The following are the main points to a sermon by Jack Woodard titled “Lessons From Haggai” –
#1. UNFAITHFULNESS TO THE LORD HAS SEVERE CONSEQUENCES: [1:2; 2:2]
#11. REPENTANCE MAY NOT MEAN EVERYTHING WILL BE AS IT WAS: [2:3]
#111. IN THE COMING KINGDOM AGE JESUS WILL MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER THAN IT EVER WAS: [2:7-9]
You may follow this link to Jack’s blog for the rest of the outline.
-T.A.
How Should Any be Just with God?
Job 9:1-35
1. The legalism of Bildad;
a. This is the judgment of God (8:1-7);
b. Look at the issues of past history (8:8-10);
c. Look at the evidence of nature (8:11-22).
2. Job’s questions;
a. How can I be just/righteous with God? (v. 2)
b. How can stand before God in debate? (v. 3)
c. In chapter 10 he asks, “Why was I even born?”
I. JOB’S CONCLUSION IS THAT DEBATING WITH GOD IS FUTILE (v. 3).
II. THE GOD OF CREATION IS UNAPPROACHABLE BY MAN ALONE (vv. 4-15).
III. BEFORE GOD EVERY MOUTH WILL BE STOPPED/EVERY MAN CONDEMNED AS A LIAR (vv. 16-21; Romans 3:4).
IV. WITHOUT A REDEEMER WE ALL STAND GUILTY BEFORE GOD (vv. 22-31).
V. JOB AND ALL MANKIND NEEDS A MEDIATOR BETWEEN OURSELVES AND GOD (vv. 32-35).
Application –
i. Mankind in his pride, religion, moral goodness cannot stand before the just, righteous and holy GOD;
ii. As far as we are concerned He is unapproachable, because of His purity; and our impurity;
iii. All the accusations of mankind will be stopped and we shall be accounted as liars;
iv. However, there is a redeemer; He too is just, righteous, and holy; He is GOD; our “daysman” – Mediator; His name is Jesus.
-TA.
This sermon was preached in the Sunday morning worship 07/24/11
A Nail in His Holy Place
Ezra 9:5-15 (v. 8 )
1. Verses 5-15 is a prayer of Ezra for the people who have been in captivity, having disobeyed God in the matter of holiness, and sanctity (9:1-2).
2. Ezra was grieved by the disobedience of Israel, and even at this time in Jerusalem there were things which needed to be corrected (v. 3).
3. Those who were trembling because of the disobedience joined Ezra in the mourning, and prayer to GOD of Israel (v. 4).
4. It was at the time of the evening sacrifice, and Ezra fell on his knees, and spread out his hands to GOD (v. 5).
I. THERE IS SHAME FOR THE BEHAVIOR, AND DISOBEDIENCE OF GOD’S PEOPLE (vv. 6-7; 2 Cor. 6:17-18).
II. GRACE AND SECURITY ARE GIVEN TO THE REMNANT OF GOD’S PEOPLE – THE NAIL [PEG[ IN HIS HOLY PLACE (v. 8).
III. GOD’S PEOPLE GRIEVE OVER FORSAKING THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD (vv. 9-14).
IV. BECAUSE OF SIN NO ONE CAN STAND BEFORE THE RIGHTEOUS GOD (v. 15)
Summary –
i. Christians of our day need to be ashamed of our own sin;
ii. We rest assured in the security of the Nail of Jesus Christ who holds us in His hand from which no one can snatch us out of the Father’s hand;
iii. The reason for the lack of holiness, sanctification in the church is not related to the sins of a lost world;
iv. It is related, and the sole responsibility of the Christian who refuses to grieve over their own sin.
v. Remember it is the Nail of His holy place which keeps us in grace – and the Nail has a name; His name is JESUS (Isaiah 22:21-25)
-T.A.
This message was preached at Carr Lane Baptist Church Sunday July 17, 2011 – Morning sermon.
The following are the closing paragraphs of a message by W. A. Criswell titled “The Ableness of God” from Ephesians 3:14-21 from October 25, 1970.
The ableness of God; we never exhaust it. It’s never beyond what He can do for us—above all we ask or think. Lord, who would ever have thought the little shepherd boy David would be the king of Israel? Who would ever have thought Amos the sycamore gatherer would be God’s first great writing prophet? Who would ever have thought Cephas, the fisherman of such a volatile spirit, would have been Peter at Pentecost? Who would ever have thought that Saul of Tarsus, persecuting the church, would have been the apostle who kneels down here in prayer. Who would ever have thought it? Oh, the whole gamut of God’s world is like that. Who would ever have thought these prison doors open of themselves in the twelfth chapter of Acts? Who would ever have thought the lions’ mouths would have been stopped or the three would have been delivered out of the fiery furnace?
“Above all that we ask for;” be encouraged, my brethren. Let’s lift up our spirits and our hearts. Let’s roll up our sleeves. Let’s ask God for great things for Jesus. Let’s ask Him for these families, these homes, these children; these teenagers; these young marrieds. Let’s ask Him. Let’s ask in faith that God’ll give us their souls, their lives, their children, and then, having found answered prayer, let’s teach them the Word of God. Let’s just place in their very souls the riches of that glorious revelation. Let’s just spend our days around here praising Jesus, loving God. I’ve got to quit. Man, we could just love the Lord forever, couldn’t we? Just talking about what God can do for us and how we’re going to, in His love and grace, attempt great things for Him.
W. A. Criswell, 1970
-posted by T.A.
Where There is Liberty
2 Corinthians 3:17
References – Gal. 2:4; 5:1, 13; John 8:32; James 1:25; Isaiah 61:2;
1. The Spirit blinds eyes of rebellion (3:14-15).
2. The Spirit is the veil that hides the fading glory of the Old covenant (3:13, 15)
3. The Spirit is the means of the liberty of the soul (3:16).
I. THERE IS LIBERTY, FREEDOM, IN CHRIST THROUGH THE SPIRIT.
II. THERE IS LIBERTY FROM THE BONDAGE OF SIN AND DEATH.
III. THERE IS LIBERTY FROM THE CONDEMNATION OF THE LAW (Gal. 2:4).
IV. THERE IS LIBERTY WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS (Gal. 5:1).
V. WHERE THERE IS LIBERTY THERE IS RESPONSIBILITY (Gal. 5:13).
Summary –
i. True freedom comes only in yeilding one’s life to Jesus Christ as Master and Lord.
ii. True freedom liberates from sin’s bondage and death.
iii. There is liberty in the faith of Jesus Christ.
iv. True freedom gives liberty to make clear, godly, righteous decisions.
-T.A.
Sunday morning sermon points preached at Carr Lane Baptist Church July 03, 2011.
Are We Better Than They?
Romans 3:9
1. The accusation to be answered – “Do evil that good may come”.
2. Is the Jew better than the Gentile?
3. Jew and Gentile are on the same level.
4. All are under sin.
I. THERE IS AN ACCUSATION FROM OTHERS THAT CHRISTIANS THINK THEMSELVES BETTER THAN THE NON-CHRISTIAN.
II. THE CHRISTIAN IS NOT BETTER, BUT IS BETTER OFF CONCERNING ETERNITY, AND ETERNAL MATTERS.
III. THE WAGES OF SIN IS UPON ALL WHO ARE SEPARATE FROM THE LORD.
Summary –
i. The sin of mankind is universal and requires a universal Savior – Jesus.
ii. By faith in Jesus Christ and His death on the cross, burial and resurrection we are delivered from the wages and penalty of sin, and assured eternal life with Him.
iii. Rejecting Jesus Christ one chooses to remain separate from God and universally sin bound for all eternity.
-T.A.
Sunday morning sermon points preached at Carr Lane Baptist Church June 26, 2011.
When I look at our society today I see so many who are quickly perishing, and are completely unaware of it. Why do I say they are unaware of it? They live as though there was no end. They live as though there is no God. They live as though they will answer to no one.
We are all fickle at times. We can so easily be led astray, be deceived and deluded. There is something we all must realize and that is, that, there is more to life, than “Me”. “Me” will one day end, and then what. Hear what the apostle Peter has written,
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:24-25 (KJV).
It is a terrible thing for man who is quickly perishing to give so much confidence and power to things which we cannot take with us. I heard the story of a woman who was married to a wealthy man, on his death bed, who wasn’t leaving anything to her, and wanted it all cashed out before he died and, then, put into his coffin with him at his burial. She went and cashed everything out, and the day of the funeral put a box in the coffin before they closed the lid. A friend who was with her asked, “What was in the box?”, and she proceeded to tell her of her deceased husband’s request, and that she had placed it in the box. She went on to say, “I deposited the money in my checking account, and wrote him a check. Now he can cash it any time he chooses.”
Any one with any sense knows when you die, that, silver, gold, or paper money will be of no service to you. It too will rot, rust, decay, and one day blow away in the wind with the rest of the dust.
There is only the “word of the Lord” that endures for ever, and that will be in the lives of those who put their faith and trust in Him through His Son Jesus Christ, and His death, burial and resurrection. “Forever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119:89). Those who will come to God the Father through God the Son will have an eternity with Him in glory. Call on His name today.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Today’s Baptist is Charles H. Spurgeon. This writing is from his devotional “Morning and Evening”, the morning of June 24 –
Luke 11:27, 28:
A certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto Him, Blessed is the womb that bare Thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But He said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.It is fondly imagined by some that it must have involved very special privileges to have been the mother of our Lord, because they supposed that she had the benefit of looking into His very heart in a way in which we cannot hope to do. There may be an appearance of plausibility in the supposition, but not much. We do not know that Mary knew more than others; what she did know she did well to lay up in her heart; but she does not appear from anything we read in the Evangelists to have been a better-instructed believer than any other of Christ’s disciples. All that she knew we also may discover. Do you wonder that we should say so? Here is a text to prove it: “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” Remember the Master’s words-“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” So blessedly does this Divine Revealer of secrets tell us His heart, that He keepeth back nothing which is profitable to us; His own assurance is, “If it were not so, I would have told you.” Doth He not this day manifest Himself unto us as He doth not unto the world? It is even so; and therefore we will not ignorantly cry out, “Blessed is the womb that bare thee,” but we will intelligently bless God that, having heard the Word and kept it, we have first of all as true a communion with the Saviour as the Virgin had, and in the second place as true an acquaintance with the secrets of His heart as she can be supposed to have obtained. Happy soul to be thus privileged!
-posted by T.A.
The following message is by Alexander MacLaren who lived from 1826-1910. This message is taken from his messages from the book of Ezekiel.
THE DRY BONES AND THE SPIRIT OF LIFE
1. The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, 2. And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. 3. And He said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, Thou knowest. 4. Again He said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: 6. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. 7. So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. 8. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. 9. Then said He unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. 10. So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. 11. Then He said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. 12. Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O My people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up out of your graves. 14. And shall put My spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.’—EZEKIEL xxxvii. 1-14.
This great vision apparently took its form from a despairing saying, which had become a proverb among the exiles, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost: we are clean cut off’ (v. 11). Ezekiel lays hold of the metaphor, which had been taken to express the hopeless destruction of Israel’s national existence, and even from it wrings a message of hope. Faith has the prerogative of seeing possibilities of life in what looks to sense hopeless death. We may look at the vision from three points of view, considering its bearing on Israel, on the world, and on the resurrection of the body.
