Bible Study

Bible Study - Christ the Center - Center of My Church - Colossians 1 - February 12, 2012

2012-02-10T16:36:00.000-05:00

Bible Study – Center – Center of My Church – February 12, 2012

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Christ The Center.”

Our scripture is Colossians 1: 24-2:7.

Is CHRIST the center of your life? Is HE the center of your church? Step one is CHRIST in you and for HIM to be the center of your life. You can control whether or not CHRIST is the center of your life but it is more difficult to control whether or not HE is the center of the leadership of your church. There is the brick and mortar church building, which is a meeting house. It is those who meet there that constitute the church body. Within that body is a mix of all sorts of people, most of who meet in order to grow and mature in CHRIST.

In the ideal church, CHRIST must be the center of everyone in the hierarchy of the church, which begins with the pastor and all its leaders, teachers, staff, born-again believers/members. Most often, tradition overrules the leadership of the Holy Spirit because to some members the church becomes their fiefdom (Sphere of activity that is controlled or dominated by a particular person or group.). The human hierarchy wants to control what happens within the church. Certain control is necessary and action taken to ensure that the Gospel is being taught as revealed in the Bible and followed.

Several years ago, our church conducted a survey based on a book entitled “Natural Church Development.” The idea is for the church to grow and mature through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. The survey is designed to highlight areas that need to be focused upon. Our pastor introduced me to the book. My first reaction was, “That is all we need, another program.” I finally read the book and found the concept interesting and worth pursing. Our church conducted the survey, got the results, which highlighted the areas that we needed to address, but it was never implemented. Therefore, I do not have any experience with how it might work once implemented. If you are interested you can contact dwetzler@churchsmart.com.

Let’s read Colossians 1:24-27:

Paul’s Ministry

²⁴ Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for His body, that is, the church. ²⁵ I have become its minister, according to God’s administration that was given to me for you, to make God’s message fully known, ²⁶ the • mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints. ²⁷ God wanted to make known to those among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this • mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

What on earth was Paul saying? Did he mean that CHRIST’S passion was not sufficient for salvation? NO!!! CHRIST gave HIS life to pay the penalty for sin and all who would acknowledge that by asking CHRIST to forgive them for their sins and for HIM to come into their lives, receive salvation and all that comes with salvation – eternal life, being born into GOD’S family, citizenship in heaven, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and much more. So what was Paul saying?

CHRIST’S passion was complete; both sin and death were conquered. The proof was HIS resurrection. This was only the beginning process of GOD’S plan, which GOD kept a mystery for a purpose.

First Corinthians 2: 7-8 gives us some insight why GOD kept it secret until the right moment - - ⁷ But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: ⁸ Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

The cross was a mystery but more importantly the message of salvation had to be delivered to each person upon earth. That would be a daunting task. GOD’S plan was further revealed in John 14:26: (JESUS was speaking)

25 “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father will send Him in My name—will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.

CHRIST had to ascend back into heaven, sit at the right hand of The Father before The Father could send the Holy Spirit to earth to indwell those who accepted CHRIST as their Savior. The plan was for those who received CHRIST as their Savior to receive the Spirit of GOD and become HIS Children through the miracle of rebirth. They would be empowered, enlightened and sealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit and would be HIS witnesses throughout the world!!! Now that is a plan. The Holy Spirit would teach and empower all Christians – Acts 1:8 (JESUS is speaking) - 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends[2] Lit the end of the earth.”

CHRIST suffered, gave HIS life and was resurrected. Now Paul was carrying out GOD’S intended plan of establishing Christians groups, which we call churches, for the purpose of learning, teaching, growing, maturing and spreading the Gospel of CHRIST. He was carrying out GOD’S plan. He was suffering but rejoicing in his suffering because he knew the reality of GOD’S plan and his final destination was heaven to be with CHRIST and GOD for all eternity.

He was spreading the Good News of salvation through CHRIST, as he was led and empowered by the Holy Spirit and establishing the living church. He knew that the message of salvation was for all who would receive CHRIST as their Savior. This joyful suffering was not just reserved for Paul because every Christian is commissioned to take the message of salvation through CHRIST, to the world.

This does not mean that a Christian has to travel to distant lands because the world begins where ever a person is, at any given moment. It begins at home, work, school, gym, social life, traveling or any place where we are. There are special callings for some to go to specific places but GOD calls and issues the invitation to go. But all Christians are called to obediently serve HIM. Christians are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. We contain the living water that quenches the thirst of those seeking a new life in CHRIST. How do you know where to serve? Dr. Henry Blackaby put it best, “When you see GOD at work around you that is your invitation to adjust your life and to join HIM.” The essence of this statement can be found in the book entitled “Experiencing God, Knowing and Doing the Will of God” written by Dr. Henry T. Blackaby and Dr. Claude V. King and published by LifeWay Church Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175 and available at LifeWay Stores. I recommend using the kit that contains DVD’S of Dr. Blackaby’s lectures along with the study.

Since the Israelites were GOD’S chosen and CHRIST being born a Jew, the revelations and prophesies given from GOD to the prophets regarding the coming Messiah, as recorded and kept in the Jewish scriptures, it would be easy to conclude that salvation was for the Jews. Paul was saying that he had been called to carry the message of salvation to all peoples, especially the Gentiles. Jews, as well as, Gentiles or anyone that acknowledged CHRIST as his/her Savior would receive salvation and become a living stone in the body of true believers, the living church. Yes, there is the physical structure called the church but the true church is made up of those truly born-again in their Spirit by the Spirit of GOD.

Paul had been called by GOD to take the message of salvation through CHRIST, to the Gentiles. This was GOD’S plan all along but it was hidden. Now it has been revealed to all who would accept CHRIST as his/her Savior. When a person receives salvation he/she in turn is to share the message of Salvation with anyone, as led by the Holy Spirit, regardless of nationality, race, color, gender, etc.

The great mystery was and is “CHRIST in you, the hope of glory!” As we have studied, it is CHRIST in you that made you a Christian. Salvation is nothing more and nothing less than, “CHRIST in you the hope of glory!!!” Christians do not have to say to a person seeking CHRIST, “Go over to this place or to that place or do so-and-so and you will find CHRIST.” No!!! Christians have the living, resurrected CHRIST dwelling in them. Christians have the light and are the light. That is GOD’S plan. Let others see CHRIST in you. It is an awesome responsibility but it is GOD’S plan.

Consider that GOD’S Spirit is the sperm and your spirit is the egg. Once you ask CHRIST to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life, GOD’S Spirit, the divine Sperm, unites with your spirit the egg, and a miracle takes place in an instant. You are born-again in your Spirit. Just as the union of the sperm and the egg came together which created you can never be undone, the same is true when GOD’S Spirit unites with your spirit. The miracle of rebirth is a mystery and once you have been born-again in your spirit, the fact that you are GOD’S child will never change. Oh, Christians can disappoint GOD and fail to be obedient to HIS call and HIS desire for them to grow and mature Spiritually but the fact is those truly born of HIS Spirit will never lose their salvation.

Paul had a great desire and zeal to let ever person he came in contact with to know JESUS CHRIST as his/her Savior. You can read the enthusiasm in the words that he wrote. CHRIST in you confirms the fact that you are GOD’S child. Romans 8:16 - 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,

Remember 1 Corinthians 3:11-16:

11 because no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid—that is, Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become obvious, for the day[4] The Day of Christ’s judgment of believers will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire.[5] Lit yet so as through fire 16 Don’t you know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17 If anyone ruins God’s sanctuary, God will ruin him; for God’s sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are.

Let’s read Colossians 1:28-2:3:

28 We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me.

1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person. 2 [I want]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding, and have the knowledge of God’s • mystery—Christ.[1] Other mss read ; other ms variations exist on this v. 3 In Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.

It is clear Paul knew CHRIST intimately and it was his heart’s desire for Christians to know CHRIST, grow in HIM and be Spiritually mature. CHRIST is the center of all things. HE is preeminent and when this fact consumes your being, then nothing matters except obediently serving HIM. HE is the center and embodiment of all wisdom.

Paul’s desire was for the unity of all Christians. Unity results in the strongest Christian bonds – encouragement and love for one another. Unity in the Holy Spirit provides an environment which mines the Spiritual riches of assured understanding and knowledge of GOD’S mystery, which is discovering the fullness and sufficiency of CHRIST. The treasure of wisdom and knowledge is hidden in CHRIST. Do you desire wisdom and knowledge? Then commit your life to CHRIST and let the indwelling Holy Spirit teach you.

Although Paul had never been to Colosse or Laodicea, he had a heart for the Christians there. When we know CHRIST as the truth, it is our desire for all to know HIM and our hearts are bonded to those who are called to serve HIM whether we have ever met them or not. Christians are brothers and sisters in CHRIST because GOD is their Father.

Let’s read Colossians 2:4-7:

Christ versus the Colossian Heresy

⁴ I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments. ⁵ For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the strength of your faith in Christ. ⁶ Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, • walk in Him, ⁷ rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Paul wanted the Christians in Colosse to remain firmly rooted in the truth of the Gospel. The church had been infiltrated with those who wanted to add to the Gospel. CHRIST is sufficient for the salvation of all who would believe in HIM. Paul did not want them to be led astray by deceptive words of human logic.

Paul was physically in prison but he was with them in spirit and his desire was for them to have an intimate loving relationship with CHRIST. In essence he was saying, you have received CHRIST now put into action what you know by walking with complete trust and confidence that you are serving the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Walking carries the idea of lifestyle. When a Christian knows who CHRIST is and the power HE has, then serving HIM with complete trust and confidence is a given truth.

Paul referred to being rooted and building upon the foundation of CHRIST and what they had been taught. The roots of thriving plants need to have their roots extending to the water for nourishment. When plants are nourished, they grow. Christians need to have their Spiritual roots extending to the living water of CHRIST and then, as they are led by the Holy Spirit, they build upon the foundation of CHRIST, which is CHRIST in you, the hope of glory. Being rooted in CHRIST, results in a lifestyle that depends upon the leadership of the Holy Spirit. A lifestyle dependent upon the leadership of the Holy Spirit results in building the right relationship with CHRIST.

In pondering what I think Paul was trying to convey to fellow Christians was the fullness of CHRIST that he had discovered during his walk with CHRIST. It is much like you trying to tell someone about the most exhilarating thing you have ever witnessed or experienced in your life – a sunrise, a sunset, a scene in nature, a song, a painting, a poem, a mother’s love, a father’s love, a child’s love, a new born baby, music and the list goes on. Now, try to tell someone about that experience. Mere words fall short of all that you experienced. Walking with CHRIST, building trust in HIM, gaining confidence in HIM and experiencing HIS presence in you is impossible to put into words because it embraces so many emotions and assurances of HIS reality. It is a Spiritual experience and becomes reality in the eyes of your heart, which is deep within you as a born-again believer. You have to experience it to understand it. CHRIST in you, the hope of glory.

Embrace this reality by asking HIM to take you as you are and to make out of you what HE wants you to be. Blessings and joy as you walk with HIM as your Savior building a loving, intimate relationship with HIM.

Bible Study - Christ the Center - Center of Everything - Colossians 1 - February 5, 2012

2012-02-03T09:45:00.000-05:00

Bible Study – CHRIST the Center – Center of Everything – February 5, 2012

This is lesson one (1) in our new series entitled “CHRIST The Center.”

Our focus scripture for this lesson is Colossians 1:9-23.

All of our lessons for this month will focus on Paul’s letter to the Christians in Colosse.

Our series of study will explore the centrality, sufficiency and preeminence of CHRIST in all things. The Christians in Colosse had the truth but some people had infiltrated their church and were trying to add to that truth.

In our society, we see many people who are turned off by the organized church. It is easy for the brick and mortar churches to come under attack because they all are filled with a blend of people. Some are true born-again mature Christians, some are non-Christians who are seeking truth, some are new Christians building a relationship with CHRIST, some are playing the game and posing as Christians for various reasons – social reasons, to meet the man or woman of their dreams, business reasons, political reasons and the list goes on. Some Churches’ ministers preach safe messages and have blocked the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Many Christians have placed the Holy Spirit in a box and put the lid on. We only speak of the Holy Spirit in safe company and fail to rely upon the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Christian churches may not be all they need to be but even when the Bible is read, taught and preached, it will produce results. GOD’S Word is powerful and produces results. Christians must know GOD’S Word to be able to discern truth from error. If a Christian hears error being taught, it may be time to confront the pastor or teacher or move to another place to hear truth taught.

Spiritual growth, with its ups and downs, is part of the sanctification process. Sanctification is the process of bringing Christians’ flesh nature, which they inherited from Adam, Eve and all their ancestors, under the control and authority of GOD. Christians will never be perfect as long as they are tethered to their physical bodies. Yet, GOD’S goal for every Christian is for them to be made in the image of HIS SON, JESUS. This is accomplished through the renewing of the Christian’s mind provided he/she is willing. GOD never overrides our right to choose.

Our study focuses on the preeminence of CHRIST. GOD put HIM in charge of all things. HE is The Truth which many people search for through all sorts of avenues – religions, meditation, doing things, denying themselves, self-sacrifices and the list goes on. Once a person takes that step of faith by accepting CHRIST as his/her Savior, then truth is confirmed in the eyes of their hearts and becomes a reality. The passion of CHRIST begins to make sense because the born from above believer has been moved from the darkness of living in sin to walking in HIS marvelous light. CHRIST is the light of the world and there is no darkness in HIM.

