Soldier4Christ
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« Reply #3810 on: December 23, 2011, 08:26:24 AM » |
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Sorrow According to God "And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:31-32) In one of the most important passages in the New Testament regarding repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-11), Paul uses essentially the same phrase three times to express what he means by repentance: He rejoices that the Corinthian believers were made "sorry after a godly manner" (v. 9), calls it a "godly sorrow" (v. 10), claiming that they "sorrowed after a godly sort" (v. 11). This phrase could literally be translated "sorrow according to God," which leads to repentance. Such sorrow is contrasted to the "sorrow of the world |that| worketh death" (v. 10), which is a mere regret of consequences or remorse of conscience, which does not yield repentance, but only despair and possibly suicide. "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation" (v. 10). Just as godly sorrow leads to repentance, so should the blessings of God. "Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (Romans 2:4). God desires repentance on the part of the sinning one and is free to use whatever vehicle He chooses to bring it about. True repentance involves a recognition of sin as a crime against God and a violation of His holy nature. Our recognition of this fact brings godly sorrow which leads inevitably to a change of mindset toward the sin and a confession of it as sin (1 John 1:9), and this brings forgiveness from God. Christ taught that this "sorrow according to God" brings great joy elsewhere in the universe: "Likewise, I say unto you there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth" (Luke 15:10). JDM
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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« Reply #3811 on: December 24, 2011, 08:40:03 AM » |
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The Babe in Bethlehem "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2) This is a very remarkable prophecy, explicitly predicting that the future King of Israel would be born in the little village of Bethlehem some 700 years before He finally came. Then, to assure its fulfillment, the great Emperor Augustus had to decree a comprehensive census, compelling Joseph to take Mary with him to Bethlehem for her child to be born. That the prophecy involves an actual birth is clear, not only from the phrase "come forth," but also from the succeeding verse which warns that God will "give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth" (v. 3). The preceding verse had also predicted that "they shall smite |this coming ruler| the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek" (v. 1), speaking of His initial rejection and execution. But that is not all. The prophecy not only foresees His birth in Bethlehem, His repudiation by His own people, and His eventual installation as King over all Israel (not merely Judah), but also that this same remarkable person was none other than God Himself! His "goings forth" had been "from everlasting." That is, He is eternally proceeding forth from His Father. He did not become God’s Son when He was born in Bethlehem; He has been coming forth eternally. There is still another truth implied in the remarkable Hebrew word for "goings forth." It is also used for such things as the flowing of water from a fountain or the radiations from the sun. Thus, the never-ending flowing forth of power from God through the Son is nothing less than the sustaining energy for the whole creation, as He is "upholding all things by the word of his power" (Hebrews 1:3). And this was the Babe in Bethlehem! HMM
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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Soldier4Christ
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« Reply #3812 on: December 25, 2011, 08:35:53 AM » |
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The Gifts of the Wise Men "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11) These wise men (or Magi) were of great eminence in the Parthian Empire at that time, and it is unlikely that the caravan from the East consisted of only three men. They more likely had a large entourage as they came searching for the future King of Israel, so it was small wonder that "all Jerusalem" was "troubled," along with King Herod (Matthew 2:3). The Parthians (i.e., Persians) had never been conquered by the Romans and at that very time were posing a significant threat along the eastern boundary of the extended Roman Empire. When they found the young child and His mother in Bethlehem, the Magi "fell down, and worshipped him" (Matthew 2:11). But why did they offer Him just three gifts--and why these three gifts? Somehow they seemed to have sensed, possibly from meditating deeply on the ancient prophecies of Balaam (Numbers 24:17), Daniel (in Daniel 9:24-26), and David, concerning the priesthood order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4) that this young child whose birth had been announced by a star was destined not only to be the King but would also become the Messianic Sacrifice to "make reconciliation for iniquity" (see Daniel 9:24 , 26) and then eventually become our eternal High Priest who "ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). Thus, the gold would acknowledge His right to reign, the frankincense would speak of the incense to be offered in the heavenly tabernacle, and the myrrh (John 19:39) would testify that His crucified body would be so anointed as it entered the tomb for a very temporary burial. HMM
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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Soldier4Christ
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« Reply #3813 on: December 26, 2011, 08:52:08 AM » |
