

Let’s read Luke 11:1-4:

The Model Prayer (JESUS teaches HIS disciples about prayer.)

1 HE was praying in a certain place, and when HE finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John (the Baptist) also taught his disciples." 

2 He said to them, "Whenever you pray, say: Father, Your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. 

3 Give us each day our daily bread. 

4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone in debt to us. And do not bring us into temptation."

This is from the Holman translation and it reads differently from our traditional prayer referred to as “the LORD’S Prayer.” It is actually the Model Prayer.

JESUS had been praying and HIS disciples asked HIM to teach them how to pray to GOD which indicates they had associated the importance CHRIST placed on praying or communicating with GOD, HIS Father. Being disciples they had a relationship with JESUS, although that relationship would grow Spiritually after the death, resurrection of JESUS, HIS ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell their lives.

HIS disciples knew that JESUS prayed to GOD and they knew that John the Baptist had taught his disciples how to pray to GOD. In fact, two of JESUS’ disciples were former disciples of John the Baptist. Aren’t we glad that JESUS’ disciples asked HIM this question and there is a written record! It was the time to teach them and, in turn, HIS response teaches us.

Father:

JESUS taught them to address GOD as Father. This is a model or guide prayer for those who have placed their faith in JESUS. All who have been born-again are the children of GOD through the miracle of rebirth; therefore, GOD is the Spiritual Father of all Christians.  Some translations include HIS location “in heaven” so as not to confuse father with any other father figure except GOD, Yahweh.

Holy:

GOD is to be honored and reverenced because HE is Holy. We are HIS children and can come to HIM 24/7 but we are to treat HIM with respect, honor and reverence because of HIS holiness and great love for each of us. Yes, Christians can call HIM “Daddy” but we are to not forget Who HE is.

Kingdom:

We are to seek the establishing of HIS kingdom in our hearts and lives so that we can share this Good News of CHRIST with others as we obediently walk with HIM and function in HIS kingdom. HIS kingdom is first established in our hearts by placing our faith in CHRIST and then at the right time HIS kingdom will be established upon earth after the second coming of CHRIST.  

Daily Bread:

CHRIST knew that all humans have both physical and Spiritual needs. Just as the Israelites gathered manna each day to sustain them was provided by GOD, Christians are to look to GOD to meet both their physical and Spiritual needs day by day. Just as they were to gather only enough manna for one day and a double portion to carry them through the Sabbath, so are we to take life a day at the time but also to put enough aside to carry us through a time when provisions are not supplied; such as hiding HIS Word in our hearts and practicing in the dark days what we learn in the light as we build our relationship with HIM and managing our resources.

Forgiveness:

JESUS addressed the attitude of our hearts as Christians regarding forgiveness. GOD has forgiven each of us for our sins and, in turn, we need to extend that same attitude of forgiveness to others. Forgiveness reflects that our hearts are truly in harmony and unity with GOD.

Temptation:

JESUS’ statement “do not bring us into temptation” can be troubling. It could be rendered “do not allow our flesh nature to lead us into areas of temptation but if it serves your purpose to strengthen us, then be with us through the temptation by delivering us from the evil one.” The Gospel according to Matthew adds “but deliver us from the evil one.”

JESUS continued HIS teaching regarding prayer, as we read our next scripture.

Let’s read Luke 11:5-10:

Keep Asking, Searching, Knocking (Persistence keeps us focused on GOD as we wait for HIM to answer our request.)

5 He also said to them: "Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him at midnight and says to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 

6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I don't have anything to offer him.' 

7 Then he will answer from inside and say, 'Don't bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I have gone to bed. I can't get up to give you anything.' 

8 I tell you, even though he won't get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 

9 "So I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 

10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

The fact that Doctor Luke leads into this story with the words “HE also said to them” ties the model prayer to this example.

In the desert regions it is hot and a good time for travel in that day was late evening when the sun goes down. Such was the likely situation which resulted in these guests arriving, unannounced at a friend’s home at midnight. They did not have cell phones, postal service or computers, so they arrived unexpectedly.

