The Bible passages can be read here:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/
We now look at Chapters 9-13 of the book of Hebews.
Heb 9:12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
Heb 9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh,
Heb 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
We start with the simple but essential truth that Jesus accomplished salvation, atonement for his people at the Cross. It was achieved totally at that point. This secures an eternal redemption. I think this nails to death the idea a person can lose their salvation. Eternal redemption is just that eternal, without end.
Without the blood we are dead to God and unable to serve him or please him.
Heb 9:15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
Those that are called receive the inheritance. This verse shows that the work of Jesus in the New Covenant pays for the sins of those that believed under the Old Covenant.
Heb 9:24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.
Heb 9:25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own,
Heb 9:26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Heb 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
Heb 9:28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Christ entered back into Heaven as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He was a living sacrifice, perfect and pleasing to God. He died for many. All are appointed to die, the Judgement comes after death, only those in Christ will live eternally with God, the rest will perish in Hell.
Heb 10:16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,"
Heb 10:17 then he adds, "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more."
Heb 10:18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Heb 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,
Heb 10:20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
Heb 10:21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
Heb 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
This is hard to accept because we are so wretched and sinful yet all our sins are removed. God sees them no more, it is as if we have not sinned in his sight. Knowing we are forgiven lets us draw near to him, love him and serve him.
Heb 10:26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
This verse shows that salvation as a free gift does not mean Grace abuse, it is not a licence to sin. Christians will sin, we will not be perfect, but we hate it and fight it and grow in Holiness.
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
This Chapter shows that it is impossible to please God without faith. Faith is believing him, trusting in him, resting in him, his word and obeying him as he enables you to do so.
Heb 11:38 of whom the world was not worthy--wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Heb 11:39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
Heb 11:40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
The great statement we all wish to hear. That we have served God to the degree that the World is not good enough for us. We have loved our God and hated our own lives and this sinful world.
Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
We are reminded that all Heaven watches us, we are cheered on to serve Christ and bring him glory. We have a vapor of life here and to live it in sin is madness indeed. We get one chance to serve him.
Heb 12:28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,
Heb 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire.
In this life we can seem crazy to serve God. It can seem like we are all alone and losing the battle, waisting our lives. Yet we look to eternal reality. This life is passing away, only God, his Kingdom and those that do his will remain...
Heb 13:7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
We are all in this together, we need each other and we need God most of all. We can look at others, see those that followed God, were faithful and prospered Spiritually for it, and those that rejected God and fell into decay and destruction. The fact that Jesus is God and does not change is our hope. We cannot trust ourselves at times, others may fail us, yet he will not!
How lost would we be if we had to keep ourselves saved but for a second.
Martin R Gough
Friday, 19 December 2008
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Daily Bread: Thurs 18th, Dec, 2008
The Bible passages can be read here:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/
We continue in the Book of Hebrews, Chapters 5-8
Heb 5:5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you";
Heb 5:6 as he says also in another place, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek."
We start with the principle of humility. Jesus humbled himself and was therefore exalted. His Father gave him his position as High Priest over the New Covenant.
Heb 5:7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.
Heb 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
Heb 5:10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
We see that Jesus relied upon his Father while on Earth praying to him and asking him for all his needs. Jesus was heard because he was obedient to God and reverenced his Father.
Jesus was eternally perfect. This means his perfect obedience in life, his perfect life, death and resurrection made him as a man perfectly in obedience to God. This was accomplished because he was perfect before.
Heb 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
The principle of growing in ones faith, in what one can understand in his walk. We also see that discernment is a sign of maturity, something that is sadly lacking in the modern church, where things are accepted even if they oppose God's word.
Heb 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
Heb 6:2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
Heb 6:3 And this we will do if God permits.
Not that we leave the Gospel behind, we do not. The Gospel is a priceless Jewel we behold all through eternity, nothing beats it. Yet we must understand who we are, who God and Christ are, what he has done and what we did in response. We then assured of our salvation therefore follow Christ and grow in faith and Grace.
Heb 6:4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit,
Heb 6:5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come,
Heb 6:6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.
Heb 6:7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.
This does not talk of losing ones salvation. This books is written to Messianic Jews, in the context of them being Israel. The write compares being in the church to Israel being in the wilderness. You can be attached to the covenant people of God without being saved. Salvation depends upon God after all, therefore its continuation relies upon God, not man. If man had to keep his salvation he would lose it every second. Also God gives eternal life, not conditional life.
Heb 7:21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever.'"
Heb 7:22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
Heb 7:23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,
Heb 7:24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.
Because Jesus is the eternal God, his service as High priest is eternal, his work for us was complete at the tree, his intercession now lasts forever.
Heb 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.
The Covenant was not meant to completely save us in the sense of the New. It was to point towards the essence of the New, the Lord himself.
Heb 8:8 For he finds fault with them when he says: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,
Heb 8:9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.
Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Man has a wicked heart, it needs to be replaced.
Heb 8:11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
Heb 8:12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."
Heb 8:13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
God sent his lamb, the one who takes away the sins of the whole world, they were merely covered under the Old until the embodiement of the New came, Jesus.
Now he has removed our iniquities from as as far as the east is from the west, that is infinity!
Martin R Gough
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/
We continue in the Book of Hebrews, Chapters 5-8
Heb 5:5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you";
Heb 5:6 as he says also in another place, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek."
We start with the principle of humility. Jesus humbled himself and was therefore exalted. His Father gave him his position as High Priest over the New Covenant.
Heb 5:7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.
Heb 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
Heb 5:10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
We see that Jesus relied upon his Father while on Earth praying to him and asking him for all his needs. Jesus was heard because he was obedient to God and reverenced his Father.
Jesus was eternally perfect. This means his perfect obedience in life, his perfect life, death and resurrection made him as a man perfectly in obedience to God. This was accomplished because he was perfect before.
Heb 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
The principle of growing in ones faith, in what one can understand in his walk. We also see that discernment is a sign of maturity, something that is sadly lacking in the modern church, where things are accepted even if they oppose God's word.
Heb 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
Heb 6:2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
Heb 6:3 And this we will do if God permits.
Not that we leave the Gospel behind, we do not. The Gospel is a priceless Jewel we behold all through eternity, nothing beats it. Yet we must understand who we are, who God and Christ are, what he has done and what we did in response. We then assured of our salvation therefore follow Christ and grow in faith and Grace.
Heb 6:4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit,
Heb 6:5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come,
Heb 6:6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.
Heb 6:7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.
This does not talk of losing ones salvation. This books is written to Messianic Jews, in the context of them being Israel. The write compares being in the church to Israel being in the wilderness. You can be attached to the covenant people of God without being saved. Salvation depends upon God after all, therefore its continuation relies upon God, not man. If man had to keep his salvation he would lose it every second. Also God gives eternal life, not conditional life.
Heb 7:21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever.'"
Heb 7:22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
Heb 7:23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,
Heb 7:24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.
Because Jesus is the eternal God, his service as High priest is eternal, his work for us was complete at the tree, his intercession now lasts forever.
Heb 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.
The Covenant was not meant to completely save us in the sense of the New. It was to point towards the essence of the New, the Lord himself.
Heb 8:8 For he finds fault with them when he says: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,
Heb 8:9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.
Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Man has a wicked heart, it needs to be replaced.
Heb 8:11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
Heb 8:12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."
Heb 8:13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
God sent his lamb, the one who takes away the sins of the whole world, they were merely covered under the Old until the embodiement of the New came, Jesus.
Now he has removed our iniquities from as as far as the east is from the west, that is infinity!
Martin R Gough
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Daily Bread: Wed 17th, Dec, 2008
Todays reading is: Chapters 1-4 From the Letter to the Hebrews.
Hebrews is an incredible book. It begins with such revelation that the whole World cannot contain it all;
Heb 1:1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world
This declares that Jesus is God's own mouth piece. What he said, he said for God and with his approval. It is as if he is the living, breathing embodient of what God is saying. Jesus is also the heir of all things, all things belong to him, for all things were made by him and through him.
Heb 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
This reveals the Tri unity of God. He is the exact likeness of God, yet not the same person as the Father. They are identical, one in essence, nature and will. He sustains the Universe by the word of his power, something only God can do. He wiped sin away, something that is awe inspiring. To sit at God's right hand is to share his authority and his position.
Heb 1:4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Heb 1:5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"? Or again, "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son"?
This does not mean that Jesus was created as the cults would suggest, it simply means the same as if I say I was made a Doctor or a theologian. It would not mean I did not exist and have great titles before. Jesus being perfect eternally lived that perfection out and attained a perfect reward.
Heb 1:6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."
God declares that only God is worthy or worship, anything else would be idolatry. This powerfully shows that Jesus is God.
Heb 1:8 But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
Heb 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."
Notice here that he says of the Son, Your throne, O God! This is clear and cannot be denied without being blind and deceitful to the truth. Jesus is Adonai, he is the God of the scriptures in human form.
Heb 2:17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Heb 2:18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
The great truth that the Messiah must be a perfect man that can bridge the gap between sinful man and perfect Holy God. He can intercede for us now and understand our struggles because he lived as a human like we do.
Heb 3:15 As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."
Heb 3:16 For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses?
A clear warning that the message must be heeded, it must be obeyed, people must repent and believe.
Heb 4:1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.
Heb 4:2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, those that fear God hate sin. If you love God, you hate the opposite of him, that is sin.
