Monthly Archives: September 2018

REVELATION: GOSPEL PASSION

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A PASSION TO SHARE THE GOSPEL

Are you aware of your unique qualities? One of the beauties of life is the uniqueness each of us brings to it. We are created by God with particular interests, abilities, and personalities. Our individuality is compounded by our history- including sins, failures and best of all our victories. We are all unique, but God calls us to the same task: to share His gospel. Our individual histories and experiences provide opportunities for us to bring the gospel into the lives of others. Like Paul taught that our sufferings for Christ gives us the experiences and opportunities to assist others who may be experiencing the same situations. So, will our past situations help us to share the gospel? Clearly, we need to ask for God’s wisdom in understanding His word and for the boldness to be ambassadors for Christ. God calls us out of our brokenness to share the gospel.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:11

Paul was indicating that the driving force behind his ministry- “the fear of the Lord”. Fear is a reverential awe for God, in light of His perfect holiness, righteousness, omniscience, and omnipotence, that leads a person to live in obedience to Him. Paul may have been speaking of his evangelistic ministry when he said, “We persuade men”, but it was more likely that he meant his effort to persuade the Corinthians of his sincerity. He had been criticized as being insincere. In response to this he had just revealed his constant awareness of God’s purpose and judgment. It was characteristic of Paul that he always us thought of God as seeing and knowing his every act.

The “fear of the Lord” is a prominent theme in the Old Testament. In Proverbs 1:7 it is said to be “the beginning of knowledge”. It is the basic attitude of awe and reverence that puts life in proper perspective. It is a kind of energy that purifies and empowers life. It was the fear or holy respect that Paul produced as exhibit A to prove his sincerity. His true character was known to God, and he felt that the Corinthians were spiritually sensitive enough to know it too.

Having a “fearful responsibility to the Lord” does not mean that believers become paralyzed. On the contrary, knowing God’s perfection and that He will judge everyone’s actions (5:10) should spur Christians to good deeds, to what pleases our God. The fear of the Lord also frees believers from all of life’s anxieties and worries. Knowing that God is “for us” (Romans 8:31), can keep believers unafraid of earthly powers- people, governments, or the forces of nature (Proverbs 3:25-26). God takes care of His own. The fear of God gives us uncommon courage in the face of life’s troubles.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-17

Verses 14-21 constitute one of the most important statements of the message of the gospel in all the New Testament. The controlling factor of his ministry, Paul emphasized, was the love of Christ as seem in His death. This was where he learned such dedication. By “the love of Christ controls us” Paul did not have in mind the impulse that sent him on his mission, but the restraint that kept him from seeking his own advantage and held him to the cross. The word for “control” has the sense pressure which confines and restricts. Such a total commitment to the good of others kept him from doing anything that would falsify the gospel or hinder Christian growth.

In verse 15, the motive of Paul’s ministry and his message are seen to be the same, for both flow from the cross. The death of Christ was the most important fact in Paul’s thinking. It affected all people by making possible the most radical change in their lives. Paul saw Christ as the second Adam (Romans 5:14-17), God’s new beginning in the creation of humanity. As such, He was the representative of the human race. What happened to Christ happens to all in some sense. Those who accept their unity with Him by faith take part in the death He died for them. Death to sin and resurrection to new life became the pattern of their lives. They no longer live to serve themselves. To live for self is sin. They live for Christ, and thus for others. This more than mere acceptance of an idea. It is participation in a new reality. So, Paul saw his task as notifying all persons of this new possibility and enlisting them to join in experiencing it. The word “all” is prominent in verses 14-15, and it indicates the breadth of Paul’s missionary goal.

Paul’s critics judged him – and themselves- “from a human point of view”, literally “by what he is in the flesh”. They valued persons on the basis of outward appearances and superficial signs. He now told the Corinthians that such evaluations were sub-Christians. The merely human point of view missed what God was doing. Since Paul’s conversion he did not see or evaluate people merely in terms of their human characteristics. He was concerned with their hearts and the work of the Spirit in their lives. Before conversion he saw Christ as the world saw Him, a troublesome teacher who died a shameful death. But now the emphasis was on the present. As a believer in Christ Paul now knew Him as the loving Savior who brings grace by His death and life by His resurrection. This statement does not mean that Paul had no interest in the earthly life of Jesus, simply that he now saw it from a new point of view. As a new person, he saw with new eyes. This led to his overwhelming concern for others.

Verse 17, with its great “therefore”, points back to what Paul said about Christ’s dying for all and all dying with Him (vv. 14-15). When Christ rose from the dead, the human race made a new start. All who are united with Him by faith are part of this new creation. They are “in Christ”, a term Paul used constantly throughout his letters to describe his relationship with Christ. It implied that those who exercise faith in Christ enter into a real, personal union with Him. Because they participate in His death to sin, the old things have passed away. This is true even though the old order hangs on for a while. The new creation will not be fully revealed until the new heaven and the new earth appear; but for those who are in Christ, the new order has already begun.