In that day houses had limited space and the family for the most part slept in one large room along with their small animals. So this story sent a clear message to those who heard JESUS teach. The friend, who had the much needed bread, was bedded down and sleeping soundly, with his family and their small animals. The door into their house was locked and secure. We all know that once the children are asleep we do not want to awake them or disturb the animals and unlock a secured door. It was a complicated situation and an aggravation.

A friend had unexpected guests and needed three loaves of bread because he did not have any bread to offer his weary guests. The friend goes to the most likely person who could meet his need for bread at such a late hour. Traditionally enough bread was baked to provide enough bread for a day. Bread was baked fresh each day. But in this case the person needing bread knew where to go to find bread in the middle of the night.

Even though it was a bad time for the friend needing bread to be banging on the door, the friend with the bread will get up, run the risk of disturbing the household and give the person what he needs in order to keep him quiet. The friend who had bread was not a happy person in the middle of the night as we read in his reply “Don’t bother me!”

Notice the person with the bread said, “I can’t get up.” In essence, I am blocked in by children and other things. Surely, you can find someone else who can provide what you need or do without until morning.

The person needing the bread received the bread because of his persistence or “shameless audacity.”  

So what was JESUS communicating? Was it, if we bang on GOD’S door long enough we will get what we want? No, HIS teaching is that GOD has all the provisions any of us need and at the proper time HE will provide for our needs according to HIS will and plan for us.  We should let HIM know what we think our needs are but HE decides what we need, how much we need and when to provide it. JESUS makes this point as HE continues HIS teaching.

In the act of seeking or asking, searching and knocking our relationship with GOD is honed and our relationship with GOD is built. JESUS made it clear that when we keep on seeking or asking, it will be given to us, when we keep on searching, we will find and when we keep on knocking, the door will be opened.

We need to review the model prayer JESUS used:

-         Because GOD is our Father, we acknowledge HIM as Holy

-         We embrace the coming of HIS kingdom both in our hearts and eventually upon earth.

-         GOD provides for our daily needs both physically and Spiritually.

-         Our relationship with GOD is reflected in our willingness to forgive others.

-         We are dependent upon GOD to deliver us from the snares of the evil one. But there are times when GOD allows us to go through difficult times to strengthen us and make us more fruitful.

When we walk with GOD through our faith in CHRIST, GOD has the best interest of HIS children in mind, at all times, regardless of what we think. We are to obediently serve GOD according to HIS will, plan and purpose for our lives and to trust HIM.

To drive this point home JESUS continued in the next scripture.

Let’s read Luke 11:11-13:

11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? 

12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

JESUS used practical examples to give understanding to HIS teaching. Every parent’s desire is to provide the best for their child or children. If a child asks their father for a fish, would the father give him or her a snake? Of course not is the expected reply. Or if a child asks for an egg would the father give him or her a scorpion? Of course not! We love our child or children and we would not give them something which would harm them and neither will GOD.

When we consider the sinful nature of our hearts and the perfect heart and nature of GOD, HOW MUCH MORE will GOD our Father in heaven will give us what HE knows is best for us. It may not be what we think is best for us. But HE not only gives what is the best to meet our needs but along with meeting our needs, HE will give us an increased portion of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives to get us through life’s circumstances when and where needed. Prayer and relationship with GOD through faith in CHRIST are vital as we obediently serve our LORD.

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Stand (3) - GOD'S Promise of Provision - Psalm 34:4-14 - September 20, 2015

Bible Study – Stand (3) – GOD’S Promise of Provision – September 20, 2015

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Stand Strong: Build Your Life on GOD’S Promises.”

Our focus scripture is Psalm 34:4-14

GOD provides for those who choose to live under HIS care.

Our focus scripture is a psalm related to David seeking refuge with the Philistine King Achish (AY-kish) of Gath. The reference to Abimelech (uh-BIM-uh-lek) is thought to be a generic title like “pharaoh.” David had fled the court of King Saul and needed a safe place as we read in 1 Samuel 21:10-15:

10 David fled that day from Saul's presence and went to King Achish of Gath. 

11 But Achish's servants said to him, "Isn't this David, the king of the land? Don't they sing about him during their dances: Saul has killed his thousands, but David his tens of thousands?" 