Heb 4:13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Heb 4:14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
Heb 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The message is clear. Jesus is unique. He is the one mediator between God and man, for he is God and Man. The justice and mercy of God kiss in Jesus Christ. Those that hear the message must humbly and honestly obey it. Be true with God, he will be true with you. Lie to God and you cheat yourself. The fault will always be mans, God is always willing to save...
repent and believe the good news...
www.needgod.com
Martin R Gough
Hebrews is an incredible book. It begins with such revelation that the whole World cannot contain it all;
Heb 1:1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world
This declares that Jesus is God's own mouth piece. What he said, he said for God and with his approval. It is as if he is the living, breathing embodient of what God is saying. Jesus is also the heir of all things, all things belong to him, for all things were made by him and through him.
Heb 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
This reveals the Tri unity of God. He is the exact likeness of God, yet not the same person as the Father. They are identical, one in essence, nature and will. He sustains the Universe by the word of his power, something only God can do. He wiped sin away, something that is awe inspiring. To sit at God's right hand is to share his authority and his position.
Heb 1:4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Heb 1:5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"? Or again, "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son"?
This does not mean that Jesus was created as the cults would suggest, it simply means the same as if I say I was made a Doctor or a theologian. It would not mean I did not exist and have great titles before. Jesus being perfect eternally lived that perfection out and attained a perfect reward.
Heb 1:6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."
God declares that only God is worthy or worship, anything else would be idolatry. This powerfully shows that Jesus is God.
Heb 1:8 But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
Heb 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."
Notice here that he says of the Son, Your throne, O God! This is clear and cannot be denied without being blind and deceitful to the truth. Jesus is Adonai, he is the God of the scriptures in human form.
Heb 2:17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Heb 2:18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
The great truth that the Messiah must be a perfect man that can bridge the gap between sinful man and perfect Holy God. He can intercede for us now and understand our struggles because he lived as a human like we do.
Heb 3:15 As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."
Heb 3:16 For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses?
A clear warning that the message must be heeded, it must be obeyed, people must repent and believe.
Heb 4:1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.
Heb 4:2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, those that fear God hate sin. If you love God, you hate the opposite of him, that is sin.
Heb 4:13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Heb 4:14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
Heb 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The message is clear. Jesus is unique. He is the one mediator between God and man, for he is God and Man. The justice and mercy of God kiss in Jesus Christ. Those that hear the message must humbly and honestly obey it. Be true with God, he will be true with you. Lie to God and you cheat yourself. The fault will always be mans, God is always willing to save...
repent and believe the good news...
www.needgod.com
Martin R Gough
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Daily Bread: Tue 16th, Dec, 2008
we now look at Chapters: 9-12 of the Book of Zechariah.
Zec 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
A messianic prophecy so powerfully fulfilled by Jesus when he rode into the City on the colt of a Donkey. This always reminds me of how obvious it was to the religious leaders that Jesus was no fake. They knew and they could not handle it, the essence of unbelief and blasphemy of the Spirit. This prophecy indicates that the King to come, the Messiah would have righteousness, he would be righteous, this is linked to salvation. This infers that he is righteous as God is righteous, that he has come to bring salvation to Israel in God's name. This to a Jew would of course make him God himself, for only God can forgive sin, receive worship, etc... The fact that Jesus was humble, seated on a Donkey shows his Majesty!!
Zec 9:10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth
Jesus speaks peace, he is the Prince of peace. He offers peace with God to all. He came the first time as the lamb of God, next time it will be as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, making war on his enemies. To rule you must have authority. This is clearly Messianic, yet he has Adonai's authority.
Zec 9:16 On that day the LORD their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land.
God will save his people miracously, they will be saved in God's land, the land of Israel. The Church of course inherit the land as their own through this inheritance of Israel.
Zec 10:2 For the household gods utter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; they tell false dreams and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd.
Zec 10:3 "My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic steed in battle.
Terrible and fearful words for the leaders of the church today. The church is leaderless at times, with many Pastors serving others rather than the Lord. The faithful remnant remain though. We can see clear similiarities between how the church has acted and how Israel did. Two groups of people who think they are the saved, yet only a part or remnant are faithful.
Zec 12:2 "Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah.
Zec 12:3 On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves.
we see this occurring more and more in our time. It is easy to see why the fate of Jerusalem will be so pivatel. With the immoral road map and plan for a nation of Palestine. I fear for the many Christians who are on the wrong side of this. As those grafted in, we should support the nation of Israel without failing to keep her accountable for her dealings with her neighbours.
Zec 12:10 "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.
Zec 12:11 On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.
Zec 12:12 The land shall mourn, each family by itself
How we long for this day when Israel will turn back to God as a nation and declare, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! When they do this, see him who they have pierced, he shall return to reign!
come Lord Jesus come!
Martin R Gough.