Everything that Paul and his companions did was to honor God. Not only did fear of God motivate them (5:11), but Christ’s love controlled their actions. The word for “controls” means “to hold fast”. In other words, the love of Christ was constraining them to certain courses of action. They knew that Jesus, out of His great love, had given up His life for their sakes. He had not acted out of His own self-interest, selfishly holding on to the glory of heaven that He already possessed (Philippians 2:6). Instead, Jesus had willingly “died for everyone”. Because Christ died for us, we also are dead to our old life. Like Paul, we should no longer live to please ourselves, we should spend our life pleasing Christ. Christians are brand-new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives them new life, and they are not the same anymore. While this newness is true individuality, Paul is saying much more. Not only are believers changed from within, but a whole new order of creative energy began with Christ. This is a new covenant, a new perspective, a new body, a new church. There is a new creation is being renewed. So, take notice, this is not a superficial change that will be quickly superseded by another novelty. This is an entirely new order of all creation under Christ’s authority. It requires a new way of looking at all people and all of creation.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

God brings us back to Himself (reconciles us) by blotting out our sins (Ephesians 2:13-18) and making us right with Him. When we trust in Christ we are no longer God’s enemies, or strangers or foreigners to Him. Because we have been reconciled to God, we have the privilege of encouraging others to do the same, and thus we are those who have the “task of reconciling people to Him”. As believers, we are Christ’s ambassadors sent with His message of reconciliation to the world. An ambassador of reconciliation has an important responsibility. We dare not take this responsibility lightly.

When we trust in Christ, we make an exchange. He takes our sin and makes us right with God. Our sin was laid on Christ at His crucifixion. His righteousness is given to us at our conversion. This is what Christians mean by Christ’s atonement for sin. In the world, bartering works only when two people exchange goods of relatively equal value. But God offers to trade His righteousness for our sin- something of immeasurable worth for something completely worthless. How grateful we should be for this kindness to us!!!

The word “reconcile” occurs three times in various forms in verses 18-19. It also is found in Roman 5:10-11. A similar word, also translated “reconcile”, is used in Ephesians 2:16 and Colossians 1:20. In all these cases the reference is to persons being reconciled to God. The emphasis is on something God does for humanity to overcome their hostility toward Him. Verse 19 restates the truth of verse 18 and adds the explanation, “not counting their trespasses against them”. Reconciliation implies that a state of enmity had existed due to sin. “Trespasses” means violations of God’s law or failures to do what is right. Such offenses God could have counted against mankind. Rather than do this, He overcame the enmity. Reconciliation requires effective treatment of the root cause of the hostility. This means that it is more than something that changes people’s attitudes. It is something that God accomplishes that draws God to man and man to God. Certainly, God loved us even before Christ died for us.

He did not have to have His mind changed in order to become our friend. But God demanded holiness of us and rejected our sin. Something had to be done to remove that sin so that God could receive us and we could receive the love God has for us. To accomplish this, Christ took upon Himself the judgment for our sin.

To reinforce His appeal, Paul restated the means and results of reconciliation in verse 21. It is made possible by Christ’s remedy for sin. “Made Him to be sin” means at least that God made Christ to bear the consequences of sin. But it is a daring phase that may mean much more. In some mysterious sense, the sinless Christ became identified with our sin so that we could become identified with His righteousness. As a result of this, those who are in Christ by faith “become the righteousness of God- that is, they receive the benefits of God’s righteousness. They (we) become righteous as they are transformed into the image of Christ. With that stated and believed, we should have the passion to share the gospel whenever and wherever we can.

LEARN TO BE A MORE POSITIVE PERSON AND HAVE MORE JOY

REVELATION: What are Christians Affirmations? They are a method to reprogram your mind to gain spiritual confidence in agreement with God's word. It is a marvelous way to gain an amazing insight into God's loving character. Affirmations that lift your life.

CHRISTIANS AFFIRMATIONS WILL GIVE A BETTER OUTLOOK ON LIFE

 

 

REVELATION: GOD IS FAITHFUL

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GOD IS FAITHFUL

We are bombarded with information. Much of this information is touted as news which too often is unsubstantiated and/or spun for a false purpose. When we begin to really research the information, it often turns up that facts are skewed and opinions are presented as fact. Even when people have the best intentions, they aren’t always able to do what they say or they cause confusion. This creates skeptics and that can be good but not always. If people experience enough untrue information or opinions, this can cause others to lose hope. Many people view Jesus Christ with unbelief even though He is real and there is clear information to support Him. What many hear presented as truth gets written off as opinion or simply what someone wants to believe. Many say they have to see it to believe it. The resurrection of Jesus is a fact we can build our life on. There were so many eye-witnesses of Jesus’ life, crucifixion, resurrection, many appearances after His resurrection, and His ascension (right before the disciples’ eyes). Now, as believers, we can fell and even hear the Holy Spirit, which was predicted by Jesus just prior to His ascension. The resurrection of Jesus Christ, as reported by so many, proves Jesus is the true Messiah and it is grounded in fact.  God remained faithful to what He said He’d do, and proved His faithfulness when He raised Jesus from the dead. We have a sure hope because God is faithful.

Read Luke 24:1-3

We all know this story and have read it many times. None of the Gospels records all the resurrection appearances of Jesus. Each evangelist told of the resurrection in light of his distinctive purpose. Luke emphasized the reality of the resurrection and the difference it made in the lives of the disciples. Although Jesus’ followers had heard Him predict His death and resurrection, they were not expecting Him to be raised from the dead (vv.1-12). They believed only after they had seen the risen Lord for themselves (vv.33-43). The Lord helped them see the cross as a triumph, not a tragedy (vv.13-32). He commissioned His followers to be His witnesses to all nations (vv. 44-49). Thus, although the disciples of Jesus had been in despair when He had left them earlier, they were able to live in confident joy after His ascension (vv.50-53).

