Final phase in our covenant discussion is the duty of members to each other; first, we are to watch over one another in love (see I Peter 1:22 paraphrases). Why? God is love and we are to emulate His love. Second, we are to pray for one another (James5:16). “Prayers of the righteous availeth much.”
Third, we are to aid in sickness and distress (see Galatians 6:2; James 2:14-17). What better opportunity for a believer to visit than when our brother or sister is experiencing sickness or gonging through a distressful situation; a smile and prayer is always appropriate? A smile looked upon as the universal language understood by all that warms the heart and believers are encouraged to pray for one another because God answer’s prayer.
Forth, we are to show sympathy and courtesy (1 Peter 3:8). What this means, we as believers are to share in another’s pain and extend a hand of courtesy to the person or family. Lastly, we are to be slow to take offense or become angry and always be ready to reconcile our differences (Ephesians 4:30-32). It takes a big person to say I am sorry. More importantly, this phrase will and has reconciled many differences and initiated more forgiveness than any phrase known to man.
In closing our dialogue on the basic covenant as it relates to believers and the church, it was the writer’s intent to enlighten, encourage and refresh the memory of readers on their basic duties. Hopefully, the discussion was stimulating as the covenant was discussed in-depth; for it is our agreement between the church, God and one another. Let’s honor our covenant relationships and be blessed.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Personal Christian Living - Covenant
This week's discussion on the Basic Covenant deals with the believer duties from a personal Christian living point of view.
The first thing is to maintain family and secret devotions (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; Acts 17:11). First, the family structure needs to be recognized as a unit that God instituted, man, wife and children; where man is the head as God is the head of all. The family as a praying unit is a family that recognizes prayer as their communication with God and in the process establishes a relationship with the Father. This represents a godly family because they give thanks to God for what He has done in their lives. Furthermore, the family that places vital importance on family time together and outings as oppose to having the family operates on the postal system syndrome recognizes the true meaning of family.
Second, Christian living take serious the religious education of their children (2 Timothy 3:15; Deuteronomy 6:4-7) and they do not rely on secular education or the child to learn about God in a hit or miss manner. All parents set an example in their Christian education by living godly lives before the child and then they practice Deuteronomy 6:4-7. In addition, parents enroll their children in a structured Christian educational setting where the true Word of God is being taught. The child’s first education begins in the home when the child’s learns to talk. The child’s biblical teachings progresses as the child grow, meaning the child is growing spiritual and physically thus giving the child a solid foundation to withstand Satan’s attacks.
Third, our Christian living should be a Bible to the lost world for generations to come. Therefore, we as believers are to seek the salvation of the lost (Acts 1:8; Matthews 4:19; Psalm 126: 5-6; 2:14-15; Proverbs 11:30) in that we are witnesses for Christ; we have power through the Holy Spirit residing in us.
Fourth, we are to walk circumspectly in the world and just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements and exemplary in our behavior (Ephesians 5:15; Philippians 2:115; 1 Peter 2:11-12). What does all this mean? First let’s look at the word circumspect(ly) it means to carefully consider all circumstances, weigh you options or possible consequences. This what the writer means when she is teaching young children and adults about critical thinking, consider the consequences. Next, we are to be fair in our dealings as God is fair and just with us. To be faithful is to be committed in whatever we promise to do, in other words, let your yes be yes and no’s be no’s. Finally, be exemplary is to set an example, or serve as a model and lastly be above reproach.
Fifth, Christian living is to avoid gossip and excessive anger (Ephesians 4:31; 1 Peter 2:21; Colossians 3:8; James 3:1-2). We are to speak kindly of others because we are all God’s children and we are to emulate Him and then we must love one another. How must we control anger? This is accomplished with meekness, which is anger under control.
The sixth attribute of Christian living is to abstain from the sale or use of liquors (Ephesians 5:18; Habakkuk 2:15). Scripture encourages us to be filled with the Holy Spirit instead of spirits from the vines (fermented wines or intoxicating beverages) to the point of intoxication. Wine was commonly used in religious (Lord’s Supper) setting but it is believed to be of the non fermented or non-toxicating variety.
The seventh and final attribute of Christian living is for believers to be zealous in our efforts for Christ (Titus 2: 14). What does this mean? Believers are to have the zeal of Christ as He is our example in holy living.
Next week's topic will conclude our discussion on the Basic Covenant. It covers our duties to fellow members.
Read and be blessed
The first thing is to maintain family and secret devotions (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; Acts 17:11). First, the family structure needs to be recognized as a unit that God instituted, man, wife and children; where man is the head as God is the head of all. The family as a praying unit is a family that recognizes prayer as their communication with God and in the process establishes a relationship with the Father. This represents a godly family because they give thanks to God for what He has done in their lives. Furthermore, the family that places vital importance on family time together and outings as oppose to having the family operates on the postal system syndrome recognizes the true meaning of family.