Zec 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
A messianic prophecy so powerfully fulfilled by Jesus when he rode into the City on the colt of a Donkey. This always reminds me of how obvious it was to the religious leaders that Jesus was no fake. They knew and they could not handle it, the essence of unbelief and blasphemy of the Spirit. This prophecy indicates that the King to come, the Messiah would have righteousness, he would be righteous, this is linked to salvation. This infers that he is righteous as God is righteous, that he has come to bring salvation to Israel in God's name. This to a Jew would of course make him God himself, for only God can forgive sin, receive worship, etc... The fact that Jesus was humble, seated on a Donkey shows his Majesty!!
Zec 9:10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth
Jesus speaks peace, he is the Prince of peace. He offers peace with God to all. He came the first time as the lamb of God, next time it will be as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, making war on his enemies. To rule you must have authority. This is clearly Messianic, yet he has Adonai's authority.
Zec 9:16 On that day the LORD their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land.
God will save his people miracously, they will be saved in God's land, the land of Israel. The Church of course inherit the land as their own through this inheritance of Israel.
Zec 10:2 For the household gods utter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; they tell false dreams and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd.
Zec 10:3 "My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic steed in battle.
Terrible and fearful words for the leaders of the church today. The church is leaderless at times, with many Pastors serving others rather than the Lord. The faithful remnant remain though. We can see clear similiarities between how the church has acted and how Israel did. Two groups of people who think they are the saved, yet only a part or remnant are faithful.
Zec 12:2 "Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah.
Zec 12:3 On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves.
we see this occurring more and more in our time. It is easy to see why the fate of Jerusalem will be so pivatel. With the immoral road map and plan for a nation of Palestine. I fear for the many Christians who are on the wrong side of this. As those grafted in, we should support the nation of Israel without failing to keep her accountable for her dealings with her neighbours.
Zec 12:10 "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.
Zec 12:11 On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.
Zec 12:12 The land shall mourn, each family by itself
How we long for this day when Israel will turn back to God as a nation and declare, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! When they do this, see him who they have pierced, he shall return to reign!
come Lord Jesus come!
Martin R Gough.
Monday, 15 December 2008
Daily Bread: Mon 15th, Dec, 2008
I have taken a break from the readings for about 6 days through ill health, but return today.
We find ourselves in Zechariah, Chapters 5 to 8.
Zec 5:1 Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll!
Zec 5:2 And he said to me, "What do you see?" I answered, "I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits."
Zec 5:3 Then he said to me, "This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side.
Zechariah means "Yahweh remembers", it seems that his life symbolises that the God of Israel would remember their sins against him, and one day remember to be Graceful to them despite those sins.
God shows him visions of the reaction of God to the peoples sins. Every Sin would be known, every sin would find the people out.
Written at the time of the Babylonian exile the letter assures the people that their is a faithful remnant that God will be faithful to.
He first explains the problem with Israel, that got them into exile.
Zec 7:8 And the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying,
Zec 7:9 "Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another,
Zec 7:10 do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart."
Zec 7:11 But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear.
Zec 7:12 They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of hosts.
Zec 7:13 "As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear," says the LORD of hosts,
Zec 7:14 "and I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known. Thus the land they left was desolate, so that no one went to and fro, and the pleasant land was made desolate."
God in the next text shows his great passion, love and wrath towards Israel;
Zec 8:1 And the word of the LORD of hosts came, saying,
Zec 8:2 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath.
God loves Israel and has promised to be faithful to her, although she has not been to him as a National entity;
Zec 8:3 Thus says the LORD: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain.
Zec 8:4 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age.
Zec 8:5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.
The faithful remnant are truly his people;
Zec 8:6 Thus says the LORD of hosts: If it is marvelous in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my sight, declares the LORD of hosts?
Only a few of his people delight in his Glory, he therefore glories in it.
Zec 8:11 But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the LORD of hosts.
Zec 8:12 For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
Zec 8:13 And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong."
Here God looks to when he will turn Israel back to himself again in our day. They are the faithful remnant, the rest will perish.
Zec 8:14 For thus says the LORD of hosts: "As I purposed to bring disaster to you when your fathers provoked me to wrath, and I did not relent, says the LORD of hosts,
Zec 8:15 so again have I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah; fear not.
The Nation is saved because God loves them, and he preserves the faithful few. They will be millions, yet many will fall.
Zec 8:22 Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.
Zec 8:23 Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"
As a friend recently told me this should render prayer shawl. So Gentiles will take hold of the Jewish Prayer Shawl. This to a Jew represents the Gentile taking hold of the God, the belief, the true religion that is of the Jews, faith in their Messiah, Yeshua! Jesus Christ.
Salvation is of the Jews as Jesus said, the restoration of Israel will be like life from the dead for the Gentiles. We as the Messianic Community are grafted into the faithful remnant of the Nation of Israel. The two are distinct, yet overlap in some manner, the focul point at the moment is the Messianic Community, made of both Jews, and Gentiles. The Nation is basically just in Spiritual exile.
Were Jews that were saved still Israelis when in Exile in Babylon? of course, and they still are now. The National identity is just one of disobedience and blindness. The remnant remains and shall become the whole. We get to be placed into this amazing body!
