As I was preparing for Home Bible Study today, these verses struck me... The waters were afraid! What a God!
(Psalms 77:16) The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.
(Psalms 77:17) The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad.
(Psalms 77:18) The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Good News... Bad News...
Good News: Jesus died for your sins...
Ok, there's other good news too. The House passed a resolution yesterday, recognizing the importance of Christmas and of the Christian faith. The Resolution passed 372 to 9. Just for the record, here's the Resolution:
Whereas Christmas, a holiday of great significance to Americans and many other cultures and nationalities, is celebrated annually by Christians throughout the United States and the world... Whereas on December 25 of each calendar year, American Christians observe Christmas, the holiday celebrating the birth of their savior, Jesus Christ...Whereas many Christians and non-Christians throughout the United States and the rest of the world, celebrate Christmas as a time to serve others: Now, therefore be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) recognizes the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world; (2) expresses continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide; (3) acknowledges the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith; (4) acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization; (5) rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide; and (6) expresses its deepest respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.
I'm impressed. That looks pretty good to me. Maybe there is still hope!
Ok, now for the bad news. I mentioned that 9 people voted against the Resolution. You know what, that's really no big deal, there are enough anti-religious people in the House, that it makes sense there would be opposition. Until you consider this:
In October of this year, there was a Resolution that passed in the House recognizing the importance of Ramadan. That Resolution passed with a 376-0 vote. However, there were 9 Representatives that thought it worth their while to voice opposition to Christmas. None of them voiced opposition to Ramadan. Two of them voted for the Ramadan Resolution. Apparently the other seven just didn't vote.
Two Representatives voted in favor of recognizing the importance of Ramadan and voted against recognizing the importance of Christmas... I haven't done the research yet to see who they were...
And just for the record, here's the Ramadan Resolution:
Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year; and Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commenced at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world; (2) expresses friendship and support for Muslims in the United States and worldwide; (3) acknowledges the onset of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and conveys its respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this occasion; (4) rejects hatred, bigotry, and violence directed against Muslims, both in the United States and worldwide; and (5) commends Muslims in the United States and across the globe who have privately and publicly rejected interpretations and movements of Islam that justify and encourage hatred, violence, and terror.
Anyway, I would like to thank Liberty Counsel for pointing this all out to me.
Just a thought...
Ok, there's other good news too. The House passed a resolution yesterday, recognizing the importance of Christmas and of the Christian faith. The Resolution passed 372 to 9. Just for the record, here's the Resolution:
Whereas Christmas, a holiday of great significance to Americans and many other cultures and nationalities, is celebrated annually by Christians throughout the United States and the world... Whereas on December 25 of each calendar year, American Christians observe Christmas, the holiday celebrating the birth of their savior, Jesus Christ...Whereas many Christians and non-Christians throughout the United States and the rest of the world, celebrate Christmas as a time to serve others: Now, therefore be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) recognizes the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world; (2) expresses continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide; (3) acknowledges the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith; (4) acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization; (5) rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide; and (6) expresses its deepest respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.
I'm impressed. That looks pretty good to me. Maybe there is still hope!
Ok, now for the bad news. I mentioned that 9 people voted against the Resolution. You know what, that's really no big deal, there are enough anti-religious people in the House, that it makes sense there would be opposition. Until you consider this:
In October of this year, there was a Resolution that passed in the House recognizing the importance of Ramadan. That Resolution passed with a 376-0 vote. However, there were 9 Representatives that thought it worth their while to voice opposition to Christmas. None of them voiced opposition to Ramadan. Two of them voted for the Ramadan Resolution. Apparently the other seven just didn't vote.
Two Representatives voted in favor of recognizing the importance of Ramadan and voted against recognizing the importance of Christmas... I haven't done the research yet to see who they were...
And just for the record, here's the Ramadan Resolution:
Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year; and Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commenced at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world; (2) expresses friendship and support for Muslims in the United States and worldwide; (3) acknowledges the onset of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and conveys its respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this occasion; (4) rejects hatred, bigotry, and violence directed against Muslims, both in the United States and worldwide; and (5) commends Muslims in the United States and across the globe who have privately and publicly rejected interpretations and movements of Islam that justify and encourage hatred, violence, and terror.
Anyway, I would like to thank Liberty Counsel for pointing this all out to me.
Just a thought...
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Better Promises
As I was reading through Hebrews 8 this morning, I think I learned something. Now, maybe I'm just slow and everybody else really already got this, but I'm just getting it now.