These verses tell of the empty tomb, which points to Jesus’ resurrection. Some skeptics try to explain away the resurrection Jesus. One of their theories is that the disciples saw someone or something they mistook for Jesus. This assumes that the disciples were anxiously awaiting the resurrection. To the contrary, the New Testament shows that they were not expecting Jesus to be raised for the dead. Luke 24:11 is clear evidence of this fact. The women had seen the empty tomb (vv.1-3) and had heard the angels say that Jesus was alive (vv. 4-7). However, when they reported this to the disciples (vv. 8-10), “these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them” (v.11). Some of the men went to the tomb and found it empty (vv.12, 24), but they still were not convinced. Only later, when they saw Jesus for themselves, did they believe (vv. 33-43).

The women brought spices to the tomb as we would bring flowers- as a sign of love and respect. The women went home and kept the Sabbath as their law required, from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, before gathering up their spices and perfumes and returning to the tomb. For the women, the mystery of that Sunday morning deepened. When they arrived, the large stone had been moved, announcing something had occurred. Did the women approach the entrance cautiously or did they rush right in? The Gospel narratives do not inform us. However, Luke clearly stated what the women observed inside the tomb. The body of Jesus was not there. Except for the presence of the burial cloths (John 20:6-7), the tomb was empty. Though they did not yet understand it, God had faithfully raised Jesus, making the impossible possible.

Read Luke 24:4-8

The two angels (appearing as “two men”…clothed in dazzling robes) asked the women why they were looking in a tomb for someone who was alive. Often we run into people who are looking for God among the dead. They study the Bible as a mere historical document and go to church as if going to memorial service. But Jesus is not among the dead- He lives! Listen to the Choir’s songs today. He reigns in the hearts of Christians, and He is the head of His church. We need to look for Jesus among the living. We can expect Him to be active in the world and in the church. Look for signs of His power – they are all around us.

The angels stood by the women in dazzling clothes and reminded the women that Jesus had predicted His death and resurrection while He was still in Galilee (vv.6-7).   The women remembered His words. So, how could the disciples have heard these predictions and not been expecting Jesus to be raised from the dead? They had heard what He said, but they had not understood (Mark 9:32; Luke 9:45; 18:34). They had their own expectations about what the Messiah was to be and to do. They, as did most all believers, that Jesus came to set-up an earthly kingdom right now. Therefore, they heard only what they expected to hear (9:22). Jesus had told His disciples repeatedly beforehand that He would rise again. This was a promise that was fulfilled and so will His promise to return again. This underscores the validity of the resurrection, which is a fact revealed by: 1) Jesus’ death was no unfortunate accident; 2) Jesus died on the cross in our place; and 3) Jesus defeated death for us. Only God Himself could accomplish all this- and He did!

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the central fact of Christian history. On it, the church is built, without it there would be no Christian church today. Jesus’ resurrection is unique. Other religions have strong ethical systems, concepts about paradise and the afterlife, and various Holy Scriptures. Only Christianity has a God who became human, literally died for His people, and was raised again in power and glory to rule His church forever.

The Resurrection is so important because: 1) Christ was raised from the dead, we know that the Kingdom of Heaven has broken into earth’s history. Our world is now headed for redemption, not disaster. God’s mighty power is at work destroying sin, creating new lives, and preparing us for His coming, 2) Because of the Resurrection, we know that death has been conquered and we, too, will be raised from the dead to live forever with Christ, 3) The Resurrection gives authority to the church’s witness in the world. Look at the early evangelistic sermons in the Book of Acts- the apostles’ most important message was the proclamation that Jesus Christ had been raised from the dead, 4) The Resurrection gives meaning to the church’s sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Like Jesus’ followers on the Emmaus Road, we break bread with our risen Lord, who comes in power to save us, 5) The Resurrection helps us find meaning even in great tragedy as it gives us all hope for the future,6) The Resurrection assures us that Christ is alive and ruling His Kingdom. He is not a legend: He is alive and real, and 7) God’s power that brought Jesus back from the dead is available to us so that we can live for Him in an evil world.

Christians can look very different from one another, and they can hold widely varying beliefs about politics, life-style, and even theology. But one central belief unties and inspires all true Christians: Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

Read Luke 24:9-12

People who hear about the Resurrection for the first time may need time before they can comprehend this amazing story. Like the disciples, they may pass through four stages belief: 1) At first, they may think it is a fairy tale, impossible to believe, 2) Like Peter, they may check out the facts but still be puzzled about what happened, 3) Only when they encountered Jesus personally will they be able to accept the fact of the Resurrection, 4) Then, as they commit themselves to serving Him, they will begin fully to understand the reality of His presence with them.

A comparison of all four Gospel accounts suggests Mary Magdalene apparently fled the tomb after seeing the stone rolled away from the entrance. She ran to find Peter and reported, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him” (John 20:2). From John 20:3-4, we learn that another disciple ran to the tomb with Peter. That other disciple was almost certainly John, the author of the fourth Gospel. So, when Peter raced to the tomb, John followed him. John soon overtook Peter, but Peter was the first to look inside the tomb.  Peter saw the linen cloths but did not enter. As John stood looking into the empty tomb, Peter entered the tomb for a closer look. Luke reports that Peter was amazed at the events that had occurred. At this point, Peter had not met the risen Christ, nor had he comprehended the Old Testament’s predictions concerning the Messiah’s death and resurrection. Peter was beginning to believe something miraculous and inexplicable had occurred.