Second, Christian living take serious the religious education of their children (2 Timothy 3:15; Deuteronomy 6:4-7) and they do not rely on secular education or the child to learn about God in a hit or miss manner. All parents set an example in their Christian education by living godly lives before the child and then they practice Deuteronomy 6:4-7. In addition, parents enroll their children in a structured Christian educational setting where the true Word of God is being taught. The child’s first education begins in the home when the child’s learns to talk. The child’s biblical teachings progresses as the child grow, meaning the child is growing spiritual and physically thus giving the child a solid foundation to withstand Satan’s attacks.
Third, our Christian living should be a Bible to the lost world for generations to come. Therefore, we as believers are to seek the salvation of the lost (Acts 1:8; Matthews 4:19; Psalm 126: 5-6; 2:14-15; Proverbs 11:30) in that we are witnesses for Christ; we have power through the Holy Spirit residing in us.
Fourth, we are to walk circumspectly in the world and just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements and exemplary in our behavior (Ephesians 5:15; Philippians 2:115; 1 Peter 2:11-12). What does all this mean? First let’s look at the word circumspect(ly) it means to carefully consider all circumstances, weigh you options or possible consequences. This what the writer means when she is teaching young children and adults about critical thinking, consider the consequences. Next, we are to be fair in our dealings as God is fair and just with us. To be faithful is to be committed in whatever we promise to do, in other words, let your yes be yes and no’s be no’s. Finally, be exemplary is to set an example, or serve as a model and lastly be above reproach.
Fifth, Christian living is to avoid gossip and excessive anger (Ephesians 4:31; 1 Peter 2:21; Colossians 3:8; James 3:1-2). We are to speak kindly of others because we are all God’s children and we are to emulate Him and then we must love one another. How must we control anger? This is accomplished with meekness, which is anger under control.
The sixth attribute of Christian living is to abstain from the sale or use of liquors (Ephesians 5:18; Habakkuk 2:15). Scripture encourages us to be filled with the Holy Spirit instead of spirits from the vines (fermented wines or intoxicating beverages) to the point of intoxication. Wine was commonly used in religious (Lord’s Supper) setting but it is believed to be of the non fermented or non-toxicating variety.
The seventh and final attribute of Christian living is for believers to be zealous in our efforts for Christ (Titus 2: 14). What does this mean? Believers are to have the zeal of Christ as He is our example in holy living.
Next week's topic will conclude our discussion on the Basic Covenant. It covers our duties to fellow members.
Read and be blessed
Monday, April 14, 2008
Members duties to the Church
What are our duties to the church as it relate to the covenant?
First, we see that members are to walk together in Christian love, for God is love and we are to emulate Christ.
Second we are to strive for the advancement of the church by promoting its prosperity and spirituality (see Philippians 1:27; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Peter 3:11). How do we advance the church’s prosperity? The most familiar is giving of our time, talent and tithes. God requires one tenth according to Malachi 3:10, which speaks to the blessings in store for believers. The question is often asked, “Will a man rob God” (V8)? Who wants to given all He has done for humanity and everything belongs to Him. In reverencing to God we give back the first of what He has already given us. How do we advance the church spiritually? According to 2 Corinthians 7:1 we are to cleanse ourselves of all unholiness and resist sinful desires of the body (paraphrased). Then if we are committed to Christ and have accepted Him as our personal savior, the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, as He cannot resides in a filthy place; subsequently it behooves every believer to lead and live sanctified lives daily. We have the indwelling Holy Spirit to aid believers in advancing the church spiritually; the true church is the believer. Let’s discuss briefly advancing the church with our time and talents; time is contributing to a ministry of the church or our community as God has blessed each believer with a gift (talent) and each is to edify the body of Christ. Consider your body; each member (part) of the body serves in its designed function contributing to the entire body. The same principle applies to the church (body of Christ); each gift is given to work together in harmony for the church’s advancement.
Third, we are to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines (Hebrews, 10:25; Matthews 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Jude 3). Let’s pose a series of questions, what is worship? What are the church ordinances? What is discipline? And finally, what is doctrine? Worship is “reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary P 1065). A series of questions come to mind; when do we worship? Where do we worship? How do we worship? Is it in sincerity or superficially? How often do we worship? Take a self-analysis of your answers. An ordinance is “an authoritative decree or direction” (MwD p. 624). In religious settings and especially the Baptist faith ordinances are recognized as the Baptist Hiscox Guide and or the Articles of Faith. A discipline is defined “as self-control” (MWD p.252). Other denominations have authoritative decrees as a guide for their believers. Speaking on a spiritual note, how believers maintain self-discipline is with the aid of the Holy Spirit. The last question’s answer what is doctrine? Doctrine is teachings. Merriam- Webster (p.262) defines it as “strictly implies authoritative teaching accepted by a body of believers or adherents of a philosophy or school.” The secular and biblical definitions are parallel in their meanings.