I. The saying, already referred to, puts the hopelessness of the mass of the exiles in a forcible fashion. The only sense in which living men could say that their bones were dried up, and they cut off, is a figurative one, and obviously it is the national existence which they regarded as irretrievably ended. The saying gives us a glimpse into the despair which had settled down on the exiles, and against which Ezekiel had to contend, as he had also to contend against its apparently opposite and yet kindred feeling of presumptuous, misplaced hope. We observe that he begins by accepting fully the facts which bred despair, and even accentuating them. The true prophet never makes light of the miseries of which he knows the cure, and does not try to comfort by minimising the gravity of the evil. The bones are very many, and they are very dry. As far as outward resources are concerned, despair was rational, and hope as absurd as it would have been to expect that men, dead so long that their bones had been bleached by years of exposure to the weather, should live again.
But while Ezekiel saw the facts of Israel’s powerlessness as plainly as the most despondent, he did not therefore despair. The question which rose in his mind was God’s question, and the very raising it let a gleam of hope in. So he answered with that noble utterance of faith and submission, ‘O Lord God, Thou knowest.’ ‘With God all things are possible.’ Presumption would have said ‘Yes’; Unbelief would have said ‘No’; Faith says, ‘Thou knowest.’
The grand description of the process of resurrection follows the analogy of the order in the creation of man, giving, first, the shaping of the body, and afterwards the breathing into it of the breath which is life. Both stages are wholly God’s work. The prophet’s part was to prophesy to the bones first; and his word, in a sense, brought about the effect which it foretold, since his ministry was the most potent means of rekindling dying hopes, and bringing the disjecta membra of the nation together again. The vivid and gigantic imagination of the prophet gives a picture of the rushing together of the bones, which has no superior in any literature. He hears a noise, and sees a ‘shaking’ (by which is meant the motion of the bones to each other, rather than an ‘earthquake,’ as the Revised Version has it, which inserts a quite irrelevant detail), and the result of all is that the skeletons are complete. Then follows the gradual clothing with flesh. There they lie, a host of corpses.
The second stage is the quickening of these bodies with life, and here again Ezekiel, as God’s messenger, has power to bring about what he announces; for, at his command, the breath, or wind, or spirit, comes, and the stiff corpses spring to their feet, a mighty army. The explanation in the last verses of the text somewhat departs from the tenor of the vision by speaking of Israel as buried, but keeps to its substance, and point the despairing exiles to God as the source of national resurrection. But we must not force deeper meaning on Ezekiel’s words than they properly bear. The spirit promised in them is simply the source of life,—literally, of physical life; metaphorically, of national life. However that national restoration was connected with holiness, that does not enter into the prophet’s vision. Israel’s restoration to its land is all that Ezekiel meant by it. True, that restoration was to lead to clearer recognition by Israel of the name of Jehovah, and of all that it implied in him and demanded from them. But the proper scope of the vision is to assure despairing Israelites that God would quicken the apparently slain national life, and replace them in the land.
II. We may extend the application of the vision to the condition of humanity and the divine intervention which communicates life to a dead world, but must remember that no such meaning was in Ezekiel’s thoughts. The valley full of dry bones is but too correct a description of the aspect which a world ‘dead in trespasses and sins’ bears, when seen from the mountain-top by pure and heavenly eyes. The activities of godless lives mask the real spiritual death, which is the condition of every soul that is separate from God. Galvanised corpses may have muscular movements, but they are dead, notwithstanding their twitching. They that live without God are dead while they live.
Again, we may learn from the vision the preparation needful for the prophet, who is to be the instrument of imparting divine life to a dead world. The sorrowful sense of the widespread deadness must enter into a man’s spirit, and be ever present to him, in order to fit him for his work. A dead world is not to be quickened on easy terms. We must see mankind in some measure as God sees them if we are to do God’s work among them. So-called Christian teachers, who do not believe that the race is dead in sin, or who, believing it, do not feel the tragedy of the fact, and the power lodged in their hands to bring the true life, may prophesy to the dry bones for ever, and there will be no shaking among them.
The great work of the gospel is to communicate divine life. The details of the process in the vision are not applicable in this respect. As we have pointed out, they are shaped after the pattern of the creation of Adam, but the essential point is that what the world needs is the impartation from God of His Spirit. We know more than Ezekiel did as to the way by which that Spirit is given to men, and as to the kind of life which it imparts, and as to the connection between that life and holiness. It is a diviner voice than Ezekiel’s which speaks to us in the name of God, and says to us with deeper meaning than the prophet of the Exile dreamed of, ‘I will put my Spirit in you, and ye shall live.’
But we may note that it is possible to have the outward form of a living body, and yet to have no life. Churches and individuals may be perfectly organised and perfectly dead. Creeds may be articulated most correctly, every bone in its place, and yet have no vitality in them. Forms of worship may be punctiliously proper, and have no breath of life in them. Religion must have a body, but often the body is not so much the organ as the sepulchre of the spirit. We have to take heed that the externals do not kill the inward life.
Again, we note that this great act of life-giving is God’s revelation of His name,—that is, of His character so far as men can know it. ‘Ye shall know that I am the Lord’ (vs. 13, 14). God makes Himself known in His divinest glory when He quickens dead souls. The world may learn what He is therefrom, but they who have experienced the change, and have, as it were, been raised from the grave to new life, have personal experience of His power and faithfulness so sure and sweet that henceforward they cannot doubt Him nor forget His grace.
III. As to the bearing of the vision on the doctrine of the resurrection little need be said. It does not necessarily presuppose the people’s acquaintance with that doctrine, for it would be quite conceivable that the vision had revealed to the prophet the thought of a resurrection, which had not been in his beliefs before. The vision is so entirely figurative, that it cannot be employed as evidence that the idea of the resurrection of the dead was part of the Jewish beliefs at this date. It does, however, seem most natural to suppose that the exiles were familiar with the idea, though the vision cannot be taken as a revelation of a literal resurrection of dead men. For clear expectations of such a resurrection we must turn to such scriptures as Daniel xii. 2, 13.
You may find more by Alexander MacLaren at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
-T.A.
In this study I will endeavor to show that through suffering we are prepared for glory. In the life of Jesus He was preparing for the cross through the things which He suffered, and endured ever faithful to the Father. It is hard to imagine suffering in order to endure more suffering, but that is what Jesus did; “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered;” Hebrews 5:8 (KJV).
To begin this it will be a review of First Peter, and on this article we begin with verses one and two. “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ”. This is one who spoke without thinking. John MacArthur describes him as the apostle with “The foot-shaped mouth” in his book titled TWELVE ORDINARY MEN, and the title of that chapter is “Peter – The Man With The Footshaped Mouth”.
Now here is an epistle through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration written down by Peter himself. Originally called Simon, Jesus changed his name to Peter/Cephas meaning ‘rock or stone’. Peter is not the Rock upon which the Church is built (Matthew 16:18 – “And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”). Peter is part of the foundation (Ephesians 2:20 – “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone;), but is not the Rock, upon which it is founded and built.
This letter was written in troublous times for the Christian. According to authorities in this area; the time is around the time that Rome was burned in which Nero set the fire and blamed it on the Christians and set the people of Rome to hating them even worse than before. In a time of great persecution Peter wrote this letter to comfort and encourage those believers who were in “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.” These Christians were “Strangers” and being that some were Jewish were dispossessed of their homeland. The Gentiles and the Jews who had become Christians had also become “Strangers” to their families, friends, and work associates, because their home was now in Heaven.
Peter specifies to whom this letter is written. The “Elect” or “Called” and as Paul wrote, “…Before the foundation of the world”. This is an assuring thing – it is motivation to continue in faith. Realizing you are the called of God has a strengthening effect on you. To be chosen, called or the elect of God, and only so by the work of Jesus Christ on calvary’s cross.
“FOREKNOWLEDGE” is from the Greek word ‘prognosis’ which according to MIRRIAM/WEBSTER DICTIONARY is “a forecast esp. of the course of disease”, only God in His ‘prognosis’ is never wrong. With God’s prognosis we know the outcome, and in Christ it is wonderful.
“Sanctification” is a process by which we are set apart, made holy in this life for the glory of God. In sanctification the Spirit convicts us of sin, corrects us in our errors, and comforts us in our sorrows, and by and through the Word of God. He puts us into “Obedience” and showing forth the sacrifice of Jesus in our lives.
“Grace” is Paul’s favorite word and filled his whole life. It is also Peter’s. He had experienced the grace of God extremely. he denied the Lord three times, and was forgiven. Where grace abounds there is peace. (Romans 5:1 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”; and then in Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which passeth all undestanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.) In the midst of the fires of trials and tribulation there is always ‘Peace’ in Jesus. Through Jesus you can have peace in the midst of the storm.
There has not been much posted here on Acts, but I do want to end with one observation as we look at verses 22 – 24 of chapter 28;
“But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.” Acts 27:22-24 (KJV)
Paul the apostle is in Rome about to be tried for the charges his own people have brought against him. He has been charged with saying things against them, and supposedly against their God; in blasphemy. Rather than speaking against their God he has spoken plainly, using the Old Testament scriptures they adhered to and proclaiming Jesus Christ their Messiah.
The word “sect” was used, most likely, as a derogatory term meaning that the teaching of Christianity was heretical and was worthy of judgment. Paul took time with those who came to him expounding the Word of God, and preaching the kingdom of God, persuading some to believe and follow Jesus Christ.
We have the testimony here that “some believed”, and “some believed not” and that is pretty much how things are in our time; as every other time since Paul.
If you will believe the gospel of Jesus Christ then, you will have the assurance of eternity with Him. If you reject Jesus and His gospel, then you will die and eternal death.
-Tim A. Blankenship
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. 3 And they said among themselves, ‘Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?’ 4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. 5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. 6 And he saith unto them, ‘Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him. 7 But go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you.’ 8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.” Mark 16:1-8 (KJV)
Three ladies, Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, and Salome come to the tomb where Jesus was laid. Remember, they had witnessed where Joseph of Arimethea had buried Him (15:47). There is no mistaken. They went to the right tomb. It was very early in the morning, the day after the Sabbath [Saturday], and so it was early Sunday morning the “First day of the week”.
These ladies had a very committed love, respect and awe for Jesus. They, too had forgotten His words of resurrection. The eleven apostles had forgotten and were discouraged, doubting, disabled, and in hiding. For three days now, since the crucifixion, they had been without Jesus.
The “First day of the week” these three women have bought spices to anoint the body of Jesus. The “First day of the week” they came to the tomb where they had witnessed Joseph lay His body. They came with a question. “How will we roll the stone from the door? Will the guards roll it away for us?” The stone had not only been rolled over the door, but it had also been sealed with the Roman seal (Matthew 27:66), so it is highly unlikely that Roman guards would have touched it.
Upon arrival at the tomb, they found the stone had already been rolled away, and that they could enter freely. Upon entering the tomb, they see a “Young man” sitting there in the empty tomb. They are “affrighted” which means, “G1568 ἐκθαμβέω ekthambeō ek-tham-beh’-o From G1569; to astonish utterly: – affright, greatly (sore) amaze.” This word means more than afraid, but rather, also “Amazed – utterly amazed”. This was an angel, who Mark describes as a “Young man”. He was probably youthful in appearance, but in reality he was an angel – a messenger of God. His message to the ladies was for them to go and tell the disciples ‘and Peter’ that He had risen.