Let’s read Colossians 1:1-8: (Lead-in to our focus scripture.)

Greeting

¹ Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our^[1] brother: ² To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ in Colossae. Grace to you and peace from God our Father.^[2]

The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Colosse from prison in Rome. This letter was written during Paul’s first imprisonment. Timothy was there with him. Paul mentions Epaphras who had introduced the gospel to the Colossians and most likely founded the church in Colosse. Epaphras had visited him in prison. Some believe that Timothy may have been writing the letter while Paul dictated it.

Epaphras had given Paul and Timothy an update on the church in Colosse. It was a good report regarding their faithfulness in serving CHRIST but the church had been infiltrated by those who were distorting the gospel. Paul responded to this concern in this letter to the Christians in Colosse. He needed to remind them of the basic fundamentals of the Christian faith, which had not changed.

Paul asked Tychicus and Onesimus to deliver this letter along with two (2) other letters that he had written. One was to the Christians in the church at Ephesus and the other to Philemon. (Onesimus was a slave that belonged to Philemon but had run away. Paul led him to CHRIST and talked him into returning to Philemon.)

Why Beliefs Matter.

Thanksgiving

³ We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, ⁴ for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints ⁵ because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You have already heard about [this hope]^*in the message of truth, the gospel ⁶ that has come to you. It is bearing fruit and growing all over the world, just as it has among you since the day you heard it and recognized God’s grace in the truth.^[3] ⁷ You learned this from Epaphras, our much loved fellow slave. He is a faithful minister of the • Messiah on your^[4] behalf, ⁸ and he has told us about your love in the Spirit.

“We” in verse 3 likely referred to Paul, Timothy and Epaphras. Paul did not put them down for being infiltrated but he was presenting truth and truth exposes error. Paul reminded the Christians in Colosse that the gospel of CHRIST, which is truth, had not changed. It was the same as they had received from Epaphras. In fact, this same gospel was spreading all over the world and changing lives.

The church in Colosse had been infiltrated by those who had attempted to blend paganism and secular philosophy with Christian doctrine. In essence, those who had infiltrated the church were saying that having a personal relationship with CHRIST through faith was not sufficient for salvation. A person needed to do more. People are always trying to add something to Christianity. Salvation is simple, yet so hard for many to take that step of faith needed to receive it. The Gnostics thought that knowledge was required to lead a person to enlightenment. GOD’S plan is faith. GOD does not rule out study and gaining knowledge. Study is important. Study combined with the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit goes beyond human ability to comprehend and understand.

What makes a person a Christian? It is his/her faith in CHRIST. It is a person believing and accepting the fact that CHRIST gave HIS life for him/her to pay the debt for sin. GOD set the penalty to pay the sin debt, which was death. I used to argue with GOD. I asked HIM, “Why couldn’t I die for my own sins?” HE said, “You don’t qualify because I demand a perfect sacrifice but whereas you don’t qualify, MY SON JESUS does and HE died for you. Can you accept that?” I could not argue with that. Many of us try to work out our own way to salvation.

It is impossible for a person to earn the right to become a Christian through good deeds and works. The very best in any human is not good enough for a person to be acceptable to GOD. Isaiah 64:6a - ⁶ But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; HE demands absolute perfection. Whereas no human measures up to GOD’S standard of perfection, HIS only SON, JESUS, does. JESUS was born as a human, lived upon earth, tempted in all ways as we are, yet remained sinless and gave HIS sinless life as a sacrifice for the sins of all who would believe upon HIM. When a person asks CHRIST to forgive him/her for his/her sins and asks HIM to come into his/her life, HE does. CHRIST in you is what makes you a Christian, not the church or the Christian organization you may join. When you accept CHRIST as your Savior, you experience the miracle of rebirth. You have been born into GOD’S family. You have become, in that instant, GOD’S Son or Daughter and nothing you will ever do will change that fact.

Salvation is the beginning process of sanctification, which lasts a lifetime. Christians choose to what extent they want to grow Spiritually. A Christian needs to grow through Bible study, prayer, finding a place of worship where truth is taught and yielding their will to the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Being a Christian never takes away his/her right to choose. Our flesh wants to rule and wars against our born-again Spirit. GOD’S desire is to remake us through the renewing of our minds by getting to know HIM, building the right relationship with Him and obediently serving HIM. This is an awesome journey. Yes, you will have some tough times. I have found it is often during those times are times of greatest Spiritual growth.

Paul was reminding the Christians in Colosse to recall the fundamentals of the Christian faith that they had learned from Epaphras. There are times in our journey that we have to be reminded of the basics of Christian fundamentals.

Let’s read Colossians 1:9-12: (Why Beliefs Matter Continues)

Prayer for Spiritual Growth

⁹ For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, ¹⁰ so that you may • walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing [to Him]^*, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. ¹¹ May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy ¹² giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you^[5] to share in the saints’^[6] inheritance in the light.

Since the moment that Epaphras had given Paul and Timothy the report regarding the Spiritual growth and the problems the Christians in Colosse were facing, they had been in constant prayer for them. The substance of their prayers was for them to be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” The reason they were praying so specific was “so that you may • walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing [to Him]^*, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.”

The pursuit of knowledge was the hallmark of the Gnostics. Pursuing knowledge for the sake of gaining knowledge did not lead one to truth. The Christians in Colosse had found truth in CHRIST and they needed to walk worthy of that knowledge in complete confidence as GOD’S child.

How does a Christian measure their walk with GOD? Paul gave us a clue. Are we bearing fruit and growing in knowledge of GOD? When Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, their eyes were opened. They made a choice between allowing GOD to be the authority in their lives and allowing their flesh to rule their lives. They chose to follow the desires of the flesh. Their flesh nature needed to be brought under the authority of GOD. We inherited this flesh nature. All humans need to be brought under the authority of GOD but it is their choice. The only way this could be done since the fall of mankind is through an extreme makeover. This is why salvation results in the miracle of rebirth when a person accepts CHRIST as his/her Savior, but what about Adam and Eve? The coming of CHRIST was thousands of years away.

Some Bible scholars believe when GOD fashioned clothing for Adam and Eve made out of animal skins that it was the first animal sacrifice and shedding of blood due to sin. Could it be that this shed blood was a place holder for them until CHRIST gave HIS life for the remission of sins?

Genesis 3:21 - 21 The Lord God made clothing out of skins for Adam and his wife.

Those before CHRIST, through faith, were looking forward to HIS coming, the forgiveness of their sins and redemption from sin. Christians, since the passion of CHRIST, through faith, are looking back to the cross. Christians have the added assurance, power and confirmation of the indwelling Holy Spirit in their lives. Therefore, Christians can walk with GOD with great assurance that their final destination is heaven.

So why don’t Christians walk with this great confidence? Often, it is out of fear and lack of trust. It boils down to not having the right relationship with CHRIST. We depend upon our intellect to figure it out and fail to step when GOD leads us to take a step of faith to serve HIM. How do I know? It is because I have been there. It is impossible to figure it out. If that is where you are, take a step of faith and place yourself completely in the hands of CHRIST. Then ask HIM to be the strength of your life and to lead and direct your life.

As Christians, when we have been born-again and experienced the miracle of rebirth, that is only the beginning of our walk with GOD. HE wants HIS children to bear fruit and grow in knowledge of HIM through worship, study of HIS Word, prayer and faithful service. But it is service as HE leads us, not what we decide to do for HIM.

Knowing Who CHRIST Is Vital to all Christians.

Let’s read Colossians 1:15-20:

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation;[8] The One who is preeminent over all creation 16 because by Him everything was created, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together. 18 He is also the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He might come to have first place in everything. 19 For God was pleased [to have]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. all His fullness[9] Eph 3:19 dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross[10] Other mss add through Him — whether things on earth or things in heaven.

Paul was reminding the Christians in Colosse of the preeminence and centrality of CHRIST in everything. He began with the fact that JESUS was the exact image of GOD. When you see JESUS, you see GOD. As you may recall JESUS’ disciple Phillip asked JESUS to show him the FATHER. JESUS’ response was captured in John 14:8-11:

8 “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me?[5] Jn 10:30,38 The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe[6] Other mss read believe Me because of the works themselves.

Paul referred to CHRIST as being the “firstborn.” Bible scholars believe that was a metaphor for “preeminent one.” We know that CHRIST was present with GOD before the world was created. We know that according to scripture that CHRIST was the creator and has always existed. The reference to “firstborn” was used in verse 18 means that since HE conquered death, HE is preeminent over death. HE was the first to be resurrected as proof that HE paid the penalty for sin because HE conquered death.

Paul continued with statements supporting and reminding the Christians in Colosse that CHRIST created all things both seen and unseen. CHRIST is GOD and HE holds all things together. The order of the universe and earth are under HIS control. HE is the head of the true church, the body of believers. This is not the brick and mortar churches but the true body of believers.

GOD, The Father, was pleased to be one with CHRIST and gave HIM full control because HE reconciled everything by giving HIS life. Through the shedding of HIS blood to once and forever break the barrier that sin had placed between GOD and the world, JESUS opened the path for the all to be reconciled with GOD. Just as Adam and Eve made a decision to disobey GOD, all humans must make a decision to accept GOD’S provision for redemption and complete salvation, which is accepting CHRIST as their Savior. Salvation restores a person as GOD’S Son or Daughter and makes him/her complete.

CHRIST reconciled everything on earth and in heaven through HIS obedience and giving HIS life for the remission of sins. HE gave HIS life because HE loves every person but the choice is up to each person whether or not he/she accepts HIM as his/her Savior.

What CHRIST Has Done.

Let’s read Colossians 1:13-14, 21-23:

13 He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, 14 in whom we have redemption,[7] Other mss add through His blood the forgiveness of sins.

Only Christians understand what it means by being rescued from darkness and transferred into the kingdom of CHRIST. CHRIST gave HIS sinless life to pay the penalty for sin, which was death. CHRIST redeemed all who believe in HIM from sin and death. All are redeemed from darkness and transferred into the light of the kingdom of CHRIST.

Let’s read Colossians 1:21-23:

21 And you were once alienated and hostile in mind because of your evil actions. 22 But now He has reconciled you by His physical body[11] His body of flesh on the cross through His death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before Him— 23 if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith, and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard. [This gospel]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become a minister of it.

Paul admonished the Christians in Colosse to remember who they were before they received CHRIST as their Savior and to recall the lifestyle they were living. They were alienated and hostile to the things of GOD and walked as evil people in darkness. Through the passion of CHRIST, all who believe in HIM have been reconciled to GOD. Since they had asked CHRIST to forgive them for their sins and for HIM to come into their lives, they have direct access to GOD. This direct access to GOD was only the result of CHRIST paying the penalty for sin through HIS shed blood and death. GOD declares all who accept CHRIST as their Savior to be righteous and gives them the gifts of eternal life and HIS grace.

In verse 23, Paul used the word “if.” The word “if” seems to indicate that Christians can lose their salvation. It means just the opposite. When a person is truly born-again and not playing the game of being a Christian, he/she will never change the fact that he/she is GOD’S child.

Christians can lose their rewards for not being obedient but they will never lose their salvation. Those who are led away from the Gospel have never experienced the miracle of the rebirth. People can act like Christians and say all the right words but have never been born-again and the sad thing is they know it. GOD never plays gotcha. HIS Spirit always knocks on the door of the hearts of all who need salvation. But people can resist HIM to the point that their hearts become hard and they cannot sense HIS urging. HE will send many to witness to them. Don’t let that happen to you. Ask CHRIST to forgive you and ask HIM to come into your life right now. HE will and HE will never leave you or forsake you. Please become HIS child by asking CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and to come into life right now or if you have not been living the abundant Christian life, confess it and ask HIM to restore the joy of your salvation.

Bible Study - Going Right - Giving in a Greedy Culture - Deuteronomy 15 and 24 - January 29, 2012

2012-01-24T11:03:00.001-05:00

Bible Study – Going Right – Giving in a Greedy Culture – January 29, 2012

This is our final lesson in our series entitled “Going Right in a Culture Gone Wrong.”

Our scripture is Deuteronomy 15:7-11; 24:10-15, 17-18.

Our lesson this week focuses on giving. Our thoughts generally go to giving of our material resources. But we can share things other than our material wealth. We can share our time, our talents such as cooking, sewing, baking, repairing various things, managing our resources and the list goes on. But the greatest gift we can share with others is salvation through JESUS CHRIST.

We receive many requests for financial help from many organizations every year and we must pray and decide which we will support and those we will not support.