From here we will segway to the fourth duty of the believer to the church, which is to give it pre-eminence in our lives (Matthew 6:33). What this means is to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first and allow Him to take care of our needs.
The fifth duty as a member to the church is to contribute cheerfully and regularly (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8: 6-7). We as believers should make giving a part of our worship being a blessing to others as God has blessed us. Why? Because our true blessings come from God and it is His desire that we follow Christ’s example set before us. He stated that “the poor we would have with us always.” Additionally, our giving should be in proportion to our income, meaning that believers should set aside God’s tenth first each pay as we do our mortgage and experience God’s continuous blessings. Furthermore, we must make a conscious decision to serve God with our time, not just our money (Matthews 6:24). Finally, giving increases our dedication to God (Matthews 6:21) and activate the work of God in our financial affairs (Luke 6:38). More importantly, our primary focus should be God’s righteousness and His kingdom instead of our material wealth. He promised to supply all our needs; He is the good shepherd.
The sixth and final duty as a member of his or her local church is, upon leaving one’s current church, then promptly join another church so the believer will remain active in church work wherever the person may live (see Acts 11:19-21; 18:24-28).
This concludes our discussion on members and church duties; our next topical discussion will be on personal Christian living as it relates to believers and the covenant.
First, we see that members are to walk together in Christian love, for God is love and we are to emulate Christ.
Second we are to strive for the advancement of the church by promoting its prosperity and spirituality (see Philippians 1:27; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Peter 3:11). How do we advance the church’s prosperity? The most familiar is giving of our time, talent and tithes. God requires one tenth according to Malachi 3:10, which speaks to the blessings in store for believers. The question is often asked, “Will a man rob God” (V8)? Who wants to given all He has done for humanity and everything belongs to Him. In reverencing to God we give back the first of what He has already given us. How do we advance the church spiritually? According to 2 Corinthians 7:1 we are to cleanse ourselves of all unholiness and resist sinful desires of the body (paraphrased). Then if we are committed to Christ and have accepted Him as our personal savior, the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, as He cannot resides in a filthy place; subsequently it behooves every believer to lead and live sanctified lives daily. We have the indwelling Holy Spirit to aid believers in advancing the church spiritually; the true church is the believer. Let’s discuss briefly advancing the church with our time and talents; time is contributing to a ministry of the church or our community as God has blessed each believer with a gift (talent) and each is to edify the body of Christ. Consider your body; each member (part) of the body serves in its designed function contributing to the entire body. The same principle applies to the church (body of Christ); each gift is given to work together in harmony for the church’s advancement.
Third, we are to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines (Hebrews, 10:25; Matthews 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Jude 3). Let’s pose a series of questions, what is worship? What are the church ordinances? What is discipline? And finally, what is doctrine? Worship is “reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary P 1065). A series of questions come to mind; when do we worship? Where do we worship? How do we worship? Is it in sincerity or superficially? How often do we worship? Take a self-analysis of your answers. An ordinance is “an authoritative decree or direction” (MwD p. 624). In religious settings and especially the Baptist faith ordinances are recognized as the Baptist Hiscox Guide and or the Articles of Faith. A discipline is defined “as self-control” (MWD p.252). Other denominations have authoritative decrees as a guide for their believers. Speaking on a spiritual note, how believers maintain self-discipline is with the aid of the Holy Spirit. The last question’s answer what is doctrine? Doctrine is teachings. Merriam- Webster (p.262) defines it as “strictly implies authoritative teaching accepted by a body of believers or adherents of a philosophy or school.” The secular and biblical definitions are parallel in their meanings.
From here we will segway to the fourth duty of the believer to the church, which is to give it pre-eminence in our lives (Matthew 6:33). What this means is to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first and allow Him to take care of our needs.
The fifth duty as a member to the church is to contribute cheerfully and regularly (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8: 6-7). We as believers should make giving a part of our worship being a blessing to others as God has blessed us. Why? Because our true blessings come from God and it is His desire that we follow Christ’s example set before us. He stated that “the poor we would have with us always.” Additionally, our giving should be in proportion to our income, meaning that believers should set aside God’s tenth first each pay as we do our mortgage and experience God’s continuous blessings. Furthermore, we must make a conscious decision to serve God with our time, not just our money (Matthews 6:24). Finally, giving increases our dedication to God (Matthews 6:21) and activate the work of God in our financial affairs (Luke 6:38). More importantly, our primary focus should be God’s righteousness and His kingdom instead of our material wealth. He promised to supply all our needs; He is the good shepherd.