There is a particular message here for Peter. Though, Peter was a disciple of Jesus he had denied the Lord during the trial, and was most likely feeling that the Lord would have nothing further to do with him. This would have been an encouraging word for Peter, to let him know the Lord Jesus had not forgotten him, and that there was a place for him. It is also an encouraging word for all Christians who, at one time or another have failed to be the Christians that we should be, that God is not finished with us and that, He still has a place for us.
When the ladies had heard the messengers words they left quickly with fear and trembling, and it says they told no one of what they had seen and heard. Of course they went and told the disciples.
On this Resurrection weekend, remembering the day our Lord was raised from death; let’s commit anew to sharing with all whom God gives us opportunity that Jesus is risen; He is risen indeed.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Reading today from Matthew 5 – 7.
We can be a fickle people; those of us called human being. When asked about God and the Bible or especially being Christian some have responded with “Well I observe the Ten Commandments” or “I try to live by the Sermon on the Mount”. I haven’t done it yet, but I would venture to guess, that those who say they live by the Ten Commandments do go to tell you how many commandments there are; and more seriously could not tell you what they are. Those who say the other, “I try to live by the Sermon on the Mount” are only kidding themselves. It is a noble endeavor to be sure, but the requirements of the Sermon spoken by Jesus are more difficult than the Ten Commandments.
Hear what our Lord says,
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-20 (KJV)
There are many who believe and think that when Jesus came he did away with the law. What did Jesus say above? “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”
Let’s look at this idea of keeping/obeying the Sermon in comparison with the law. First of all the Ten Commandments only deal with the outer experiences of life; for example, the seventh commandment says, “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14) yet Jesus says in verses 27 and 28 of Matthew 5 that to look at a woman to lust after her is adultery. Let’s look at another; the sixth commandment states, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). Look at Matthew 5:22,
“But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” v. 22
So, if you can live by the Sermon then you are doing quite well with yourself. If you think you are you are only lying to yourself, and deceived of the devil.
Jesus did not do away with the law, He lived it, He fulfilled it by complete and faithful obedience to God the Father.
In our opening verses above Jesus says, “…Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” That would mean complete faithfulness to God and His commandments. That would mean complete faithfulness to keeping the sermon on the mount. Can I do that? Can you do that? The answer for us both is, NO! We are condemned and dying unless we come to God by Someone else’s righteousness.
That righteousness that is given to us by God is from Jesus Christ. When He died on the cross He gave those who believe Him His own righteousness, and took our own unrighteousness upon Himself. The law and the prophets are fulfilled in Christ Jesus. He lives in those who are His, enabling and empowering His own to live lives that honor and glorify GOD; when we trust Him by faith alone.
Matthew 5 – 7 for today’s reading.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Since the thirteenth chapter Isaiah has been proclaiming messages called “burdens” in the KJV; they are particularly messages of warning and judgment coming on those nations mentioned. Babylon, Egypt, Moab, Damascus to name a few.
The “burden” in this chapter is directed to Jerusalem or Israel as a whole. While the other “burdens” were named against nations and peoples who were unfriendly and cruel to Israel this one is directed straight at the city and people of Jerusalem.
Why called “Valley of vision”? It could be possibly because they have been a lofty city. Geographically, Jerusalem is an upwards climb from most locations of Israel. Most of the time when it is mentioned, it is always “Up to Jerusalem” from someone headed there. When you are going to a valley the motion is always downward. That is the state Jerusalem and Israel are in as we read this chapter.
Read verses 1 – 7,
“The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops? Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle. All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which have fled from far. Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people. For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains. And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield. And it shall come to pass, that thy choicest valleys shall be full of chariots, and the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate.” Isaiah 22:1-7 (KJV)
It seems in reading these verses that they have been surrounded by enemy forces, and with peril around them they are partying without any regard or though toward God their Creator and Sustainer. When they should have been weeping, mourning and praying with repentance they were playing. Sounds like another nation I know about, and live within. God forgive us.
This sound of the valley of vision is similar to Ezekiel’s vision in Ezekiel 37, the words of Jeremiah 21:13 and Joel 3:12, 14. Maybe this speaks of the depths to which the people have sank. Something to consider any how.
There are two men who are named within Jerusalem; Shebna who is possibly a scribe and holding a seat of honor; then, there is Eliakim who is referred to as “My Servant” (v. 20). Shebna loses his place of honor due to his disobedience to God and failure to do his duty; and the place is given to Eliakim because of his faithfulness.
We are told of Eliakim,
“And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: and I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.” vv. 20-22
Keys are symbols of authority. If you possess a key, whether it is to your property or another’s it shows you have the right to enter or to the use of that property. Any one forcing entry or use is an illegal user; with the exception of permission by the authority of one with the key. Jesus used these words describing Himself,
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name.” Revelation 3:7-8
Eliakim was to make decisions, and they would be sure and fast decisions, until the time of his fall.
Jesus’s kingdom and reign will never fall and never fail. His kingdom is sure and stedfast.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Reading from Numbers 22-24.
The reading today deals with the prophetic work of one of the prophets of the Old Testament. This is a prophet who was in the “ministry” for a profit. He was in it to make all he could.
The Moabite people were fearful of this massive group of people who were traveling across their part of the wilderness. The king of Moab, Balak, calls for Balaam the prophet of whom we speak. The comment of Scripture says,
“And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.” 22:3
Let’s first examine who the people called the Moabites are; just to keep it in mind. Moab was one of the sons of Lot by the eldest daughter (Genesis 19:37). So by this we can see a kinship between these two people – Moab and Israel. Of course, many years have passed, more than four hundred at least.
Balak calls for the prophet Balaam, and seeks him so that he may curse Israel. Israel is a nation blessed by GOD. Called out of Egypt by GOD. Led by GOD. A questions should enter our minds upon reading this, “How can a prophet of GOD even consider taking Moab up on this thought. They have promised him great reward.
The prophet is blind to the ways of God. God tells Balaam, after he has already turned down Balak’s first request to come, and he sends a second group of messengers,
“And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, ‘If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.'” 22:20
Here is Balaam’s fault. If you will note what God says; Balaam is to not go with the men unless they come to call him; yet Balaam arises and goes to them. He is eager to go and curse Israel, yet says, “All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do.” 23:26.
In the process of all this we find that his eyes are not open as he says in 24:3, but that they are set on deception, and the receiving of blessing for himself and funds for his pocket. His ride has more spiritual perception than Balaam does (22:22-35).
By the end of chapter 24 we see Balaam speaking prophetic words of blessing upon Israel. Yet, be warned Balaam is still a prophet of the worst sort. We are warned of his work and “ministry” in the New Testament:
“Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.” 2 Peter 2:15-16″Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” Jude v. 11
“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” Revelation 2:14
Later on in the daily readings we will see that the prophet finally succeeded in gaining what he wanted, yet failed GOD and His people greatly.
Remember to read Numbers 22 – 24 for today’s reading.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The business man; no certain one, no certain company; or even a preacher or pastor tells their people, “All is well. The business is growing”. What is not mentioned is that decay, death, despair is all around.
For a business that may mean the ruin of that company. Layoffs, closing the plant, or the whole company, bankruptcy. For a church – closing the doors because the church never saw the Light of the Lord but listened to the lying words of their “pastor”.
The words of Jeremiah the prophet speak loudly to us today.
“Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations.” Jeremiah 7:8-10 (KJV)
The life of knowing the LORD has no part in turning from Him. We grow in Him – in Christ Jesus the Son of the Living God who died for our sins, was buried and rose; and He forever lives. Because He lives we live, therefore our lives are to show forth His life.
The life of Jesus Christ is a life without sin, obedience to God the Father, glorifying our Creator in what we say and do. When the Bible teacher focuses on living your life now and telling how good human kind is [self] then that is “lying words” and the prophet says, “…that cannot profit”. It is as though mixing muddy water with clean to clean it up. All you have is muddy water; or an ungodly life which takes the glory that belongs only to God.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Presentation Of The King
Matthew 21:1-16
This study and message is from a study of the final days of our Lord’s life walking among mankind. This is in fact the beginning of the final week of His life, before His crucifixion. My intent is to do a study of the final week of Christ before the death on the cross.
This study will consist of about ten sermons, preached on Sunday morning and evening through the fourth of April, 2010. It will cover chapters 21 through 23; chapters 26 through 28; and must keep in mind that this will not be an exhausted study – there will be much more to learn when my study is finished on this matter. Of course, the final messages will deal with our Lord’s resurrection, and His appearances to His followers, and the Great Commission.
We see from other passages of Scripture that Jesus had a mind set for Jerusalem in those final days of His life. He saw the goal in sight; and that goal was to do His Father’s will, and glorify His name; and to provide salvation and redemption for the people of the world.
For three years Jesus had avoided being forced to be the king (John 6:15), and forced into an early death (Luke 4:28-30). Now, it is as though, He realizes that it is time to present Himself as the servant King who comes to die for His people. More than a king He is the Lamb, and will die as the Passover Lamb for the sins of the people.
OUTLINE –
I. THE KING’S REQUESTS (vv.1-5).
II. THE PRESENTATION OF THE KING FOR PASSOVER (vv. 6-11).
III. THE KING AND THE TEMPLE THIEVES (vv. 12-16).
THE KING’S REQUESTS (vv. 1-5).
The heart of Jesus from the time He was a boy was to do the will of His Father (Luke 2:49). He has lived, believed and known that all things were in His Father’s hands; even the time of His sacrifice; and trusted Him to that purpose and goal. It may not seem; to us; like much of a goal – to come to die – however, for Jesus that was His purpose for being on earth, and always to glorify the Father.
When Jesus and His disciples came to Bethphage, near the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples to a certain place where there were two donkeys tied. They were to bring them to Jesus. If the owners of these donkeys asked what they were doing, then they were to respond, “The Lord has need of them”, and the men would let them go. When the disciples arrived at the designated spot, they found the donkeys just as Jesus had said, and sure enough the owners asked, “What are you doing loosing the colt?” (Mark 11:5). This was an act of the sovereign mind and will of God; directing the affairs of His holy Son.
The requests was for the donkeys. Though there was actually no asking necessary we are not told who owned the donkeys. We do however know that God is the Owner of all things, thus, He directs their use and purpose for His glory. The thing we must realize in this matter is that Jesus’s heart was to fulfull the word of God,
“All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass” 21:4-5 (KJV) and this is a quote from
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” Zechariah 9:9 (KJV)
THE PRESENTATION OF THE KING FOR PASSOVER (vv. 6-11).
This has been called the “Triumphal Entry”, “King’s coronation” and maybe other things as well. Those are probably two of the most popular. It is more like the “King’s Offering”, than one of triumph or coronation.
Traditionally, this day has been believed to have been on Sunday – Palm Sunday, the Sunday before we celebrate Easter. It is, however, believed by some that this was on Monday and Jesus entered Jerusalem exactly four days before Passover. Let’s consider that this was Monday 10th day Nisan [Abib] and Passover was on the 14th Nisan [Friday]. Whether it was Sunday or Monday there would still be the four days, and fulfillment of the requirements of the law according to Exodus 12:2-6. Verse 6 there tells us;
“And ye shall keep it up [the lamb] until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.” Exodus 12:6 (KJV)
When the King came into Jerusalem through the East gate on that donkey colt, never been rode before; I just suspect that colt recognized His Master; and humbly submitted to His sovereign rein on him. It appeared that the people who were present for His appearance were into the “coronation”. There was much praising, celebrating; spreading their garments on the road, cutting off palm branches for the way. The multitude who was praising Him was also shouting “Hosanna” which means “save now”; and was expecting a quick solution to their problems. It is sad to think how fickle people are, and that many of these same ones who were at this moment ready to crown Him King would in a few short days be in the crown screaming, “Crucify Him. Crucify Him” when they are asked, “What shall I do with Jesus?”.