This lesson will reflect much of my journey with giving and managing resources. This is a very delicate area in the lives of many:

- We can give from a heart that has been made perfect through the renewing of our minds through our relationship with CHRIST and the indwelling Holy Spirit. This does not mean that we give to everything that comes along. But we seek to give as led by the Holy Spirit. Even here, we often give because we have always given to such and such until we allow the Spirit to rule our flesh through the process of sanctification. Faith is a gift and so is making money. Each person must take a step of faith to receive CHRIST as his/her Savior. But there is another kind of faith that GOD gives after we become Christians. GOD gifts some Christians to step out in faith. HE gifts some Christians to give all of their wealth and to live by faith. We hear stories where Christians have been called to either live on faith or to give all and live by faith. The caution is for Christians not to step out on their own faith without being called to do so. It is very important that Christians are led to step out in faith. I learned this the hard way. I wanted to have a wonderful story to be able to tell. It was an oblique way of testing the LORD. I did and things did not work according to my plan. So, I had to struggle with why, which usually brings up the question of that my faith must have not strong enough. Then GOD teaches us that it is not our faith brings about what we want to take place but it is faith in HIM. GOD can do all things and HE will when it is according to HIS will and purpose. That is why we must build the right relationship with HIM. HE allows us to test HIM to teach us because it helps us separate truth from error and false notions. HE often refines our relationship with HIM by fire, according to the way HE knows what will teach us and open our eyes to truth. Christians need to allow HIM, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to perfect them according to HIS will and purpose. It is like being a pen in the hand of a writer. As a pen, our role is to be available to the writer to write what HE chooses. It is often a struggle for the pen (us) to submit to the writer (GOD) and let HIM be the author. That is when we see that GOD can write something far more precious than we ever dreamed possible.

- Christians can walk in the flesh and we can give out of obligation or peer pressure. Some non-Christians attempt to play like Christians or attempt to earn their way to heaven by giving. Often in either situation the person does not give from a joyful heart.

- We can give in hopes of getting. The Bible is very clear that those who give cannot out give the generosity of GOD. So giving is a good investment strategy. But what does that reveal about our heart and motive. When our heart and motives for giving are pure before GOD, HIS grace does abound.

Giving is a reflection of our heart. Giving will not earn our way to heaven. Obedient giving will earn Christians rewards. We saw in last week’s lesson that Cornelius was seeking a personal relationship with GOD through the things he was doing. GOD saw his heart and brought Peter into his life who would present truth to him, which is the gospel of CHRIST. By Cornelius accepting CHRIST as his Savior, he would have this personal relationship with GOD that he was seeking. All Christians know the truth and have the light that leads to salvation, which is CHRIST. GOD calls us to respond to the needs of others but we must be available and willing for HIM to use us. Peter’s traditions were a barrier for him to minister to the Gentiles until GOD revealed that stumbling block in his life. He had to be willing to give it up to obediently minister and expand his boundaries.

Our scripture is taken from the Old Testament and focuses on GOD’S guidance regarding giving and lending to those in need. This was directed to the Israelites after they entered the Promised Land, the land of plenty. Some would be prosperous and others would not. GOD wanted those who prospered to help those who had not. It was not welfare because on the receiving end were to pay back to those who were helping them. It was an interest free loan.

This lesson could be titled "Being Poor With Diginity" but it is more than being materially poor. It includes being Spiritually poor.

Let’s read Deuteronomy 15:7-11: Lending to the Poor

⁷ “If there is a poor person among you, one of your brothers within any of your gates in the land the Lord your God is giving you, you must not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. ⁸ Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him enough for whatever need he has. ⁹ Be careful that there isn’t this wicked thought in your heart, ‘The seventh year, the year of canceling debts, is near,’ and you are stingy toward your poor brother and give him [nothing]^*. He will cry out to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty. ¹⁰ Give to him, and don’t have a stingy heart^[3] when you give, and because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you do.^[4] ¹¹ For there will never cease to be poor people in the land;^[5] that is why I am commanding you, ‘You must willingly open your hand to your afflicted and poor brother in your land.’

GOD was instructing how Godly people are to respond to the needs of others. When we see a need we are to respond. Here it is very important that what we see and discern what we see. What resonates in our hearts regarding this needy person prompts us to either act or not. In that process there are all sorts of filters – what will this person do with what I give to him/her? Are they using the system to avoid working? In last week’s study, Peter had to deal with prejudice based upon his religious heritage. We have to know where we are coming from and what triggers our thought process. This is why GOD needs to search our hearts and reveal the things that are barriers to our obedient response to both Spiritual and physical needs.

As we study this scripture, we will consider that the poor mentioned in our scripture are in genuine need and are not milking the system. Our scripture provides guidelines for us to consider when helping those in need.

The scripture mentions that those giving should examine their heart and their motives when deciding to give and how much to give. According to Jewish law every seventh year debts were to be cancelled. This was referred to as the Sabbatical Year and is a fixed year according to the Jewish calendar. Therefore, lenders aware of this law were not to let that cause them to lend less than they would do otherwise. Jewish law also had the Year of Jubilee which was the fiftieth year or the year after seven Sabbatical years, when slaves were to be set free. Deuteronomy 15:12-18 addresses freeing servants who sell themselves and serve for six years.

Verse 10 gives us a promise, that when we obediently respond to genuine needs, GOD will bless all that we do. This could be with material resources or any way HE chooses. We need to keep in mind that GOD will not give us something that will harm us. JESUS made this clear in Matthew 7:10-12:

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.[8]

GOD made it clear that the poor will always be around us. How we respond to the needs of the poor reflects our hearts. Notice, I used the word needs. In my opinion, it is far better to teach the poor how to fish than to feed them. This is to teach them to be independent of the system. Most people want to be independent and provide for themselves and their loved ones rather than depend on the system. But there are others that want to live off the system. The Bible is clear that those who are able to work should work – Genesis 2:15 - 15 The Lord God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and watch over it. Proverbs 14:23 - 23 There is profit in all hard work, but endless talk[22] Lit but word of lips leads only to poverty.[23]

Pr 21:5 When capitalized, the Law and the Prophets = the OT

Let’s read Deuteronomy 24:10-15: Consideration for People in Need

¹⁰ “When you make a loan of any kind to your neighbor, do not enter his house to collect what he offers as security. ¹¹ You must stand outside while the man you are making the loan to brings the security out to you. ¹² If he is a poor man, you must not sleep in [the garment]^*he has given as security. ¹³ Be sure to return it^[5] to him at sunset. Then he will sleep in it and bless you, and this will be counted as righteousness to you before the Lord your God.^[6]¹⁴ “Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether one of your brothers or one of the foreigners residing within a town^[7] in your land. ¹⁵ You are to pay him his wages each day before the sun sets, because he is poor and depends on them.^[8] Otherwise he will cry out to the Lord against you, and you will be held guilty.

GOD gave guidelines to those who lend money to the poor. What a contrast to how it is done today. GOD said to respect the poor person’s property. Do not go into the poor person’s home and take what you want for security. Let the poor person choose.

It was customary for a poor person to give their cloak as collateral for a loan. They used their cloak as a blanket at night to keep them warm. Therefore, the lender had to return the poor person’s cloak before sundown so they could use it to keep warm during the night. This but was a burden on the lender therefore the lender would rather get something else of value for collateral. If the lender did not obey this command they were accountable to GOD.

This law applied to the Jew or to the Gentile (foreigner) that was lent money.

Those who had hired hands, who where poor and needy, were to pay them their wages before the sun set because they needed it and depended upon it. It was the right thing to do because GOD had blessed them and did not withhold blessings from them. If you wanted the wrath to come down on you, then ignore this law.

Let’s read Deuteronomy 24:17-18:

17 Do not deny justice to a foreign resident [or]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. fatherless child, and do not take a widow’s garment as security. 18 Remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. Therefore I am commanding you to do this.

GOD instructs those with influence and material means not to take advantage of the Gentiles, orphans or widows. HE admonishes them to consider that they were once in bondage and slavery in Egypt and GOD redeemed them from a situation that they were helpless to redeem themselves from. Therefore, just as GOD showed HIS mercy and grace toward them, they, in turn, should show mercy and grace towards those who are in helpless situations.

As we studied in our previous lessons, GOD knows our genetic structure and our DNA. HE is rebuilding and rewiring us through the renewing of our minds through our relationship with CHRIST and the indwelling Holy Spirit. This is being achieved through the process of sanctification. HIS goal is for every Christian to be made into the image of HIS ONLY SON, JESUS. When we see HIM we will be like HIM. First John 3:2 - 2 Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him as He is.

The love of GOD abounds to mankind through CHRIST. When we consider that CHRIST redeemed us from a debt that we cannot pay, it should cause us to pause and consider our fellow human beings.

Colossians 2:14 - 14 He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the cross.

Christians have the light of CHRIST in them and have been redeemed from certain death. They are surrounded by so many who are in Spiritual poverty and are in desperate need of salvation. Share your Spiritual wealth with them as you minister to their physical needs, as led by the Holy Spirit. Blessings and May all grace abound as you grow in HIM and obediently serve HIM.

Bible Study - Going Right - Loving in a Divided Culture - Acts 10 - January 22, 2012

2012-01-19T16:52:00.000-05:00

Bible Study – Going Right – Loving in a Divided Culture – January 22, 2012

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Going Right in a World Gone Wrong.”

Our scripture is Acts 10:9-15, 22-23, 28-29a, 34-36.

The last three (3) lessons have focused on us as a human but more importantly us as a Christian human. GOD chose to make Adam and Eve. They had no choice. Neither did any of us have a choice in our creation. But GOD in HIS foreknowledge knew when, where and to whom we would be born. HE has a plan and a purpose for each person who chooses to become complete by accepting CHRIST as his/her Savior and allowing HIM through the Holy Spirit to lead and guide him or her. The born-again Spirit lives eternally with GOD but those not accepting CHRIST as their Savior refuse the gift of the rebirth of their spirit and live eternally separated from GOD, which is death.

When we see that we had no choice in when, where or to whom we would be born and how blessed we are to live in a miracle called the body, we should not look down on anyone. Most of us do not look down on others because of their race, color, national or ethnic background or the way they look. It is by the grace of GOD that we are who we are but our attitude can help define us as a person. Our genetic structure and environment help shape our characteristics. We can be different through determination but real permanent change can only occur through the renewing of our minds which is accomplished through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Our prejudice can be a stumbling block to obediently serving the LORD. We see this potential in our focus scripture.

This is why we must be honest before GOD and reveal our hearts to him which includes any prejudices and hang-ups that we have. We are to ask HIM to search our hearts to reveal the hidden things that need to be brought to the forefront of our minds to be worked upon. Committing our lives to GOD can be a scary thing for many of us because HE may ask us to do something that we fear or might be beyond our ability. It is very likely that HE will challenge us but the beauty is that HE equips and prepares those who are willing to obediently follow HIM. If we feel this way, our part is to confess this fear to HIM and ask HIM to help us. HE will. I have found that HE gives us baby steps and as we gain confidence and trust in HIM, HE will increase the size of those steps or the size of our territory of service. Trust and confidence are very important as we build a loving, obedient relationship with HIM. HE teaches us trust and confidence as we obediently serve HIM.

Our scripture focuses on the Apostle Peter. This is what I love about the Bible - it tells it like is. Peter walked with JESUS, denied HIM three (3) times, repented, was forgiven and went on to serve our LORD. Our scripture deals with an issue in Peter’s life which prepared him to expand his territory and obediently serve CHRIST. Many Christians have prayed the prayer of Jabez, which is found in 1 Chronicles 4:10 - 10 Jabez called out to the God of Israel: “If only You would bless me, extend my border, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain.”[6] LXX reads And God granted his request. Many of us need to be prepared by GOD before HE can expand our borders or territory. GOD had to prepare Peter before HE could expand his borders. This event occurred about 10-15 years after the ascension of JESUS. Peter was a Jew through and through. Christianity was considered a sect of the Jewish religion and its followers became steeped in the Jewish lifestyle and practices which included circumcision. Peter’s ministry was to present the gospel of CHRIST to Jews.

Let’s read Acts 10:1-8: (This is background which leads into our focus scripture.)

Cornelius’ Vision

¹ There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a • centurion of what was called the Italian • Regiment. ² He was a devout man and feared God along with his whole household. He did many charitable deeds for the [Jewish]^*people and always prayed to God. ³ At about three in the afternoon^[1] he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him, “Cornelius!” ⁴ Looking intently at him, he became afraid and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have come up as a memorial offering before God. ⁵ Now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also named Peter. ⁶ He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” ⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had gone, he called two of his household slaves and a devout soldier, who was one of those who attended him. ⁸ After explaining everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Our background scripture reveals that a centurion named Cornelius was a devout worshiper of the GOD of the Israelites. He was a Gentile and a soldier. He reverenced GOD. Notice that GOD called him by his name. GOD knows each of us by name.

Cornelius was GOD-fearing but we do not know if he belonged to a specific group called the GOD-fearers. This was a group of Gentiles that followed the ways of the synagogue but had not taken the final step of becoming a proselyte of the Jewish religion. The Jews followed three (3) acts of piety which were prayer, fasting and charitable deeds. We see from our scripture that Cornelius was observing two (2) of the three – prayer and charitable deeds.

GOD knew his heart and his desire to serve HIM but he was still lacking that which would make him complete. He needed a personal relationship with CHRIST. Through CHRIST, Cornelius could get to know GOD, grow and mature Spiritually. By accepting CHRIST as his Savior it would make him complete through the miracle of the rebirth and would open the path to personally know GOD. We know that Cornelius’ entire household also worshiped GOD. This likely meant that his slaves also worshipped GOD along with his family. Cornelius was a man who put his faith into action by meeting the needs of others. He was seeking truth and his household was following in his footsteps.