In Hebrews 8, it says that this New Covenant which we find ourselves living under, is a better covenant. The author of Hebrews, aka Paul, is reviewing what he has written so far in the book. He tells how the Priest is better, how the Sanctuary is better (being a heavenly one, not earthly), and he just says it's a better covenant. And then he adds, "established upon better promises."
Now, I can take this two ways, and I think the latter is closer to the truth. But first, this new covenant was established upon better promises could mean that the actual Promises were better under the new testament. That is, if in the Old Testament there was no such thing as eternal security, then the Promise of eternal security is a better promise.
Secondly, though, and I believe more in tune, I think the rewards of the promise is better. The Old Testament made with Moses was not a conditional promise to have everlasting life, but rather physical, temporal blessings. For example, Honor thy father and mother, that thy days may be long upon the land. Whereas in the New Testament, He tells us of an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven.
I guess my hangup was with the question, "Well, how were people saved under the Old Testament?" The answer, from what I can tell, is not found in the Old Testament. The Mosaic Covenant did not save people. I think the salvation of saints before Christ came outside of that covenant... by God's grace given to those that had a faith that manifested itself by its works.
Just a thought...
In Hebrews 8, it says that this New Covenant which we find ourselves living under, is a better covenant. The author of Hebrews, aka Paul, is reviewing what he has written so far in the book. He tells how the Priest is better, how the Sanctuary is better (being a heavenly one, not earthly), and he just says it's a better covenant. And then he adds, "established upon better promises."
Now, I can take this two ways, and I think the latter is closer to the truth. But first, this new covenant was established upon better promises could mean that the actual Promises were better under the new testament. That is, if in the Old Testament there was no such thing as eternal security, then the Promise of eternal security is a better promise.Secondly, though, and I believe more in tune, I think the rewards of the promise is better. The Old Testament made with Moses was not a conditional promise to have everlasting life, but rather physical, temporal blessings. For example, Honor thy father and mother, that thy days may be long upon the land. Whereas in the New Testament, He tells us of an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven.
I guess my hangup was with the question, "Well, how were people saved under the Old Testament?" The answer, from what I can tell, is not found in the Old Testament. The Mosaic Covenant did not save people. I think the salvation of saints before Christ came outside of that covenant... by God's grace given to those that had a faith that manifested itself by its works.
Just a thought...
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Christ's Inheritance
(If you have not read yesterday's post, I would recommend you do so before reading this one. And it wouldn't be a bad idea to go through the comments as well!)
Seth, my fellow Institute Senior, made a comment yesterday about how Christ learned obedience. And though I was vaguely familiar with the statement, I was not sure where it came from. God is good. This morning my daily reading had me in the book of Hebrews chapter 5. I include verses 7-9 here, talking about Jesus:
Seth, my fellow Institute Senior, made a comment yesterday about how Christ learned obedience. And though I was vaguely familiar with the statement, I was not sure where it came from. God is good. This morning my daily reading had me in the book of Hebrews chapter 5. I include verses 7-9 here, talking about Jesus:(Hebrews 5:7) Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
(Hebrews 5:8) Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
(Hebrews 5:9) And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
(Hebrews 5:8) Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
(Hebrews 5:9) And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
We find reinforced here the point made that Father God was able to save His Son from death. The implication of verse 8 is that even though Jesus was the Son, He learned obedience through suffering to become a priest that could bear our infirmities. We find in verse 9 that Jesus became the author of eternal salvation unto all that obey Him, as He had obeyed His Father. Where are you going with all this, Andy? I'm glad you asked.
I can find two or three reasons why Jesus went to the cross. It is more than just because of His love for us. Yesterday, I de-emphasized that point, and was politely refuted in the comments that were made to me. So, three reasons why Jesus went to the cross:
1) Because of His love for us.
Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh. Before the incarnation, He shared in all of the glory of the Father. They are One in essence. Even though the time in the Garden confuses my weak understanding of the Trinity, the truth is that They even then were One. God so loved the world that He gave Jesus. God commendeth His love towards us by having Christ die for us. Jesus is God.
2) Because of His love for His Father.
This, I suppose, is the point that I emphasized yesterday. And, in my reading in Hebrews today, there was a cross reference to John, that further proves that I was right in making this point. The context of John 14 has Jesus telling His disciples that He was going to be leaving them, referring to the cross. John 14:31: "But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence." He tells them that His love to the Father, is that He is going to obey Him. Earlier in the chapter He said, If ye love me, keep my commandments. He demonstrates: I love my Father, I am going to keep His commandment of the cross. My point is further spoken of in John 10:18: "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father."
But the context of that last verse in John 10 leads me to my third reason that Jesus went to the cross, and I believe that I completely ignored this one yesterday:
3) Because of His expected inheritance.