12 David took this to heart and became very afraid of King Achish of Gath, 

13 so he pretended to be insane in their presence. He acted like a madman around them, scribbling on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard. 

14 "Look! You can see the man is crazy," Achish said to his servants. "Why did you bring him to me? 

15 Do I have such a shortage of crazy people that you brought this one to act crazy around me? Is this one going to come into my house?"

Why did David act like a mentally ill person? It was the custom of that day not to harm a mentally ill person and David feared for his life.

Psalm 34 is an acrostic psalm. This means that each two-line stanza begins with the succeeding letter of the Hebrew alphabet with the exception of one letter not being included. It is also classified as a “wisdom psalm.” David was expressing his personal testimony regarding the faithfulness of GOD. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Psalm 34:1-3: (Lead in)

The Lord Delivers the Righteous

Concerning David, when he pretended to be insane in the presence of 

Abimelech, who drove him out, and he departed.

1 I will praise the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. 

2 I will boast in the Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. 

3 Proclaim with me the Lord's greatness; let us exalt His name together. 

David was expressing his full confidence in GOD regardless of the circumstances in which he found himself. Notice the words he used: praise, boast, proclaim and exalt. Such true expressions of confidence in GOD come from the heart of a person who knows GOD and has an intimate relationship with HIM. David invited others who knew GOD to join him in this celebration of knowing GOD through an intimate relationship.

Can a person fake his or her relationship with GOD through CHRIST? Yes! Christian jargon can be mimicked. A person can have head knowledge of CHRIST and not heart knowledge. Here we have to trust that having head knowledge reflects the desire for that person to have heart knowledge and the Holy Spirit will work in that person’s life to bring about the fullness of knowing HIM in his or her life. Often there can be barriers to a person holding back on allowing CHRIST to lead and direct his or her life. The flesh does not want to relinquish control.

David began his psalm with total trust in GOD which came about through experience and he invited others to join him in praising the “LORD at all times.”

Let’s read Psalm 34:4-7:

4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 

5 Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. 

6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard [him] and saved him from all his troubles. 

7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. 

Knowing about GOD, what we call head knowledge, is one thing but experiencing GOD, what we call heart knowledge comes from experiencing GOD, is quite another. David was writing based upon not what he had been told about GOD but what he had experienced by walking with GOD.

David was not perfect, yet GOD said he was a man after HIS own heart. That gives me hope and encouragement. I hope that gives you hope as well. We are all sinners saved by grace.

David sought the LORD and HE answered me!

The word “sought” carries the idea of “asking”, “seeking” and to keep on “asking” or “seeking” until we receive an answer. This is the Spiritual lesson JESUS was conveying in Matthew 7:7-12:

7 "Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 

8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

9 What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 

11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 

12 Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them-this is the Law and the Prophets.

There is great joy when we know GOD has heard us because HE responded by answering and revealing truth.

GOD answered him and delivered him from all his fears.

David had experienced GOD’S protection as he escaped King Saul and King Achish.

When those who seek GOD find that secure relationship with HIM, “are radiant with joy.” Have you seen fellow Christians who seem to glow because of the presence of the LORD within them?

Such a “look” is not a glance but it is an intense, probing look into the depths of their being to know GOD. When a Christian sees the majesty of GOD it cannot be hidden but reflected. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun so do Christians who reflect the light of GOD through their relationship with JESUS.  

In verse 7, David used the words “this poor man cried.” David was not referring to a person being financially poor but a person being at his or her wits end with no place to turn for help. All options had run out and without the help of the LORD the man or woman would be destroyed. This poor man’s only hope was in GOD and guess what? GOD came to his rescue which proved that GOD heard him and saved him from not some but all of his troubles.

Life becomes more abundant when we know GOD is our refuge and strength in times of trouble.

“The angel of the LORD,” statement could be a reference to GOD, CHRIST or to our guardian angels. The Holman Bible translation capitalized Angel to show that the translators thought the original manuscript intent was to refer to GOD.  The word angel refers to “messenger” or “deputy.” But the assurance is in the fact that GOD rescues HIS own. Other Bible scholars believe it was a reference to GOD.  

As we look at verse 8, in essence David was stating, if you do not believe me, then try my GOD, the One True GOD of Israel, for yourself.