Martin R Gough.
We find ourselves in Zechariah, Chapters 5 to 8.
Zec 5:1 Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll!
Zec 5:2 And he said to me, "What do you see?" I answered, "I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits."
Zec 5:3 Then he said to me, "This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side.
Zechariah means "Yahweh remembers", it seems that his life symbolises that the God of Israel would remember their sins against him, and one day remember to be Graceful to them despite those sins.
God shows him visions of the reaction of God to the peoples sins. Every Sin would be known, every sin would find the people out.
Written at the time of the Babylonian exile the letter assures the people that their is a faithful remnant that God will be faithful to.
He first explains the problem with Israel, that got them into exile.
Zec 7:8 And the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying,
Zec 7:9 "Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another,
Zec 7:10 do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart."
Zec 7:11 But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear.
Zec 7:12 They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of hosts.
Zec 7:13 "As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear," says the LORD of hosts,
Zec 7:14 "and I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known. Thus the land they left was desolate, so that no one went to and fro, and the pleasant land was made desolate."
God in the next text shows his great passion, love and wrath towards Israel;
Zec 8:1 And the word of the LORD of hosts came, saying,
Zec 8:2 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath.
God loves Israel and has promised to be faithful to her, although she has not been to him as a National entity;
Zec 8:3 Thus says the LORD: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain.
Zec 8:4 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age.
Zec 8:5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.
The faithful remnant are truly his people;
Zec 8:6 Thus says the LORD of hosts: If it is marvelous in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my sight, declares the LORD of hosts?
Only a few of his people delight in his Glory, he therefore glories in it.
Zec 8:11 But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the LORD of hosts.
Zec 8:12 For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
Zec 8:13 And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong."
Here God looks to when he will turn Israel back to himself again in our day. They are the faithful remnant, the rest will perish.
Zec 8:14 For thus says the LORD of hosts: "As I purposed to bring disaster to you when your fathers provoked me to wrath, and I did not relent, says the LORD of hosts,
Zec 8:15 so again have I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah; fear not.
The Nation is saved because God loves them, and he preserves the faithful few. They will be millions, yet many will fall.
Zec 8:22 Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.
Zec 8:23 Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"
As a friend recently told me this should render prayer shawl. So Gentiles will take hold of the Jewish Prayer Shawl. This to a Jew represents the Gentile taking hold of the God, the belief, the true religion that is of the Jews, faith in their Messiah, Yeshua! Jesus Christ.
Salvation is of the Jews as Jesus said, the restoration of Israel will be like life from the dead for the Gentiles. We as the Messianic Community are grafted into the faithful remnant of the Nation of Israel. The two are distinct, yet overlap in some manner, the focul point at the moment is the Messianic Community, made of both Jews, and Gentiles. The Nation is basically just in Spiritual exile.
Were Jews that were saved still Israelis when in Exile in Babylon? of course, and they still are now. The National identity is just one of disobedience and blindness. The remnant remains and shall become the whole. We get to be placed into this amazing body!
Martin R Gough.
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Daily Bread: Tues 9th, Dec, 2008
Todays reading is from the 2nd letter to the Thessalonians.
1-3 The Second Letter to the Thessalonians
Read it here:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/
2Th 1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2Th 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2Th 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing
Paul greets the church in the usual manner. Paul thanks God for their faith, that it is increasing and bearing fruit as it should. Again we see the connection between truth, that is right theology, right beliefs, and deeds, love in action.
2Th 1:6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
2Th 1:7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels
2Th 1:8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
2Th 1:9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
2Th 1:10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
Paul makes it clear that persecution will come, but those that do it will suffer. Overcoming it is a great testimony to Christ's Gospel. Paul says here that those that do not believe and OBEY, will suffer greatly. This would mean all people, even those that have not heard the good news as, all are sinners, and sin is not disbelieving in Jesus, although that is a sin, sin primarily is lawslessness, breaking God's laws and commands.
2Th 2:3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
2Th 2:4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
Paul moves on to talk of the last days, the return of Christ. Some had taught that it had already occurred, Paul was refutting that claim. The Spirit of the anti Christ is increasing in our day, it is paving the way for THE anti Christ to appear.
2Th 2:9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,
2Th 2:10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
2Th 2:11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false,
2Th 2:12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
So few understand this. If they see a so called miracle or a teaching that impresses the eyes or the senses, they think it is of God, yet we must test it to see if it is of God. We shall know it is, if it abides by the clear teaching of scripture. We see that God actually hands these people over to their delusion. It is a punishment for their lack of love for Christ and discernment of error.
2Th 2:13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
He praises God they are not deceived like the people he has just mentioned. Chosen by the Father, through the son, by sanctified by the Spirit. Notice the belief in the truth, not a mere interlectual assent, but a living breathing, discerning faith.
2Th 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.