“Son of David” is a Messianic title and the Scripture Jesus gives reference to is from Psalm 8 verse 2. Psalm two is in fact a messianic Psalm speaking of the Messiah who will come and save the world.
THE KING AND THE TEMPLE THIEVES (vv. 12-16).
Early in the ministry of Jesus He entered the court of the Gentiles and cleansed it lighting the fuses of hostility among the religious leaders. His house was being violated; and in the last days of His ministry He finds that it needs done again. He enters the court and in anger drives out the moneychangers, sellers of doves, and lambs for sacrifice, overthrew the tables. Jesus calls this house “My house” (v. 13). However in Matthew 23 Jesus says,
“Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Matthew 23:38 (KJV)
The court of the Gentiles was a place for all nations (Mark 11:17) to gather and learn from Israel about the Lord God, and for prayer. Now it was not anything more than a place of business for the greedy merchants taking advantage of the weary travelers who needed to buy their sacrifices for the Passover. It is quite possible that the merchants even would condemn a perfectly healthy lamb in order to sell one of theirs to the owner of the condemned lamb. Then, they would turn around and sell the formerly condemned lamb as a clean lamb to another weary traveler. They had quite the scam going, and Jesus knew it.
Those who think it is alright to take advantage of other peoples situations for profit need only see the reaction of Jesus to these acts of thievery. It is sad to admit and say, but some of this stuff goes on in “Christian” Book stores, and in some churches too. It is too often seen on what calls itself “Christian television” with “Send in your offering, and you will be healed” statements. Making extreme profit in the name of Jesus is still thievery, and Jesus is not pleased by it.
Still the religious leaders just don’t get it. They question Jesus, as though to get Him to rebuke the people for crying out to Him. Perfected praise in the mouths of “babes and sucklings”. Now that is something we must consider. The humble, dependent heart of the child is what the religious leaders of that day and our needs.
application –
i. We must hear the King’s requests or commands, obey them and also have the heart for fulfilling the word of the Lord in our lives and the world.
ii. Recognize that the King has presented Himself as a sacrifice for sin; trust Him, believe Him, yield to Him, and let Him rule and reign in your life.
iii. The house of our King is holy; our body is the temple of the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:16-17); it is the “House of prayer”; keep it from becoming a den of thieves.
-Tim A. Blankenship
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU…
1 Peter 5:7
…In The Rule, And Fall Of The Kingdom’s Of Men
Daniel 2:24-49
purpose – To show the peril and fallacious thinking in putting confidence in the rule of man; and the wisdom in putting your confidence in God and the rule of God.
“The reason we have democracy is because we don’t have righteous-rule monarchy. We need some kind of checks and balances, which is why our government is established as it is.” Dr. David Jeremiah THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL pg. 62.
The following is a quote from Professor Alexander Tyler which he wrote concerning the fall of the Athenian republic which fell over a thousand years ago. He said,
“A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves money from the public treasure. From that moment on the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most money from the public treasury, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world’s great civilizations has been two hundred years. These nations have progressed through the following sequence: from bondage to spiritual faith to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependency, from dependency back to bondage.” IBID. pg. 62.
One of the things we can see from the dream of Nebuchadnezzar and its interpretation is that man’s kingdoms are not eternal, they will fall; and that those who believe God and live for Him are promised a future eternal kingdom. God’s King will overthrow the kingdoms of this world. Now, for those who are “inhabiters of this world”, ie., those who love this world; they will be angry at our King, however, their anger will go to naught.
INTRODUCTORY OUTLINE –
I. DANIEL WAS A MAN WITH A HEART FOR OTHERS, AND A HEART FOR GOD (vv. 24-30).
II. DANIEL WAS THE REVEALER GOD CHOSE TO REVEAL THE SECRETS OF THE KINGS MIND (vv. 31-35).
III. DANIEL WAS GIVEN THE SECRET OF THE DREAMS INTERPRETATION (vv. 36-45).
IV. DANIEL WAS THOUGHTFUL OF HIS FRIENDS AND WAS REWARDED (vv. 46-49).
During the rule and fall of the kingdom’s of men we must follow the heart of our Savior and Lord. It was also the heart of Daniel.
I. AS CHRISTIANS WE HAVE THE ANSWER FOR MANKIND’S PROBLEMS; WE MUST BE LOVING TOWARD OTHERS (vv. 24-30).
The answer to governments who rule, and don’t rule well is Jesus Christ. The answer for an empty bank account, is to trust the Lord. These answers may not put food on the table or money in the bank, but it is the answer to peace of mind and heart. Jesus saving the soul of troubled people changes the minds and hearts of government, eventually, Jesus will rule and reign on the earth. Peace of mind, and especially “peace with God” is the greatest thing in this world to possess.
Do we sincerely believe that Jesus is the means of mankind’s salvation? Do we sincerely believe that He [Jesus Christ] died on a cross, was buried, and three days later came out of that grave alive? Christian, if you sincerely believe that then we need to be sharing that message. Daniel had the answer for the king, but when he received the answer his immediate response wasn’t to run in declaring, “I have the interpretation. I know the dream and its interpretation.” His immediate response was for the lives of the “wise men”. We live under the governments of men; which at any time could turn on its people and declare anything unlawful, and with a mad ruler could declare “Christians are unfit to live. We declare it just and legal to kill anyone who calls themselves ‘Christian'”. Let’s pray that doesn’t happen; but it could.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” Acts 4:12 (KJV)
When Arioch hears of Daniel’s revelation he immediately tells the king, “I have found a man…”. It seems as though he is trying to assume at least part of the responsiblity for discovering the secret. I guess we all want some approval for what we do.
As Daniel we to should not take credit for what God has done. We must give Him the glory for the answer for our hearts problems, and fears, and declare along with Daniel, “There is a God in heaven…”, and this is as opposed to statues, cash, bank accounts, health care, investments, bonds, any material possession; even family; which are temporary. There is a God in heaven who has made all things, holds them together, and saves His prized creation from the death brought on by our sin.
We cannot avoid the issue of the “Latter days”. What days is Daniel speaking of. It seems that those latter days which the Old Testament speaks of is those days which referr to the coming of Jesus Christ; and beginning with His first coming where He died for our sins and rose from the dead, until the time He returns and sets up His kingdom upon earth; ruling and reigning from Jerusalem. We are in those latter days. If people don’t know Jesus Christ trusting Him for their eternity and life, then, they will be part of those who are crushed by the “stone cut out without hands”.
II. WHEN UNGODLY RULERS SEE THE GREAT IMAGE, CHRISTIANS SEE THE GREAT MOUNTAIN (vv. 31-45).
“For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14 (KJV)
When Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed of this great image, which may be the inspiration for the design of the image he erects in his own honor in chapter three; we find that Daniel sees these things as “Beasts” in chapter seven when he begins to dream of these things. We will cover this more when we get to chapter seven, however, the beasts which Daniel sees are devouring beasts, and that is how governments of men behave. Not only do they devour people, but they devour people’s goods and gold. Ruling men often see their empires as “great images” to pattern others by; God sees them as devouring beasts.
Rulers often see their kingdoms brightly arrayed, and glorious; and Daniel was respectful. Nebuchadnezzar was a proud man, and “pride goes before destruction”. How long will it take for wicked rulers to realize that their kingdoms cannot defeat the power and authority of God? Only until Jesus comes again and defeats wicked men’s hearts will they continue on their slippery slope to destruction.
You will notice in the interpretation of the dream that the metals become less and less precious; less and less valuable. The most valuable being gold down to the feet which are “iron mixed with clay”. The kingdoms become more and more inferior. John Calvin in his commentary of Daniel writing of the kings following writes,
“We see then that his kingdom is not called inferior through having less splendour or opulence in human estimation, but because the general condition of the world was worse under the second monarchy, as men’s vices and corruptions increase more and more.” John Calvin Commentary pg. 173 Daniel 2:39
If this be the case and I believe that it is then, how far have we slid since then? Kings and kingdoms seem even more set on setting themselves over all men and over all the earth and over God’s Word and will.
In the dream Nebuchadnezzar saw an image with a head of gold; arms and chest of silver; belly and thighs of brass [bronze]; legs of iron; and feet of iron mixed with clay. These are representative of five nations which succeed one from the other, having great power, but deteriorating in moral strength and character. The head of gold is representative of Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar; the arms and chest of silver represent the Medo-Persian empire; the belly and thighs of brass represent Greece; the legs of iron represent Rome; and the feet of iron and clay represent the future new world order.
It is a wonderful and gracious thing to have the assurance, that all the kingdoms of this world are under the authoritative hand of Almighty God. The world and her “rulers” may see an “great and awesome” image, but in the eyes of the Almighty they are devouring beasts. Sounds like Jesus’s description of the “thief”,
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (KJV)
The Psalmist tells us where we are not to put our trust; and that is in the princes of this world; including the “prince of darkness”,
“Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.” Psalms 146:3 (KJV)
There is no help in man or beasts. Our help and our hope is in the Lord God Almighty.
III. THERE IS REWARD AWAITING THE FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN IN THE KINGDOM OF JESUS CHRIST (vv. 46-49).
Jesus said, “Great is your reward in heaven” when referring to the blessed who are persecuted in Matthew 5:12. There are other places He mentions reward; having “their own reward”, or not receiving “reward” because it was already received. (See Matthew 5:46; 6:1-18; 10:41-42; 16:27). God will always honor faithfulness to Himself and His Word. He has promised rewards to the faitful. The greatest reward is not escaping hell, death, punishment; not walking on “streets of gold” or through “gates of pearl”, or living in a “mansion” in heaven; the greatest reward will be beholding the face of our Lord who bled, died, was buried, and rose again that we might be saved.
There is nothing wrong with expecting reward for faithfulness in ministry. It is wrong if that is the only reason, or the main reason for doing the ministry. The main reason for serving the Lord in ministry is loving Him, and giving the opportunity to others to love Him. Remember we can only love Him, because He first loved us;
“We love Him, because He first loved us” 1 John 4:19.
Loving Him can stand alone; even with no other reward; because we cannot love Him, except we first realize His great love for us in dying on the cross for our sin, being buried, then rising again from the grave paying the debt that was ours to pay.
God loves you and me enough to send the very best; His Son. He loves you so much to save us as we are; He loves us too much to leave us the way we are.
There is fear and dread in the rule of the kings and kingdom’s of men. However, there is peace in knowing that God rules in the political, economical, social, and national affairs of kings. The King of all kings reigns supremely.
application –
i. Christians love others through Christ Jesus, and stand for their rights and their lives.
ii. Christians are committed to the King of kings, and will loyally serve the kings of earth, in Christ.
iii. Christians serve the Lord; the King of kings; because of love for Him, and are expecting the rewards He has promised.
iv. Christians, by faith, know and believe that all things are in the hands of the Almighty God.
