Acts 1:1-11
I. A REMINDER OF THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST (vv. 1-3);
II. THE PROMISE OF THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (vv. 4-5);
III. THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL NOT FORGOTTEN (vv. 6-7);
IV. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GIVEN (v. 8);
V. JESUS IS TAKEN UP – WILL BE SEEN AGAIN; IN LIKE MANNER (vv. 9-11).
“In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and He heard me. Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.” Psalm 120:1-2 (KJV)
We all experience distress. Distress is defined as; “great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.” It had the same meaning to the Psalmist; probably David.
Being slandered, falsely accused; we have all had it happen one time or another. If you have not; then you will. It is not pleasant. It can make you want to just curl up in a corner, and never see anyone again. That is what the culprit who spreads it wants.
Christian, when it happens to you do as David. Cry unto the LORD. He will hear you. Look the enemy, the liar, the culprit in the face; in the midst of others, and make them come clean.
The LORD will hear your cry. He will deliver you. Liars, slanderers, can never stand up to the truth.
One thing for certain; Christian, those things best not be coming out of your lips or mouth concerning someone else. Be an encouragement even to those who might be your foes, your enemies; but especially to those who are your friends.
In your distress cry unto the LORD. In your distress praise the LORD. In your distress stand your ground, and pray for those who offend you.
“ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart.” Psalm 119:1-2 (KJV)
The happiness of the world is fleeting. Many people go along searching for happiness, and find what they think is “Happiness”, then……. it is gone. Like a puff of smoke, a gust of wind; and it is done. The search begins all over again.
The Psalmist has given us 176 verses in Psalm 119. They all show us the way of the “Blessed” or the truely “Happy” people.
Happy people walk in the way that is God’s. They are the undefiled, not by their own decree, but by God’s decree, and that is by the blood of the sacrificed Lamb of God who is Jesus Christ. These happy people find themselves in possession of the law of the LORD within their hearts, desiring to live for the LORD in all His holiness.
Happy people keep His testimonies, and seek Him with a “whole heart”. That is a heart that is right with God; a redeemed heart, a clean heart, free from guilt shame, condemnation.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“There is therefor now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1
and he writes also,
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
Happy people have found true happiness through God’s own decree. “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear Him.” Matthew 17:5 You will not be happy until you do.
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: because His mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 118:1 (KJV)
The LORD is worthy of our thanks. He is good. He is great. He is awesome. I looked out over the Grand Canyon in Arizona; and said, “That is awesome”, and wept at the spectacle of its beauty. I then thought of how much greater God is; and wept at His greatness being even greater.
I am thankful that His mercy is forever, and that it endures the trials of life. It endures my sins, my fears, my failures. God’s mercy; the LORD’S mercy is forever.
You experienced it this morning. You may not have thought about it, but you did. Is your heart still beating? If it is that is God’s mercy. Are you still breathing? That too is God’s mercy. If you do not know Him He has given you another day, another chance to place your faith and trust in the work of His Son Jesus Christ.
Believe Him, and thank Him for His mercy; and His grace.
Around the world, millions of Jews are celebrating Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. At the same time, Christians around the world have just celebrated Good Friday and Easter.
In recent days, I’ve written several column related to these religious holidays, including:
Today, I wanted to share with you some personal thoughts on these important and historic events and holidays, and how they intersect in my life. In this hour-long audio message (divided up in six 10-minute segments on YouTube), I explain the spiritual journey my parents and I were on to come to faith in Jesus Christ, as well as I how I experienced a powerful revival in my junior year of high school that…
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“O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 117:1-2 (KJV)
The nations of the world are to praise or “boast” in the LORD. Israel, the U. S. of A., Germany, Japan, China, Korea, Australia, the nations of Africa, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Assyria, Afghanistan, etc. No one nation is exempt from this direction to praise the LORD.
The mercy of the LORD is toward all people. He hold us in His mighty, even His almighty hands.
Jesus said of “Truth”,
“I am the way, the Truth, and the life…” John 14:6
“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” John 17:17
Jesus also said that His word would not pass away (Matthew 24:35). The people of the earth can rest, can trust in the truth of God’s word. It endures forever.