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Immortality or Resurrection "Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen." (1 Timothy 6:16) In the Greek New Testament, there are two words translated "immortality." One is athanasia ("without death"), which is used in our text to describe God in His eternal essence. The other is aphtharsia ("without corruption"), used in 2 Timothy 1:10: "|Christ| hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel," and translated "incorruption." In 1 Corinthians 15:42: "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption." The doctrine of the "immortality of the soul" is a doctrine of both ancient paganism and modern "New Ageism." Such people all believe in some form of evolution and reject the doctrine of resurrection, which uniquely accompanies creationist religions. These false religions believe that, at death, the body decays but the soul continues to exist, either in an eternally disembodied state or reincarnated in some other body. Atheists, of course, believe that both body and soul cease to exist at death. But Christ, who "hath immortality" and who has died for the whole world and triumphed over death, promises a bodily resurrection to all who believe on Him, assuring both incorruption and immortality forever. "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (v. 53). The law of entropy (involving decay, corruption, pain, sorrow, and disintegration) will be repealed when God's curse (Genesis 3:17) on the whole creation because of sin is removed (Romans 8:20-23; Revelation 22:3) and death will be abolished from His new creation forever. HMM
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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« Reply #3814 on: December 27, 2011, 08:15:47 AM » |
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The Lord Will Provide "And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen." (Genesis 22:14) Abraham had just passed the most severe of tests. He had been willing to offer up his beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice to the Lord. He must have wondered why God had asked him to slay the son of promise, through whom many descendants were promised, but he didn't refuse or even question God. He was convinced that "God was able to raise him |Isaac| up, even from the dead" (Hebrews 11:19). Yet he must have been greatly relieved when God stopped him from slaying his son, and thankful indeed when he found that God had already provided a ram to be used as "a burnt offering in the stead of his son" (Genesis 22:13). While journeying to the place of sacrifice, Abraham had said that "God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering" (v. 8). Appropriately, after the incident, Abraham named the mountain Jehovah |the Lord| Jireh |will provide|. In Hebrew there is not a specific verb form to designate the future tense, and so the word Jireh could easily be translated "is providing." Actually, where the Lord's provision is concerned, the tense makes little difference. The Creator of time (Genesis 1:1) stands outside of time. We may sometimes be frustrated and disturbed because we see only the present, and we don't even see that very clearly. But God sees and answers in the proper time, perhaps later than we have asked, or perhaps, as in Abraham's case, beforehand, providing the ram already caught in the thicket. How often have we received an answer to prayer, only to realize that events had been set in motion long before we had prayed? We should be aware of and thankful for God's anticipation of our needs. "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer" (Isaiah 65:24). JDM
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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« Reply #3815 on: December 28, 2011, 08:21:04 AM » |
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The Great Commission "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19) These incomparable words were spoken by Christ on a mountain in Galilee (v. 16), sometime after His resurrection. He had already told His disciples while they were still gathered in the upper room: "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you" (John 20:21). Then the sense of His instruction on the mountain was: "As you go into the world, you are to make disciples in every nation." What an amazing thing to ask of such a small, unpromising group of followers. Yet, soon afterward, on the Mount of Olives, He made this command an actual prophecy: "Ye shall be witnesses unto me . . . unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This absurdly impossible prophecy seemingly could never be carried out by such a motley group, but somehow it has! There are today millions of followers of Christ, some in practically every nation on earth. The prophecy seemed humanly impossible, but the Holy Spirit of God came upon them in great power, and He has been with Christ's witnesses in every age since. Not only the Spirit of God, but also the Father and the Son. New disciples were, in fact, to be identified as such by baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One name, yet three names! The three are each equally and fully God, and each is vitally involved in the redemption, guidance, and ultimate glorification of each believer. "For through |Christ| we both |that is, Jew and Gentile| have access by one Spirit unto the Father" (Ephesians 2:18). Someday the Great Commission will have been completed, and all the disciples from every land and every age will assemble in praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the heavenly "city of the living God" (Hebrews 12:22). HMM
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« Reply #3816 on: December 29, 2011, 08:23:55 AM » |