He paid for our salvation and gained the victory He won over death by being resurrected to life. Jesus is the risen Lord. Through His resurrection He conquered death so His followers can experience true, authentic, and everlasting life. The facts are clear- Jesus’ resurrection provides a foundation on which we can build our lives. Even though Peter still did not believe Jesus was alive, God is not bound by unbelief and proved as much with the resurrection.

LEARN TO BE A MORE POSITIVE PERSON AND HAVE MORE JOY

REVELATION: What are Christians Affirmations? They are a method to reprogram your mind to gain spiritual confidence in agreement with God's word. It is a marvelous way to gain an amazing insight into God's loving character. Affirmations that lift your life.

CHRISTIANS AFFIRMATIONS WILL GIVE A BETTER OUTLOOK ON LIFE

 

REVELATIONS: FRESH START

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A FRESH START

Movies and TV shows are full of time travel. Sometimes the time travel goes back to the past to change some event(s) for the better. Sometimes the leap is into the future to see if there is change needed for a fresh start. At the heart of these adventures is to find a different method or situation for some improvements. In real life aren’t many people searching for some guaranties or a fresh start? However, most ignore the best new start- not only in this life but for all of eternity. When we fail, Jesus restores us and gives us hope. When we come to faith in Christ, we realize there is nothing we can do to earn a right relationship with God. Now that we are Christians, we still fail, but we sometimes chastise ourselves for failing. The same grace we needed for salvation is the same grace we need to live it out. The hope we have in Christ is grounded in grace, and we need to experience that grace every day.

Read John 18:15-18, 25-27

The events in these verses occurred on the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, at the high priest’s residence in Jerusalem after Jesus’ arrest. This situation happened quickly in different locations.

The other disciple mentioned here I probably John, the author of this Gospel. He knew the high priest and identified himself to the woman at the door. Because of this connection, John got himself and Peter into the courtyard. So, Peter was not alone, but Peter refused to identify himself as a follower of Jesus. Peter’s experience in the next few hours would change his life.

Jesus had not come to that place alone. During this time, it was not clear whether Annas or Caiaphas was the high priest. Each held this office at different times, but it was likely Annas residence and Caiaphas may have still lived or had an office there.  So, there was some confusion if there existed official authority to try Jesus. In fact, the pretrial of Jesus was not only informal but illegal.  Peter and likely John showed up at the entrance to the court of the high priest’s place (v.15). The unnamed disciple was clearly known at that residence, so he gained easy entrance to the courtyard when Jesus was brought there. However, Peter was left standing at the entrance until John spoke to the doorkeeper (who was a slave girl) and she let Peter in.

Perhaps as she opened the door or gate for Peter she asked a question that was actually phrased in such a way that it would have been easy for him to say “no”. The question, in fact, was stated that “no” was the expected answer. “You are not one of this man’s disciples, too, are you?” Following the line of least resistance Peter indicated that he was not (v.17). She obviously had doubts about who she was letting into the courtyard. And Peter answered the simplest way, even though it was the untruthful way, the way of denial. Since it was cold that night the officers and servants or slaves had made a charcoal fire in the courtyard and were warming themselves around the fire (v. 18). Apparently trying to melt into the crowd, and likely because he was cold too, Peter joined the crowd around the fire, warming himself while Jesus was being subjected to questioning.

So, the stage was set (vv. 15-18) for Peter’s complete denial of Jesus. Jesus had predicted earlier that Peter would deny Him three times (13:38) before daybreak even though Peter had boasted that he (Peter) would be willing follow Jesus even to the death. While still warming himself around the fire Peter was further questioned about his relationship to Jesus. The other servants there seem to have taken up the question asked by the slave girl who served as the gatekeeper. They, too, phrased the question such a way that a negative answer was anticipated when they asked Peter if he were a disciple of Jesus. Again, Peter answered negatively (v.25). We all need to search our soul for what our answer to that question would be for us.

But once this subject was pursued one person, at least, was not willing to give up. This slave of the high priest was also a relative of Malchus, the high priest’s slave whose ear Peter had cut off in the garden. The light was probably uncertain in the garden and not too bright around a charcoal fire, but he still thought he recognized Peter as the man who had wielded the sword. He asked Peter directly if he had not seen him in the garden with Jesus. This time the question was phased in such a way that an affirmative answer was expected (V.26). But Peter’s answer was again negative. He denied that he had been in the garden with Jesus (V.27). And with this denial the cock crowed, just as Jesus had predicted. This reminds us that all of Jesus’ predictions have come true to this point in time. So, we can count on His prediction that He “will come again quickly”.

Peter had shown physical courage in the garden when he tried to protect Jesus by hacking away at Malchus. However, Peter was showing moral cowardice when tried to protect himself from the questions of a little slave girl. There is a significant contrast in the reaction of Peter and Judas to their actions. After his betrayal, Judas fell into despair and took his own life (Acts 1:18). After his denial Peter was moved to repentance and returned to Jesus, as we will see in the next segment. There is an interesting side note that many believed happened while Jesus was taken through the courtyard. It is believed Jesus actually looked at Peter following his third denial (Luke 22:61). This may have been significant in Peter’s encounter with Jesus after His resurrection.