“I love the LORD, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2 (KJV)
Why do you love the LORD? Why do I love the LORD? It has been said that if you can state why you love then, you will love more deeply, more passionately. To me the ultimate reason is what John the apostle stated,
“We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
We love Him, because He sent His Son Jesus to die for us. We love Him because He hears us when we pray. We love Him because we know that when we call on Him He will hear us.
He will not hear us because we are without sin, or because we are some special person; He hears us because of His Son.
“The Messiah Before Jesus: The Suffering Servant of the Dead Sea Scrolls,” a fascinating book by Dr. Israel Knohl of Hebrew University.
This is the week of Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of First Fruits. Millions of Jews in Israel and around the world are celebrating the story of how the Jewish people were saved from the “angel of death” in ancient times if they put the blood of a perfect slain lamb on the doorposts of their homes in Egypt.
This is also the week of Good Friday and Easter. Billions of Christians around the world are celebrating the death of Jesus of Nazareth, and His resurrection from the tomb three days later, and the belief that all mankind can be saved from the “angel of death” in our times if we, too, trust in the blood of a perfect slain Passover Lamb.
But did the Jews of the first century really believe the Messiah would one day come…
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“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake.” Psalm 115:1 (KJV)
This Psalm is known to be a song read and sung during the Passover, remembering the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage.
For the Christian today this ought to be our prayer that God be glorified; not us. We have a lot of glory seekers in the “Christian” realm; maybe we should say the “Christian” kingdom; where Christianity is a religion, not a relationship with Christ.
In these United States of America God is no longer feared; but mocked, even by many professing themselves “Christian”. It is no wonder God is mocked when men and women who proclaim themselves “Pastors”, “Christian” find themselves approving of what God disapproves; approving what God calls an abomination.
Let God be true, but every man a liar (Romans 3:4).
O my prayer is that God will show Himself strong in me (2 Chronicles 16:9); and that the name of Jesus Christ Son of God, and God the Son would be glorified over and above the chaotic mess this world is in; that our nation is in. That our nations leaders either get right with God, repent of their sins or that God remove them in His way and time. Not by any hand of man, woman or men; but by the hand, and power of God.
That the Body of Christ rise up in faith; and begin to speak the Word of God as it is Truth without any mixture of error. We may live in dark times, but the light of Jesus Christ shines brightly in the dark. Sin will be revealed. Christians will be revealed by their stand on the truth of God’s Word.
Christian; stand today, and glorify Jesus Christ. “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake.”
“When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language; Judah was His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion.” Psalm 114:1-2 (KJV)
The Psalmist; probably not David, but another of a later time acknowledges GOD as the Ruler of the nation.
The LORD is the One who delivered Jacob [Israel] out of Egypt. Judah is the sanctuary of God’s abiding. It is from Judah which our Saviour Jesus the Christ came. It is in Judah where Jerusalem is.
Israel the new name for Jacob is the place of God’s rule; and covers the entirety of the kingdom.
It is Christ Jesus who is the King. It is within His people that He is abiding; His sanctuary. Yet He has a plan for Israel.
Just as the LORD delivered Jacob out of Egypt; so too does He deliver sinners out of sin, and death. He has sent His Son Jesus who died on the cross, was buried, and He rose from death, and forever lives. Believe Him and live forever with Him.
The Great Isaiah Scroll on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
The actual Great Isaiah Scroll (source: The Israel Museum).
(Central Israel) — Have you ever been to the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem? Have you ever seen the Great Isaiah Scroll on display there?
It is absolutely breathtaking. And it contains what many believe is the most controversial prophecy in the entire Hebrew Bible.
“The Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaa) is one of the original seven Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in Qumran in 1947,” notes the Israel Museum on its website. “It is the largest (734 cm) and best preserved of all the biblical scrolls, and the only one that is almost complete. The 54 columns contain all 66 chapters of the Hebrew version of the biblical Book of Isaiah. Dating from ca. 125 BCE, it is also one of the…
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“Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.” Psalm 113:1 (KJV)
I have never met anyone who likes arrogance in a man or woman. I think we do not like to think of it in God either; but God is worthy of boasting. He is the Great One. He is worthy of praise and glory.
We glory in ourselves when we do good at something. You may say you do not; but I would say to you that is vain, false humility; which is not humility at all. We sometimes glory, are prideful of our “Humility”.