2Th 3:7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,
2Th 3:8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
2Th 3:9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
A striking passage for today. A direct command to stay away from lazy brethren! Only 2% of professing Christians today regularly verbally share their faith. This is a stark warning that though they may be saved, we are not to fellowship with just anyone.
2Th 3:15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
How we need a reformation today, churches are not buildings, they are devout, born again believers, serving Christ together, actually obeying him, letting him determine truth.
Martin R Gough.
1-3 The Second Letter to the Thessalonians
Read it here:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/
2Th 1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2Th 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2Th 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing
Paul greets the church in the usual manner. Paul thanks God for their faith, that it is increasing and bearing fruit as it should. Again we see the connection between truth, that is right theology, right beliefs, and deeds, love in action.
2Th 1:6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
2Th 1:7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels
2Th 1:8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
2Th 1:9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
2Th 1:10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
Paul makes it clear that persecution will come, but those that do it will suffer. Overcoming it is a great testimony to Christ's Gospel. Paul says here that those that do not believe and OBEY, will suffer greatly. This would mean all people, even those that have not heard the good news as, all are sinners, and sin is not disbelieving in Jesus, although that is a sin, sin primarily is lawslessness, breaking God's laws and commands.
2Th 2:3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
2Th 2:4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
Paul moves on to talk of the last days, the return of Christ. Some had taught that it had already occurred, Paul was refutting that claim. The Spirit of the anti Christ is increasing in our day, it is paving the way for THE anti Christ to appear.
2Th 2:9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,
2Th 2:10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
2Th 2:11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false,
2Th 2:12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
So few understand this. If they see a so called miracle or a teaching that impresses the eyes or the senses, they think it is of God, yet we must test it to see if it is of God. We shall know it is, if it abides by the clear teaching of scripture. We see that God actually hands these people over to their delusion. It is a punishment for their lack of love for Christ and discernment of error.
2Th 2:13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
He praises God they are not deceived like the people he has just mentioned. Chosen by the Father, through the son, by sanctified by the Spirit. Notice the belief in the truth, not a mere interlectual assent, but a living breathing, discerning faith.
2Th 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.
2Th 3:7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,
2Th 3:8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
2Th 3:9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
A striking passage for today. A direct command to stay away from lazy brethren! Only 2% of professing Christians today regularly verbally share their faith. This is a stark warning that though they may be saved, we are not to fellowship with just anyone.
2Th 3:15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
How we need a reformation today, churches are not buildings, they are devout, born again believers, serving Christ together, actually obeying him, letting him determine truth.
Martin R Gough.
Monday, 8 December 2008
Daily Bread. Mon, 8th of December.
Chapters 1-5 From The First Letter to the Thessalonians.
read here:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/
meanings of terms:
Exegesis: This means the original context of the original author, what he intended to convey to the original audience.
Hermeneutics: application. How this correctly applies to us today, without violating the orginal intent.
The letter is written by the Apostle paul,
1Th 1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.
Paul's joy and commitment to the church comes through in these opening verses.
1Th 1:3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul joins together the principle of faith, which is belief, and right actions, which is the labour of love, for as Paul says in Romans, love fulfils the Law. So we see faith without deeds is dead.
1Th 1:6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,
This sixth verse shows the powerful example our lives are, either for good, as in this case, or for bad. Preach and live it correctly is the message.
1Th 1:9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
1Th 1:10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
A true motive to come to Jesus. They came repenting for and from sin. They turned from idols, to the true and living God. Yet note the reception they gave Paul, the way they treat their Brethren their neighbours, this shows they loved God and his law, for he who loves God with all his heart shall love his neigbour as himself, also, we know we have passed from death to life, because we love the Brethren.
1Th 2:4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.
the true motive for evangelism. They speak correctly to please God, not man. To many today please man and not God with their efforts.
Chapter three shows the depth of love that is shared by the church and Paul and his companions.
1Th 4:2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;
1Th 4:4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,
1Th 4:5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;
1Th 4:6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
1Th 4:7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.
1Th 4:8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
A sobering message for us all. God is Holy, he is Lord. He loves us and has called us to be Holy, set apart, only used for his will. Lust is a monster that must be killed, as a wise man once said, be killing sin, or it will be killing you!
1Th 4:15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18 Therefore encourage one another with these words
Paul looks now to Christ's return. A purifying subject, this is also intended to give hope and assurance to the Brethren who are likely to suffer for Christ in times to come.
1Th 5:16 Rejoice always,
1Th 5:17 pray without ceasing,
1Th 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1Th 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit.
1Th 5:20 Do not despise prophecies,
1Th 5:21 but test everything; hold fast what is good.
1Th 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.
1Th 5:23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Th 5:24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it
The wisdom in these words is infinite. We are told that all of life is grace. we should rejoice at all times, for we are saved, we have the ultimate truth to rejoice about at all times, Jesus died and saved us!