-Tim A. Blankenship
…Giving What You Need For The Task
Daniel 1:17-21
Purpose – To see and show that when God calls us to certain tasks; even as captives in a foreign land; He provides what we need for those tasks.
OUTLINE –
I. GOD PROVIDED DANIEL, HANANIAH, MISHAEL, AND AZARIAH THE GIFTS THEY NEEDED FOR THE TASKS THEY HAD (v. 17).
II. GOD PROVIDED THAT THE FOUR HEBREW BOYS FOUND FAVOR WITH THE KING (vv. 18-19).
III. GOD EVEN PROVIDED THAT THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE HE GAVE TO THEM EXCEEDED THAT OF THE OTHERS (v. 20).
IV. THE TIME OF DANIEL’S SERVICE WAS REWARDED BY ALLOWING HIM TO SEE ISRAELITES RETURNING TO THE PROMISED LAND (.v. 21).
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah had shown themselves faithful to the Lord’s commandments. They had done so without causing too much of a rift within the court; and they had God’s approval and blessing. When we honor God, by keeping His word, applying it to our lives on a daily basis, He will also honor us and bless us. There is, however, no promise of that blessing being immediate; nor, should we be obedient, nor attempting to honor God because we know we will be blessed for it.
We honor and bless and obey the Lord and His Word because He is worthy; and we thank Him for the priviledge of such service. By the blood of Jesus Christ we have the right to be called “The sons of God” (John 1:12). It is still a service we thank Him for, because He gifts us for that purpose.
I. AS GOD EQUIPPED THE FOUR HEBREW BOYS FOR THEIR TIME IN BABYLON; SO GOD HAS EQUIPPED THE CHURCH FOR THE DAYS IN WH ICH WE LIVE (v. 17).
The text we look at tells us that it was God who gave them “knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom:”, and we must acknowledge that it comes from no one else except the one who designed and continues to give good minds to those He will. Even to the astonishment and dismay to the educational elite; God oft times speaks by confounding the “wise”
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”1 Corinthians 1:27 (KJV).
We learn from this that it is God who gave Daniel the power of understanding dreams and visions. This by itself qualifies Daniel as a prophet of God.
“And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” Numbers 12:6 (KJV)
These things which Daniel and His friends learned were not from the Chaldean educational system, nor the education they received. There were many things they learned which were in grave error; and they knew it to be error. They learned about astrology, and how it worked; they did not practice it. Astrology – interpreting the astrological charts, and the zodiac was very familiar to the Babylonian citizens.
The child of God today; the Christian of today needs to be grounded and stable in the riches of the Word of God. I want to stress that before I say what I’m going to say with some reservation. You and I need first and foremost to study, hear, practice, and heed the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the whole counsel of God’s Word. When we are able, then, it would be beneficial in some ways to learn about the deceptions and lies that permeate society; not practicing them in any fashion or form, but learning of them, to know where some of these people are coming from, and to know how to rebuke and rebut them. Some Christians of our day frown on the though of rebuke or rebutting some other belief system or religion; however, if we are to be salt, light, and an influence in society, then we must correct in love those we see in error with Scripture.
We have also been equipped for service to God in the day in which we live. The apostle Paul writes,
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15 (KJV)
The above gifting is basically dealing with church leaders, however, every Christian is responsible to use the gift God has given you. Paul has also written,
“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” 1 Corinthians 12:18 (KJV)
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 (KJV)
“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:29 (KJV)
The gifts and calling of God are given to us for the benefit of the day in which you and I live. We need to rejoice in the gifts of others without desiring their gift or gifts for ourselves. Every Christian is gifted by God to do the work of ministry.
II. IT IS GOD WHO BRINGS FAVOR BEFORE THE KINGS AND PRESIDENTS OF THE WORLD (vv. 18-19).
King Nebuchaddnezar was most likely educated in the ways of the “wise men” of Babylon, and could carry on quite a conversation with them, and all the ones who had been educated in the Babylonian institution of learning. It was after the three years of training was over that the king had them all brought into him. The king discovered four young men, possibly twenty years of age now; who “…among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah” (v.19). These four were chosen to stand in the king’s presence.
Daniel and his friends had spent the past three years learning the ways of Babylon, and remained faithful to the LORD. They were diligent in the task of living the life which God had given them; and they did it without complaint; and with praise. Even though they were in enemy territory God had given them peace without compromising their beliefs. Solomon, the writer of Proverbs has written,
“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7 (KJV)
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29 (KJV)
Looking at those two verses we can see that, first of all “Peace” is more than the absence of war. Peace comes from God. When we are at war with God we will most likely be at war with everyone. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were at peace with God, so God gave them peace with their enemies. Secondly, they were diligent with God’s business, faithful in obedience to Him and they were the ones who found favor with the king Nebuchadnezzar.
It is said of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when He was around twelve years of age, that He was found in “…favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Who makes it possible for us to be found in favor with God or kings? Only God can do that. God exalts one and brings down another. In doing so God accomplishes His will and maintains the order of the powers of man.
III. THERE IS GREAT WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE FOR THOSE WHO WILL TRUST THE LORD IN ALL OF LIFE (v. 20).
There is much learning, knowledge and so called wisdom in our world. Education is a good thing, when it is guided by a godly heart and life. When “education” turns hearts away from God, and that is its sole purpose it is evil and and should be avoided at all cost. Everyone has the right to learn what they want to learn; but they don’t have the right to force me to learn godless evolution, evil monetary practices, and/or evil practices of law.
One man of year gone by made the statement, and I pray I am getting this correctly, or close at least, “Education without justification and sanctification is an abomination”. He meant by that word “justification” that all sin was paid for in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that all the righteousness of Christ Jesus was ours through Him.
The writer of Proverbs speaks much of wisdom giving all of two chapters to wisdom, even personifying wisdom. In chapter eight wisdom is personified, and we can see wisdom in our Lord in His teachings, in His living, in His dying, and in His resurrection. The ninth chapter deals more with wisdom, and when you read this chapter you see the worth and value of wisdom, ie., godly wisdom versus worldly wisdom.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that these young men were smart, and wise in God. They could carry on a conversation with the king about the things of Babylon, and why, what and how he was the king of Babylon. It is a sad thing, but there are many people who have no care what so ever about “wisdom”. They speak without thought, act without thought; but merely to circumstances, and the behavior of others.
Who desires wisdom? The wise. How do we receive wisdom?
“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Proverbs 9:9 (KJV)
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5 (KJV)
IV. GOD IS FAITHFUL WHO HAS PROMISED; THERE IS REWARD FOR ALL WHO WILL BELIEVE AND RECEIVE (v. 21).
Though this verse is placed in the beginning of the book of Daniel doesn’t mean that this event tool place here. We are being told that Daniel was blessed by God and prospered under several kings while a captive. Daniel even lived to see his people returning to the Promised Land of Israel. He may have had a part in speaking with Cyrus and his leadership in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem under Ezra’s ministry and work. We see clearly from Scripture that God is guiding the affairs of His people.
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (KJV)
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah could not have planned such lives for themselves. Neither can you or I. We can scheme and plot and plan, and many a time those things just don’t work for us. We must understand that GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU, and He gives us what we need to perform the tasks He has for us to do.
God will never fail to fulfill His plans. He does have a plan for your life through His Son Jesus Christ.
APPLICATION –
i. God has equipped us through the gift of His Son Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit to live for Him, and serve Him in the time which we live;
ii. When you and I live for the Lord, faithfully serving, praising, thanking Him; then He will give us peace in our hearts, a pure conscience, and raise us in favor with the people of the world to accomplish His purposes;
iii. Let us be wise to seek godly wisdom; and to seek it from God by asking Him for it, then, use it rightly for His glory;
iv. You and I must trust the Lord to be faithful in CARING FOR YOU, and you what you need to do His will.
-Tim A. Blankenship
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU
1 Peter 5:7
When You Purposely Stand For Him
Daniel 1:8-16
Purpose – To see by faith, that God cares for His people when we must take a purposeful stand to forward His name and His faith.
OUTLINE –
I. DANIEL TOOK A PURPOSEFUL STAND NOT TO EAT OF THE KING’S PROVISIONS (v. 8).
II. DANIEL IS REMINDED OF THE POSSIBLE COST OF TAKING THIS STAND – ESPECIALLY FOR HIS FRIEND (vv. 9-10).
III. DANIEL IS NOT STANDING ALONE – HANANIAH, MISHAEL, AND AZARIAH ARE STANDING WITH HIM (vv. 10-13).
IV. GOD BLESSES THEIR FAITH AND THEIR STAND (vv. 14-16).
We must all consider the fact, as Christians, that we are strangers in a foreign land. Some may not like, nor appreciate that statement, but if our citizenship is in heaven, and with God, then, we are indeed strangers in this land. It matters not what nation we live in; we are strangers in a foreign land. We are even “captives”, yet ambassadors in this foreign land, until the Lord returns to call us home to be with Him.
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were ambassadors of God in Babylon. It seems, that they were about the only godly witness there. That is not so however. There was Ezekiel the prophet; and Esther and Mordecai [evidently cousins] (Esther 2:5-7). These were captives in Babylon, and there could have been many more. We have the four teenage boys taking a stand which was probably unheard of. It is a very encourageing thing to see teenagers take a stand for their godly convictions; not in rebellion, but in obedience to God.
I. THERE ARE TIMES AND SOME THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THIS WORLD THAT CALL US TO PURPOSELY STAND FOR GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (v. 8 ).
In Daniel’s and his friend’s world it doesn’t seem that there were too many who were seeing a problem with eating the “king’s meat”. There were other youth who evidently took and enjoyed the lush, and rich foods they were not accustomed to. These young men had been brought up in the Hebrew culture with strict meat restrictions; this mean certain bleeding principles which would drain the dead animal of all its blood. They were not to eat blood (Leviticus 17:10-16) . They were not to eat meat that had been offered to idols. Read Leviticus 11. To receive this meat was the same for them as recognizing the idols as deities.
You can notice that Daniel did not reject this food by a callous, and stubborn refusal; disrespectful of his caregiver. As Daniel had a plan in taking a stand there are also ways Christians can take a stand and not be offensive. We can stand with our lives everyday. Let the light of Jesus Christ shine forth from our lives by developing friendships (as much as is possible) with the people you are around. As Daniel had developed a good relationship with the melzar [the steward]. (Rather than being a proper name “melzar” is probably a title such as servant or steward; one appointed by the chief eunuch to care for the Hebrew youths.)
II. IT IS GOD WHO BRINGS HIS PEOPLE INTO GOOD FAVOR WITH OTHERS, AND WE SHOULD BE LIVING TO GIVE THEM CAUSE TO SUPPORT OUR STAND (vv. 9-10).
Matthew Henry has written of verses eight and nine, “Whoever are in favour, it is God that has brought them into favour; and it is by Him that they find good understanding. Herein was again verified that word (Ps. cvi. 46), ‘He made them to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.’ Let young ones know that the way to be acceptable is to be tractable and dutiful” MATTHEW HENRY’S COMMENTARY Vol IV. pg 1019. “When a man’s ways please the LORD He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7).