Read John 21:15-19

The events in these verses took place after Jesus’ resurrection (perhaps a couple of weeks later). After they had finished breakfast Jesus directed a question to Simon Peter. Addressing him formally and fully as “Simon, son of John”, He asked Peter if he loved Him. Responding that Jesus knew he loved Him, Peter gave an affirmative answer to which Jesus replied by assigning him the task of feeding His lambs. But then Jesus repeated the question twice- for a total of three questions. Each time Peter answered that he loved Jesus. And each time Jesus responded by giving him a responsibility (vv.15-17). The third time Peter was grieved by the continued questions and affirmed his love for Jesus with a statement that the Lord knew everything, and He knew Peter loved Him.

This examination of Peter and his assertion of love and loyalty was a restoration of Simon Peter to ministry and service. Three times Peter had denied Jesus. Three times Jesus asked about his love for Him. I believe we can be certain that Peter had grieved a great deal about his denial of the Lord. Obviously, the other disciples knew about it and had probably discussed it among themselves. Before the group, Jesus had Simon Peter declare his love and loyalty to Him and accepting Peter’s confession gave him a ministering responsibility. He was to shepherd the sheep of Christ’s fold. This is the same responsibility we have as believers in Christ.

When Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him “more than these”, what was His comparison? More than what? It could have meant more than those other men loved Jesus. After all, Peter had asserted that he would remain loyal even if it meant death (13:37). Or He could have asked Peter if he loved Him more than those things around him: the boat, the nets, the sea, the fishing enterprise. Peter had gone back to fishing, and it may have been as a vocation. If this were true, then Jesus’ question to Peter was a call to final and full commitment.

There is also a difference in the words used for “love” in the questions that Jesus asked Simon. The first two times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him with the love that C.B. Williams in “The New Testament: A Translation in the Language of the People” translated “devoted”. Peter answered with the word for love that Williams rendered “tenderly love”. The third time Jesus asked Peter the question He used the same word for love that Peter had used ‘tenderly love”. Peter may have been more grieved that Jesus had dropped to his level of love- than that He asked him the question three times. With the affirmative answer that Peter loved Him, Jesus assigned Peter a ministering responsibility. Jesus was not just interested in a profession of love but proof of his love by his actions. Peter had professed love but had failed in his actions. Jesus wanted the profession of love proved by his practice of love. Notice that love was the only requirement Jesus gave for witness and ministry. He just wanted to see the actions. That is what Jesus wants of all of us.

Jesus then made an observation that was rather proverbial. When Peter was young he could dress himself and carry himself wherever he wanted to go. But when he would get old then he could not care for himself that way. He could neither dress himself not determine his destination. The writer of the Gospel (John) interpreted this as an indication of the way Peter would die. In his old age Peter died by martyrdom (vv. 18-19). Traditionally, it has been thought that Peter died by crucifixion, upside down at his own request since he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.

Then in verse 19 Jesus said to Peter the same words that he had said in calling him to discipleship, “Follow me”. Following Jesus is the nature of Christian discipleship. When Peter was called to discipleship it was to follow Jesus. When Peter was restored and recommissioned it was with the same command, to follow Jesus. In this beach scene, Jesus led Peter through an experience that would remove the cloud of his denial. Peter’s occupation changed from fisherman to evangelist; his identity changed from impetuous to “rock”, and his relationship to Jesus changed – he was forgiven, and he finally understood the significance of Jesus’ words about His death and resurrection. Peter had a fresh start and that is the way- the only way – for any of us for a fresh start.

“Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning” (Lam. 3:22-23).  In verse 19, Jesus uses the tense of the verb translated “feed” refers to an ongoing action, which could be rendered “keep on feeding”. This was not to be a one-time action for Peter- or for any of us. Thinking about Peter’s three denials in Chapter 18, used the time recorded by John in chapter 21, as a way to have Peter declare his allegiance to Him the same number of times as Peter’s denials. This was to Peter his fresh start- and it worked. This tells us that we can always count on Jesus for our fresh start.

CONTINUE WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF GOD’S PRESENCE BY LOOKING AT THE DETAILS OF THE FOLLOWING LINK-COPY AND PASTE:

http://4fd03ku0f-4l9w6qlh25q9eh-d.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=ABIDINGINGOD

 

REVELATION: SOLOMON’S WISDOM

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SOLOMON-UNFAILING WISDOM

When we think about wisdom, much of the time we think about academia-either high school or college. These are places where students go to be prepared for life. Some students temporarily are able to store a lot of knowledge in their heads, but after an exam, they quickly forget what they have studied. So, they don’t know how to apply it in life. More knowledge is available at the click of a mouse today than has ever been available in the history of the world. We may even feel overwhelmed with all the knowledge available to us. However, what many people lack is understanding of the best way to use that knowledge, and that calls for wisdom. This session focuses on King Solomon and the Wisdom God gave him when he asked for it. Solomon knew he needed more than knowledge to lead Israel; he needed wisdom. Likewise, we need God’s wisdom, not simply knowledge, to live the life God has called us to live. Christ-centered living seeks wisdom from God, not merely knowledge.