Prayer is the engine room of the Spiritual life, the thing that connects us to God, it makes us more like him, it brings us low, yet raises us high. Many should heed these warnings today, test everything! many accept any teacher, or preacher without question it seems, yet if it is not Biblical reject it!
Holiness again is admonished. Through it all, Paul encourages them to conform, to willingly submit to God's will, as they had already done so, he asked for more...
I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers
Paul shows the significance of this letter. Love for Christ, displaying itself in all the right ways.
Praise God!
Martin R Gough.
Daily Bread Bible reading.
I will be following the Daily bread Bible reading plan as part of the Mission I am apart of,
http://shrewsburytownmission.moonfruit.com/#
I will post the scriptures here, with a clear and concise exposition of what I think the scriptures say, and their correct application to us today.
With God's help this be a blessing.
Shalom,
Martin R Gough
http://shrewsburytownmission.moonfruit.com/#
I will post the scriptures here, with a clear and concise exposition of what I think the scriptures say, and their correct application to us today.
With God's help this be a blessing.
Shalom,
Martin R Gough
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Why I am a Christian
Yes this is a complex subject, and I will probably not do it justice here. I am new to this so here goes. I live in the UK, and was brought up in a working class secular family.
When I left school I drifted from job to job, living a carnal life partying with my friends, drinking, doing drugs, and living generally an immoral life. A friend and I had a religious experience when I was about 21. We both had near death experiences, and thought we had become Christians. We started to go to an Anglican Church, then an evangelical church and got baptised. We grew in our faith, and learned allot about Christianity, like why creationism is right and evolution is wrong.
No one told me to examine myself to see if I was in the faith. I had no knowledge of sin, righteousness, of Biblical repentance. My conscience was crying out "something is wrong". I had made a false confession and did not know why, or how to fix it.
I had started college by this time, and was researching historical Christianity at every available opportunity. It had been about four years since my conversion and I had never really stopped sinning, because I couldn't! I still was drinking, partying, and living a sexually immoral life, yet going to church the whole time, and "repenting" of the things I was doing hoping I could stop. I saw that many others were living the same way. I was to have an encounter with truth that would turn my "walk with the Lord upside down".
I came home early one day from college and decided to do some channel surfing through the christian channels. I came across a programme called "The Way of the Master". There was a young guy called Kirk Cameron, and a older guy called Ray Comfort, talking about Christianity and the Bible in a way I had never heard before. They were talking about evangelism, and the need to share the Gospel with the lost biblically the way Jesus did. I thought to myself, this is for me, I will use these methods to reach the lost. I did not realise that I was the first lost person to be reached. They preached the Gospel the way Charles Spurgeon, George Whitefield, etc, did. Using the moral Law of God as a mirror to show the sinner there need of a saviour. When a person looks into a mirror and sees his face is dirty it causes him to go to the water and be cleaned.
Wow! I saw for the first time that I had not truly understood the Gospel at all. I had never been told what Sin was biblically.(1 john 3:4). What repentance was from a biblical point of view. I was told that sin was just missing the mark, messing up, falling short of the glory of God, self centeredness. They told me that repentance was just a change of mind. Not that it meant to hate and turn from all sin(1 John 3:4), towards God.
When I saw the Ten Commandments, opened up, I saw myself how God saw me. I realised that all sin was offensive to God, a slap in the face to him. I had lied and was therefore a liar, and would rightfully end up in the lake of fire. I had stolen, and was therefore a thief before God. I had lusted and therefore committed adultery of the heart. And no adulterer will inherit the kingdom of God. I saw that all my hatred towards others was like murder to God, and no murderer will inherit eternal life. God revealed to me that i had created a God in my own image to suit my own desires and sins, therefore I had committed idolatry and was under the death sentence. I had used the name of the God who had given me life as a filthy swear word to express disgust. This was blasphemy. I was a lawbreaker, under the rightful wrath of a just and Holy God. I had received light and knowledge of God from the Creation and my conscience, and ignored them. I knew that When i stood before him on judgment day in my sins I would be found Guilty and therefore end up in Hell for all eternity.
Praise God! I knew that God himself had paid my fine. He had became a man, born of a virgin, to live a perfect life for those that would believe, keeping the law in my place. All 613 commands. In thought, word, and deed, he was without sin. He then gave up his life for me, taking the wrath and punishment that I deserved for breaking the law. My sin was imputed to him. He satisfied the justice of God, I broke the law, Jesus paid my fine in full, that's why he cried out it is accomplished. Three days later he rose from the dead defeating deaths curse and hold on me. He later ascended to the right hand of the father to intercede for me, through his perfect, once for all sacrifice of his blood.