If we are going to stand and we live in a condition where what we do may harm another it seems that we better have their permission before we proceed. Daniel and his friends not only had permission, but he provided their veggies for this ten day period. Of course, we need to be in good terms with them for God to direct their paths too. That is not to say that should Daniel have been refused in this matter that he shouldn’t have did something, but he did what was necessary and God gave him close communion with a man in charge who was, himself, willing to take the risk along side Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
There are times to stand when no one will help you. No one will stand beside you. You may have plenty that will say, “I am [We are} behind you all the way.” Those who stand behind you can “stab you in the back”. That may sound suspicious, un-nerving, un-trusting, and/or negative. It is, however, the truth. In most cases, those who will walk beside you, can be trusted.
You will notice that there is an early reference to all Daniel’s friends with him in verse ten, “…why should he see your faces”. So Daniel had at least Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah standing with him in this faith experience.
III. LIKE THE CONVICTIONS OF DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS TRUE CONVICTIONS CANNOT BE LAID ASIDE (vv. 10-13).
Daniel had the convictions that should they eat the “king’s meat” they would be sinning against God, thus he, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah chose to refrain from eating the king’s dainties.
Matthew Henry write again, “Perhaps it was not in itself unlawful for them to eat of the king’s meat or to drink of his wine. But, 1. They wer scrupulous concerning the meat, lest it should be sinful.” MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY Vol. IV pg. 1020. They were wise to seek to be kept from even the temptation of the food. “How far can you go until it is sin?” is a question often asked. The answer to that is “If you have to ask that you have probably already sinned”.
What many people call convictions are often on preferences. A conviction is something you will die for, and maybe even another’s life. A preference is nothing to die for. Let me give you an idea of what a preference is. I prefer to drive Ford trucks and cars, but I wouldn’t fight you over it. I could drive a Chevrolet, Buick, Toyota, etc., if I had no other choice. My conviction is that God’s Word, the Bible is the inerrant, infallible, God breathed word of God; and that is something I will give my life for and that my Savior Jesus Christ is the God/Man, incarnate Son of God, died on the cross for my sins and the sins of the world, that Jesus is the only way to God and to heaven, and Jesus is coming back one day to call his children home to be with Himself. Those are my convictions, some of them, and I will hold them until I draw my last breath; with the power and strength of God.
It is great knowing that we have family, friends, other relatives, and neighbors world wide who hold these convictions and have found that “Hill on which to die”, and land in which to live. As it is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4).
IV. GOD PROVES OUR FAITH WHEN WE ARE FAITHFUL (vv. 14-16).
Remember Daniel and his friends were in a three year program (v. 5) for training and the food regimen. All Daniel was asking for was a ten day trial period to prove that the vegetables, etc., was better for them in their appearance and probably their minds too. Maybe there is something we could learn from following such a diet; but is anyone among us interested?
The faith they express in God is astounding, and God honors and proves their faith. Faith is not something we boast of; it is what we live, how we speak, where we go, what we do, and how we live. Faith is not just believing God when things are going good, but keeping on believing Him even when He doesn’t seem to hear.
It seems that the utmost goal of Daniel’s heart was that God be glorified in the king of Babylon, and the people of Babylon. His heart was set on obedience to the word of the LORD; and even if the cost was his life. God came through for Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; proving that their obedience was blessed by the God of Israel and all that is. “And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.” Daniel 1:15 (KJV)
The LORD honored Enoch’s faith, by translating him; He honored Joseph’s faith by making him a ruler in Egypt; He honored Moses’ faith by leading the children of Israel out of Egypt; and many more in the Old Testament. The LORD honored Peter’s faith when he walked on the water with the LORD; He honored John’s faith by giving him the letters of the revelation and the Revelation of Jesus Christ. God will honor the faith of all who will give their all to the Lord Jesus Christ.
APPLICATION –
i. Take a purposeful stand for God and all that is godly and righteous in the world, even if no one else does.
ii. Take a purposeful stand and trust the LORD for the good favor of others.
iii. Take a purposeful stand all the time on your convictions; and stand when they are being attacked as well.
iv. When we take that purposeful stand trust that the LORD will reward the faith of the faithful – I suppose that is what Paul; inspired by God; meant when he wrote, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV)
-Tim A. Blankenship
Preached December 2006.
THE BIRTH FORETOLD
Isaiah 7:1-14
OUTLINE –
I. JUDAH/JERUSALEM WAS UNDER SEIGE, AND GREAT THREAT FROM THE SYRIANS WITH SUPPORT FROM EPHRAIM/ISRAEL (vv. 1-2)
II. GOD SENT ISAIAH TO AHAZ, THE GRANDSON OF UZZIAH TO COMFORT AND ENCOURAGE HIM CONCERNING THE TERRORISM AT THEIR GATES (vv. 3-7).
III. GOD’S WORDS CONCERNING THOSE WHO RISE UP AGAINST THE RIGHTEOUS REMNANT (vv. 8-9).
IV. GOD GIVES A SIGN, DESPITE THE ARROGANCE AND UNWILLINGNESS TO OBEY FROM AHAZ; OF THE GOD-MAN WHO WOULD COME BY WAY OF A VIRGIN (vv. 10-16).
INTRODUCTION –
I. Living In An Affluent Society As We Do; We Often Do Not Realize The Fears and Battles Which Others In the World Are Going Through; Yet, There Are Many In Our Own Country Which Suffer Due To Hideous Things, Threats, Sickness, and Other Things.
II. Some People Are Asking “Why Doesn’t God Intervene?”, and The Answer To That Is; He Has and Presently Is.
III. The Word Of God Gives Us The Way Of Life and the Way Of Faith, Comfort, Encouragement, and We All Need It In Our Lives.
IV. God Came Down and Dwelt Among Us, and He Is Still With Us.
Even though this is the Christmas season; the season, the time of the year when we remember our Lord’s birth. Those who are not suffering from delusion will readily admit that these are not pleasant times, but let’s not be disheartened, discouraged or downheartedd. Remember, Jesus, the one whose birth we celebrate is Lord over all.
Christmas is about God. It is about God sending His Son, born of a virgin, born to die for the sins of the world.
I. THESE MAY BE DAYS OF SEIGE FROM THE ENEMY AND DARK FORCES FROM EVERY SIDE, AND THESE CAN CAUSE GREAT FEAR (vv. 1-2).
A. Ahaz was surrounded by the trouble of his Sister Nation, and the Syrians, so we may be as well, surrounded by an enemy who is set to destroy us and our testimony for Christ.
B. When we are not right with God we will be fearful; if we are right with God, having our sins confessed and obeying His call and direction for our lives, then, we need not fear, nor will we be fearful.
Someone once said, “If we fear God; we need fear nothing else”.
II. GOD HAS SENT HIS MESSENGER TO GIVE US COMFORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR FACING THE ENEMY WHICH TRIES SO HARD TO DETRACT US AND GET US AWAY FROM GOD AND HIS PLAN FOR OUR LIVES (vv. 3-7).
A. Every time we are afraid God sends a messenger by way of the Holy Spirit; the message is found in God’s Word.
B. God’s messenger will speak a relevant message for the time and place.
1. Notice, that God sent ‘Shearjashub’ with Isaiah as a message of comfort – his name means, “A remnant shall return”.
2. The land of Judah would not be forgotten by God – that promise is true of all those who are in the faith of the Lord Jesus.
C. The greatest messenger of all is God’s Son Jesus Christ.
The Psalmist has written, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” (Ps. 56:3). And, in verse eleven he wrote, “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”
D. Be assured; the enemy of our peace shall not prevail – Jesus Christ won the victory.
1. These “Smoking firebrands” may be hot, but they are going to burn out and burn up, and be nothing but ash.
III. GOD’S WORD IS HERE FOR OUR INSTRUCTION, REBUKE, CORRECTION, INSPIRATION, AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH TO MATURITY IN JESUS CHRIST (vv. 8-9).
A. God is in control of the matters of our lives; so let’s not let our troubles detract us from the will of God.
B. God’s Word is the means by which we can resist the lies, snares, pits, and deceit of the enemy.
1. The Word of God, with the Spirit of God gets us to the place God wants us when we hear and obey.
2. By the Word of God we know the afflictions are often, if not always, for our benefit.
“Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Thy Word” (Ps. 119:67).
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes” (Ps. 119:71).
C. Those who will not take heed to God and His Word will certainly be without help (v. 9b).
IV. FOR US GOD HAS GIVEN US THE SIGN OF THE GOD-MAN WHO WAS BORN OF A VIRGIN IN THE STABLE OF BETHLEHEM (vv. 10 – 16).
A. Like Ahaz, some do not want a sign from God, because it would humble them, and cause them to realize their weaknesses, and God’s strength.
B. Despite the unwillingness of some to request a sign, God has given us one anyway.
1. That sign is the birth of the God-man Jesus Christ to the virgin mother who was willing to risk her reputation, and future marriage, and possibly her own life, to bring the Son of God to earth to pay the price for the sins of mankind, and redeem us unto God.
2. That sign, even now, causes controversy in the hearts of many who profess Christ as their Savior.
C. The unwillingness does not negate the fact, though, it strengthens it.
1. He was born of the woman – a virgin – who had no seed.
2. He could not have had a human father, the sinful seed comes from the man.
3. He was born of the seed of God, thus, having no sin, and fully qualified to die for mankind’s sin and bring reconciliation between God and mankind.
D. This prophecy was fulfilled in the following verses,
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS” Matthew 1:18-25
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:1-7.
SUMMARY –
I. LOOK TO THE MESSENGER OF GOD’S WORD – AS JEREMIAH SAID, ‘THERE IS A WORD FROM THE LORD”.
II. LOOK TO THE SIGN WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN US – THE SIGN OF HIS VIRGIN BIRTH AND THE SIGN OF HIS CROSS.
III. TRUST GOD’S WORD WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO GUIDE YOU, SECURE YOU, GIVE YOU PEACE IN THE MIDST OF ATTACKS AND AFFLICTION.
IV. THERE ARE ACTUALLY THREE SIGNS GOD HAS GIVEN US FOR ASSURANCE AND PEACE – 1) THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF CHRIST; 2) CHRIST’S DEATH ON THE CROSS; 3) AND THE RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD.
V. CAN YOU TRUST SUCH A ONE AS THIS JESUS? DEFFINITELY.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Five Qualities Of The Believer’s Hope
1 John 2:28 – 3:3
It needs to be understood at the beginning of this message that none are perfect nor can we be perfect in this life. Our Lord is working in us toward perfection when we shall see Him face to face. However, we must, by the Holy Spirit within us who know personally the Lord Jesus as Lord and Savior have Christ as the central being of our lives.
As a Christian we have new hope and desires; the first of which is seeing Him one day; and seeing Him face to face. We also desire to one day be like Him, and as verse three of chapter 3 tells us; “We shall see Him as He is”. What a glorious day that will be.
In this message we will look at FIVE QUALITIES OF THE BELIEVER’S HOPE.
I. A LONGING FOR – A DESIRING FOR THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST (v. 2:28).
A. A longing for the appearing will motivate the believer to “abide in Him”.
1. It is like the branch abides in the vine (John 15:1-11).
2. It is similar to your home – the place you live.
a. You may leave it to go to work, on vacation, etc., but you know there is no place like home – you return.
b. It is the place where you receive nourishment, and love.