Moms, dads, leaders and those of influence, who are you influencing and leading through your life? Are you leading them in the right direction?

GOD knew that all of Cornelius’ human efforts fell short of what he needed for salvation. When people seek GOD, HE will lead them to the truth. Once they find the truth, which is CHRIST, they must make a decision to either accept or reject that truth. (Tradition can rob us of finding truth.) GOD revealed Himself to Cornelius and revealed a message. Cornelius had to decide whether he would respond to the message or reject it. We know that Cornelius was obedient and sent two (2) household slaves and one (1) devout soldier to Joppa to find this person named Simon, called Peter. Peter was staying with a man named Simon, the tanner.

It was about thirty-six (36) miles from Caesarea to Joppa. It would take a person about 14-15 hours to walk it. It was about 3 PM when Cornelius encountered GOD. We see in our next scripture that Cornelius’ group arrived the next day about noon at the house where Peter was staying.

This is so neat that this story has been recorded because we have the privilege of seeing the working of GOD in the lives of two (2) faithful men who had Spiritual needs. Cornelius needed Salvation and Peter needed to deal with his prejudice to help him increase his territory of obedient service to GOD through the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is so exciting when GOD brings people together and meets their needs.

Cornelius’ group was traveling to get Peter to come to Caesarea. GOD needed to prepare Peter for service beyond his comfort zone. GOD knew that Peter had the truth and light of salvation through CHRIST. All Christians have the truth and light of salvation. GOD called Peter to serve outside of his comfort zone and HE prepared Peter for the calling he was about to receive. Christians must trust that GOD will prepare them to serve HIM as HE leads them by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

In our scripture, we have two (2) men who GOD will bring together to meet the needs of both, as well as, serve HIM. This is why those of us who know the truth, need to stay alert to the call of GOD to serve. HE knows where the needs are; it is just a matter of getting the need met with the right person or persons.

Let’s read Acts 10:9-15:

Peter’s Vision

⁹ The next day, as they were traveling and nearing the city, Peter went up to pray on the housetop at about noon.^[2] ¹⁰ Then he became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing something he went into a visionary state. ¹¹ He saw heaven opened and an object coming down that resembled a large sheet being lowered to the earth by its four corners. ¹² In it were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, and the birds of the sky. ¹³ Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat!” ¹⁴ “No, Lord!” Peter said. “For I have never eaten anything common^[3] and unclean!” ¹⁵ Again, a second time, a voice said to him, “What God has made clean, you must not call common.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and then the object was taken up into heaven.

Cornelius’ group was getting close to the house where Peter was staying. GOD needed to prepare Peter’s heart for service. It was about noon and Peter went up on the roof top to pray. Cornelius’ group was getting close. Peter became very hungry and while food was being prepared he went into a visionary state. We must keep in mind that GOD knows us in minute detail. HE communicates with us the best way possible for us to get HIS message. In this case, Peter went into this state where he could focus on the message GOD had for him. Peter was steeped in the Jewish culture and prided himself on still being a devout Christian Jew. But being a devout Christian Jew limited Peter and the ministry that GOD had for him with the Gentiles.

We see how GOD dealt with Peter in order to prepare him for greater service. What are our hang-ups? In last week’s lesson, we studied that GOD knows us in minute detail. HE knows how our genetic structure came together and what makes us tick. HE will reveal our hang-ups to us. We can also ask GOD to search us and reveal them to us. It is vital that once GOD reveals our hang-ups that we do something about them or ask HIM to help us do something about them. Believe me HE will give you an opportunity to put into action what HE has revealed to you.

When we obediently respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit and we see the hand of GOD working, it is the most exciting experience possible. But Christians must be careful that they wait upon the leadership of the LORD before responding. Often such an experience is so overwhelming that our desire is to experience it again and again. Some of the times, we make the mistake of seeing things as the leading of the Holy Spirit, which are coming from our desire to experience the overwhelming joy of serving HIM. How do I know that? Because, I have been there! GOD wants us to keep in step with HIM, not ahead of HIM or behind HIM but in step with HIM. When we are in right relationship with HIM then we will always be in step with HIM.

GOD prepared Peter to go beyond his comfort zone to serve HIM. When GOD instructed him to kill and eat the animals, Peter, being a faithful Jew, responded with “No, LORD.” I understand from Bible scholars that his response was a courteous “no” but a firm “no” that came from the conviction that it was wrong to eat anything which had been declared common or unclean. Peter had to deal with a teaching that came from the old school of religion. Many Christians have to confront notions and teachings which they have carried over from their early Christian development. This is why it is important to ask GOD to search our hearts and reveal things in our lives that need to be changed in order to better serve HIM.

The Greek word for “unclean” can refer to ceremonial and moral unclean. The way it is used in our scripture refers to being ceremonially unclean. The Jewish religion considered anyone who had eaten or even had come in close contact with food considered unclean, rendered that person unclean. Since Gentiles did not follow the ceremonial laws of the Jews, the Jews considered them unclean.

In Ephesians 5:5 - ⁵ For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (KJV) we see that the definition of “unclean” shifted from a person being ceremonially unclean to meaning “morally unclean.” We studied verse 5 in our January 8, 2012 lesson.

Although Peter had not ministered to the Gentiles Acts 8:5 reveals - 5 Philip went down to a[1] Other mss read the city in Samaria and preached the • Messiah to them. Philip had a ministry to the Gentiles.

It was likely that Peter was puzzled about what had just happened. Since what he had just encountered was against what he believed as truth, did he question the source of the vision? GOD did not let him wait long before he found out. GOD made it clear that what HE had declared clean, he was not to call common or unclean. WOW!!! Just think of the many people who have lived a life of wretched sin and feel so unclean because of their past. What a joy it is for all Christians to know that the precious shed blood of JESUS washes them whiter than snow the instant they receive HIM as their Savior.

Notice that in verse 16 - 16 This happened three times, and then the object was taken up into heaven. I think it is interesting that the LORD revealed this to Peter three (3) times considering that he denied CHRIST three (3) times. Was it to emphasize the importance of the revelation? Was it to emphasize, that false notions can lead to wrong conclusions? This is something to ponder.

Let’s read Acts 10:22-23 and 28-29a:

22 They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who has a good reputation with the whole Jewish nation, was divinely directed by a holy angel to call you to his house and to hear a message from you.” 23 Peter[4] Lit He then invited them in and gave them lodging. The next day he got up and set out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him. 24 The following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him. 26 But Peter helped him up and said, “Stand up! I myself am also a man.” 27 While talking with him, he went on in and found that many had come together there. 28 Peter[5] Lit He said to them, “You know it’s forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner. But God has shown me that I must not call any person common or unclean. 29 That’s why I came without any objection when I was sent for. So I ask, ‘Why did you send for me?’ ”

The group of three explained why they had come to find Peter. Did the fact that Cornelius’ encounter with an angel from GOD helped remove some of the barrier for Peter? We do not know but it was clear that Peter put aside his prejudice. He got the message GOD intended for him to get from the vision. We know this when he immediately invited them to spend the night and eat with them. The next day they set out to return to Cornelius.

Can you imagine how excited Cornelius must have been when he received word that those he dispatched were returning with more people than they left with? Had Cornelius questioned his encounter with the angel or GOD? People were coming along with his trusted soldier, so he knew they likely found the person called Peter. It is exciting when our encounter with GOD is confirmed. Cornelius did not wait to invite his relatives and friends over to meet this person GOD had directed him to called Peter. Cornelius had a house full of people ready to listen to what GOD had for them through the man called Peter.

It would be natural for us to consider someone special who the LORD has led us to. That person has the endorsement of GOD and that is a very good stamp of approval. So when Peter entered his home Cornelius bowed down to him. If Peter had been egotistical he could have enjoyed the veneration that Cornelius showed him but NO! Peter told him to “Stand up! I myself am also a man.” That is exactly where we all are. We are sinners saved by grace. Anyone of us is subject to committing grievous sin at any moment. We live in a body of flesh.

Peter acknowledged that he too had an encounter with GOD that allowed him to enter the home of a Gentile. GOD was working in the lives of both men. Peter asked the question, which in essence was, “Since we have both encountered GOD, why am I here?”

Why are we at a certain point as we journey through life? Christians have the truth and are the light. We travel in a world with those searching for truth and those who need a word of encouragement. Life’s journey is a two (2) way street. We may be the one in need, we may be needed or as we serve, our needs are met and we meet the needs of others. Christians must stay in tune with the Holy Spirit Who knows all things and leads those willing, to go where they are needed to serve or to be served.

Let’s read Acts 10:34-36:

Good News for Gentiles

³⁴ Then Peter began to speak: “In truth, I understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, ³⁵ but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him. ³⁶ He sent the message to the sons of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all.

What a message Peter had for all people because his heart had been changed and his territory expanded and his prejudice had been dealt with by GOD. He spoke with great freedom because GOD had anointed his message to the Gentiles. Peter was no longer shackled by tradition. Yes, the message of salvation came through Israel because JESUS was a Jew. But salvation is for anyone who accepts CHRIST as his/her Savior. Is HE your Savior? If not, ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life now.

Printed below are two (2) true stories which reveal the working of the Holy Spirit that I felt led to pass along.

I recall a friend many years ago telling several of us about the leading of the Holy Spirit in her life. She was in the grocery buying food for her family and felt led to purchase bread, milk and eggs. She did not need those items but she purchased them. Now that she had them, what was she to do with them? When she left the grocery, she prayed and asked the LORD what she should do with the items she had purchased. HE led her to make several turns and finally to a house where an elderly man and a little girl were sitting on the front porch of the house. The Holy Spirit told her that she had arrived. She went up to the man and said she had some food for them. The little girl led the lady back to their kitchen and refrigerator. When she opened the refrigerator, it was completely empty. She placed the milk and eggs into the refrigerator and the bread on the table. As I recall, the little girl stated that they had no food. GOD is still in the business of leading Christians to meet the needs of others whether it is the need of physical or Spiritual food. When HE calls, will we respond? When HE calls HE also prepares us for the task ahead.

I recall a time many years ago when I was driving to Raleigh, NC for a meeting, which was expected to last to the next day. I had reservations in Raleigh for that night. I was listening to a pastor on the radio and he was preaching on “Ask and you will receive.” That sent me into a tail-spin, so-to-speak. I told GOD that I had asked and had not received. When I finally shut up the still small voice of GOD spoke and said, “When you asked, was it according to MY will?” I thought likely not. So, I said, “Okay, I will do whatever YOU ask me to do.” We pressed on to complete our meeting that day but it was late. The conversation I had with the LORD that morning came to mind. I prayed and asked the LORD what HE wanted me to do. I said, I can stay in Raleigh or drive back toward Spartanburg. HE said drive toward Spartanburg.” I cancelled my reservation in Raleigh and headed toward Spartanburg.

As I drove toward Spartanburg I asked HIM where HE wanted me to stay. He gave me an answer, “I want you to drive to Greensboro.” As I approached Greensboro, I saw billboards that stated the NCAA tournament was in Greensboro. I had no reservations there. I began looking for a motel but every sign I saw stated “No Vacancy.” I said, “LORD, with the NCAA tournament in Greensboro, there are no rooms available.” I continued to drive and then asked as I got near Greensboro, I asked the LORD again, “Where do you want me to stay?” HE brought a name to my mind, which was a motel near the airport.

When I arrived at the motel, I asked the desk clerk for a room. He said, “Sir where are you from? Don’t you know that the NCAA is in town and there is not a room within fifty (50) miles of here?” I said, LORD this is where YOU told me to go.” He paused and looked at his list of reservations and said, “I have one (1) room and if the person does not show in “X” minutes, you can have his room.” I sat in the lobby. As I waited, I asked the LORD what HE wanted me to do in Greensboro. I suggested getting tickets to the NCAA tournament would be nice. I could witness to those I sat next to at the tournament. But HE said, “I want you to go to church.”

It was Wednesday night. I asked how would I know which church to go to? I went over to the telephones and began looking through the “Yellow Pages.” GOD communicates anyway HE chooses. I found the listing for churches. I went up and down the list of churches. I ran my finger up and down the pages asking is this one or is it this one? Oh, this one looks good. I went past one and was prompted to go back to it. I went back but then purposely went to another listing. I was led to go back to one specific church. I have forgotten the name of the church but it was a Baptist church in Greensboro. It was clear to me which church HE wanted me to attend.

I went back to the lobby and waited to see if I had the room. As I waited, I was getting anxious and it was getting late to attend a church service. The LORD said, “He (meaning the desk clerk) will call you in two (2) minutes and tell you that have the room.” I am sure it was two (2) minutes on the nose because the desk clerk called me over to tell me I had the room. As I checked in, I asked the desk clerk if he knew where this church was located. He gave me general directions. It was in the direction of downtown Greensboro. I put my luggage in the room and left to find the church.

I drove in the general direction the clerk had given me. I knew that I was running late for a Wednesday night church service. I asked the LORD, “Can you guide me to the church?” It was dark and HE said, “Look up.” I saw three (3) lighted church steeples in the distance. HE said, “Do you see the church steeple in the middle, drive to it.”I did and you guessed it, it was the church. I thought this is great! So I said, “LORD I am running late, if YOU could have someone who could show me where the worship service will be, that would be great.” I was feeling reassured of HIS leading. So when I entered the back of the church, I expected to see someone who could guide me to where I needed to go. Do you see a little self confidence or cockiness?