Let’s read Psalm 34:8-10:

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him! 

9 Fear the Lord, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. 

10 Young lions lack food and go hungry, but those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing. 

David used the word “taste” which means to experience GOD and see, by proving to you that GOD is good and trustworthy. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Taking refuge in the LORD is to completely rely upon HIM for your protection and safety. We are to take refuge in GOD but we are not to forget Who HE is. We, you HIS saints, must always show HIM respect and honor as captured by the word “fear.”

Self sufficient people (often materially rich but Spiritually poor) often do not want to seek the help of someone else, especially having to rely upon GOD, so they go Spiritually hungry.

Those who do not take GOD seriously will go Spiritually hungry but those who respect and honor GOD do not come up lacking.

Let’s read Psalm 34:11-14:

11 Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 

12 Who is the man who delights in life, loving a long life to enjoy what is good? 

13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. 

14 Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it. 

David’s desire was to teach others to have an intimate, trusting, loving relationship with GOD. He admonished those seeking an intimate relationship with GOD to listen to his instructions with the purpose of applying GOD’S wisdom to their lives. He used the word “fear” which means to honor, respect and reverence GOD. We must not be just hearers of the Word of GOD but doers. What we know, as revealed through our intimate relationship with GOD through CHRIST, must be put into action as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

If a person loves life, and who doesn’t, and wants to build the right relationship with GOD, he or she must be careful what he or she says by guarding his or her tongue. For out of the mouth can come blessings or curses.

Guarding our tongue reflects the nature of our hearts. Those having the desire to have the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST must allow GOD to conquer the desires of their flesh. This is an act of the will. Christians are to turn from evil and choose to be obedient to GOD’S leadership and commands. Christians are to seek peace and take action to preserve peace.

When GOD reveals issues that need to be brought to light, once they have been exposed, then seek peace by trusting GOD to bring about the end result according to HIS will and purpose. These could be issues that hamper our Spiritual walk as Christians or issues within the Spiritual body of CHRIST, the true church.

True happiness is getting to know GOD through experience. Walking with GOD each day builds an intimate, loving relationship which becomes a natural part of life. To me, the ultimate relationship with GOD is when being obedient to GOD is a natural part of our lives. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Stand (2) - GOD'S promise of Eternal Life - 1 John 5:6-13 - September 13, 2015

Bible Study – Stand (2) – GOD’S Promise of Eternal Life – September 13, 2015

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Stand Strong; Building Your Life on GOD’S Promises.”

Our focus scripture is 1 John 5:6-13.

You were created for eternal life in CHRIST.

GOD’S original intent for the human race was eternal life with HIM. Our human ancestors, Adam and Eve, sinned by eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The consequence for this sin was death. Eternal life was lost because of this sin. It took a decision for humanity to lose eternal life and it takes a decision for eternal life to be restored only through faith in JESUS CHRIST. Let’s explore!

Let’s read 1 John 5:1-5: (Background Sets the Stage)

1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent also loves his child. 

2 This is how we know that we love God's children when we love God and obey His commands. 

3 For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden, 

4 because whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. 

5 And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Faith is the foundation of Christianity. Faith was vital to GOD’S relationship with Abraham as we read in Genesis 15:6:

6 Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.

 James the half-brother of JESUS wrote in James 2:19:

19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder.

Faith in GOD must lead to action, which is placing one’s faith in HIS Only Son, JESUS, because all humans do not measure up to the righteousness of GOD. No person can be good enough or do enough good deeds to earn their right to go to heaven.

JESUS paid, in full, the price GOD requires for sin in order to redeem humans from sin and eternal death. JESUS broke the sin barrier and opened the path to GOD but every person must take the action to receive CHRIST as his or her Savior. When a person places his or her faith in CHRIST, he or she experiences the miracle of rebirth in his or her spirit and becomes GOD’S Son or Daughter.

JESUS said it best in John 14:6:

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

In First John, the Apostle John was writing to fellow Christians so they would know the truth about being a Christian.