The sixth and final duty as a member of his or her local church is, upon leaving one’s current church, then promptly join another church so the believer will remain active in church work wherever the person may live (see Acts 11:19-21; 18:24-28).
This concludes our discussion on members and church duties; our next topical discussion will be on personal Christian living as it relates to believers and the covenant.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Basis of the Covenant
The purpose of this article is to take an in-depth look at the covenant from four aspects in relationship to the believer and the church. Those aspects are (a) salvation and baptism, (b) members duties to the church, (c) members duties in personal Christian living and (d) duties to other members.
Allow the writer to begin this discussion with salvation and baptism (John 1:11-12; Matthew 28:19-20) by saying, once a person believe on the name Jesus and accept Him in faith we then become adopted sons of God. True faith, belief and trust in Jesus Christ and His atoning work on Calvary’s cross leads to salvation. However, salvation is initiated by God and given as a free gift out of His love for mankind. Upon receiving our free gift of salvation, we then are baptized with the Holy Spirit; our water baptism is symbolic of what has taken place between the believer and God. Being baptized with the Holy Spirit brings the believer into a right relationship with God. This means believers died to sin through Jesus’ death and was raised with Him to a new life. Salvation is our freedom from the bondage of sin. What’s next for new converts? Christian training occurs on how to live godly as believers are new creatures in Christ. After Christian training as new converts in our local church we are to obey the great commission as issued by Christ recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, believers are to bring others to Christ through our “teaching and baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” Believers must remember as a witness for Christ, we are not alone according to His promise; He is with us through the Holy Spirit; all fears, doubts and apprehensions are removed.
We will continue our covenant next week. Read comment and be blessed.
Allow the writer to begin this discussion with salvation and baptism (John 1:11-12; Matthew 28:19-20) by saying, once a person believe on the name Jesus and accept Him in faith we then become adopted sons of God. True faith, belief and trust in Jesus Christ and His atoning work on Calvary’s cross leads to salvation. However, salvation is initiated by God and given as a free gift out of His love for mankind. Upon receiving our free gift of salvation, we then are baptized with the Holy Spirit; our water baptism is symbolic of what has taken place between the believer and God. Being baptized with the Holy Spirit brings the believer into a right relationship with God. This means believers died to sin through Jesus’ death and was raised with Him to a new life. Salvation is our freedom from the bondage of sin. What’s next for new converts? Christian training occurs on how to live godly as believers are new creatures in Christ. After Christian training as new converts in our local church we are to obey the great commission as issued by Christ recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, believers are to bring others to Christ through our “teaching and baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” Believers must remember as a witness for Christ, we are not alone according to His promise; He is with us through the Holy Spirit; all fears, doubts and apprehensions are removed.
We will continue our covenant next week. Read comment and be blessed.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Jesus Christ our High Priest
Jesus Christ our High Priest
Hebrews 4:14-16; 8:1
March 30, 2008
In the Old Testament days believers would go to the priests in the holy of holiness and confess their sins who would in turn carry then to God; this all changed at Calvary during Jesus’ dying hours when the veil in the holy of holiness was torn from top to bottom. The meaning of this was Jesus Christ became our High Priest and believers could go direct to God through Jesus Christ in prayer with their problems. What led to Jesus becoming our high priest was believers required constant atoning for their sins by the priest offering animal sacrifices that covered sin, whereas with Jesus and Him being the perfect sacrifice, He blotted out believers sins. What a difference?
The attributes that qualifies Jesus to become our permanent high priest are (a) He is God’s Son (b) Jesus was without sin and He died the substitutionary death for our sins which required the shedding of His blood (c) Jesus returned to heaven where He is in the presence of His Father on the behalf of all believers who accept Him as their Saviour and mediator.
Jesus as our high priest has following ministries:
(a) He became all believers’ perfect sacrifice through His atoning blood at Calvary (see Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:15). Allow me for a moment to briefly discuss atonement; the Day of Atonement was a replicated symbolism pointing to the mediatorial ministry that Jesus would usher in with His death on Calvary’s cross. His atoning death removed the animal sacrifices that required unblemished animals. This practice was carried out by the Levi Priests once a year during the Old Testament era. The Day of Atonement proved to be insufficient in taking away sin because it only “cover over” sin whereas Jesus Christ atoning death permanently removes sin because He was without sin Himself. Jesus Christ being the perfect sacrifice turned away God’s wrath from humanity because “For all had sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Through Christ’s death humanity was reconciled back to God and our fellowship can be renewed with Him. We have looked at Jesus’ work as the perfect sacrifice and what is the meaning of atonement and His atoning work, we will segway to His ministry as mediator.