As I entered the back of the church there was a man propped against a table at the end of a hallway. I thought this is great! I went up to the man and asked him if he could tell me where the Wednesday night service would be held. He said, he did not know. My heart sank for a second. He quickly said, “I do not know but” reaching out his hand “But this lady may know because she is the preacher’s wife.” She turned and told me to follow her. She introduced herself and said that she was going to the service. She told me that her husband was out of town and a deacon would be leading the service.

We sat on the same pew about four or five feet apart. They had their preliminary program and the deacon got up to speak. He had his Bible marked with various slips of paper. The LORD said that HE wanted me to give my testimony. I said, “LORD, this man has prepared his message for tonight and it would be impolite for me to speak but if YOU work it out I will speak.” I felt comfortable that would not happen. The man told us that the pastor was out-of-town and he had asked him to speak. He said, “As you can see by these slips of paper in my Bible, I have tried for “X” period of time to prepare what to say tonight but I have nothing to say.” He asked, “Does anyone here have anything to say?” My heart about jumped out of my body. I said, “LORD, I will speak but I want to be asked.” At that moment, the pastor’s wife leaned over stretching out her arm and touched my arm turning toward me and said, “Sir, don’t you have something to say.” It was like I had been sitting on a spring that had just been released. I sprang up. I told those present what I just wrote plus I gave my testimony. I recall folks thanking me for sharing my testimony. As I left that church rejoicing in the LORD, HE reminded me, “When you are doing MY will, ask and you will receive.” It was an exciting and learning experience.

I do not know how the LORD used what I just related to you in the lives of those to whom I spoke. I do know, HE used it to teach me a lesson in obedience. Ask according to HIS will and you will receive. Does this event in my life make me special? No, it makes me more accountable to GOD.

Bible Study - Going Right - Caring in an Expendable Culture - Psalm 139 - Januray 15, 2012

2012-01-12T12:13:00.000-05:00

Bible Study – Going Right – Caring in an Expendable Culture – January 15, 2012

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Going Right in a World Gone Wrong.”

Our Scripture is Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18.

In last week’s lesson, we studied that GOD did not make human to be robots. HE made mankind with the freedom to choose. HE also made mankind with sensual feelings and natural curiosity – notice Genesis 3:6a - 6 Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. --- GOD designed mankind to be curious and desire things with the ability to choose. GOD placed a restriction on Adam, as caretaker and overseer of the garden, and Eve who lived in the garden with her husband. That restriction was a form of governance. They were not to eat fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil without serious life changing consequences. Yet, right along with the forbidden tree was the tree of life, without any restrictions. We know they were free to choose and they went for the fruit of the forbidden tree.

GOD’S foreknowledge gave HIM the ability to see the choices mankind (each person) would make without forcing them to make certain choices. So what was missing in the nature of Adam and Eve that resulted in them disobeying GOD? Mankind has a nature that needs to be brought under the authority or governance of GOD. When GOD says not to do something or for us to do something, we need to obey because it is for our own good. GOD’S desire is for all people to come under HIS authority freely by receiving CHRIST as their Savior but that choice is for each person to make. Some do and receive eternal life. Some do not and will suffer eternal death. Those who come under HIS authority through CHRIST come under HIS circle of protection, which allows GOD, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to work in their lives and to mold them into the image of JESUS. Even though Christians are HIS children, they still have the right to choose. GOD’S foreknowledge gives HIM a blueprint for working in the weak areas of our lives. This concept is captured to some degree in Romans 8:26-30 and Romans 12:2 without overriding our right to choose.

Romans 8:26-30: 26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us[15] Some mss omit for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 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. 29 For those He foreknew[18] From eternity God knew His people and entered into a personal relationship with them He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.

Romans 12:2: 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Mankind attempts to control its nature through physical restraint and control, which proves to be useless. This begs the question of what can mankind do to control its nature? GOD had the answer. It was to make mankind into a completed being who contains the Spirit of GOD. This required the rebirth of the spirit of mankind.

GOD allowed JESUS to come to earth to accomplish this by JESUS giving HIS life to pay for the original sin of Adam. The fact that CHRIST paid the penalty for the original sin opened the way between GOD and mankind. All who believe in CHRIST and HIS passion and ask HIM to forgive them for their sin, receive salvation from sin and its consequences, which is death – physical and spiritual. All who receive CHRIST as their Savior experience the miracle of the rebirth and are born into the family of GOD as Sons or Daughters. They receive the gift of eternal life; their names are written in the Lambs Book of Life, receive Spiritual gifts, citizenship in heaven, are made righteous, indwelled by the Holy Spirit and receive GOD’S grace, to name a few things.

Christians are made whole in a body that is made of clay. The infusion of GOD’S Spirit into this body of clay establishes a dynamic where the Spirit is able to bring the clay under the control of GOD as one yields the will of the flesh to be ruled by the Spirit. This is accomplished through the process of sanctification.

GOD’S desire is for all Christians to be made into the image of CHRIST through the renewing of their minds. This process must be the result of the natural process of sanctification through the Holy Spirit or else we are subject to becoming self-righteous. A Christian’s part is to be available to GOD for an extreme makeover. Allow HIM to do the work, which may take a lifetime. But remember we were not made for time but for eternity. Therefore, time is not important. The renewing of our minds takes precedence over longevity on earth.

Psalm 139 reveals David’s relationship with GOD.

Let’s read Psalms 139:1-6:

The All-Knowing, Ever-Present God
For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.

¹ Lord, You have searched me and known me. ² You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away. ³ You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways. ⁴ Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, Lord. ⁵ You have encircled me; You have placed Your hand on me. ⁶ [This]^*extraordinary knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to [reach]^*it.

Not much is known about the stage of life David was in when he wrote this Psalm. It is clear that he knew GOD intimately and that he knew that GOD knew him intimately. This generally occurs when we have done some serious walking and talking with HIM. There has been a lot of water, so-to-speak, that has flowed over the dam. David had come to an honest, above board relationship with GOD.

Those who have studied the life of David know the ups and downs of his walk with GOD. In spite of his missteps, David was a man after GOD’S own heart. He had opened himself up to GOD, the good and the bad. GOD had access to every area of David’s life. David had committed grievous sin. But David confessed his sin and he knew that GOD had forgiven him.

David began his Psalm by using the personal name of GOD, “YAHWEH” in verse 1. GOD knew him and he knew GOD. That is what having a personal relationship is about, knowing each other.

It is an awesome experience to open yourself to GOD and reveal your innermost thoughts to HIM. What you like and what you do not like about HIM. Let HIM know how you feel about how HE is interacting with you and your life. HE already knows all about us so why try to hide something from HIM. GOD likes complete honesty.

Remember every human that has or will ever exist was in the mind of GOD before HE formed the world. Ephesians 1:4 - 4 for He chose[3] Rm 11:5–7; 1 Co 1:26–31; 1 Th 1:4; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pt 1:1–2 us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.[4] Vv. 3–14 are 1 sentence in Gk. In love[5] Or In His sight in love - GOD has known us before HE created the foundation of the world. HE knew the moment we were conceived and as we were being formed in our mother’s womb. HE knows all about genetics and DNA and all that came together that resulted in us being us. Therefore, we have no reason to hide anything from GOD. When we open our lives before GOD and hold nothing back is, to me, the beginning of building an intimate relationship with GOD. Keep in mind that building such a relationship does not happen overnight. It is a process. It is a daily walk with HIM and learning as we walk with HIM.

Notice how intimate GOD knew David. It wasn’t just in the “big” things in his life that GOD knew about but the mundane things like every movement he made and every word he uttered or would utter before he uttered it.

Notice in verse 5, that GOD had encircled him. Being encircled had a dual purpose. Being encircled by GOD protects Christians from the evil that surrounds them, that is to keep the enemy out, but GOD also protects them by keeping them in HIS circle of grace. As Christians obediently serve HIM, HIS protective power goes where ever they go.

Let’s read Psalm 139:8:

8 If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in • Sheol,[1] Jb 17:13; Isa 14:11 You are there.

Was David saying that GOD was in Hell (Sheol)? GOD was in Hell, only if he was in Hell. GOD is wherever HIS children are.

Christians must keep in mind that they can remove themselves from this circle of protection through disobedience. But their loving Savior can restore the breach in the circle of protection through confession as found in 1 John 1:9 - 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This intimate knowledge that GOD has of David, boggles his mind. He cannot comprehend GOD’S ability to know him in such detail but HE does. Guess what, GOD knows you in the same detail.

This becomes a wonderful praise to GOD. GOD WHO is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent and does not need to bother with such details but chooses to do so. GOD, the creator of the universe and all that is in it, takes the time and interest to be so intimately involved in his every detail of his life is awesome. This reveals the love GOD has for each human. GOD is interested in the salvation of every human and once a person receives CHRIST as his/her Savior, HE is just as interested in his/her Spiritual growth, which is to be made (Made carries the idea of what GOD begins, HE carries to completion.) into the image of JESUS.

Do you believe that GOD knows you and cares about you? Whether you believe it or not, HE does. HE cares so much that HE allowed HIS ONLY SON, JESUS, to leave heaven and come to earth to be born, live as a human and give HIS life to pay the sin-debt for all who would believe upon HIM. We know that JESUS paid the debt for sin because GOD raised JESUS from the dead as proof that HE conquered death which was the consequence of sin.

Have you asked JESUS to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life? If not, now is your opportunity. Maybe you have asked JESUS into your heart but you have not been living for HIM. Confess your sins of disobedience and rededicate your life to HIM. GOD never leaves you or forsakes you. HE is waiting for you to return to HIM. HE is at the spot where you left HIM.

Let’s read Psalm 139:13-16:

13. For it was You who created my inward parts;[3] Lit my kidneys You knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.[4] DSS, some LXX mss, Syr, Jer read [5] Hb obscure Your works are wonderful, and I know [this]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. very well. 15 My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all [my]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.[6]

GOD is supreme and sovereign. As Christians, do we acknowledge this in our lives? Every human is living in a miracle, the human body. Sin in the world caused death and decay. GOD did not cause disease and death but sin did.

Ponder for a moment about the body you are living in. All the nerves, blood vessels, muscles, glands, the senses – sight, hearing, feel, taste, smell, we eat food that is processed into energy without us having to think about it, the ability to think and reason, to repair itself and it goes on and on. Truly we have been remarkably and wonderfully made.

The word “made” is an exciting word. When GOD makes something, it carries the idea that the initial making is only the beginning of a process to see it to completion. When GOD wonderfully “made” you, HE was not through with you. It was only the beginning of the process to complete you and make you into the image of HIS SON, JESUS. But in order for HIM to do that, you must be willing. You must see your need of CHRIST in you. CHRIST in you is what makes you a Christian. CHRIST in you is the beginning of your Spiritual journey with HIM.

David referred to being formed in the depths of the earth. This was his way of saying that he was formed in a place where no one could see what was being formed in his mother’s womb, not even his mother.

GOD, with HIS foreknowledge, knows all about us. This foreknowledge does not predestine us to follow a prescribed path but GOD knows how we will choose and what we will do before we do it. This, to me, allows HIM to work in the lives of HIS children to bring about the best that can be achieved in our lives by the choices we make as captured in Romans 8:28, which was printed earlier.

Ps 69:28; Ex 32:32; Jb 14:5Let’s read Psalm 139:17-18:

17 God, how difficult[7] Or precious Your thoughts are for me [to comprehend]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. ; how vast their sum is! 18 If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up,[8] Other Hb mss read I come to an end I am still with You.

It is very difficult for David to comprehend GOD and HIS knowledge of him (David). Have you figured GOD out? HE has figured us out. HE knows why we do what we do. HE knows that HIS job is to renew our minds to make us into what HE knows we can be according to HIS plan and purpose. GOD loves HIS children and HIS desire is for HIS children to explore HIM and get to know HIM. That is one reason why I love to ponder questions regarding GOD. HE likes it because when we concentrate on HIM, we are learning of HIM and from HIM.

David found it difficult to comprehend that GOD was concerned about him and thought about him in such detail. How often does GOD think about us? HE thinks of us more than the grains of sand. GOD is with us 24/7.

Since GOD cares so much about us and our welfare, step one is to get to know HIM and that is done through our relationship with CHRIST. When we love GOD as much as HE loves us, everything else will begin to fall into place.

In verse 18, David referred to waking up and GOD was still with him. It could be that he thought about GOD watching over him while he slept since he was unable to watch over himself. But could it be that David thought of the times that he was not in fellowship with GOD, or was deep in sin and when he came to this realization, GOD was still there? GOD still loved him unequivocally and completely. GOD loves us even when we do not love HIM and are out of fellowship with HIM.

This lesson was intended to focus on the sanctity of life. Life is precious and must be handled with care. When we comprehend our relationship with GOD and HIS love and care for us, all of life is brought into perspective.

It is likely that some reading this lesson might have aborted a child. Know that GOD still loves you and cares for you. Confess it and accept GOD’S forgiveness. Do not let that become a stumbling block to your walk with JESUS.