Read 1 Kings 3:3-9

1 Kings 1-2 records the account of King David’s death and his son Solomon’s accession to Israel’s throne. The whole city celebrated as David’s leaders carried out the order and crowned Solomon king (1:40). The account sifted to David’s last moments on earth. Before he died, Israel’s great king issued Solomon his son a sober warning. Solomon must be careful to walk in the ways of the Lord all his days, so that God would fulfill the promise He had made to David to establish David’s throne forever (2:1-4; 2 Sam. 7). 1 Kings 2:13-46 records Solomon’s further establishment of himself as king by getting rid of key enemies. At the end of 1 Kings 2, the kingdom of Israel lay firmly in Solomon’s hands. Yet, the king knew he lacked what he needed to lead Israel as he should. The king knew he needed God’s help to lead the people effectively. Which he did effectively unless he married 700 women and the pagan influence from these women lead to his downfall. He also seemed to have lost much of his wisdom when he also had 700 mother’s-in-law.

In verse 3, it states that “Solomon loved the Lord” which affirmed his commitment to God. Solomon demonstrated his commitment to the Lord “by walking in the statues of his father David”. The Hebrew word translated “statutes” comes from a verb that means “to inscribe”. The law of Moses originally was inscribed on tablets of stone (Ex. 32:15-16). God had inscribed His statues for His people for their good and for their blessing. The text’s statement that Solomon “also sacrificed and burned incense on the high places” highlights one of the king’s shortcomings. Deuteronomy had forbidden such practices; rather, it pointed the people to the place God would designate (Deut. 12:2-5). During the period after Solomon, the people continued to worship God on high places throughout Israel instead of at the temple in Jerusalem (2 Kings 12:3; 14:4). Gibeon was “the most famous high place” and Solomon had planned to sacrifice there. 2 Chronicles 1:3 mentions that the tabernacle was also there at that time and it became the focus of worship until Solomon built the temple later. Solomon “offered a thousand burnt offerings at Gibeon as a sign of dedication to the Lord.

It was at Gibeon that “the Lord appeared to Solomon”. He would appear “in a dream at night”. In the dream, the Lord asked Solomon an important question: “What should I you?”. Solomon replied in a way that encompassed his past, his present, and his future. He affirmed that God had “shown great and faithful love to his father David”. Solomon said his father’s life had been characterized by three important attributes: 1) David lived a life with faithfulness; 2) David’s life displayed righteousness; and 3) David’s life displayed integrity “uprightness of heart”. David’s walk with God demonstrated itself not merely in words, but also in action. Today as well, people of character typically demonstrate that character by how they live their lives. So, this is a symbol from the past that we are to follow.

Solomon affirmed that God had “continued this great and faithful love for David by giving him a son to sit on his throne”. In other words, Solomon’s reign was a continuation of the love that God has shown to David through a special covenant. The words “Lord my God” describe Solomon’s personal relationship with God. The words “you have now made your servant king” stress God’s active involvement in the process of Solomon’s being crowned king. Verse 9 records how Solomon asked God for a “receptive heart” (literally “a listening heart”). 2 Chronicles 1:10 provides more of the conversation, including wisdom and knowledge in Solomon’s request. The king wanted to listen carefully to God, and he wanted to listen carefully to the citizens who came before him for a decision. He wanted to judge fairly the people God had given him, to render decisions and verdicts that were based on the truth of the cases at hand. Solomon’s question “who is able to judge this great people of yours?” was rhetorical in nature. Solomon was not looking for an answer; rather he was affirming his own understanding that he did not have in himself what if took to be a great king over Israel. He would need God’s gracious assistance every step of the way. Solomon’s prayer for wisdom and discernment provides a model for leaders today. So, this is a second symbol from the past (in this lesson) that we are to follow. God’s grace, however, is sufficient to enable us to accomplish His purpose.

Read 1 Kings 3:10-14

God indicates that the king’s request for discernment pleased Him. Solomon had requested this because his heart was in the right place. Kingship would certainly bring him many benefits and blessings, but his desire to be a good king prompted him to ask what he did. Verse 11 focuses on all the things Solomon might have requested but did not in view of the greater good of possessing a wise heart. Long life could have been a blessing to both the king and his people. According to Deuteronomy 17:17, kings were not to multiply riches for themselves. Too much wealth could steer their heart away from God and lead them to trust in themselves. Sadly, Solomon’s great wealth and power did contribute to his straying from God later in life (1 King 11:3). Rather he knew that discernment would prove much more valuable in the long run. He also wanted to administer justice (literally “to hear justice”. “Justice” could also mean “judge” as indicated in verse 9. Solomon wanted to listen to the facts of each case carefully so that he could discern the proper verdict to render in each situation.

God assured Solomon “I will therefore do what you have asked”. The Hebrew verb actually occurs in the past tense; the wording suggests God had already placed the wisdom and (NASB). “Wise” can be translated “wisdom” and “understanding” can be rendered “discernment”. God also told Solomon He would provide him both riches and honor- items Solomon did not ask for. Solomon’s influence would extend mightily, so that no king would prove Solomon’s equal during his entire life. 1 Kings 6-10 describes the great kingdom Solomon ruled.

God expected something in return from His new king. He expected

Solomon to walk according to the ways He had laid down in the Law of Moses (Deut. 17:14-20). The word “keep” in verse 14 also means “guard” or “watch over”. God decrees were timeless, spanning all generations, and as Solomon’s “father David” had walked in them, so God expected the same of David’s son. Long life would be a further blessing for Solomon. This is then the third symbol in this lesson: if we walk in God’s way, we will experience God’s blessing. This is not necessarily long life- but His blessing.