The Gnostics, false teachers, were preaching several notions about CHRIST such as JESUS was not a real person but a spirit or a myth or a mere human chosen by GOD to serve a purpose. One Gnostic, Cerinthus, taught that Jesus was a man named JESUS, who lived but the divine CHRIST came upon him at his baptism and left him before he died upon the cross. The Apostle John knew better and wanted to dispel such nonsense.

Let’s read John 3:27-36: (John the Baptist speaks a message regarding GOD authenticating CHRIST as HIS Son. John the Baptist was the forerunner or herald who announced CHRIST as the promised Messiah.) 

27 John (the Baptist) responded, "No one can receive a single thing unless it's given to him from heaven. 

28 You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I've been sent ahead of Him.'

29 He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom's friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom's voice. So this joy of mine is complete. 

30 He must increase, but I must decrease."

The One from Heaven

31 The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth is earthly and speaks in earthly terms. The One who comes from heaven is above all. 

32 He testifies to what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony. 

33 The one who has accepted His testimony has affirmed that God is true. 

34 For God sent Him, and He speaks God's words, since He gives the Spirit without measure. 

35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hands. 

36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.

The Apostle John recorded these words of John the Baptist regarding JESUS.

Let’s consider our focus scripture.

Let’s read 1 John 5:6-9: (Assurance of Salvation)

6 Jesus Christ-He is the One who came by water and blood; not by water only, but by water and by blood. And the Spirit is the One who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 

7 For there are three that testify: 

8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood-and these three are in agreement. 

9 If we accept the testimony of men, God's testimony is greater, because it is God's testimony that He has given about His Son. 

The Apostle John was writing to Christians to dispel the false teachings of the Gnostics. He referenced what was accepted in a court of law to substantiate truth which was the testimony of two-three witnesses.

In verses 1-5, the Apostle John, equated faith in CHRIST with the miracle of rebirth and becoming GOD’S child; thus GOD is their parent e.g. Father. The question that needed to be put to rest was, “Did JESUS CHRIST come to earth in the flesh and was HE also divine?”

The Apostle John referred to the things that witnessed the reality of JESUS being both human and divine. This is where John gets interesting.

John gives the facts that testify to the reality of CHRIST as both human and divine:

-         Water – JESUS was born a human via the Virgin Mary.

-         Blood – JESUS died on the cross as a human but gave up HIS Spirit.

-         Spirit – GOD raised JESUS as the first fruits from the dead, which proved that HE conquered both sin and death. This was necessary to open the path between mankind and GOD so that all who place their faith in HIM will be born-again and receive eternal life and the Holy Spirit. There is a Spiritual conception which takes place. Consider the human spirit as the egg and GOD’S Spirit as the divine sperm. At the instant of salvation every human who receives CHRIST as his or her Savior is literally born into GOD’S family as HIS Son or Daughter. The Holy Spirit testifies to this truth.  

Some Bible scholars consider that the baptism of JESUS at the beginning of HIS ministry was the water to which the Apostle John was referring as recorded in Matthew 3:16-17:

16 After Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on Him. 

17 And there came a voice from heaven: This is My beloved Son. I take delight in Him!

The blood could refer to the significant of the blood as symbolized by the Lord’s Supper or to the fact after CHRIST gave HIS life on the cross the soldiers pierced HIS side and water and blood ran out, proving HE was human and thus dead. (John19:34) The resurrection of JESUS by GOD proved that HE conquered both sin and death.

Hebrews 9:22: (The importance of CHRIST shedding HIS blood)

22 According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Let’s consider two other possibilities:

(1)  Titus 3:5 - He saved us- not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 

(2) The Apostle John recorded in John 3 a conversation between JESUS and Nicodemus. This is why I think water refers to the human birth of JESUS via the Virgin Mary.

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and member of Jewish Council, called the Sanhedrin. He was a somewhat secret follower of CHRIST. He spoke in behalf of JESUS and he assisted Joseph of Arimathea in the burial of JESUS after the crucifixion of JESUS.  Notice what JESUS told Nicodemus about salvation or a person needing to be born-again in John 3:1-6:

Jesus and Nicodemus

1 There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 

2 This man came to Him at night and said, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher, for no one could perform these signs You do unless God were with him." 

3 Jesus replied, "I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 

4 "But how can anyone be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked Him. "Can he enter his mother's womb a second time and be born?" 