For those who might be contemplating an abortion, consider the life within. Adoption is an option for your child. I am so glad that the Christian community responds to unwed pregnancy in a more loving and caring way than it did many years ago. As Christians, we need to encourage and support those who choose life over death any way we can.

But this lesson goes beyond abortion. When we understand how much GOD values every life, we should not look down on anyone. When we understand the personal involvement of GOD in our lives, it should challenge us to get to know HIM and build a relationship with HIM through CHRIST. Most of us love the skin we are in. JESUS came that those who accept HIM as their Savior might have life more abundantly. Embrace life and enjoy it as you walk with GOD through CHRIST. Life is a gift from GOD, use it wisely. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Going Right - Seeking Purity in a Sensual Culture - Ephesians 5 - January 8, 2012

2012-01-05T08:52:00.000-05:00

Bible Study – Going Right – Seeking Purity in a Sensual Culture – January 8, 2012

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Going Right in a Culture Gone Wrong.”

Our scripture is Ephesians 5:1-5, 8-12, 15-16.

When did the human culture make a wrong turn?

Let’s consider Genesis 2:9, 16:

9 The Lord God caused to grow out of the ground every tree pleasing in appearance and good for food, including the tree of life in the midst of the garden, as well as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.[10]

16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree of the garden,[16] Gn 3:1–2 17 but you must not eat[17] Lit eat from it from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.”[18]

Genesis 3:1-7, 8-9, 22:

1 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”[1] 2 Co 11:3 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. 3 But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’ ”[2] Gn 2:17 4 “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman.[3] Jn 8:44 5 “In fact, God knows that when[4] Lit on the day you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God,[5] Or gods, or divine beings knowing good and evil.” 6 Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. ; she also gave [some]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to her husband, [who was]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. with her, and he ate [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. .[6] Jms 1:14–15; 1 Jn 2:16 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze,[7] Lit at the wind of the day and they hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.[8] Jb 34:22–23 9 So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

22 The Lord God said, “Since man has become like one of Us (The FATHER, The SON, The HOLY SPIRIT), knowing good and evil, he (Adam) must not reach out, and also take from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.”[17] Rv 2:7

The fruit of the forbidden tree was appealing physically and intellectually. When Adam and Eve ate from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” the dynamics of their lives and all mankind changed. The eyes of their hearts were opened. They had basked in the light of GOD. They had the most intimate, loving, personal relationship with GOD possible but all of a sudden they had a contrast. They saw darkness and the light of GOD in their lives grew dim.

They went from having the most intimate, loving, personal relationship with GOD to experiencing the loss of that utopia experience. Their loss of this relationship was the opposite of the joy many people experience when they give their lives to CHRIST, receive salvation and are indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Adam and Eve’s sin condemned all of mankind to physical death and separation from GOD. Fellowship was broken because of sin. The world changed from being ruled by GOD to being ruled by Satan, the prince of darkness. Christians seek to regain that utopia with GOD through CHRIST.

All of mankind was now living in darkness. Notice in verse 22 that GOD quickly stated that since man had become like them (The FATHER, The SON and The HOLY SPIRIT), They had to place a flaming sword to guard the “tree of life” lest he (Adam) would partake of it and live forever. If Adam had eaten from the tree of life, would he and his offspring have lived forever or would it have been for all mankind?

The power for reproduction is in the sperm. The sperm united with an egg produces physical life which is subject to death. If Adam had eaten from the tree of life, his offspring would have lived forever in their fallen state. But GOD had a better plan. The power of physical life and eternal life is in the divine sperm of GOD that produced JESUS through the seed of woman, the Virgin Mary, and the divine sperm of GOD, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit still produces a miracle in all who accept JESUS as their Savior. This is the miracle of rebirth in the spirit through JESUS. Those reborn in the spirit become the children of GOD.

It is scary to think of living in our sinful, fallen world without any hope of escaping through death or from ever being redeemed from everlasting physical life in a dark, decaying world. We must keep in mind that when Adam and Eve sinned, all of nature was condemned to death and decay as well.

Yet, because GOD so loved the world, HE gave all of mankind (and nature) hope by allowing HIS ONLY SON, JESUS, to give HIS life to pay for the original sin, which was physical death and separation from GOD. CHRIST redeems all who believe in HIM and restores them to Son-ship or Daughter-ship with all the rights and privileges of being GOD’S Son or Daughter. The first Adam and his wife, Eve, existence was dependent upon GOD. Through the second Adam, JESUS, our eternal existence is based upon the decision that each individual makes regarding their faith in CHRIST’S passion. The proof that HIS passion paid the price for sin is HIS resurrection and ascension.

Until JESUS returns or they go to HIM in death, all people must live in an imperfect world. Christians live in this world with the hope and joy of knowing they have been redeemed from death and eternal separation from GOD. Christians are to share the Good News of salvation with those lost in sin. Christians and non-Christians live in a world subject to the sensual nature of their human bodies. That is one reason CHRIST tells all who follow HIM that they must die daily. A dead body has no feeling. But dying to self is a hard thing to do. That is why Christians must have the right relationship with CHRIST and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to walk as GOD desires for HIS children to walk and obediently serve HIM. JESUS is a Christian’s example of obediently walking in the Spirit. GOD gives Spiritual gifts to all of HIS children. But even though Christians are gifted, they still live in sensual bodies and in a world ruled by the flesh. That is why Christians must die to self daily and maintain their relationship through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Let’s read Ephesians 4:11-32: (Background for our focus verses.)

11 And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, [growing]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. 16 From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.

Living the New Life

¹⁷ Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their thoughts. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. ¹⁹ They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more.^[8]

20 But that is not how you learned about the Messiah, 21 assuming you heard Him and were taught by Him, because the truth is in Jesus: 22 you took off[9] Or Jesus. This means: take off (as a command) your former way of life, the old man that is corrupted by deceitful desires; 23 you are being renewed[10] Or desires; renew (as a command) in the spirit of your minds; 24 you put on[11] Or minds; and put on (as a command) the new man, the one created according to God’s [likeness]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. [12] Col 3:10 in righteousness and purity of the truth. 25 Since you put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor,[13] Zch 8:16 because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin.[14] Jms 1:19–20 [15] Ps 4:4 Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. 28 The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. 29 No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need,[16] Lit for the building up of the need in order to give grace to those who hear. 30 And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit, who sealed you[17] Or Spirit, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption Gn 3:5 Pr 3:18

Let’s read Ephesians 4:31-32 and 5:1-5:

31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness. 32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you[18] Other mss read us in Christ.

1 Therefore, be imitators of God,[1] 1 Co 4:16; 11:1; 1 Th 1:6; 2:14 as dearly loved children. ² And • walk in love, as the • Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. ³ But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of[2] Or be named among you, as is proper for saints. ⁴ And coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. 5 For know and recognize this: no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and of God.

The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Ephesus. “Therefore” in verse 1 refers back to Ephesians 4:31-32. How in the world do you remove - 31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness. 32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you[18] Other mss read us in Christ? It is impossible without the indwelling, empowering, guidance and total dependence upon the Holy Spirit. It is all about a Christian’s relationship with CHRIST. According to Paul, since Christians have mastered their relationship with GOD through CHRIST, they live like they know how GOD wants them to live in this world.

This is a growth process and GOD’S desire is for HIS children to know HIM and live according to HIS plan for them. This process is called sanctification.

Since, Christians know the truth; they must apply it in their everyday life. They do this by walking in the Spirit. How do Christians know how to walk? GOD sent JESUS to live on earth to be the example of Christian living. But Christians must keep in mind that JESUS did and said only what the FATHER told HIM to do and say. JESUS was completely obedient to GOD. HIS life was a sweet fragrance to GOD. Since, Christians know truth; they must apply it and not let the flesh lure them back to their old way of life.

Christians must be careful of what they say because they represent GOD to those lost in sin and in need of salvation. What comes out of a Christian’s mouth, their actions or inactions are either a sweet smelling fragrance or foul smelling. The Apostle said it best in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17:

A Ministry of Life or Death

¹⁴ But thanks be to God, who always puts us on display^[6] in Christ,^[7] and spreads through us in every place the scent of knowing Him. ¹⁵ For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. ¹⁶ To some we are a scent of death leading to death, but to others, a scent of life leading to life. And who is competent for this? ¹⁷ For we are not like the many^[8] who make a trade in God’s message [for profit]^*, but as those with sincerity, we speak in Christ, as from God and before God.

Verse 5 in our focus scripture is interesting. It seems to indicate that Christians can bounce in and out of heaven. I believe that once saved, always saved. So what does it mean if a Christian does these things - no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and of God? A Christian does lose his/her rewards when they engage in these things and lose their focus on obediently serving GOD. But they will not lose their salvation. The kingdom of the Messiah and of GOD is life upon earth. This does not mean they lose their salvation or eternal life in heaven. My basis for saying this is found in 1 Corinthians 3:9-15:

9 For we are God’s co-workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. 10 According to God’s grace that was given to me, as a skilled master builder I have laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it, 11 because no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid—that is, Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become obvious, for the day[4] The Day of Christ’s judgment of believers will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward.
15 If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire.[5]

As Christians we are building either with the materials of obedience which will withstand the test of fire or with materials of the flesh which will be consumed by the test of fire.

Let’s read Ephesians 5:6-12: Light versus Darkness

⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient.^[3] ⁷ Therefore, do not become their partners. ⁸ For you were once darkness, but now [you are]^*light in the Lord. walk as children of light— ⁹ for the fruit of the light^[4] [results]^*in all goodness, righteousness, and truth— ¹⁰ discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead, expose them. ¹² For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. ¹³ Everything exposed by the light is made clear, ¹⁴ for what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and the Messiah will shine on you.^[5]

Verses 6-7 are a caution to Christians who might consider going into partnership with a non-Christian. This includes any contractual agreement such as business or marriage. It is akin to the scripture that tells Christians not to be unequally yoked with non-Christians which is found in 2 Corinthians 6:14 - ¹⁴ Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (KJV)

A Christian’s walk in everyday life is important as he/she ministers to those lost in sin and in need of salvation because they are children of light. Christians are the light of the world but they once knew what it was like to live in darkness because they “were” once living in darkness, as Paul stated in verse 8. Christians know that what is accomplished in the flesh upon this earth will be tested by fire on judgment day and consumed. When Christians walk in the light, they are not walking in darkness and can build a more intimate, dynamic relationship with CHRIST as they learn of HIM and interact with HIM. It is the greatest on-the-job-training a person will ever receive. It is not easy but rewarding.

Paul linked verses 8 and 10. Verse 9 was a parenthetical Paul used to reveal the results of walking in the light – goodness, righteousness and truth. Goodness is a reflection of those things morally honorable and pleasing to GOD. Righteousness defines GOD but also reflects what CHRIST has done for all who believe in HIM as their Savior as stated in Romans 4:1-5 - ¹ What then can we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? ² If Abraham was justified^[1] by works, then he has something to brag about—but not before God.^[2] ³ For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.^[3]⁴ Now to the one who works, pay is not considered as a gift, but as something owed. ⁵ But to the one who does not work, but believes on Him who declares righteous^[4] the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness.

Righteousness is a gift and part of the process of sanctification to all who believe in CHRIST as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21 - 21 He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Truth is reality and can be counted upon every time and in every circumstance. Truth does not waiver. JESUS stated in John 14:6 - 6 Jesus told him (Thomas), “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. As Christians walk with CHRIST, they discern or understand what is pleasing to HIM. This results in building an intimate relationship with HIM and getting to know HIM as they obediently serve HIM.

Walking in darkness is Spiritually fruitless and produces shameful results which are so bad they cannot even be mentioned. Anything done in the light is worthy for discussion and useful for Spiritual growth and development. So Christians, it is time to wake up and live in the light because you are the light. Light dispels darkness. Let the light of your life reveal the darkness in the lives of others who need CHRIST or to those who need to rededicate their lives to CHRIST and walk accordingly.

Since we are starting a new year, let building a more intimate relationship with CHRIST be a top priority for this year.

Let’s read Ephesians 5:15-16: Consistency in the Christian Life

¹⁵ Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— ¹⁶ making the most of the time,^[6] because the days are evil.

The King James Version of the Bible renders verse 15 - ¹⁵ See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Years ago, I recall a lay Bible teacher teaching on this verse. He focused on the word “circumspectly.” He said, “You could think of a cat carefully walking across a very high fence with danger below and watching it’s every step of where it placed its feet.” As Christians, we must be careful of our walk in life. This includes what we do, what we say and how we say it.

Paul cautions Christians that they all have 24 hours in a day and once that is gone it is gone forever. Paul did not use the word “chromos” for time, which refers to calendar time e.g. days, weeks, hours. Paul used the word “kairos” for time which means “opportunity.” This requires Christians to be in relationship with GOD and walking in the light of HIS presence for them to recognize and seize the opportunity to obediently serve HIM. The value of the opportunity to be light to those who need salvation, encouragement, comfort, cheering up, a listening ear and the list goes on is for a moment.