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The Time of Old Age "Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come." (Psalm 71:18) One tends to grow resentful against the limitations and increasing infirmities associated with aging, even complaining to God and others about growing old--at least until one considers the alternative! We need to remember that, as long as the Lord preserves our lives, He has some ministry for us to perform for "this generation" and "to every one that is to come." The Scriptures abound with promises of blessing in old age, so growing old should be an occasion for rejoicing and deepened commitment to whatever the Lord enables one to do. "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: . . . Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age" (Psalm 92:12-14). But if there develops a tendency to grow spiritually cold with age, the admonition of Paul is appropriate. "Aged men |should| be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, . . . teachers of good things" (Titus 2:2-3). Thus the heartfelt prayer of the psalmist in our text is still appropriate today, for all who will, sooner than they think, enter the time of old age. Note also the following prayer: "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth" (Psalm 71:9). That God will answer such a prayer, offered in faith and sincerity, was affirmed by David when he said: "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (Psalm 37:25). The time of old age can be a time of happy harvest, if we have sowed the seeds of good fruit. HMM
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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Soldier4Christ
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« Reply #3817 on: December 30, 2011, 07:53:09 AM » |
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Our Job as Ambassadors "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20) Christ has made each of us His ambassadors here on earth. He is no longer here in the flesh, and so now He expects us to faithfully and effectively represent Him. As His ambassadors or representatives, He has given us two basic tasks to perform. First of all, we are to spread the good news of salvation in such a way that unbelievers will be drawn to the light and out of their darkness. "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me" (Acts 26:18). To do this, an ambassador must live a life of conformity to His life and teachings. "As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation" (1 Peter 1:15), adequately representing Him. Secondly, we are to saturate ourselves totally with the knowledge of His will and His Word so that we will be enabled to encourage other Christians, strengthening them for their duties as ambassadors as well. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15), applying our attention to His directives. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It has rightly been said that the only two things which will last for eternity are people and the Word of God. These things must occupy our attention if we are to be effective "ambassadors for Christ." JDM
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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« Reply #3818 on: December 31, 2011, 07:47:32 AM » |
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Willful Sins "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." (Hebrews 10:26-27) This is one of the most controversial passages of Scripture because of its apparent conflict with passages which teach salvation by grace, entirely apart from the law or any form of works (e.g., Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5) and absolute security in salvation to those who belong to Christ (e.g., John 10:28-29; Romans 8:35-39). Actually, many passages warn against deliberate acts of sin by Christians. "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar" (1 John 2:4). "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him" (Titus 1:16). Clearly, there are dozens of "proof texts" on both sides of this question, and it cannot be settled by citing a cliché or two in a brief study like this. There can be no real contradiction in God's Word, however, so the Lord must have had a good reason for inspiring this apparent paradox in His book. On the one hand, it is vital for every true believer in Christ to know that He is saved and has eternal life. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). On the other hand, it is deadly dangerous for a person merely to think he or she is saved when there is no evidence of a changed life. Such Scriptures as our text give sober warning that professing Christians have no basis for any assurance of salvation if they do not obey His words. "Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments" (1 John 2:3). Therefore, "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5). HMM
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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« Reply #3819 on: December 31, 2011, 10:23:24 AM » |
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Willful Sins "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." (Hebrews 10:26-27) This is one of the most controversial passages of Scripture because of its apparent conflict with passages which teach salvation by grace, entirely apart from the law or any form of works (e.g., Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5) and absolute security in salvation to those who belong to Christ (e.g., John 10:28-29; Romans 8:35-39). Actually, many passages warn against deliberate acts of sin by Christians. "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar" (1 John 2:4). "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him" (Titus 1:16). Clearly, there are dozens of "proof texts" on both sides of this question, and it cannot be settled by citing a cliché or two in a brief study like this. There can be no real contradiction in God's Word, however, so the Lord must have had a good reason for inspiring this apparent paradox in His book. On the one hand, it is vital for every true believer in Christ to know that He is saved and has eternal life. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). On the other hand, it is deadly dangerous for a person merely to think he or she is saved when there is no evidence of a changed life. Such Scriptures as our text give sober warning that professing Christians have no basis for any assurance of salvation if they do not obey His words. "Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments" (1 John 2:3). Therefore, "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5). HMM