5 Jesus answered, "I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 

6 Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. 

Flesh is one thing and Spirit is another. JESUS made it clear that flesh is flesh and being a human is not enough to get a person into the kingdom of GOD. A person must be born-again into GOD’S family by placing his or her faith in CHRIST. Once the person is born Spiritually into GOD’S family he or she becomes a citizen of heaven and has eternal life. Once born-again Spiritually, the Christian does not become unborn just as once you and I were conceived it could not be reversed: Once GOD’S child always GOD’S child.

How do you know you have been born-again?

Let’s read 1 John 5:10-11:

10 (The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. The one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given about His Son.) 

11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 

Romans 8:16:

16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children, 

If we have asked CHRIST to forgive us for our sins and for HIM to come into our lives, our focus scripture gives us assurance that we are GOD’S children. In turn, GOD gives us the Holy Spirit Who indwells us as a guarantee of our salvation and our eternal assurance. (2 Corinthians 1:22)

When a person rejects CHRIST, he or she, in essence, is calling GOD a liar. GOD works within every person, who is without CHRIST, to woo him or her into accepting CHRIST as his or her Savior. GOD uses Christians to be the human link between the flesh and the Spirit.

Let’s read 1 John 5:12-13:

12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn't have the Son of God does not have life. 

13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

The Apostle John laid out the facts:

-         If you have asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your heart, HE did. Thank HIM for saving your soul and then start living for HIM by getting to know HIM through Bible study, talking to HIM through prayer and obediently serving HIM as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Born-again Christians have all the rights and privileges as a child of GOD, which includes eternal life in the kingdom of GOD. That is not something yet to come but is a reality at the instant of salvation.

-         If a person does not place his or her faith in CHRIST, he or she does not have eternal life in the kingdom of GOD. Works will not get a person to heaven.

Trust in GOD to keep HIS promises. When we look back over Biblical history and the promises and covenants GOD made with the Israelites, we see that HE always kept HIS promise or covenant. We also see that HE said what HE meant and meant what HE said. When the Israelites broke HIS promise or covenant, HE warned them and if they did not repent, they received the consequences for their actions.

Christians are secure in their faith in CHRIST but we still have to live in obedience to HIM. Sin always has consequences and Christians will find themselves on the receiving end of those consequences when we sin. Do Christians lose their salvation when they sin? No, but if they want to continue to live in an obedient relationship with GOD, through CHRIST, they must confess their sins and repent (stop sinning). GOD forgives them and restores them. (1 John 1:9)

Once we are GOD’S Son or Daughter, through the miracle of rebirth, we are always HIS Son or Daughter. As Sons or Daughters obedient living equals building an obedient and knowing relationship with GOD through CHRIST and rewards for obedient living are being stored in the heavenly treasury. 

Disobedience robs us of the opportunity to build an intimate relationship with GOD through CHRIST and the rewards which follow.

Do you know JESUS as your Savior? If not, now is that opportunity. Ask HIM to forgive you for your sins, believe that HE died on the cross for your sins and ask HIM to come into your life. If you did, then thank HIM for saving you from the consequences of sin, which is eternal death and for giving you eternal life through JESUS CHRIST, the Messiah. You are now a child of GOD and indwelled by the Holy Spirit, learn of HIM and grow Spiritually. If you are not already in a church where truth is preached, then ask JESUS to lead you to the right place where you can learn more about HIM and to put what you learn into action through obedient service. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Stand (1) - GOD'S Promise of Faithfulness - Psalm 89:1-2, 5-8, 15-18 - September 6, 2015

Bible Study – Stand (1) – GOD’S Promise of Faithfulness – September 6, 2015

This is lesson one (1) in our series entitled “Stand Strong: Building Your Life on GOD’S Promises.”

Our focus scripture is Psalm 89:1-2, 5-8, 15-18.

GOD is faithful in every circumstance.

For the next six (6) lessons we will study various scriptures to help us focus on building our lives on GOD’S promises. It is not us hanging onto GOD but GOD hanging onto and revealing Himself to us. There will be times of questioning GOD but in those times GOD reveals more of Himself to us and we become stronger in our relationship with HIM.