The word “kairos” is used in the Book of Esther, Chapter 4, and verse 14b – Who knows, perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.”[7] Gn 45:7–8; 50:19–20

What a joy it is to realize that GOD placed you upon this earth at this time in your life for a very important reason. GOD has a plan for each Christian. That plan may be revealed to you while you are on earth or only in eternity. Someone may say, “Because of you, I am here in heaven. Thank you.”

During any 24 hour period there will be opportunities to serve HIM. Christians must walk in the Spirit to recognize and respond to these opportunities. Christians must consider their actions, inactions, words or deeds as they go through the day because they either reflect the light of GOD in them or blend in with those living in darkness. The days were evil in Paul’s day and they are still evil today. Christians are the light of the world and have the message of hope for those living in darkness and in need of Spiritual light as they journey through a world in darkness and appeals to the sensual. Christians are living is a world where the light of Christianity is growing dim.

Christians, let the light of CHRIST flow through you as you walk in your daily life and be the example GOD desires for you to be as HIS representative to those living in darkness. Be prepared to face opposition because the times are evil. Blessings and strength!!!

Bible Study - Going Right - Thriving in a Fast-Food Culture - Romans 13, Proverbs 23, Daniel 1 - January 1, 2012

2011-12-24T18:35:00.001-05:00

Bible Study – Going Right – Thriving in a Fast-Food Culture – January 1, 2011

This is lesson one (1) in our new series entitled, “Going Right in a Culture Gone Wrong.”

Our scripture for this lesson is Romans 13:12-14; Proverbs 23:20-21 and Daniel 1:8, 11-16.

During the month of January, we will have a five (5) week study using various scriptures dealing with our theme “Going Right in a Culture Gone Wrong.” It is a fitting study because most of us establish New Year’s resolutions of the things we want to accomplish for this next year. We want to lose weight, tone our bodies, read the Bible through, grow Spiritually, be more obedient to the Holy Spirit or do something better than we did this past year. Most of us fail within the first six (6) weeks.

Our physical health can play an important role in our Spiritual life. Our study will focus on our Spiritual health in a world seeking satisfaction in all the wrong places and living in a world of I want it now. The important question Christians must ask themselves is, “Who rules their physical life - their flesh or the Holy Spirit?” Daniel faced this question when he was in held captive in Babylon.

Over the years, many of us have seen a dramatic shift in human behavior in our culture and it is not for the better. It is the “me” culture of what can you do for me now or the “I” attitude that I should have whatever I want without having to work for it. In my early days of walking with CHRIST, I sought instant Spirituality. But I quickly learned that GOD responds to our requests but HE does not sprinkle us with Holy Dust and in a flash we become more patient, a stronger Christian, a more obedient Christian and the list goes on. HE places us in situations that results in us obtaining the Spiritual qualities we desire. If you desire patience, then HE places you in situations that will help you practice patience. If you want to become more Spiritual, HE may wipe away everything you thought Spiritual and rebuild truth in your life. I asked the LORD to make me a stronger Christian about 30 years ago and HE is still working on me. There are Spiritual highs and lows but one thing for sure, it is a continual learning experience.

In today’s society many high school or middle school students think just because they show up for class, the teacher should be honored and pass them with flying colors regardless of the quality of their performance and attitude. In many cases, this shift is the result of poor parenting. I know there are many parents who are doing the right thing in raising their children but there are many children who raise themselves because they have no other choice. Their parent or parents are addicted to all sorts of things and could care less about the education of their children. Some come from single parent homes or homes where both parents are working to provide things for their children. These parents give things to their children believing that giving their children things makes them a good parent. They fail to give their child or children their time and show interest in them. They are not requiring their children to get a good education by studying hard and earning good grades. When a student gets a bad grade, he/she is quick to blame the teacher and the parent or parents support them. I realize there are some poor teachers but the important thing is the child must educate him or herself and rise above a poor teacher.

Just look at our congressional leaders and President they point their fingers at the other party for failure. Someone must step up to the plate and accept responsibility and do what needs to be done for the benefit of America.

This attitude often spills over to Spiritual education. A portion of these parents either send their children to church, which is better than not sending them, or they are turned off by organized religion and no one in their family has any Spiritual upbringing. The ideal is for the parents to attend church and teach their children the fundamentals of the Christian faith and live it in the home and in everyday life.

I will be the first to admit that not all organized Christian religions are what they need to be. However, we as humans are responsible to GOD for our relationship with HIM through CHRIST. In turn, we who know the truth are responsible for teaching our children about CHRIST and being the example of what it means to be a Christian. This is a tall order and without the empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit it is impossible. That is why Christians must build an intimate, loving relationship with CHRIST.

Often, fellow Christians will not measure up to your expectations to what you think being a Christian is all about. You may believe that CHRIST has disappointed you or let you down. I know there have been times when I thought that HE had let me down and I got angry with HIM. I let HIM know how I felt about HIM, which is okay. One thing about GOD is that HE can take it because HE is GOD and HE loves us so much that HE allowed JESUS to come to earth and die for all who would believe in HIM. HE even knows the number of hairs on our head.

Even when I was upset with GOD, I continued to walk with HIM and talk to HIM to discover truth. HE revealed truth to me through the indwelling Holy Spirit, studying HIS Word, the Bible and everyday interaction with HIM. It was revelation on an ever ascending scale, which corresponded to my ability and willingness to comprehend Spiritual matters. Remember stubbornness blocks the Holy Spirit from working in our lives.

The Holy Spirit revealed that my major problem was that I had false notions about CHRIST and GOD. My expectations of their role in my life and responding to my prayer requests in the lives of others was such that, They (GOD or CHRIST) needed to jump when I said jump. But guess what, They didn’t jump when I said jump. GOD is not Santa Claus, yet, we try to make HIM to be and it leads us into false notions about HIM. GOD is the same day-in and day-out. HIS ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are higher than our thoughts but always spot-on because HE is sovereign.

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, death and decay came into this world. This world became imperfect. Satan rules earth. When things go wrong don’t blame GOD, blame Satan. Satan loves for humans to blame all the bad things on earth on GOD. Keep in mind John 3:16-21: (JESUS was speaking)

16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His • One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.[10] 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the • One and Only Son of God. 19 “This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it,[11] Lit and does not come to the light so that his deeds may not be exposed. 21 But anyone who lives by[12] Lit who does the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”[13] It is possible that Jesus’ words end at v. 15. Ancient Gk did not have quotation marks.

JESUS came to earth to save all who would believe in HIM and restore them to the relationship GOD intended for them to have before sin came into the world. All who believe in CHRIST are born into the family of GOD through the miracle of rebirth and receive eternal life. Their citizenship is in heaven and the instant their earth suits die (the human body), they will be with CHRIST in heaven. While Christians remain on earth, they experience the abundant life. This is not to be confused with a trouble free life. Christians are still living in a world controlled by Satan. That is why Christians must put on the armor of light every day.

Romans 8:28 reminds us that GOD is in all things working to bring about the best from situations we get into. Christians must keep in mind that they will suffer the consequences of bad behavior, which includes not getting the right exercise and eating properly. It also includes neglecting building the right relationship with CHRIST by getting to know HIM through Bible study, talking to HIM, committing their lives to HIM and obediently serving HIM, as led by the Holy Spirit.

Humans are responsible for their relationship with GOD through CHRIST and, in turn, are to teach their children Spiritual truth. Most of us rely upon the church to do all the teaching but it is our responsibility.

I can tell you that my life has had many ups and downs in Spiritual growth. But as mentioned earlier, it has been on an upward scale.

As many of you know, “Experiencing God” written by Dr. Henry Blackaby and Claude King about 20 years ago, has been one of the highlights of my Spiritual journey. I recently received a notice that the Christians Business Men’s Committee (CBMC) is having Dr. Blackaby to speak at their meeting in Atlanta, GA, January 26-28, 2012 – for more info http://www.cbmc.com/2012mensconference

Now to our scripture study.

Let’s read Romans 13:11-14:

11 Besides this, knowing the time, it is already the hour for you[6] Other mss read for us to wake up from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over, and the daylight is near, so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us • walk with decency, as in the daylight: not in carousing and drunkenness; not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires.

The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Rome. He was challenging them to wake up from being lackadaisical about Spiritual matters because the time for the return of JESUS, to fully redeem the world, was close at hand. Paul wrote this over 2,000 years ago and the time is even closer today. Many Christians in Paul’s day were expecting JESUS’ return at any moment. It is even closer than ever today but GOD may wait much longer. The important thing is that we are all one heartbeat away from eternity and we may go to HIM before HE returns to earth, so stay prepared.

Paul told the Christians of his day what they needed to do and Christians today can do the same thing in preparation for the return of CHRIST. Christians are to cast off the deeds of darkness. Paul was thinking of our old sinful life as old clothing. Christians are to take off the dirty clothes of their old life and put on the new clothes CHRIST has made possible for them to wear, which are the clothes of righteousness.

Paul referred to putting on the armor of light. We live in a world ruled by Satan. Satan does not want any human to give his/her life to GOD. So humans are in the middle of warfare over their very souls. Satan will do all he can to prevent you from becoming a Christian and if you do give your life to CHRIST, he will do all he can to defeat you. So what can you do? First of all, know that when you receive CHRIST as your Savior, you are made righteous and GOD gives you HIS grace.

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

Paul tells Christians in Ephesians 6:10-19 that they are in Spiritual warfare, therefore, suit up for battle:

Christian Warfare

¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics^[10] of the Devil. ¹² For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.^[11] ¹³ This is why you must take up the full armor^[12] 1 Th 5:8 of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. ¹⁴ Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, ¹⁵ and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.^[13]¹⁶ In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. ¹⁸ With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the • mystery of the gospel.

Paul told the Christians in Rome, that the lure of the flesh is ever present; therefore, they must be adorned with CHRIST every day because they will face the enemy for certain.

Satan is attacking the homes and children of Christian and non-Christian alike. When he defeats Christian homes the world does not see the victory in CHRIST. This is a very sad state of affairs. I know some Christians who read this are facing defeat. Therefore, confess that Satan is trying to defeat you but the victory is in CHRIST. You are HIS child and you are taking off the clothes of defeat and putting on the clothes of victory. Arm yourselves as Paul has outlined and March victorious into the light of CHRIST. Satan will try to defeat you but remember 1 John 4:4 - 4 You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One (JESUS) who is in you is greater than the one (Satan) who is in the world.

JESUS has won the victory. Walk in HIS light with confidence.

Let’s read Proverbs 23:19-21:

19 Listen, my son, and be wise; keep your mind on the right course. 20 Don’t associate with those who drink too much wine, or with those who gorge themselves on meat. 21 For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor, and grogginess will clothe [them]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. in rags.

This was a father giving wise instruction to his son. Satan battles for the minds of people, especially young people. Life is all about making the right choices. Satan wants humans to choose the wrong course. So it is a battle to choose the right course. This is where good Spiritual training comes in. This is not to say that all who have been raised in the church will make the right choices but the Bible does tells us in Proverbs 22:6 - ⁶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Notice the word “old.” Sometimes the child is old before he/she reconnects with his/her Spiritual roots. A Christian’s part is to provide the Christian foundation to their child.

In this scripture, the father was instructing his son to make the right choices. It is good not to associate with those who do the things that compromise their lives. The word “associate” does not mean to dump them but it does mean that when you do associate with them, don’t do the things they do which you know are not right. That takes a strong willed person to abstain. My advice is if you have stepped over the line and enjoy or have been addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling or whatever, then avoid that scene period. It will lead to your destruction.

We all know what happens to those who live lives of addictions. It will lead to their destruction and poverty. Therefore, make the right choice and do not yield to the temptation. Let your friends call you chicken or whatever the modern term is today for resisting the crowd. Peer pressure is very strong and so is our desire to belong. But if you are a Christian, you belong to JESUS. You are very important because you are the son or daughter of GOD and it does not get any better than that. So make the right choices. I have seen too much destruction for people who follow the wrong crowd. Be wise and follow JESUS. Put on your clothes of righteousness and face the world with confidence. Ask HIM to teach you and help you build the most intimate and dynamic relationship with HIM that is possible.

Let’s read Daniel 1:1-21: (Focus - verses 8, 11-16)

¹ In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar^[1] king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and laid siege to it.^[2] ² The Lord handed Jehoiakim king of Judah over to him, along with some of the vessels from the house of God.^[3] Nebuchadnezzar carried them to the land of Babylon,^[4] to the house of his god,^[5] and put the vessels in the treasury of his god. ³ The king ordered Ashpenaz (ASH peh naz), the chief of his court officials,^[6] to bring some of the Israelites from the royal family and from the nobility— ⁴ young men without any physical defect, good-looking, suitable for instruction in all wisdom, knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king’s palace^[7]—and to teach them the Chaldean language and literature. ⁵ The king assigned them daily provisions from the royal food and from the wine that he drank.^[8] They were to be trained for three years, and at the end of that time they were to serve in the king’s court.^[9] ⁶ Among them, from the descendants of Judah, were Daniel, Hananiah (han uh NIGH uh), Mishael (MISH eh uhl), and Azariah (az uh RIGH uh). ⁷ The chief official gave them [different]^*names: to Daniel, he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

The Babylonians captured Jerusalem and took the Israelites captive to Babylon. This was about 605 B.C. when King Nebuchadnezzar had his staff select the brightest and physically best from those captured to groom them for his service. This gives us information about physical and Spiritual nature and character of Daniel and his three (3) friends. The Spiritual character of these young men had already been formed before they were captured. This is why Christians must teach their children from childhood about Spiritual matters because we never know when they may find themselves in a hostile situation, non-Christian environment. The King had the Israelites names changed from Hebrew names to Chaldean names. This would help them disassociate from their Jewish roots and better integrate into the Babylonian culture.