B. This abiding ‘in Him’ keeps us from being ashamed when he returns.
1. When we ‘abide in Him’ we keep His commandments;
2. When we ‘abide in Him’ we have the anointing –
“But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” 1 John 2:20 (KJV)
II. KNOWING JESUS IS RIGHTEOUS – THOSE BORN OF HIM PRACTICES RIGHTEOUSNESS (v. 2:29).
A. Jesus is righteous – He is Deity [God].
1. He is righteous as the Christ;
2. He is righteous as the sin-bearer;
3. He is righteous as the resurrected One.
B. Those who do righteousness are born of Him.
1. Doing what is right in one’s life;
2. Doing what is right according to God’s law;
3. Doing what is right to others.
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12 (KJV)
III. ENAMORED, AWED, AND STRENGTHENED BY HIS GLORIOUS SALVATION (v. 3:1).
A. Nothing in this world is comparable to the love of God.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39 (KJV)
1. Love ‘bestowed upon us’ by our benevolent, loving Father through His precious loving Son.
2. John seems to be awe-struck with the thought Himself.
B. Love so great we are called ‘the sons of God’.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 (KJV)
C. The ‘Inhabiters of earth’ are so enamored with the world, they miss God.
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Revelation 3:10 (KJV)
“And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” Revelation 6:10 (KJV)
“And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!” Revelation 8:13 (KJV)
“And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” Revelation 11:10 (KJV)
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12 (KJV)
“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
“And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.”
” And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” Revelation 13:8, 12, 14 (KJV)
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people…” Revelation 14:6 (KJV)
“The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” Revelation 17:8 (KJV)
IV. EXPECTANT OF BEING CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST – NOT CHRIST, BUT LIKE HIM (v. 3:2).
A. In moral character.
1. Not Christ, not deity, but of His character and love for the Father and one another.
B. Now the ‘Sons of God’.
1. That means living like ’sons of God’ – Kings and priests.
2. Living right in the present time unto the day of His appearing.
C. We will see Jesus as He is.
V. KEEPING THEMSELVES READY FOR HIS APPEARING (v. 3:3).
A. The hope and promise of His appearing is the greatest hope of mankind.
1. His appearing otherwise known as Second Coming is a grand promise of change according to the Scriptures;
2. It will mean the change in ge0logy (Zechariah 14), environment, government and most of all in the hearts and lives of mankind;
3. It will also means change in the animals of the earth as well.
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:6-9 (KJV)
B. Those who are prepared for His coming will be keeping themselves ready.
1. The presence and gift of His Spirit within directs us to preparation.
2. There is a place being prepared for the prepared.
3. We must fight the good fight – there is a war going on daily in our lives.
“1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3 (KJV)
“7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)
C. Let’s keep ourselves pure – as much as Christ is in us.
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”
2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV)
1. Because of Jesus’s wonderful gift;
2. Because of these precious promises;
3. Because we are the ’sons of God’.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Full Joy
1 John 1:1-4
OUTLINE –
I. THAT WHICH WAS FROM THE BEGINNING (v. 1).
II. THAT WHICH WE HAVE HEARD (v. 1).
III. THAT WHICH WE HAVE SEEN (v. 1).
IV. THAT WHICH WE HAVE HANDLED (vv. 1-3).
V. WRITTEN THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL (v. 4).
The time of John’s epistle was probably at or near the beginning of the influences of the Gnostics who appeared to have a “deeper understanding” of God and spiritual things. At least they thought they did. Their “deeper understanding” even exceeded that of the prophets and apostles; so they stressed.
These Gnostics, however, equated the physical as being evil, and God as good, thus God and evil, ie., the physical were not compatible; thus, God could not dwell in the flesh. This denied the physical body of Jesus.
John does not deal directly with this by naming, however, he does approach it from his own experiences with Jesus and by the Holy Spirit. The apostle is one who gives us quite clearly, in John’s gospel, that Jesus is God incarnate (John 1:1, 14).
John deals with the evil gnostics by calling the churches to remember the things written, and other, concerning the Christ called Jesus:
I. THAT WHICH WAS FROM THE BEGINNING (v. 1).
A. In the beginning God created… (Genesis 1:1).
B. In the beginning was the Word… (John 1:1).
C. …And the Word was made flesh… (John 1:14).
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Gen 1:1 (KJV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 (KJV)
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (KJV)
II. THAT WHICH WE HAVE HEARD (vv. 1, 3).
A. His sheep “hear His voice” (John 10:3).
B. His sheep will not follow a stranger (10:5).
C. He knows those who know His voice (10:27).
D. Those who love Him hear and keep His words (John 14:21-24).
“3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” John 10:3-5 (KJV)
“27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29 (KJV)
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” John 14:21-24 (KJV)
III. THAT WHICH WE HAVE SEEN (v. 1).
A. Jesus knowing Nathanael before meeting Him (John 1:43-51).
B. Jesus cleansing the temple (John 2:13-17; Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-19) two times.
C. Calming storms on the sea; as well as Peter walking on the water (Matthew 8:23-27; 14:22-33).
D. Jesus turning water into wine (John 2:1-11).
E. Jesus feeding thousands (John 6:5-14).
F. Jesus gives them transportation (John 6:16-21).
“And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, 17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. 18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. 19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. 20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. 21 Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.” John 6:16-21 (KJV)
IV. THAT WHICH WE HAVE HANDLED (vv. 1-3).
A. John could have Thomas’ experience in mind (John 20:24-29).
B. Peter’s experience of walking on the water, beginning to sink, and the Lord taking his hand (Matthew 14:31).
C. The woman with the impurity for 12 years reached out and touched [handled] His garment (Mark 5:25-34).
D. Holding fast the faithful Word… Word of life (Titus 1:9; Philippians 2:16).
“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Matthew 14:31 (KJV)
“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” Titus 1:9 (KJV)
“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16 (KJV)
V. THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL (v. 4).
A. Real Joy is only with the Father.
B. According to Nehemiah “the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
C. Found only in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross (John 6:29).
D. Freedom is related to Joy; Joy is related to freedom – Freedom’s Joy is through Jesus Christ (John 8:36).
E. Full Joy comes when we see God and His Son Jesus for who they fully are.
“And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” John 16:22 (KJV)
“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:24 (KJV)
“Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” John 6:29 (KJV)
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 (KJV)
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Second Coming Of Jesus – A Certain Event
In second Peter we see Peter writing to encourage and motivate the followers of Christ – Christians – toward developing a Christ like character (chapter 1); We see then Peter warns of the dangers, and deception of false teachers and their demise (chapter 2); and in chapter three we see that he gives us some reasons for what seems as delay of the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The first reason Peter gives seems to be that there will be scoffers. Scoffers speak of the delay as evidence that the Lord is not coming. Some of these scoffers are those who improvise there teaching to fit with the delay they envision.
2 Peter 1-10
THE STIRRING OF THE PROPHET’S AND APOSTLES WRITINGS (vv. 1-2). I mentioned a few weeks ago in a sermon at Carr Lane Baptist Church that this “stirring” is similar to taking a pot of soup which needs stirred up to bring all the settled foods into balance with the rest of the ingredients. When you do that to a bowl of stew or soup you have a much better soup for your bowl.
This is somewhat similar to what Peter is stirring up for the followers of Jesus when he writes of stirring. There are many people, pastors and preachers who are getting away from the teachings of the prophets, prophecy, and the coming of the Lord teachings. Peter was stirring it up reminding us of His soon appearing. Are we failing our Lord and His calling in our lives if we shun to proclaim the prophecy of Scripture of the second coming of Jesus. Is it relevant for our day? Most certainly it is. Peter considered it relevant.
We should shun the words of the scoffers who will proclaim to us that “the second coming is when someone gets saved”; or ” the second coming is when a believer dies and Jesus comes to escort them home”; or “the second coming is only a spiritual metaphor for the church overcoming the world”. Anyway you get the idea. The second coming is in fact the bodily appearance of Jesus coming back with His saints, to Jerusalem, and setting up His kingdom; ruling and reigning on earth as King of kings, and Lord of lords.
THERE WILL BE THOSE WHO SCOFF AT THE PROMISE (vv. 3-7). Some scoffers are just out and out haters of the second coming idea. “It’s been said and taught for two thousand years. If it was going to happen it would have happened by now” is the thoughts and idea of many an unbeliever. Is that form of “scoffing any different that that the professing Christian may use when teaching the ideas presented in the above paragraph? The above Ideas only present a “christianized” thought of the scoffers.
“Where is the promise of His coming?” The promise is sure. It is my conviction, and one backed up by Scripture that just as surely as the first coming of Jesus was fulfilled and happened just as promised; so too will the second coming of Jesus be fulfilled just as promised. Just as Jesus came the first time born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), and is recorded in the New Testament as being fulfilled (Matthew 1:18-2:23); He will return with His saints to Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:1-5), and reign on the earth. It will happen in God’s good timing and fulfill His purposes and glory; not ours.
Just as Noah; while he was building the ark (Genesis 6:9-22); was preaching and warning of coming judgment by the flood. The many prophets warning Israel of God’s wrath upon sin should they refuse to turn from sin would surely come. So will the coming destruction by fire come about in God’s timing and for His glory. The world, the earth is being “Kept in store” for that great day, then the world “Will know that I am the LORD”, says our God.
THE LORD IS NOT SLACK IN HIS PROMISE AND CALLS FOR REPENTANCE (vv. 8-9). One thing we need to realize is that God is not delaying the return of His Son. He is not slack concerning His promise, the promise of Jesus “I will come again, and receive you unto myself…” (John 14:3) will be fulfilled just as He has promised.
God says “It will come” it is assured us, so we best be calling many to repentance and faith in Christ. This idea that is being presented by the Oprahites that God is in all people, we make our own destiny, life and such is a lie from hell. The only way to life, and life eternal is through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I guess you could say that another reason for the seeming delay is God’s “longsuffering” or patience. He is waiting for that moment in time when that final individual will be saved completing the Church. We do not know what day that will be, but we can know that it will be one great triumphant day. When it happens the events which take place in this world will be horrific, for those who are “earth dwellers”; loving the world and all that is in it. He is giving all who live and breath today a chance to repent, and be saved. He is not required to and does only because of His grace and mercy. All are in His hands of justice, righteousness, and holiness.
THE THIEF AND THE “DAY OF THE LORD”. “The day of the Lord” will be a day that will make the flood appear as a small and forgetful thing in comparison. It will be a day when the world will know that God is the LORD of all the earth and of all creation. The evolutionist will be in awe, and in their pride, unless they repent and believe, will be stricken and die in their rebellion.
We must remember, be reminded, that “the day of the Lord” is not restricted to a twenty four hour period but is most likely a time of judgment, and is probably equivalent to about 7 years. What ever length of time; whether it be 3.5 years or less; it will be sufficient time to rid the world of the leadership of Satan, his followers, and all evil.
The thief will come when no one is suspecting it. The thief will come when the lights are out most times. He/she may come when you are asleep. There are many sleeping today, unaware and unprepared for the coming of Jesus Christ. I have even heard some young believers say things like, “I don’t want Jesus to come yet. I want to have children and watch them grow up”. I am afraid that some with attitude either don’t know what they are saying, or don’t love the “appearing of our Lord”. Nothing can take the place of the coming of the Lord
Getting Ready/Being Ready For The Second Coming
In this final part of chapter two we see the need for preparing, being ready for when the Lord returns. Some accuse those of us who will teach and preach the second coming of Jesus as being relevant for the times. There could actually be nothing more relevant than getting people prepared for when Jesus comes again. The world is full of troubles and strife. People need to know Jesus; the end of troubles and strife for the world. He changes hearts and lives, strengthens us for the troubles we face on earth, and prepares us for eternity.