(b) Jesus as the mediator who initiated the new covenant one that gives believers continual access to God. If we define the word mediator, Merriam-Webster defines it, “that act as a go between” (p.550). Jesus’ role to act as a go between for man and God because humanity’s sins had caused a separation and broken fellowship between the two. The new covenant was internalized meaning it placed God’s moral laws in man’s hearts, with the aid of the Holy Spirit man will be able to keep God’s law. We see Jesus is the initiator and establisher of the new covenant which deals thoroughly with sin through His death at Calvary. Jesus’ main purpose was to reconcile man back to God and provide salvation to all who accept Him as their saviour. Finally, the meaning of covenant is “an agreement or a promise, last will and testament and a statement of intention to bestow divine grace and blessing on those who respond to God in sincere repentance an faith” (LSPBKJV). We will segway to Jesus’ ministry of bestowing grace.
(c) Jesus bestows God’s grace to all believers from heaven (Hebrews 4:14-16), thus regenerating us by pouring out the Holy Spirit upon all believers. Let’s look at two words grace and regeneration. Grace is God’s unmerited favor, which is giving us what we do not deserve. Regeneration is the believer’s “rebirth” or “to be born again.” Regeneration is an act initiated by God through the Holy Spirit operating in believers.
(d) Jesus as our mediator between God and man for all who have broken God’s law and seek forgiveness from sin.
(e) Unlike the Levi priests, Jesus priesthood is permanent; He sympathizes with believers’ temptations and aids them their needs (partial paraphrased KJV).
(f) Jesus lives forever. He is continually making intercession for believers who come to Him in sincere prayer.
In closing this dialogue, Jesus as our High Priest who understands all our pain has made it possible to boldly petition God’s throne of grace and make our requests known. Simply dial 1 for the Father, 1 for the Son and 1 for the Holy Spirit; an answer is guaranteed. What a High Priest
Hebrews 4:14-16; 8:1
March 30, 2008
In the Old Testament days believers would go to the priests in the holy of holiness and confess their sins who would in turn carry then to God; this all changed at Calvary during Jesus’ dying hours when the veil in the holy of holiness was torn from top to bottom. The meaning of this was Jesus Christ became our High Priest and believers could go direct to God through Jesus Christ in prayer with their problems. What led to Jesus becoming our high priest was believers required constant atoning for their sins by the priest offering animal sacrifices that covered sin, whereas with Jesus and Him being the perfect sacrifice, He blotted out believers sins. What a difference?
The attributes that qualifies Jesus to become our permanent high priest are (a) He is God’s Son (b) Jesus was without sin and He died the substitutionary death for our sins which required the shedding of His blood (c) Jesus returned to heaven where He is in the presence of His Father on the behalf of all believers who accept Him as their Saviour and mediator.
Jesus as our high priest has following ministries:
(a) He became all believers’ perfect sacrifice through His atoning blood at Calvary (see Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:15). Allow me for a moment to briefly discuss atonement; the Day of Atonement was a replicated symbolism pointing to the mediatorial ministry that Jesus would usher in with His death on Calvary’s cross. His atoning death removed the animal sacrifices that required unblemished animals. This practice was carried out by the Levi Priests once a year during the Old Testament era. The Day of Atonement proved to be insufficient in taking away sin because it only “cover over” sin whereas Jesus Christ atoning death permanently removes sin because He was without sin Himself. Jesus Christ being the perfect sacrifice turned away God’s wrath from humanity because “For all had sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Through Christ’s death humanity was reconciled back to God and our fellowship can be renewed with Him. We have looked at Jesus’ work as the perfect sacrifice and what is the meaning of atonement and His atoning work, we will segway to His ministry as mediator.
(b) Jesus as the mediator who initiated the new covenant one that gives believers continual access to God. If we define the word mediator, Merriam-Webster defines it, “that act as a go between” (p.550). Jesus’ role to act as a go between for man and God because humanity’s sins had caused a separation and broken fellowship between the two. The new covenant was internalized meaning it placed God’s moral laws in man’s hearts, with the aid of the Holy Spirit man will be able to keep God’s law. We see Jesus is the initiator and establisher of the new covenant which deals thoroughly with sin through His death at Calvary. Jesus’ main purpose was to reconcile man back to God and provide salvation to all who accept Him as their saviour. Finally, the meaning of covenant is “an agreement or a promise, last will and testament and a statement of intention to bestow divine grace and blessing on those who respond to God in sincere repentance an faith” (LSPBKJV). We will segway to Jesus’ ministry of bestowing grace.
(c) Jesus bestows God’s grace to all believers from heaven (Hebrews 4:14-16), thus regenerating us by pouring out the Holy Spirit upon all believers. Let’s look at two words grace and regeneration. Grace is God’s unmerited favor, which is giving us what we do not deserve. Regeneration is the believer’s “rebirth” or “to be born again.” Regeneration is an act initiated by God through the Holy Spirit operating in believers.