The King also had them fed royal food and wine.

Faithfulness in Babylon

⁸ Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine he drank. So he asked permission from the chief official not to defile himself. ⁹ God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official, ¹⁰ yet he said to Daniel, “My lord the king assigned your food and drink. I’m afraid [of what would happen]^*if he saw your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age. You would endanger my life^[10] with the king.” ¹¹ So Daniel said to the guard whom the chief official had assigned to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, ¹² “Please test your servants for 10 days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. ¹³ Then examine our appearance and the appearance of the young men who are eating the king’s food, and deal with your servants based on what you see.” ¹⁴ He agreed with them in this matter and tested them for 10 days. ¹⁵ At the end of 10 days they looked better and healthier^[11] than all the young men who were eating the king’s food. ¹⁶ So the guard continued to remove their food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables.

Daniel was determined not to defile himself. Daniel was a young man of conviction to serve GOD in a foreign land. We see in this scripture the character of Daniel. His desire was to remain faithful to GOD in a bad situation. We see that Daniel was very intelligent, in good physical condition and had common sense.

He had a problem. How would he handle it? He could have just said I refuse and there would have likely been severe consequences. We see that Daniel realized the predicament his refusal to eat the king’s food and drink his wine could put the king’s chief official in. So Daniel proposed a short term test for ten (10) days to the guard the chief official had assigned to them. We saw in verse 5 that this was a three (3) year training program, so a ten (10) day test was reasonable. The guard likely thought if after ten (10) they were not looking well that he had time to change their regime. I also imagine the guard told the chief official what he was going to do and may have even told him that he would be accountable of the outcome. Anyway, Daniel was granted his request.

After ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier than those who ate the king’s food and drank his wine. So rather than conforming to the king’s program and defiling themselves, their stand resulted in being a witness and a positive example for the GOD of Israel in a pagan land.

Daniel 1:17-21 - Faithfulness Rewarded

¹⁷ God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams of every kind.^[12] ¹⁸ At the end of the time that the king had said to present them, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. ¹⁹ The king interviewed them, and among all of them, no one was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they began to serve in the king’s court. ²⁰ In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them 10 times^[13] better than all the diviner-priests and mediums^[14] in his entire kingdom. ²¹ Daniel remained^[15] there until the first year of King Cyrus.^[16]

GOD was using Daniel and his friends to witness to their captors’. We see in verse 17, that GOD rewarded their faithfulness with knowledge and understanding. When we are faithful to GOD, GOD equips us to serve HIM. GOD gave Daniel the gift to understand visions and dreams, which would be important in his service to the king and to reveal GOD to the king and his subjects.

At the end of the training program, the king evaluated all in the program and guess who stood out? It was Daniel and his three friends. They were ten (10) times better. So the king immediately chose them to begin serving in his court. This made their handler look good as well. Because they had been faithful to GOD, GOD was able to use them in a mighty way. Serving GOD often requires HIS children to take a risk when they are in a bad situation, as prompted by the Holy Spirit. Daniel and his friends served the king. Daniel faced the lion’s den and his three friends faced the fiery furnace. GOD guided them and protected them.

Daniel served several kings until the first year of King Cyrus which was 536 B.C. This was about sixty (60) years of service.

GOD honors faithfulness, faithfulness honors GOD.

As we begin a new year, what will it hold for us? None of us knows but GOD does. As Christians, our part is to remain faithful to HIM though our relationship with CHRIST. May all of us, who call ourselves Christians, know CHRIST more and be in a deeper relationship with HIM by this time next year.

FATHER, here I am as I am, please help me to be all that YOU know that I am capable of being. Blessings to all.

Bible Study - Gift - Rejoice in God's Gift - Luke 2 - December 25, 2011

2011-12-19T09:59:00.000-05:00

Bible Study – Gift – Rejoice in God’s Gift – December 25, 2011

This is our final lesson in our series entitled “God’s Greatest Gift.”

Our scripture is Luke 2:1-20.

In our last lesson, we studied the response of the wise men to the birth of JESUS. They were Gentiles and advisors to kings. They did not see JESUS until HE was between one and two years old. They gave HIM expensive gifts. They returned home confirming the birth of JESUS. Did they tell others about this Good News, we do not know but they had beheld GOD incarnate? This week, we study the response of the shepherds to the birth of JESUS, who were Jews, not considered high on the social calendar and poor. When you consider the contrast between the wise men and the shepherds you see that JESUS came to earth to give HIS life for all people regardless of their nationality, race or status.

As mentioned in our last study, December 25 is not the actual birthday of JESUS. Copied below is what I wrote about the birthday of JESUS in the December 19, 2010 lesson:

Our lesson this week focuses on the birth of JESUS. First, we need to address the question, “Is Christmas really the birthday of JESUS?” It is most likely not. December 25 was the birthday of a pagan sun-god Mithra, which the pagans celebrated from December 17-25.

The Roman pagans converted this practice to worship of the god Saturn which included gift-giving, singing, etc. The pagan priests carried evergreen boughs to various temples in Rome during this celebration. They celebrated Saturnalia from December 17-25. About 336 A. D., it is thought that the Emperor Constantine converted this pagan practice into a Christian holiday.

CHRIST was likely born in the spring or fall because the shepherds were keeping the sheep in the pasture at night. Unless it was an abnormally warm winter, sheep would have been kept inside during the winter months. But whether CHRIST was born on December 25 or some other day, the important thing is that HE was born and HE is GOD incarnate.

What does perplex me is that without Christians celebrating Christmas much of commerce would be in deep trouble. It is tempting to show the world what would happen if Christians did not buy Christmas presents one year. I don’t think it would take long before manufacturers and purveyors of goods would promote everyone greeting each other with “Merry Christmas.” We as Christians must stand our ground or else the world will continue to compromise our stand for us. This is not to say ram Christianity down the throat of others. That is not the right approach. Every person must choose of his/her own freewill to accept CHRIST as his/her Savior.

Does this diminish the birthday of CHRIST? NO!!! HE was born and HIS birth was prophesied about 750 – 687 years before HE was born. The Prophet Micah stated in Micah 5:2 - 2 [2] Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me.[3]His origin[4] is from antiquity, from eternity.[5]

Bethlehem means “House of Bread” and was located about five (5) miles south of Jerusalem. JESUS is the Bread of Life and was born in the city of David called the House of Bread. It is likely that the sheep the shepherds were watching were for sacrifice in the temple in Jerusalem.

GOD’S timing is always exciting and exact. GOD had to get Mary to Bethlehem for HIS SON to be born there. Mary’s hometown was Nazareth, which was ninety (90) miles from Bethlehem and somewhat uphill (Note verse 4 in the scripture below.). It was about a four (4) day journey.

How GOD got her from Nazareth to Bethlehem was normal and is revealed in Luke 2:1-7: The Birth of Jesus

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus[1] that the whole empire[2] should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while[3] Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was • engaged to him[4] and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the inn.

Joseph was of the house and family line of David. Luke 3:23-38 gives a family line for Joseph but Bible scholars believe it was actually the family line of Mary. They believe that Mary was still alive and Doctor Luke, not being prejudiced against women, recorded her family line back to Adam. In verse 23, it states that Heli was the father of Joseph, but Bible scholars think Heli was Joseph’s father-in-law. This is something for you to ponder and pray about.

The point being, they had to register by decree in Bethlehem. Often, GOD uses various events in ordinary life to accomplish HIS will. While they were in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to JESUS. Because of the required registration, there were likely many people in the area, thus no room in the Inn. This could mean that there was no suitable place inside the Inn for her to birth a baby. They were offered the place where the animals were kept, which was likely a cave type structure. It was where the animals were kept but it was clean, provided shelter and suitable for birthing a baby. Mary gave birth to JESUS and HE was placed in a manger or feeding trough. The feeding trough was also the place where the first born animal was placed which was to be sacrificed to GOD.

JESUS, the first born of Mary, was placed in a feeding trough and wrapped in swaddling cloth. Some relate swaddling cloth to grave clothes but they were also used to wrap babies. JESUS was born to die to pay the sin debt for all who would believe in HIM. Mary gave birth and nearby another event was taking place, which would confirm to both Mary and particularly Joseph that the baby Mary had just birthed was truly GOD’S SON.

Let’s read Luke 2:8-14:

8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. ⁹ Then an angel of the Lord stood before[5] Or Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.[6] Lit they feared a great fear ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: ¹¹ today a Savior, who is • Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. ¹² This will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” ¹³ Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors![7] Other mss read earth good will to people [8] Or earth to men of good will [9]

In verse 8, we learn that shepherds were “staying” in the fields and watching over their sheep at night. This was an indication that the season of the year was not winter thus an indication that December was not likely the month JESUS was born.

Verse 8 refers to “shepherds.” At that time, shepherds were thought of by society as thieves and social outcasts. Shepherding, in the early days, was considered an honorable profession. Isn’t it interesting that GOD uses the least likely to be involved in HIS plans. That is an encouragement to many of us regardless of how society views our earthly status. GOD often uses the least likely to accomplish HIS plan and purpose.

The angel of the LORD stood before them and the glory of the LORD shone around them and they were afraid. The angel of the LORD was accompanied by a bright light. This was an unmistakable event that many, if not all the shepherds witnessed. There was an unmistakable angelic form, an unmistakable voice and an unmistakable light to get the shepherds attention.

The angel put their minds at ease by telling them not to be afraid. The angel needed for them to stay calm so they could listen and comprehend the message.

Notice that JESUS is the SAVIOR, the promised Messiah for all people. GOD is no respecter of persons. JESUS came to earth and gave HIS life for all who would believe in HIM. When HE was born in the City of David, Bethlehem the angel could not hold the Good News any longer. WOW, what a message the angel had for all of mankind.

The angel told them how they could find the new born baby, the promised Messiah – The new born child would be wrapped in cloth lying in a feeding trough. That was better than having a GPS. This message from the angel was immediately reinforced by a sudden appearance of a multitude of heavenly hosts along with the angel praising GOD. Notice, they were saying and not singing, Verse 14 - Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors![7] [8] [9]

Peace comes when we accept JESUS as our Savior. Once we are reconciled to GOD through JESUS, Christians have the peace that passes all understanding. This is the peace that results in the abundant life that JESUS spoke about for those who accept HIM as their Savior. Those GOD favors are those who earnestly seek HIM and respond when they find HIM through their relationship with JESUS. GOD’S desire is for no person to be lost and go to Hell. HE appeals to the hearts of every person and uses HIS power to lead the lost to have a loving, intimate relationship with HIM through JESUS.

Do you know JESUS as your Savior? If not, now is the moment to ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life. The instant you make that decision, HE will come into your life and you will be born into the family of GOD, never to leave HIS family regardless of what you do. Just getting fire insurance is not where it is. Living for JESUS is not easy but it is the most exciting thing you will ever do as HE leads and guides your life through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The shepherds had witnessed a marvelous event. But was it true? GOD tells us to test all things to determine if they are true. Verifying truth is no problem with GOD but do it in conjunction with HIM.

I used to think about testing GOD and tell HIM to do this or that and came to the conclusion that whatever I asked how could I be certain that what I asked was not going to happen anyway? I searched for many years until one day on my way to work, I asked CHRIST to take my life as it was, the good and the bad, and to give me the strength to live the Christian life. BAM!!! In the twinkling of the eye HE took my life and it has been an awesome journey since. It has not been easy and there have been many stumbles along the way but one thing has been certain, I belong to GOD through my relationship with CHRIST.

Let’s read Luke 2: 15-17:

15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. 17 After seeing [them]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , they reported the message they were told about this child,

Once the angel and the heavenly hosts had left, the shepherds responded to what they had been told. They knew that the news came from GOD. They went to check it out and found this new born baby, just as the angel had told them. When GOD reveals truth to Christians and they respond, they confirm the revealed truth. They were the first to see and rejoice in the birth of the promised Messiah, JESUS.

Once they confirmed this major event which was promised by GOD through HIS prophets over hundreds of years, what did they do with this Good News? This is major news. Let’s find out in our next scripture.

Let’s read Luke 2:18-20:

18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things[10] Lit these words in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.

The shepherds could not contain the Good News and had to tell it to others who were amazed. Once we find JESUS, we must tell others the Good News. The shepherds were the first witnesses to others. They had a marvelous story to tell. The promised Messiah had been born.

Mary treasured what had happened to the shepherds in her heart and meditated on them. What had happened to the shepherds confirmed to her and Joseph that this child born to them was truly GOD’S SON.

Mary and Joseph remained in the Jerusalem area to complete the religious rites required for their new baby - JESUS had to be named, dedicated to GOD, circumcised and an offering made to GOD.

Do you treasure your relationship with JESUS? May this Christmas be a time to reflect on your relationship with HIM. It is not doing more but yielding more to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you as you obediently serve HIM.

Merry Christmas and blessings to all!