The Maker of us all, and of all things, needs not be humble. He glories in Himself, and rightly so. We are to glory in Him, and in and through us He is glorified. Maybe this is why so many hate God, and even choose not to believe in Him. Even in these God will be glorified.
Do you find yourself boasting of your accomplishments? Rather boast of the greatness of God. Boast of His mercy. Boast of His grace. Boast of His power. If you have been redeemed through the blood of Jesus, then boast of that; and glory in the cross of Jesus and His burial and His resurrection.
As the United States and other world powers were making significant concessions to the Iranian government regarding its illegal nuclear program this week, a high-ranking Iranian militia leader repeated his country’s vow to destroy Israel.
He threatened to bring down the government of Saudi Arabia, as well, for Riyadh’s role in fighting Iranian-backed terrorists in Yemen.
Here are excerpts from the Times of Israel story:
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“Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in His commandments.” Psalm 112:1 (KJV)
Happiness from the world in which we live is fleeting. We can laugh and be “happy” one minute, then, sadly defeated, depressed, and discouraged the next. Where we were “happy” for an hour or two; we are the other for days and weeks on end.
Let me give you three things that lead to true happiness;
Let your life be a life filled with the Spirit of the LORD, and you will be Blessed – happy; truly joyous. The only way to be able to live this is through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ the Son of God, and God the Son.
“Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.” Psalm 111:1 (KJV)
Boasting seems to be a trait of all humanity. Men and women do it quite frequently. I do it. My friends and family does it. Boasting about our achievements, our children, our work, our recreation, our homes, our cars; well, you get the picture.
What does this verse have to do with “Boasting”? The first “Praise” is for the part of the word we use “Halleujah” which means “Praise the LORD” or to boast of Him. What more can we boast of than the greatness of our God, our Saviour, our King, and our LORD.
The second “Praise” has to do with our reverence and worship to the One who is worthy. When you feel like boasting of your greatness; think again of the Greatness of the only One who is worthy of our boasting.
Our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength should be given to boasting of the greatness of the Lord. Let it be seen in your life.
Lord, let it be seen in my life.
See 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 for further study.
“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.” Psalm 110:1 (KJV)
What a scene the Psalmist is seeing in heaven between the Father and the Son. David has a great interest in this Second Person; he calls, “my Lord”. As should all who have an interest in spiritual matters.
Of this verse C. H. Spurgeon can say it much better than myself. Here are his words on this verse;
“The Lord said unto my Lord” – Jehovah said unto my Adonai: David in spirit heard the solemn voice of Jehovah speaking to the Messiah from of old. What wonderful intercourse there has been between the Father and the Son! From this secret and intimate communion spring the covenant of grace and all its marvellous arrangements. All the great acts of grace are brought into actual being by the word of God; had he not spoken, there had been no manifestation of Deity to us; but in the beginning was the Word, and from of old there was mysterious fellowship between the Father and his Son Jesus Christ concerning his people and the great contest on their behalf between himself and the powers of evil. How condescending on Jehovah’s part to permit a mortal ear to hear, and a human pen to record his secret converse with his co-equal Son! How greatly should we prize the revelation of his private and solemn discourse with the Son, herein made public for the refreshing of his people! “Lord, what is man that thou shouldst thus impart thy secrets unto him.”
Though David was a firm believer in the Unity of the Godhead, he yet spiritually discerns the two persons, distinguishes between them, and perceives that in the second he has a peculiar interest, for he calls him “my Lord.” This was an anticipation of the exclamation of Thomas, “My Lord and my God,” and it expresses the Psalmist’s reverence, his obedience, his believing appropriation, and his joy in Christ. It is well to have clear views of the mutual relations of the persons of the blessed Trinity; indeed, the knowledge of these truths is essential for our comfort and growth in grace. There is a manifest distinction in the divine persons, since one speaks to another; yet the Godhead is one.
“Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies they footstool.” Away from the shame and suffering of his earthly life, Jehovah calls the Adonai, our Lord, to the repose and honours of his celestial seat. His work is done, and he may sit; it is well done, and he may sit at his right hand; it will have grand results, and he may therefore quietly wait to see the complete victory which is certain to follow. The glorious Jehovah thus addresses the Christ as our Saviour; for, says David, he said “unto my Lord.” Jesus is placed in the seat of power, dominion, and dignity, and is to sit there by divine appointment while Jehovah fights for him, and lays every rebel beneath his feet. He sits there by the Father’s ordinance and call, and will sit there despite all the raging of his adversaries, till they are all brought to utter shame by his putting his foot upon their necks. In this sitting he is our representative. The mediatorial kingdom will last until the last enemy shall be destroyed, and then, according to the inspired word, “cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God even the Father.” The work of subduing the nations is now in the hand of the great God, who by his Providence will accomplish it to the glory of his Son; his word is pledged to it, and the session of his Son at his right hand is the guarantee thereof; therefore let us never fear as to the future. While we see our Lord and representative sitting in quiet expectancy, we, too, may sit in the attitude of peaceful assurance, and with confidence await the grand outcome of all events. As surely as Jehovah liveth Jesus must reign, yea, even now he is reigning, though all his enemies are not yet subdued. During the present interval, through which we wait for his glorious appearing and visible millennial kingdom, he is in the place of power, and his dominion is in no jeopardy, or otherwise he would not remain quiescent. He sits because all is safe, and he sits at Jehovah’s right hand because omnipotence waits to accomplish his will. Therefore there is no cause for alarm whatever may happen in this lower world; the sight of Jesus enthroned in divine glory is the sure guarantee that all things are moving onward towards ultimate victory. Those rebels who now stand high in power shall soon be in the place of contempt, they shall be his footstool. He shall with ease rule them, he shall sit and put his foot on them; not rising to tread them down as when a man puts forth force to subdue powerful foes, but retaining the attitude of rest, and still ruling them as abject vassals who have no longer spirit to rebel, but have become thoroughly tamed and subdued.
For further study consider Matthew 22:42-44; Acts 2:33; Hebrews 7:4; 2 Peter 1:17.
“Hold not Thy peace, O God of my praise; For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.” Psalm 109:1-2 (KJV)
How do we respond when we hear others speaking against us? When we hear that others have said something against us? It happens, it will happen, or it is happening now. None of us are immune to this.
David’s response was by going to the One who holds us in His hands. Lies often fall empty on a life that is lived for the glory of God. The truth will win out. If not in the courts of men, it does in the courts of the guiltless heart of the individual; and in the Court of heaven.
I will go to God of my praise, and rely on Him for my defense. He will not be silent. He will defend; He will oppose; He will destroy the lying tongues that oppose Him.
When others speak against you; PRAY to God through His Son Jesus Christ. He will hear you.
“O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.” Psalm 108:1 (KJV)
Giving the fulness of God glory was a matter of an established heart for David. Even when he had received the adulation of his people he directed praise to God with his own tongue.
No wonder God refers to David as “a man after Mine own heart”.
When those who believe God, the fulness of the Godhead, then we direct all praise to Him. When we are lauded, then we give it to Him; for He alone is worthy. With our hearts we praise Him. With our lives we praise Him. With our property we praise Him. With our tongue we praise Him.
When we start to speak derogatorily of another; speak a word of praise to God instead. A tongue that is praising God cannot speak ill of another. This is not speaking of confrontation of sin with an individual.
Praise God through the Lord Jesus Christ who is God’s payment for our sins.
I posted this about 7 years ago; and thought it to be pertinent for today as well. Come soon Lord Jesus. Come soon.
Enoch, and the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ
I guess I am not into fancy titles or something. Just make it simple, and that is what I intend for this study.
When I read Scriptures from Genesis through the Revelation of Jesus Christ I read it like it is written for us to understand. When the Bible speaks figuratively it usually lets us know that it is speaking figuratively. When it is speaking plainly we take it plainly. When it speaks figuratively or metaphorically, then, that is how I will interpret it, and translate it. For the most part, and as best I can, I let Scripture interpret Scripture, and follow what Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” Let me warn you, that I am not a…
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“O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 107:1 (KJV)
I pray that all who are reading this today is planning, is already on their way, or will be attending worship services in a local Church today. That is one way Christians show their love and thanks to the LORD who alone is worthy of our worship, praise, and thanksgiving.
The LORD is good. He is great. He is merciful.
There is no way the follower of Jesus Christ can ever grow short of thanking the LORD. You may be overcome by debt, fear of losing all you have. You may be overcome by an illness or disease and fear losing your life, or the life of a loved one. When you are in Christ Jesus we can still thank the LORD for His goodness and mercy. There is always something to be thankful for. So thank Him.