Read 1 Kings 4:29-34

God gave Solomon wisdom, insight, and understanding in very amount- “as vast as the sand on the seashore”.  This is a phrase used several times in the Bible. It conveys the sense of Solomon’s brilliance. Solomon’s God-given discernment enabled him to choose not only between right and wrong, but between a good plan and a better plan. At the same time, the text emphasizes how Solomon’s gifts came from God. Verses 30-31 compare Solomon’s wisdom to his contemporaries Solomon’s reputation (“name”) “extended to all surrounding nations”, especially to Egypt. The Queen of the South had to come to see for herself.

Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs, but only 915 were recorded in the Book of Proverbs. The others may have been in put into other writings that probably have been lost. His songs numbered 1,005, but only two have been preserved for sure- Psalms 72 and 127. Some anonymous psalms may have come from Solomon. It is said that Solomon’s wisdom extended not merely to the arts and literature, but also to science and nature. Whether the king “spoke about trees or spoke about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, his knowledge and insights were nothing short of amazing. In today’s world, it is rare to find someone who is an expert in so many areas.

Solomon was an educated man, but his wisdom and insights ultimately came from God. People (“Emissaries”) “came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom”. These people had been “sent by every king on earth who had heard of his wisdom”. Learning from a great leader might make them better leaders. Perhaps these who came from faraway land went back wiser and were able to lead their people with greater effectiveness. While some of these leaders may have had less than honorable intentions, it is clear that most were far better off for knowing and learning from Solomon. We strengthen relationships when we walk alongside others and help them make wise decisions. The final symbol from this lesson is that other people may be drawn to God as they see God’s gifts in us.

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REVELATION: STAND FOR RIGHT

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BE READY TO STAND

How often do we seek opportunities in life for our own benefit? We look for jobs, pastime events, and responsibilities that we feel we would enjoy or for which we are prepared. While there is probably nothing wrong with that, but we need to realize that God has placed us in a specific situation- working a certain job, living in a particular location, or surrounded by different people- for a greater purpose: to point to Him and further His kingdom. There are so many people who believe that they don’t have to include God in everything or they just don’t think about God in many situations. However, when we become Christians we are to include God in everything- no matter what the event. This will put us in the right place at the right time so God can lead us to His purpose.

Read Esther 2:5-7

The events in Esther occurred during the reign of King Ahasuerus (from KJV), also known as Xerxes. He ruled the Persian Empire from 486-465 BC. In the third year of his reign, this king convened a royal banquet at Susa, his winter capital located in modern Iran. We all know this story and it happened because Queen Vashti refused to go to this banquet. So, the king dethroned her and started a search for a new Queen. This is where God entered the situation. God is always at work behind the scenes.

The story of Esther is one of the most exciting and inspiring in all the Word of God. 0″Esther” (a Persian word meaning Star) is the more familiar name of a Jewish girl named Hadassah (which is Hebrew for Myrtle). The events of the book of Esther occurred between 483 and 473 BC. They actually fit historically between Chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Ezra. If the Book of Esther was chronological placed between these two chapters, what would that do to the understanding of Ezra? By that time Babylon had been taken over by the Persians. The Jews had been given permission to return to their homeland to rebuild, and thousands did so, led by a man named Zerubbabel. However, during the 70 years of captivity many others had settled down in Babylon and preferred to stay there. The book of Esther concerns those Jews who remained in Babylon (or Persia). One of these was young Esther, an orphan whose cousin, Mordecai [MOR-da-kai], raised her as his own daughter and treated her as his own.  Esther thought of  Mordecai as her father.

There is a most unusual fact about the book of Esther–one which might not be noticed with a casual reading of it. God is not mentioned once in the entire book. No one is ever specifically said to be praising Him, or praying to Him. On the surface it seems like a totally secular story. This is not because the writer did not believe in God. (Quite the contrary!) He has done it by design, as a kind of literary device, suggesting a God who was hidden but at work. When the Jews went into captivity, it was because they had turned their backs on God, and had departed from His ways. They were out of fellowship with Him. God was absent from their lives. But although this was so, the Lord had not ceased to love His people. In Esther, we see the Lord working behind the scenes to rescue them. Though His presence is not obvious, the Lord acts in a wonderful way to deliver the nation from harm.

Verses 2-4 reveal an ironic twist to the situation. The king’s servants had found an added way in which the rebuffed king could avenge himself and prove his authority. Queen Vashti had refused to parade before him and his friends. Therefore, instead of having only one woman parade before him, he would have all the beautiful young virgins in his kingdom at his beck and call. The Persian historic custom was that the king would marry only Persian, but the story seems to be saying the king called in women of non-Persian background (this may have played into the story later).

In verses 5-11, the writer (officially unknown but possibly Ezra or Nehemiah) paused his narrative to some background information about two persons. Then specifically in these three verses (just read), the writer spoke briefly about Mordecai, a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, who left Jerusalem in the deportation of 597 BC. This may be the same Mordecai mentioned in Ezra 2:2 and Nehemiah 7:7. Mordecai probably held some type of minor position in the government. As indicated in Ezra, the Babylonians deported the best

of Judah’s leadership and used these leaders to good advantage during the exile (does that remind us of Daniel?). Mordecai followed the Jewish tradition of relatives taking care of their own kinfolk, especially in the case of orphans and widows. The relationship between Mordecai and Esther had a significant bearing on what the author was about to tell. The story also reveals the unexpected way God worked in behalf of His chosen people.