Good morning! I couldn't not reply to this. I started to....but it didn't work out. This is a subject that my heart has come back to time and again, pondering over and yes, I've even shed some tears. One of the thoughts that has caused literal shudders in me is even the very whispered thought of my Lord saying to me " I know you not... I never knew you..." My reassurance comes from God's very own promises that He wrote His laws on our hearts, that once truly saved we will be indwelt with the Holy Spirit. It seems impossible to me that we could willfully sin, breaking the commandments given us, to go against the Truth. I believe what Jesus said when He told us that He is with us always. I have to, I would be lost otherwise. There have been many times since being saved that I have been troubled, really troubled; and didn't understand why. It was only through prayer, talking with Jesus; really looking hard at my heart... "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith"..that I came to understand what the trouble was, that I had been wrong and then corrected. Thank goodness, too. It's more than just merely 'difficult' to get through a day troubled in your spirit. I'm glad too, for the correction. Oh so glad! I know He is with me, understanding, compassionate and caring to do so. Could be, and this is just a thought, because the thought of eternal damnation is so fearful, the warnings are heartfelt. And I mean Heart Felt and Terrifying. Also it serves us in a way that we would know those who are just saying they are Christian and not to get 'tied up with them'. It teaches us too, to be very careful. To 'think before we speak' , be diligent even in and especially, in private. None of us knows the other so well as to know what each of us do alone, but our Lord does. Knowing that we are never alone....well, that speaks for itself doesn't it? And knowing Jesus, knowing how much our Father loves us; how could we ever do anything to cause Him hurt? He already suffered so much for us, it's unbearable to think. So, it all comes back around doesn't it? You can't bear to hurt the One you love above all else because He loves you so. Those that would never really loved Him. That is about the only way it makes sense, at least simply. Stay close! Teresa
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« Reply #3820 on: January 01, 2012, 09:01:49 AM » |
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A New Song for a New Year "Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise." (Psalm 33:3) This is the first of nine references in the Bible to a "new song." Appropriately, the song of Psalm 33 deals with the primeval event of creation, and it is the first psalm that does so (note also Psalm 104, etc.). The new song is to be sung with instrumental accompaniment. However, the Hebrew word translated "loud noise" is so translated nowhere else; it is translated many different ways, but perhaps the familiar rendering "joyful sound" (Psalm 89:15) is the most appropriate here. In any case, this new song is of great importance and so should be performed well and joyfully, for it deals with the grandest of themes. First of all is the great assertion that "the word of the LORD" is always right, and the "works" of the Lord are always of truth (33:4). His righteousness and goodness are evident everywhere, to those with eyes to see and hearts to believe (v. 5). Then there is the vital revelation that God's creation of all things was simply by His mighty word, "the breath of his mouth," accomplished instantly, and not dragged out over long ages of evolutionary trial-and-error. "He spake, and it was done" (vv. 6, 9). Furthermore, it is a comfort to know that God does not change, though new years come and go. "The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever" (v. 11). "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD" (v. 12). There are many other great themes in this new song, and it would indeed be well to read and rehearse them all as the new year begins, committing ourselves once again to the faithful teaching of His inerrant Word, His magnificent creation, and His great salvation. HMM
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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Soldier4Christ
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« Reply #3821 on: January 02, 2012, 08:18:44 AM » |
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The Hallelujah Psalms "Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul." (Psalm 146:1) The last five chapters in the book of Psalms (146-150) comprise what might be considered a great "Hallalujah Chorus" to this "Hallel" book--the "book of Israel's praises," as the book of Psalms was called by the Israelites. Each psalm in this five-psalm group both begins and ends with an exclamatory "Praise ye the LORD," or, in the Hebrew, "Hallelujah!" This word, Hallelujah, occurs 22 times in the book of Psalms. This is significant in that the Hebrew language has just 22 letters, suggesting to us that the very purpose of language is for God to reveal His Word to man and for man then to respond with thanksgiving and praise to God. It is further significant that the letters of the Greek language in the New Testament begin with "alpha" and end with "omega," and that Jesus Christ, the living Word of God, has reminded us that "I am Alpha and Omega" (Revelation 1:11; 22:13). The Greek word "Alleluia" occurs just four times in the New Testament, all at the great congregation in heaven that will assemble at the "marriage supper of the Lamb" (19:1-6, 9). This may also well be what is called "the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven" (Hebrews 12:23). There, along with "an innumerable company of angels," all the redeemed saints of all the ages will gather to rejoice and to give thanks and to "praise our God, all ye his servants" (Revelation 19:5). It seems possible--even probable--that these five Hallelujah psalms will constitute the testimonies of praise and thanksgiving that will be sung by this great congregation there in the presence of the Lamb. The book of Psalms then closes with the great exhortation: "Let every thing that hath breath |or 'Spirit'| praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD" (Psalm 150:6). HMM