I am a partaker of this miracle by God's will. He showed me my sin (1 john3:4). He gifted me repentance, then faith in God. I confessed my sins, and forsaked them, turning to God. Hating and giving up my former life. I then put my faith trust in the perfect work of Jesus Christ upon the cross to save me alone. He is my right-ness with God. Nothing but the cross can commend me to God, no works, nothing. I am saved by grace through faith alone, through Christ alone. I have tried to obeyed God ever since. I read my Bible every day, and learned how to reach out to the lost in a biblical way, I do this because I love my neighbour as myself. I have the fruit of repentance, righteousness, the holy spirit, etc. I do these things out of gratitude and love to a great saviour. If you want to do the same visit these websites, and listen to "Hells best Kept secret", and "True and false Conversion".
God bless You as you serve him,
Martin R Gough.
www.wayofthemaster.com www.needgod.com
When I left school I drifted from job to job, living a carnal life partying with my friends, drinking, doing drugs, and living generally an immoral life. A friend and I had a religious experience when I was about 21. We both had near death experiences, and thought we had become Christians. We started to go to an Anglican Church, then an evangelical church and got baptised. We grew in our faith, and learned allot about Christianity, like why creationism is right and evolution is wrong.
No one told me to examine myself to see if I was in the faith. I had no knowledge of sin, righteousness, of Biblical repentance. My conscience was crying out "something is wrong". I had made a false confession and did not know why, or how to fix it.
I had started college by this time, and was researching historical Christianity at every available opportunity. It had been about four years since my conversion and I had never really stopped sinning, because I couldn't! I still was drinking, partying, and living a sexually immoral life, yet going to church the whole time, and "repenting" of the things I was doing hoping I could stop. I saw that many others were living the same way. I was to have an encounter with truth that would turn my "walk with the Lord upside down".
I came home early one day from college and decided to do some channel surfing through the christian channels. I came across a programme called "The Way of the Master". There was a young guy called Kirk Cameron, and a older guy called Ray Comfort, talking about Christianity and the Bible in a way I had never heard before. They were talking about evangelism, and the need to share the Gospel with the lost biblically the way Jesus did. I thought to myself, this is for me, I will use these methods to reach the lost. I did not realise that I was the first lost person to be reached. They preached the Gospel the way Charles Spurgeon, George Whitefield, etc, did. Using the moral Law of God as a mirror to show the sinner there need of a saviour. When a person looks into a mirror and sees his face is dirty it causes him to go to the water and be cleaned.
Wow! I saw for the first time that I had not truly understood the Gospel at all. I had never been told what Sin was biblically.(1 john 3:4). What repentance was from a biblical point of view. I was told that sin was just missing the mark, messing up, falling short of the glory of God, self centeredness. They told me that repentance was just a change of mind. Not that it meant to hate and turn from all sin(1 John 3:4), towards God.
When I saw the Ten Commandments, opened up, I saw myself how God saw me. I realised that all sin was offensive to God, a slap in the face to him. I had lied and was therefore a liar, and would rightfully end up in the lake of fire. I had stolen, and was therefore a thief before God. I had lusted and therefore committed adultery of the heart. And no adulterer will inherit the kingdom of God. I saw that all my hatred towards others was like murder to God, and no murderer will inherit eternal life. God revealed to me that i had created a God in my own image to suit my own desires and sins, therefore I had committed idolatry and was under the death sentence. I had used the name of the God who had given me life as a filthy swear word to express disgust. This was blasphemy. I was a lawbreaker, under the rightful wrath of a just and Holy God. I had received light and knowledge of God from the Creation and my conscience, and ignored them. I knew that When i stood before him on judgment day in my sins I would be found Guilty and therefore end up in Hell for all eternity.
Praise God! I knew that God himself had paid my fine. He had became a man, born of a virgin, to live a perfect life for those that would believe, keeping the law in my place. All 613 commands. In thought, word, and deed, he was without sin. He then gave up his life for me, taking the wrath and punishment that I deserved for breaking the law. My sin was imputed to him. He satisfied the justice of God, I broke the law, Jesus paid my fine in full, that's why he cried out it is accomplished. Three days later he rose from the dead defeating deaths curse and hold on me. He later ascended to the right hand of the father to intercede for me, through his perfect, once for all sacrifice of his blood.
I am a partaker of this miracle by God's will. He showed me my sin (1 john3:4). He gifted me repentance, then faith in God. I confessed my sins, and forsaked them, turning to God. Hating and giving up my former life. I then put my faith trust in the perfect work of Jesus Christ upon the cross to save me alone. He is my right-ness with God. Nothing but the cross can commend me to God, no works, nothing. I am saved by grace through faith alone, through Christ alone. I have tried to obeyed God ever since. I read my Bible every day, and learned how to reach out to the lost in a biblical way, I do this because I love my neighbour as myself. I have the fruit of repentance, righteousness, the holy spirit, etc. I do these things out of gratitude and love to a great saviour. If you want to do the same visit these websites, and listen to "Hells best Kept secret", and "True and false Conversion".
God bless You as you serve him,
Martin R Gough.
www.wayofthemaster.com www.needgod.com
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