(d) Jesus as our mediator between God and man for all who have broken God’s law and seek forgiveness from sin.
(e) Unlike the Levi priests, Jesus priesthood is permanent; He sympathizes with believers’ temptations and aids them their needs (partial paraphrased KJV).
(f) Jesus lives forever. He is continually making intercession for believers who come to Him in sincere prayer.
In closing this dialogue, Jesus as our High Priest who understands all our pain has made it possible to boldly petition God’s throne of grace and make our requests known. Simply dial 1 for the Father, 1 for the Son and 1 for the Holy Spirit; an answer is guaranteed. What a High Priest
Easter
Colossians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 3:18; Matthew 27:50-53
What does Easter mean you? Does it mean pretty clothes, plenty of good food with friends and neighbors, attending Easter parades, or attending early morning worship services? Does it mean taking a reflective look at what the Lord Jesus done for humanity?
Well, let’s look at what Jesus done for humanity out of love for us in complete obedience to His father. Just last (Psalm) Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an untamed donkey and the crowd cried Hosanna and spreaded their garment in His path, but on that Friday that same crowd cried crucify Him. This meant they took our Saviour to an unjust court and found Him guilty of unjust sins; however, the crowd wanted Jesus crucified instead of Barabbas, the guilty one. This was in God’s plan to bring salvation to His people.
According to Colossians 2:13,14 God have forgiven us for all our sins and blotted out the hand writing of the ordinances(Law of Moses) for everything that was against us (paraphrased) This was done through Jesus’ death on Calvary’s cross. 1 Peter 3:18 reminds us how Christ suffered for humanity’s sins reconciling us back to God. The reconciliation process was performed at Calvary and the many hours our Saviour suffered atrocious pain in our place is enough to make us eternally grateful. Through it all, our Saviour hung there; “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried in a loud voice, My God, my God, Why hast thou forsaken me (Matthew 27:46). It was about this time that Jesus experience separation from God, the Father, as the sinners’ substitute. Jesus was the perfect sacrificial lamb required by God. God had to turn His back on His Son because He could not look on sin and the Son had taken on the sins of the world and this was the first time the Son had been forsaken by His father. Another school of thought is that Jesus became the forsaken so that humanity would never be forsaken. What love? This means we are redeemed by the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Allow the author to move to the tenth and final suffering of Jesus Christ, which is where He says, “It is finish,” (John 19:30) signifies that Jesus’ redemptive works was complete. Humanity’s debt was marked paid in full and the plan of salvation established. Scripture tell us that at this time Jesus prayed His final prayer, which was, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Matthew 27:51 tell us that the veils were torn from top to bottom, meaning that we can go to God in prayer for ourselves for all who believe in Jesus Christ. Another mighty event occurred that day was an earthquake and even the rocks did rent. O! What an event?
I have often heard ministers refer to this event as the earth “reeling and rocking as a drunken man,” or “the earth getting drunk that Friday.” However it is referred it was a spectular event, all under God, the Father’s control. Also, history bares record that the sun refused to shine during Christ’s dying hours and it became dark as midnight at high noon.
One may think the above event was enough to say glory, wait; verses 52 and 53 speak of the graves opening and the saints rose and went into the holy city of Jerusalem after His resurrection. What does this tell us about our resurrection? Just as those saints rose after Jesus’ resurrection, we will rise when He returns for all those who believe in Him. We died with Him on Friday and rose with Him on Sunday morning. Therefore, Easter/Resurrection Sunday underscores two important meanings in the believer’s life, (1) Resurrection Sunday is the culmination of God’s plan on the earth to free the world of sin, (2) it underscores the fact that Christ’s resurrection assures us of eternal life (Townsend Press Sunday School Publishing Board). Has He risen in your life?
Praises! Christ is alive. He rose with all power in His hand.
What does Easter mean you? Does it mean pretty clothes, plenty of good food with friends and neighbors, attending Easter parades, or attending early morning worship services? Does it mean taking a reflective look at what the Lord Jesus done for humanity?
Well, let’s look at what Jesus done for humanity out of love for us in complete obedience to His father. Just last (Psalm) Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an untamed donkey and the crowd cried Hosanna and spreaded their garment in His path, but on that Friday that same crowd cried crucify Him. This meant they took our Saviour to an unjust court and found Him guilty of unjust sins; however, the crowd wanted Jesus crucified instead of Barabbas, the guilty one. This was in God’s plan to bring salvation to His people.