2 Peter 3:11-18)
KEEP LOOKING FOR THE NEW (vv. 11-13). In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we read, “Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new”. Verse 10 above speaks of “elements melting with fervent heat” and things “dissolving”. That is the purpose of making all things new.
Individuals do not need to wait until the cosmos is changed. You and I can be changed by the power of the blood of Jesus Christ by our faith in Him, today. Yes! We look for that day when all things are made new in this world. However, when we have been made new through our faith in Jesus Christ the world takes on a different hue in our view anyway. We are changed. We are made new, then one day when Jesus comes again the world, the cosmos will also be changed and made new.
Note Peters question which is also a very clear statement as well. “What manner of persons ought ye to be…? This is Peter’s words for getting our lives on the “straight and narrow” and keeping them in the way; being prepared for the coming of Christ. Living so that others may see Him living within for His glory. The new heavens and new earth will be a place where there will be nothing but righteousness.
MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO BE AT PEACE WITH GOD (vv. 14-16). God has made the way for us to be at peace with Him. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God” (Romans 5:1). Our justification comes from God through the cross. He has made us just. Being just we have peace with God. Nothing takes that justness or peace away, however, when we get away from daily committing ourselves to God in His Word, and prayer we stand to lose the peace of mind that only He gives.
Keep in the peace that He gives by daily committing to the reading and study of His Word. Spend time in prayer, praising and adoring the One who died for your sins and His Father. “The peace of God which passes understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7)
Be at peace with the Word of God. When you twist it as those Peter writes about you cannot have peace with God. They and you twist it to your own destruction. The sad part about it is that others may follow your teaching and twisting. Any teaching that takes away from Jesus and glorifies man or his teaching is from hell.
STAND AGAINST ERROR (v. 17). There are many false teachers in the world today. Some of those profess Jesus Christ with their lips, but their lives and teaching show something completely different. Professing Jesus Christ these will give credibility to other beliefs for the access of heaven and God. Do they understand the atonement of Jesus Christ; His death, burial and resurrection? It really doesn’t seem likely that they do. They teach error, and those who fall for their lies will find themselves in hell on judgment day.
Those who teach anything other than Christ Jesus and Him crucified are deceiving the people. I mean this in the matter of salvation. Any who teach or preach apart from the Scriptures/the Bible are out of God’s will and not worthy of being heard.
THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF HIM FOR HIS GLORY (v. 18). It was the hearts desire for Peter that the followers of Jesus Christ grow in grace and knowledge of Him. When a baby is born we expect that baby to mature and grow. I have heard parents or some grandparents say things so silly sometimes like, “It’s too bad that they grow up”. They really don’t mean it; not if they stop to really think about what they said. A healthy baby will grow, and mature into an adult; and that is as it should be.
Peter, nor any pastor who is worth their salt, wants those who come to faith in Christ desire for them to stay an “infant” of faith. That is the reason for preaching and teaching. To motivate, encourage, feed, strengthen, and guide them into the proper food and eating for the life they live and for what is ahead for their lives.
The Lord’s “tarrying” in His coming is for our growth, and knowledge as well. He knows the right time, and I believe that time is set, and has been for all time and eternity. He knows the time, the day and the hour. Our task in life is to preach, teach, learn, grow, and be prepared, be ready; for the coming of the Lord is nearer than when we first believed.
The time and day will come, and He will come fulfilling His promise.
-Tim A. Blankenship
These are sermon study notes I will be preaching at Carr Lane Baptist Church on Sunday October 18, 2009 morning and evening services.
Ephesians 1:1-5
Purpose of this study:
1. To discover the greatness of being in Christ;
2. To know the richness of His blessings;
3. To know and understand our purpose in Christ;
4. To better understand our calling.
The book of Ephesians was written by Paul the apostle while he was imprisoned in Rome. Ephesians is known as one of the “prison epistles”, along with Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
The city of Ephesus was the seat of “Diana” worship (Acts 19 note verse 28). A goddess worshipped by a superstitious people and profited on by business men and silversmiths. The preaching of the cross of Jesus Christ caused a great loss of income for these men and their businesses when some of the worshippers of Diana, turned from idolatry to the true God (Acts 19:23-41). These men would have done almost anything to take away Paul’s and other Christian’s right or freedom to speak.
This church is the same church that would receive a letter from the Lord Jesus Christ a few years later. It can be read in the Revelation of Jesus Christ chapter two, beginning with verse one.
At the time of Paul’s writing, approximately 55 A.D., the church of Ephesus is strong in faith and longing to grow in the Spirit of Christ. In this letter Paul teaches them two main truths: 1) Who they are [their position] in Christ (chapters 1-3); and 2) How they are to live [their practice] (chapters 4-6).
Knowing who we are in Jesus is still important for Christians. By knowing our position in Him we are strengthened in faith, and greatly encouraged to live for Him.
If we are to be the Christians God calls us to be we must be discovering the greatness and riches of being in Christ, our calling, the richness of His blessings, and the purpose of our calling.
The term “In Christ” or its equivalent is mentioned at least 34 times in the bood of Ephesians. Fifteen of those being in the first chapter alone. So we learn already that it is important for us to recognize, to know who we are in Jesus Christ.
CALLED OUT AND FAITHFUL (vv. 1-2). “Set apart”, “called out” and faithful. Consecrated unto the Lord is the meaning of the word “Saint”. The Christian has been called out of sin, set apart for the glory of God to be different from the world philosophies, and doctrines.
The Christian understands the problem of sin, and the human heart, as best as can be understood, and that is by the understanding which God gives by His Spirit, His word, and the life of Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:10-11 spells it out for us; “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God…” We are called out of sin, unto faith in Jesus Christ; to live in the Spirit of Christ for the glory of the Father.
The “faithful” are the one’s who dedicated to the work and will of glorifying God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. We glorify Him with a life given to living holy, separated, lives of witness. The words we speak, our work ethic, our family lives, our church service and our worship of God alone is a witness that other’s will see or won’t see. Unwavering faith in God, and His Word, and holy desire for His will to be done is shown in faithfulness. Faithful in belief. Faithful in and to His Word.
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” John 14:21 (KJV)
THE RICHES OF HIS BLESSING (v. 3; 2:6). These blessings are not in the material things of this world, although we are told that all things are under His feet. The blessings of Christ are spiritual, however, they are not limited. “Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” Ephesians 1:3 (KJV). I don’t know if we were meant to understand this whole all thing, but it sounds so full, awesome, and glorious. Do we put enough emphasis on the spiritual things of Christ? It doesn’t seem so in my life; and I really doubt it is in most Christian’s lives.
These spiritual blessings are in heavenly places; that is the place where Jesus is. The blessings that Christian’s have in Christ Jesus cannot be attained through science, technology, knowledge, sorcery, witchcraft, incantations, rituals, liturgy, rites, religion, flagellation, wealth, or fame. These blessings are all part of the grace given us who are in Christ Jesus through faith in Him by His death on the cross; His carrying our sins away; and the bodily resurrection of Christ from the dead. These are blessings of His grace.
In these spiritual blessings there is cleansing from sin, condemnation and guilt. There is the personal relationship with holy God reserved only for those who have no sin debt. We also have the gift of eternal life with Jesus Christ and the Father; and in complete fellowship with Him.
OUR ELECTION AND OUR LIFESTYLE (v. 4). If a king were to choose you as their son or daughter would you not find it a great privilege, and honor? If the king were known as a wealthy, and good, and honorable man I think most of us would be honored by the prospect. This is not likely to happen, of course, so don’t set your sites too high for this; except when you put your faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the King of kings. He will rule with honor, power, and goodness; and He is wealthy. He has chosen us in Himself. We are getting into a topic of great controversy, and that is dealing with “Election” and “Predestination”. There are some “scholars” and preachers/teachers who try to avoid these doctrines. They are, however, in the Word of God, and need to be dealt with. I am not sure that I can aid in this or not, but since they are here, I will say this. When it comes to “Election” we have the clear teaching from the Word that those who are in Christ have been chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. It is great to know that God chose me, and that He knew me long before I was ever conceived in the womb of my mother. That is so of all who will come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Dealing with this “Election” of God let us look further into Scripture – “And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.” Exodus 33:19 (KJV). As our Creator, Savior, Redeemer, Advocate, Judge… He has every right to choose whomever He will, to call to Himself. Someone may ask, “Doesn’t mankind have a ‘freewill’?” To that I would readily agree. The very fact that God placed the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” in the midst of the garden near the “Tree of Life” tells me that God gave them a choice, thus free will to choose to obey or disobey. They chose the latter of the two, and sin, death, and misery came into the world.
So how do the teachings of Election, the Sovereignty of God, and man’s free will operate? I don’t know that I have the answer to that, but these things I do know and believe; and that is that God says that He knew me before the foundation of the world and He chose me; He has enriched me with spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus, and that according to His will, the free will of men, and His Sovereignty somehow work together to fulfill His will and glory.
The greatness of this “Election” is that God chose me before I ever did anything good or bad. His choosing me was not based on any merit of my own, but solely on the grace of God alone. Since He chose me before doing anything good or bad, that only means that there is nothing I could do to be plucked from my Father’s hands:
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:28-29 (KJV)
This does not give license to sin. This does give us freedom from sin to live for Jesus Christ. Before we came to faith in Jesus Christ we were bound by sin. In Christ we are free to live for Him, and Him alone. This election is a calling to holiness (2:10; John 15:16).
OUR PLACEMENT IN THE HEAVENLIES (v. 5). By the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross we are born into relationship with the Father (John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23). By that blood we are legally sons/children, however, there is something else that happens to those who come to faith in Jesus Christ. We are placed into the position with Christ as legal heirs of all that is His. That is the “Adoption”.
That is the predetermined plan of God. That is the “predestinated” will of God. In John 1:12 we are told this – “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them tht believe on His name.” Some new translations place children where the KJV uses sons, and that seems to me to be a tragedy, for we miss the greater meaning. With Christ as our Lord and Savior we are given the same rights as the Elder Son, who is Jesus. In the Old Testament economy the elder son received a majority of the father’s estate, and was given the responsibility of caring for the parents when they became unable to care for themselves.
Now consider this; since we are born into the family shouldn’t we just receive a minority of the inheritance? Jesus has paid the price of our sin, making it possible for us to be in God’s family in the first place; He is the One who deserves it all. By grace He places us with Him as joint heirs (Romans 8:17) with Him.
There is an example of this given in the Law of Moses concerning inheritance, and the daughters of a man who had no sons, and would be left out of the inheritance except for the grace given. Zelophehad (Numbers 27:1-7) had five daughters, and he would be left out of inheriting any of the promised land, leaving nothing for any sons who might come along later. Thus, in a since, they are placed in the position of an elder son, inheriting the land that would have been their father’s.
There is such a wealth at the hands and feet of every believer in Jesus Christ. It is a wealth that is not of this world, however it is accessible in this world; and through it and by it we can live in victory. The enemy has been defeated. Let us rejoice.
We are “Predestinated” to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, and that is to live in glory.
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29 (KJV)
We have yet to “tap into” the wonderful resources that are ours in Christ Jesus. If we were the people of God in Christ that He has called us to be, walking in the Spirit, walking in the power of His word, there is no attack of the enemy which could stop us, and no human force could stand in our way; and He would be seen and glorified in many hearts and lives. What God calls “Complete” is complete.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 