Hebrews 12:2: "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the trhone of God." Jesus endured the cross, "for the joy that was set before him." What was that Joy?
Phillipians 2:7-8, 9-11: "...form of a servant... likeness of men... fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Jesus laid down His life for His sheep. The sheep, John 10:29 tells us, are given to Jesus by the Father. The sheep (those that believe in Christ) are Jesus' inheritance, His reward. Jesus is to be the firstborn among many brethren.
There is more to my third reason that I have posted here, but alas, my time fails me, and I have already written more than most of you will read! So, I welcome your comments to try to expound on this third reason that Christ went to the cross - for His expected inheritance.
Just a thought...
I can find two or three reasons why Jesus went to the cross. It is more than just because of His love for us. Yesterday, I de-emphasized that point, and was politely refuted in the comments that were made to me. So, three reasons why Jesus went to the cross:
1) Because of His love for us.
Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh. Before the incarnation, He shared in all of the glory of the Father. They are One in essence. Even though the time in the Garden confuses my weak understanding of the Trinity, the truth is that They even then were One. God so loved the world that He gave Jesus. God commendeth His love towards us by having Christ die for us. Jesus is God.
2) Because of His love for His Father.
This, I suppose, is the point that I emphasized yesterday. And, in my reading in Hebrews today, there was a cross reference to John, that further proves that I was right in making this point. The context of John 14 has Jesus telling His disciples that He was going to be leaving them, referring to the cross. John 14:31: "But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence." He tells them that His love to the Father, is that He is going to obey Him. Earlier in the chapter He said, If ye love me, keep my commandments. He demonstrates: I love my Father, I am going to keep His commandment of the cross. My point is further spoken of in John 10:18: "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father."
But the context of that last verse in John 10 leads me to my third reason that Jesus went to the cross, and I believe that I completely ignored this one yesterday:
3) Because of His expected inheritance.
Hebrews 12:2: "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the trhone of God." Jesus endured the cross, "for the joy that was set before him." What was that Joy?
Phillipians 2:7-8, 9-11: "...form of a servant... likeness of men... fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Jesus laid down His life for His sheep. The sheep, John 10:29 tells us, are given to Jesus by the Father. The sheep (those that believe in Christ) are Jesus' inheritance, His reward. Jesus is to be the firstborn among many brethren.
There is more to my third reason that I have posted here, but alas, my time fails me, and I have already written more than most of you will read! So, I welcome your comments to try to expound on this third reason that Christ went to the cross - for His expected inheritance.
Just a thought...
Monday, December 10, 2007
It Was Not His Will
Ok, this blog is full of my "thoughts." I do not always think the same as other people. For that matter, usually I think differently than most people. That being said, I request right now that you put on your very discerning eyes as you read this. I am sharing with you some thoughts that I have on some subjects relating to God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I am going to suggest some things that you may have never heard before, and that perhaps I am wrong about, but they are thoughts that have come to me while reading His word. So, bear with me. I welcome all feedback, just be sure to keep it discerned as well.
Let me start with this, I believe that Jesus was a fairly wise Man. Wouldn't you say? He wouldn't just say something glibly or off the cuff, but everything He ever said was true, purposed and meaningful.
I heard in church yesterday a phrase that I have heard often before, "Jesus willingly gave up His life for us." And while hearing some of the lyrics in some of the music that I heard as well, my attention focused to the garden of Gethsemane. In the Garden, Jesus prayed three times to His Father. In the Garden, His soul was exceeding sorrowful. He was in such agony that His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Recognize that this time in the Garden must have been a time of turmoil in the universe. So, what about Jesus' will in regards to the Cross?
"he... fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me..." The cup He refers to is the cup of the judgment of God. The cup that pours out God's wrath upon the sin of this world. Jesus was about to be made sin for us, and the cup was ready to be poured out on Him. Jesus prays, having fallen to His face, sweating drops of blood, "Father, IF IT BE POSSIBLE, let this cup pass from me."
Not only that, Mark records (Mar 14:36) the prayer using these words, "Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me..." Jesus recognized that Yes, it was possible for the cup to pass away from Him. It would have been possible for God to say, "You know what, I have shown enough love to the world by giving them my word, by giving them rain and allowing them to live. I have given them life and knowledge of what is right, and it is NOT My fault that they have rebelled against Me. I have loved them enough, I choose not to give them My Son as well." That would have been just and fair of God to have done. Jesus knew this. He said, It is possible. He makes this request to God the Father: "Take away this cup from me." Jesus is not speaking lightly. This is a moment of agony and sorrow. Jesus truly meant what He said.