According to Colossians 2:13,14 God have forgiven us for all our sins and blotted out the hand writing of the ordinances(Law of Moses) for everything that was against us (paraphrased) This was done through Jesus’ death on Calvary’s cross. 1 Peter 3:18 reminds us how Christ suffered for humanity’s sins reconciling us back to God. The reconciliation process was performed at Calvary and the many hours our Saviour suffered atrocious pain in our place is enough to make us eternally grateful. Through it all, our Saviour hung there; “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried in a loud voice, My God, my God, Why hast thou forsaken me (Matthew 27:46). It was about this time that Jesus experience separation from God, the Father, as the sinners’ substitute. Jesus was the perfect sacrificial lamb required by God. God had to turn His back on His Son because He could not look on sin and the Son had taken on the sins of the world and this was the first time the Son had been forsaken by His father. Another school of thought is that Jesus became the forsaken so that humanity would never be forsaken. What love? This means we are redeemed by the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Allow the author to move to the tenth and final suffering of Jesus Christ, which is where He says, “It is finish,” (John 19:30) signifies that Jesus’ redemptive works was complete. Humanity’s debt was marked paid in full and the plan of salvation established. Scripture tell us that at this time Jesus prayed His final prayer, which was, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Matthew 27:51 tell us that the veils were torn from top to bottom, meaning that we can go to God in prayer for ourselves for all who believe in Jesus Christ. Another mighty event occurred that day was an earthquake and even the rocks did rent. O! What an event?
I have often heard ministers refer to this event as the earth “reeling and rocking as a drunken man,” or “the earth getting drunk that Friday.” However it is referred it was a spectular event, all under God, the Father’s control. Also, history bares record that the sun refused to shine during Christ’s dying hours and it became dark as midnight at high noon.
One may think the above event was enough to say glory, wait; verses 52 and 53 speak of the graves opening and the saints rose and went into the holy city of Jerusalem after His resurrection. What does this tell us about our resurrection? Just as those saints rose after Jesus’ resurrection, we will rise when He returns for all those who believe in Him. We died with Him on Friday and rose with Him on Sunday morning. Therefore, Easter/Resurrection Sunday underscores two important meanings in the believer’s life, (1) Resurrection Sunday is the culmination of God’s plan on the earth to free the world of sin, (2) it underscores the fact that Christ’s resurrection assures us of eternal life (Townsend Press Sunday School Publishing Board). Has He risen in your life?
Praises! Christ is alive. He rose with all power in His hand.
Jesus, The King’s Triumphal entry into Jerusalem
Zechariah 9:9; Mark 11:1-11
Psalm Sunday, March 16, 2008
As we approach one of the most celebrated holy days in our culture; there were two events leading up to that day, one is called Psalm Sunday where believers/Christians worldwide pay respects to Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem riding on an untamed donkey and the crowd shouting “Hosanna in the highest.” The crowd was spreading psalm branches and clothing making way for the King riding on His lowly colt displaying humility and true servant ship. The other major event that occurred the same week was this same crowd that praised Jesus cried crucify him.
The crowd misunderstood Jesus’ coming even though He had been prophesied by the Old Testament prophets many centuries earlier. The crowd wanted and believed Jesus; the Messiah would restore Israel to its promances thus establishing His earthly kingdom. This prophecy will be fulfilled upon Jesus’ second coming. Upon realizing that Jesus was not the Messiah they expected became an angry mob cried “Crucify Him.” They played a part in prophecy being fulfilled. Why, because all of the events which occurred that week was prophesied by the Old Testaments prophets.
Let’s examine Zechariah 9:9 while remembering what happened in our New Testament scripture text (Mark 11:1-11). First, the prophet Zechariah tells the nation to rejoice and then he tells them how to rejoice, “Greatly.” Second, the prophet tells the people to “shout” with a loud voice (paraphrased), “O daughter of Jerusalem: behold.” The world “behold” means wait, something of significance is about to happen. Third, Zechariah leaves no doubt as to what happens next, “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.” There was reason to shout for joy because the long awaited Messiah was riding into to town on an ass as predicted one who had never been ridden before. Jesus, the Messiah was bringing salvation to the world. Furthermore, He is just in all His dealings with humanity.
Let’s look at our scripture text from a humility point of view; Jesus is the King, and He could have arrived in Jerusalem in royal splendor, instead He chose humility by riding on an untamed colt. Jesus entered the city in this fashion telling the world He was (a) the promised Messiah and Saviour of the world, (b) and ready to die on the cross for humanity’s sins. He emptied Himself of His deity to suffer human limitations, misunderstandings, ill-treatments, and yes the cruel death on the cross. Throughout Christ’s earthly ministry, He maintained His divine nature because He was and is still God.