Read Esther 2:8-10

Verse 8 picks up the main thread of the story again. The king’s officers brought many beautiful maidens to the palace, as ordered. Esther quickly gained the favor of Hegai (the one in charge of the women). She received the best place in the harem, as well as ointments, food, and seven maids from the king’s house to attend her during her twelve-month beauty program (verse 12). Verses 8-9 clearly imply that Hegai considered Esther the most likely choice to fill Queen Vashti’s place. Mordecai had instructed Esther not to reveal her Jewish identity or her relationship to him. The writer did not explain why. Presumably it related to prejudice between Jews and Persians. The narrative gives no reason to believe that Esther refused non-kosher food or followed other Jewish regulations during that time. In the meantime, Mordecai checked on her daily to see how she fared (v.11).

With virtually no rights and little access to the king, it was better for Esther not to reveal her identity. While boldness in stating our identity as God’s people is our responsibility, at times a good strategy is to keep quiet until we have won the right to be heard. This is especially true when dealing with those in authority over us. But we can always let them see the difference God makes in our lives.

In Esther 2:11-14, the writer informed us of Mordecai’s faithfulness to his cousin after her entrance into the king’s harem. Esther demonstrated loyalty to his instructions, and Mordecai’s actions reflected his fidelity to her. Daily he walked by the harem’s courtyard to check on Esther in her new surroundings. After the woman appeared before the king the first time, we learn that woman would never entered the king’s presence again unless he specifically summoned her. However, Esther was not the queen yet, as we learn more in the next verses.

Read Esther 2:15-17

Here we find out the name of Esther’s father-Abihail, which means “my father is powerful”. Also, Esther gained favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. Esther used good strategy in winning the king’s approval. She followed Hegai’s advice and asked for nothing except what Hegai told her to request. She found favor in the sight of all, but especially the king. He finally made her queen in the seventh year of his reign.

Verse 16 says Esther was taken to the king in the tenth month which was known as Tebeth, in a seventh year of the king’s reign. The tenth month in the Hebrew calendar overlaps our months of December and January, and it was a rainy month. This is yet another indication that the Hebrew time is different than ours as I wrote in my article on the Sabbath. Esther 1:10-22 and 2:1-4 gives us indication that after Queen Vashti refused to appear at the banquet the position may have been vacant for 4 years. During that time King Ahasuerus had fought unsuccessfully against Greece- one of Daniel’s five “future” kingdoms. This factor helps to explain the lengthy lapse of time before his selection of a new queen. Esther had been waiting to see if she was the choice of the new queen.

Verse 17 reveals that Esther’s wait and preparation had not been in vain. The king loved Esther more than all the other women. Esther had won the favor and approval of the king and he placed the crown on Esther’s head. God placed Esther on the throne even before the Jews faced the possibility of complete destruction (3:5), so that when trouble came, a person would already be in the position to help. No human effort could thwart God’s plan to send the Messiah to earth as a Jew. So just as God placed Esther in her position to help her people, as described later in the Book of Esther, God also places us in situations where we can help others. This is another case where it shows that God is in control. God may be placing us in a position where He wants us when the need arises. Vashti’s name does not appear again in the Book of Esther. Esther was ready to stand and play a major role in God’s deliverance of His people.

LEARN TO BE A MORE POSITIVE PERSON AND HAVE MORE JOY

REVELATION: What are Christians Affirmations? They are a method to reprogram your mind to gain spiritual confidence in agreement with God's word. It is a marvelous way to gain an amazing insight into God's loving character. Affirmations that lift your life.

CHRISTIANS AFFIRMATIONS WILL GIVE A BETTER OUTLOOK ON LIFE

 

FOUR SPIRITUAL LAWS

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JUST AS THERE ARE PHYSICAL LAWS THAT  GOVERN THE PHYSICAL UNIVERSE, SO ARE THERE SPIRITUAL LAWS THAT GOVERN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!!

LAW 1- God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life.

GOD’S LOVE- “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that who ever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  GOD’S PLAN- “I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

LAW 2- Man is sinful and separated from God. Therefore, he cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for his life.

MAN IS SINFUL- “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). MAN IS SEPARATED- “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

LAW 3- Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin. Through Him you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life.

HE DIED IN OUR PLACE- “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD- “Christ died for our sins…He was buried …He was raised on the third day, according to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). HE IS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD- “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).

LAW 4- We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives”.

WE MUST RECEIVE CHRIST- “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). WE RECEIVE CHRIST THROUGH FAITH- “By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works that no one should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). WHEN WE RECEIVE CHRIST, WE EXPERIENCE A NEW BIRTH- Read John 3:1-8. WE RECEIVE CHRIST THROUGH PERSONAL INVITATION- “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him” (Christ is speaking Revelation 3:20).

The following explains how you can receive Christ:

YOU CAN RECEIVE CHRIST RIGHT NOW BY FAITH THROUGH PRAYER-  God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart.

The following is a suggested prayer:      Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.

,DO NOT DEPEND ON FEELINGS!  The promise of God’s Word, the Bible-not our feelings- is our authority. The Christian lives by faith (trust )in the trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word. (John 14:21). Faith and faith alone is how we receive God!!!

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