We all know the next phrase that Jesus says, after making this request to the Father to spare Him: "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." Did Jesus mean that? Did He mean when He said, "not my will be done?" My suggestion is that Jesus' will was NOT to suffer the shame of the cross for you and me. His will was to be spared from that hour. His desire was that God would exercise His omnipotent sovereignty and let the cup pass from Him, and to keep Him from that hour.
Let me start with this, I believe that Jesus was a fairly wise Man. Wouldn't you say? He wouldn't just say something glibly or off the cuff, but everything He ever said was true, purposed and meaningful.
I heard in church yesterday a phrase that I have heard often before, "Jesus willingly gave up His life for us." And while hearing some of the lyrics in some of the music that I heard as well, my attention focused to the garden of Gethsemane. In the Garden, Jesus prayed three times to His Father. In the Garden, His soul was exceeding sorrowful. He was in such agony that His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Recognize that this time in the Garden must have been a time of turmoil in the universe. So, what about Jesus' will in regards to the Cross?
"he... fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me..." The cup He refers to is the cup of the judgment of God. The cup that pours out God's wrath upon the sin of this world. Jesus was about to be made sin for us, and the cup was ready to be poured out on Him. Jesus prays, having fallen to His face, sweating drops of blood, "Father, IF IT BE POSSIBLE, let this cup pass from me."
Not only that, Mark records (Mar 14:36) the prayer using these words, "Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me..." Jesus recognized that Yes, it was possible for the cup to pass away from Him. It would have been possible for God to say, "You know what, I have shown enough love to the world by giving them my word, by giving them rain and allowing them to live. I have given them life and knowledge of what is right, and it is NOT My fault that they have rebelled against Me. I have loved them enough, I choose not to give them My Son as well." That would have been just and fair of God to have done. Jesus knew this. He said, It is possible. He makes this request to God the Father: "Take away this cup from me." Jesus is not speaking lightly. This is a moment of agony and sorrow. Jesus truly meant what He said.
We all know the next phrase that Jesus says, after making this request to the Father to spare Him: "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." Did Jesus mean that? Did He mean when He said, "not my will be done?" My suggestion is that Jesus' will was NOT to suffer the shame of the cross for you and me. His will was to be spared from that hour. His desire was that God would exercise His omnipotent sovereignty and let the cup pass from Him, and to keep Him from that hour.
Jesus did not want to suffer the wrath of God for me.
I believe that Philippians 2:5-8 gives us the clarification of that phrase, that I really don't like saying. It says that Jesus humbled Himself. Being equal and sharing in the glory of God the Father, Jesus took on Himself the form and fashion of a servant man. And the phrase that I want to focus on is this, "he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Jesus' humbled Himself, put aside His will, which in this point in time apparently differed from the will of the Father, and went to the cross to glorify His Father. To demonstrate for all mankind the Love and Mercy and Grace of God the Father. Jesus desired to glorify the Father more than He desired to have His own will fulfilled.
Jesus suffered the wrath of God, for the glory of God, not because He loved us so much.
After you let that sink in for a minute... continue reading.
How dare we think that we should get what we want! How dare we think that we are owed something by anybody. Jesus made one request to His Father, "Father, I know it's possible, take away this cup." In agony, He made one request, but determined that to be obedient to His Father was more important than His own comfort or desire. How dare we do something against God's will just because it makes our life easier or more comfortable, or just because we want it!
The next time you are taking for granted your salvation. Remember the garden. Jesus, the wise Son of God and Son of Man, prayed to His Father to let Him skip the sacrifice. The results of answering that prayer would have left us all to pay for our own sins with eternity in Hell... And Jesus was willing to let that happen. But, He was more willing to give to the Father that which He wanted.
He laid down His life. No man took it from Him. But that was not from His own desire, but rather from His Father's.
A sobering thought...
How dare we think that we should get what we want! How dare we think that we are owed something by anybody. Jesus made one request to His Father, "Father, I know it's possible, take away this cup." In agony, He made one request, but determined that to be obedient to His Father was more important than His own comfort or desire. How dare we do something against God's will just because it makes our life easier or more comfortable, or just because we want it!
The next time you are taking for granted your salvation. Remember the garden. Jesus, the wise Son of God and Son of Man, prayed to His Father to let Him skip the sacrifice. The results of answering that prayer would have left us all to pay for our own sins with eternity in Hell... And Jesus was willing to let that happen. But, He was more willing to give to the Father that which He wanted.
He laid down His life. No man took it from Him. But that was not from His own desire, but rather from His Father's.
A sobering thought...
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