Christ is the only person to have two natures human and divine. It was easy for the people of His day to fail in grasping the full magnitude of just who Christ really was because from all appearance He looked like just another man. He was a masterful teacher and healer. People quickly forget the many miracles Jesus performed authenticating His divine identity. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day held their mock trial only to find Him guilty of no sin; still the people chose Jesus instead of Barabbas, the guilty one. Throughout this ordeal Jesus displayed humility, fulfilling prophecy. Reflect with me if you will on the humiliating our Saviour suffered at the hands of His mockers, even while He hanged on the cross. Yes, Jesus was triumphal in His entry into Jerusalem, in His victory over death, and sin providing salvation to mankind. When Jesus’ first entered Jerusalem, He was riding a colt, the second time He will be coming in His glory and everyone will know He is the King. In retrospect, each of Jesus’ entries into Jerusalem was and will be triumphal because He is the King whether it is in humility riding a donkey or in a blaze of glory riding a white horse.
Finally, the week preceding resurrection Sunday is considered Passion Week, take a reflective moment and consider the pain our Lord suffered for man’s sins, and then ask isn’t Jesus worthy to be the King? Let’s retrace Jesus’ passageway, He stopped in Jerusalem on His way to Calvary, died on the cross; and then rose Sunday morning. Have you made Him Lord of your life? Has Jesus entered “the Jerusalem” of your heart? Have you accepted Jesus as your Saviour? We have victory in Jesus. All hail the King Jesus Christ!
Psalm Sunday, March 16, 2008
As we approach one of the most celebrated holy days in our culture; there were two events leading up to that day, one is called Psalm Sunday where believers/Christians worldwide pay respects to Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem riding on an untamed donkey and the crowd shouting “Hosanna in the highest.” The crowd was spreading psalm branches and clothing making way for the King riding on His lowly colt displaying humility and true servant ship. The other major event that occurred the same week was this same crowd that praised Jesus cried crucify him.
The crowd misunderstood Jesus’ coming even though He had been prophesied by the Old Testament prophets many centuries earlier. The crowd wanted and believed Jesus; the Messiah would restore Israel to its promances thus establishing His earthly kingdom. This prophecy will be fulfilled upon Jesus’ second coming. Upon realizing that Jesus was not the Messiah they expected became an angry mob cried “Crucify Him.” They played a part in prophecy being fulfilled. Why, because all of the events which occurred that week was prophesied by the Old Testaments prophets.
Let’s examine Zechariah 9:9 while remembering what happened in our New Testament scripture text (Mark 11:1-11). First, the prophet Zechariah tells the nation to rejoice and then he tells them how to rejoice, “Greatly.” Second, the prophet tells the people to “shout” with a loud voice (paraphrased), “O daughter of Jerusalem: behold.” The world “behold” means wait, something of significance is about to happen. Third, Zechariah leaves no doubt as to what happens next, “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.” There was reason to shout for joy because the long awaited Messiah was riding into to town on an ass as predicted one who had never been ridden before. Jesus, the Messiah was bringing salvation to the world. Furthermore, He is just in all His dealings with humanity.
Let’s look at our scripture text from a humility point of view; Jesus is the King, and He could have arrived in Jerusalem in royal splendor, instead He chose humility by riding on an untamed colt. Jesus entered the city in this fashion telling the world He was (a) the promised Messiah and Saviour of the world, (b) and ready to die on the cross for humanity’s sins. He emptied Himself of His deity to suffer human limitations, misunderstandings, ill-treatments, and yes the cruel death on the cross. Throughout Christ’s earthly ministry, He maintained His divine nature because He was and is still God.
Christ is the only person to have two natures human and divine. It was easy for the people of His day to fail in grasping the full magnitude of just who Christ really was because from all appearance He looked like just another man. He was a masterful teacher and healer. People quickly forget the many miracles Jesus performed authenticating His divine identity. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day held their mock trial only to find Him guilty of no sin; still the people chose Jesus instead of Barabbas, the guilty one. Throughout this ordeal Jesus displayed humility, fulfilling prophecy. Reflect with me if you will on the humiliating our Saviour suffered at the hands of His mockers, even while He hanged on the cross. Yes, Jesus was triumphal in His entry into Jerusalem, in His victory over death, and sin providing salvation to mankind. When Jesus’ first entered Jerusalem, He was riding a colt, the second time He will be coming in His glory and everyone will know He is the King. In retrospect, each of Jesus’ entries into Jerusalem was and will be triumphal because He is the King whether it is in humility riding a donkey or in a blaze of glory riding a white horse.
Finally, the week preceding resurrection Sunday is considered Passion Week, take a reflective moment and consider the pain our Lord suffered for man’s sins, and then ask isn’t Jesus worthy to be the King? Let’s retrace Jesus’ passageway, He stopped in Jerusalem on His way to Calvary, died on the cross; and then rose Sunday morning. Have you made Him Lord of your life? Has Jesus entered “the Jerusalem” of your heart? Have you accepted Jesus as your Saviour? We have victory in Jesus. All hail the King Jesus Christ!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)