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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« Reply #3822 on: January 03, 2012, 08:26:57 AM » |
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Blessed Are the Dead "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." (Revelation 14:13) This promise applies specifically to those recent believers who will suffer martyrdom during the last half of the awful tribulation period ("henceforth," in context). But dealing as it does with the state of the believing dead, in principle, it surely likewise applies to all who die "in the Lord." How are they blessed? In numerous ways, according to this verse. First, they are blessed in that they "rest from their labors." In this life we earn our physical sustenance by "the sweat of |our| face" (Genesis 3:19). Here we must work hard to train our minds (Ecclesiastes 12:12). Now we constantly battle our inward, fallen nature: "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24). Even as we attempt to serve our fellow man, our efforts are spurned and rejected. Not so for the dead! There all these labors will cease, and joyous, eternal service to the Lamb will commence (Revelation 22:3). Secondly, they are blessed in that their labors continue to bear fruit even after they have gone. Perhaps even a previous word or act of testimony will be the eventual tool God uses to bring someone to Himself, and the reward will be properly distributed. No act done to the glory of God will pass unnoticed. Thirdly, what a blessing to know that this state is promised by the very Spirit of God Himself. One's worth at death is not measured by the content and sincerity of the opinions of friends at his funeral. This doctrine should produce both great courage for the Christian and great comfort for the bereaved. JDM
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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« Reply #3823 on: January 04, 2012, 08:37:29 AM » |
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A New Song "O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory." (Psalm 98:1) The theme of singing is frequently found in the Bible. Probably the first song ever sung was by God's angels at the time of creation, as God laid the corner stone of the earth, "when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" (Job 38:7). There are nine occasions when a "new song" was to be sung by the people of God. The very first, appropriately, was to extol God's Word and His creation. "Sing unto him a new song; . . . For the word of the LORD is right," and then "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made" (Psalm 33:3-6). Then the second new song is placed prophetically on the lips of Christ, representing His thoughts on the cross after His sufferings were finished and He had paid the redemption price for all our sins. "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, . . . And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God" (Psalm 40:2-3). The next has to do with spreading the good news. "O sing unto the LORD a new song: . . . shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people" (Psalm 96:1-3). The fourth is our text, focusing on Christ's future coming as King. The next three new songs (Psalms 144:9; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10) continue that great theme. Finally, there are two new songs to be sung by the redeemed in heaven (Revelation 5:9; 14:3). We shall then all be singing to the Lord Jesus Christ: "Thou art worthy . . . : for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth" (Revelation 5:9-10). HMM
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« Reply #3824 on: January 05, 2012, 08:37:54 AM » |
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The Book of Books "This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him." (Genesis 5:1) The Bible (literally, "the book") contains over 200 references to books. This implies, among other things, God's approval of communication by books. Our text, containing the first mention of the word "book" in the Bible, indicates that the very first man wrote a book! "Give attendance to reading," Paul recommends (1 Timothy 4:13), especially the Holy Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15-17). The pattern of first and last mentions of "book" in the Bible is noteworthy, for all refer to divinely written or divinely inspired books. The first use in the New Testament is in the very first verse--"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ" (Matthew 1:1). The book of Adam's "generations" is, in a special sense, the Old Testament; the book of the generation of Jesus Christ--the last Adam--is in a similar sense the New Testament. The final mention of "book" in the Old Testament is in Malachi 3:16: "A book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name." The third-from-last verse of the New Testament contains no less than three references to God's books: "If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, . . . and from the things which are written in this book" (Revelation 22:19). Note the significant modifiers attached to these six key references: "the book of the generations of Adam," "a book of remembrance," "the book of the generation of Jesus Christ," "the book of this prophecy," "the book of life," and finally, simply "this book"! HMM
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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