YHWH is always merciful. His mercy endures forever. When we realize His great mercy, we can then rest in His grace; which has been demonstrated to us by the death of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ.
O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good…”
“Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can shew forth all His praise?” Psalm 106:1-2 (KJV)
There are not enough words to describe the goodness, and worth of God. I will let you hear the words of Matthew Henry on these verses…
We are here taught,
I. To bless God (Psa_106:1, Psa_106:2): Praise you the Lord, that is, 1. Give him thanks for his goodness, the manifestation of it to us, and the many instances of it. He is good and his mercy endures for ever; let us therefore own our obligations to him and make him a return of our best affections and services. 2. Give him the glory of his greatness, his mighty acts, proofs of his almighty power, wherein he has done great things, and such as would be opposed. Who can utter these? Who is worthy to do it? Who is able to do it? They are so many that they cannot be numbered, so mysterious that they cannot be described; when we have said the most we can of the mighty acts of the Lord, the one half is not told; still there is more to be said; it is a subject that cannot be exhausted. We must show forth his praise; we may show forth some of it, but who can show forth all? Not the angels themselves. This will not excuse us in not doing what we can, but should quicken us to do all we can.
From the MATTHEW HENRY Commentary
We need to diligently, boldly pray for Israel, her leader; and our nation and her president. The peace, and hope of the U. S. of A. is at stake.
UPDATED: (Central Israel) — Is a divorce coming between the President of the United States and the State of Israel?
Once, it would have been almost preposterous even to ask such a question. Today, however, it feels like it’s a matter of “when,” not “if” Mr. Obama will formally abandon American support for the Jewish State. And the situation is rapidly going from bad to worse.
Readers of this blog may recall that I posted this column on January 14, 2015: “Will President Obama abandon or fully turn against Israel in last two years in office, amidst ISIS & Iran threats? Exclusive poll results.” According an exclusive poll I commissioned late last year, a remarkable 47.4% of Americans fear the President will turn against Israel soon given that he won’t ever face the voters again. I suspect the number would be much higher today
As I traveled through the U.S. in January and February on The Third Target
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“O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon His name: make known His deeds among the people.” Psalm 105:1 (KJV)
The people of God ought always give thanks unto the LORD; unto YHWH. He alone is the One who is Sovereign over all things, and over us. He alone directs our paths, and our praise.
We make known the deeds, the works, the power of God in our lives. It shows on the countenance of the faithful child of God. It is revealed in the family of the faithful child of God. It shines forth as the faithful child of God goes into the world with the message that God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.
Jesus Himself said,
“This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” John 6:29
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you show the deeds the work of God among the people.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honour and majesty.” Psalm 104:1 (KJV)
We live in a sloppy dressing culture. Young “men” wear jeans or pants halfway down their buttocks, showing their underwear. Women; young and old wear dresses and blouses with tops which tell us “Look here”, then complain when a man looks. I do not mean to be brash, rude, or ugly, but let us face it “Clothing makes a difference”.
Clothes shows one’s character. In the above verse it is glorifying God, our LORD. Jehovah the one and only God worthy of our worship and praise.
What is the clothing of God to show His character? He is dressed in honor and majesty. He is great in grandeur, in His presence; He is of royal appearance.
Have you noticed that many are interested in the royal family of Britain? Have you also noticed that they dress as royalty probably ought? Well, God is the greatest of all royalty, and He has called us to Himself, and made us royal; a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Be clothed with the honor and majesty of the One who gives us life. His name is Jesus.
The apostle Paul said,
“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” Psalm 103:1 (KJV)
We do not often think of blessing the LORD. Our lives are to bless the LORD. Our words are to bless the LORD. Our actions are to bless the LORD.
All there is of us as an individual or a company of believers are to abundantly adore the One who has given us life, love and liberty.
Is your life a blessing to the LORD? Do you live for Him? Do you live for yourself? The two cannot go together. If you live for Him your life blesses the LORD. If not you curse His name.
David said, “…All that is withine me, bless His holy name” and His name is holy. There is no other like it. YaHWeH is the One and only and the full representation of Him is His Son Jesus. O let us bless the LORD today and forever.
The Fire and Hammer 