The overarching message in this series of study is captured in the “Herschel Hobbs Commentary, fall 2015 edition, published by LifeWay, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175, page7:”

“Faith in GOD is not based on blind hope or what we think GOD is like. Through Scripture, GOD clearly has revealed Himself and how HE desires to work in our lives and through our lives. Our hope, then, is grounded in who GOD is and the specific promises HE makes to us. We can live confidently because of HIS promises to us.”

I know in my early days of seeking the LORD, I thought of ways GOD could prove Himself to me. Yet with each way I considered, there was always the probability of chance stepping in, rather than being an act of GOD, it would be a chance happening. I had to take the step of faith that GOD was real and that CHRIST was HIS Son. When I did, the indwelling Holy Spirit confirmed the reality of GOD and CHRIST in my life. Although I made a profession of faith when I was about 10 years old, I committed my live to CHRIST in 1971 when I was 34 years old. It has been a learning, growing and maturing experience ever since. There have been many ups and downs but one thing has been certain, I knew, I was eternally GOD’S child through faith in CHRIST.

Psalm 89 is a Maskil, which carries the idea of wisdom with understanding. When you are in relationship with GOD, you learn from HIM and trust in HIM. You build a knowledge base through relationship. HE becomes your loving Father thus the relationship produces wisdom.

In regards to Psalm 89, the psalm writer was reflecting his experience with GOD. It was written by Ethan the Ezrahite. This is the only psalm written by him. It seems that this “Ethan of Ezrahite” lived after the period of time when King David no longer had a descendent on the throne of Israel. The psalmist had taken literally GOD’S promise to King David as recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-17 which was spoken to him through the Prophet Nathan:

12 When your time comes and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.

13 He will build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

14 I will be a father to him, and he will be a son to Me. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with a human rod and with blows from others.

15 But My faithful love will never leave him as I removed it from Saul; I removed him from your way.

16 Your house and kingdom will endure before Me forever, and your throne will be established forever.' "

17 Nathan spoke all these words and this entire vision to David.

“Ethan of Ezrahite” apparently lived in a time when there was no descendent on the throne of David and he was perplexed but yet confident in GOD and HIS promises.

As Dr. Vance Havner said “You must practice in the dark what you learn in the light.” That is why scripture memory is so important. One day we may not have the Bible to which we can refer but if we have GOD’S Word in our hearts, it will never be taken away from us.

It seems that this psalm could have been written after the fall of Judah to Babylon. Certainly, such an event would have meant that the eternal physical nature of GOD’S promise to King David would not have been true. The psalmist was dealing with that reality but trusting in the promises of GOD.

As we look back, we have a more complete understanding of GOD’S promise to King David. The promised Messiah would come through the ancestral line of King David. JESUS is the eternal King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s to rule in the hearts and lives of all who will place their faith in HIM. JESUS established GOD’S Eternal Kingdom.

In “Advanced Bible Study Commentary, Fall 2015, page 11, LifeWay, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175 written by Curtis Honts,” he wrote: “in Hebrew the verb comes at the end of the first line or the phrase of the poem.” To me, this original word order in Hebrew revealed the heart of the psalmist and changed the thrust of the psalmist’s message. It moved it from the palmist hanging onto GOD in a desperate effort to maintain confidence in GOD to embracing the person of GOD. GOD nurtured and comforted the psalmist’s because of their intimate, personal relationship. This intimate relationship resulted in unwavering confidence in GOD and HIS promises.

Let’s read Psalm 89:1-2:

Perplexity of Ethan the Ezrahiteplexity about God's Promises

A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite

1 I will sing about the Lord's faithful love forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your faithfulness to all generations.

2 For I will declare, "Faithful love is built up forever; You establish Your faithfulness in the heavens."

Notice the difference of placing the verb at the end of the line:

1 The Lord's faithful love forever, I will sing;  Your faithfulness to all generations, with my mouth I will proclaim.

2 "Faithful love is built up forever; You establish Your faithfulness in the heavens", I will declare.

To me, there is a shift of confidence when the verb is placed last. In the English translation, verb first, it seems that the writer is hoping that if he believes his words enough then he will arrive at this conclusion. However, when the verb is last it seems to me that the writer has already discovered what he writes about GOD. His words come from knowing and not from hoping to know one day. He was expressing what he had discovered as the result of experiencing GOD in his life. GOD is real to him and 

trustworthy and he will let everyone around him know that reality by not remaining silent. He was so enthralled with the reality of GOD that he would make it known to others.

I recall a young man who received CHRIST as his Savior, about two years ago, shouted as he left the building, “I have been saved!”Coupled with that exclamation was a countenance of unspeakable joy. CHRIST became real to him that day and it was overwhelming. Not all people have this same experience but if anyone asks CHRIST to forgive him or her for their sins and for HIM to come into their lives, HE does. Doing so results in the miracle of rebirth into GOD’S family. The person is born-again as GOD’S Son or Daughter into GOD’S kingdom with all the rights and privileges that go with being born into the Royal Family of GOD. His or Her citizenship is now in heaven, never to be taken away. Now that is something to get excited about!

The promise GOD made to King David appeared to have been terminated because there was no physical heir on his throne. Yet, the psalm writer had the utmost confidence in GOD and HIS promise to David.

The heavens were considered the immutable display for GOD’S eternal sovereignty and the psalm writer’s trust was in GOD and not what appeared to be a contradiction of HIS Word.

We know, in time, GOD’S promise to King David was fulfilled in the birth of the LORD JESUS. The psalmist trusted in GOD’S promise even though he did not physically see it. 

Do we have such a relationship with GOD? Do we doubt HIM when things do not go as we think they should? We must practice in the dark what we learn in the light.

The psalmist continued.

Let’s read Psalm 89:5-8:

5 Lord, the heavens praise Your wonders- Your faithfulness also- in the assembly of the holy ones.

6 For who in the skies can compare with the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord?

7 God is greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, more awe-inspiring than all who surround Him.

8 Lord God of Hosts, who is strong like You, Lord? Your faithfulness surrounds You.

Again, the psalmist referred to the consistency, order and awesomeness of the heavens and the angels, holy ones, who reflect and know of GOD’S presence and power.

When you view all of nature which surrounds us, is your heart drawn to the reality of GOD’S awesome handiwork and HIS love for the human race that HE created such a magnificent place for us to live until we escape human existence? One day every human will exit their earth suit, human body, and go into eternity. Those who accept CHRIST as their Savior will enter heaven to be eternally with GOD and CHRIST. Those who reject CHRIST will exit their earth suits and enter into eternity without GOD.

Oh, some may say, “So what if I go into eternity not believing there is a loving GOD!” When you exit your earth suit, you will know without question the reality of the One True GOD and Father of our Lord JESUS and that you rejected HIM. Please accept CHRIST as your Savior while there is still time.

The psalmist asked three questions regarding GOD:

-         For who in the skies can compare with the Lord?

-         Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord?

-         Lord God of Hosts, who is strong like You, Lord? 

The answers to the three questions are “No One!” These questions and the answers reflect the heart of the psalmist, his relationship and confidence in GOD through relationship. Such experiential knowledge of GOD results in peace and overwhelming joy, which we see in our next scripture.

Let’s read Psalm 89:15-18:

15 Happy are the people who know the joyful shout; Lord, they walk in the light of Your presence.

16 They rejoice in Your name all day long, and they are exalted by Your righteousness.

17 For You are their magnificent strength; by Your favor our horn is exalted.

18 Surely our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.

The psalmist relates having an intimate, knowing, personal relationship with GOD to overflowing joy and happiness. Those who know the LORD GOD of the universe walk in the light of HIS existence. Light dispels darkness. Those who have this intimate relationship cannot keep quiet but want to shout to others so they may know the truth of GOD’S reality and to express HIS unfathomable love for them.

The word “horn” means power.

The psalmist considered whatever a person, including the king, had achieved was the result of GOD’S power and protection as expressed in the words “horn” and “shield.”

Psalm 46:1:

1 God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.

GOD is faithful in every circumstance. 

Do you have such a relationship with GOD through CHRIST? If not, ask CHRIST to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life now. For today is the day of salvation! Blessings!!!