I want to look into Divine Excellencies today to hear what GOD has to say about those who are Saints in the standing. But first what does Pastor Hoekstra has to say about Grace and our living by Grace daily. Then with the use of the ESV I will look into the targeted subject area and as always should the LORD given me utterance I will edited there and then.
"In Christ, a New Creation"
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a New Creation." (Galatians 6:15)
"In the relationship we have with the LORD through the New Covenant of Grace, there is Intimacy, fullness of Life, spiritual victory, and so much more. These blessings (that are not available to those who are related still to Adam) are aspects of the New Life that comes to New Creatures "in Christ."
"In Christ," everything is so different from how it was "in Adam." The family of man, having only natural life from Adam, puts great significance in human heritage or personal inclinations. Whether a person is a Hebrew or a Gentile can be of enormous consequence to many among the unredeemed community. Whether a person is religiously inclined or secularly motivated avails much with many unsaved people. On the other hand, those who have been brought into spiritual union with Christ can learn that GOD's perspective on such matters is vastly different. "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything."
In the kingdom of heaven, these distinctions among the sons of Adam mean nothing. Human differences do not cause the work of GOD or the Will of GOD to be advanced or prevented. They avail nothing. What matters for all who are "in Christ Jesus" is not a "human category," "but a New Creation."
When we come to know Christ by Grace through faith, He gives us the promised new birth. "Blessed be the GOD and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, Who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again" (1Peter 1:3). We are created anew. We become a new spiritual being before the LORD. We have "put on the new man" (Colossians 3:10). In this heavenly kingdom of new men and women, "there is neither Greek nor Hebrew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is All and in all" (Colossians 3:11). All that ultimately matters is that the LORD Jesus Christ dwells in all of His people, and He is wants to be all that they will ever need. All that matters is the Spirit of Christ is the living water that we have begun to partake of and that He makes us One. "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into One Body — whether Hebrews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and have all been made to drink into One Spirit" (1Corinthians 12:13). Any person in any human category who will cry out to the LORD in faith can experience this richness. "For there is no distinction between Hebrew and Greek, for the same LORD over all is rich to all who call upon Him" (Romans 10:12).
Divine Excellencies Characteristics of the New Creation:
Job 37:21-24 "And now no one looks on the light when it is bright in the skies, when the wind has passed and cleared them. Out of the north comes golden splendor; God is clothed with awesome majesty. The Almighty—we cannot find Him; HE is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness HE will not violate. Therefore men fear (reverence and revere) Him; HE does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit."
Psalm 8:1 "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, You have established strength because of Your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger."
Isaiah 12:1-6 "You will say in that day: "I will give thanks to You, O LORD, for though You were angry with me, Your anger turned away, that You might comfort me. "Behold, GOD is my salvation; I will trust Him, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and HE has become my Salvation." With joy you (I) will draw water from the wells of Salvation. And you will say in that day: "Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the peoples, proclaim that His name is exalted. "Sing praises to the LORD, for HE has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."
Isaiah 28:23-29 "Give ear, and hear my voice; give attention, and hear my speech. Does he who plows for sowing plow continually? Does he continually open and harrow his ground? When he has leveled its surface, does he not scatter dill, sow cumin, and put in wheat in rows and barley in its proper place, and emmer as the border? For he is rightly instructed; his God teaches him. Dill is not threshed with a threshing sledge, nor is a cart wheel rolled over cumin, but dill is beaten out with a stick, and cumin with a rod. Does one crush grain for bread? No, he does not thresh it forever; when he drives his cart wheel over it with his horses, he does not crush it. This also comes from the LORD of Hosts; HE is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom."
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (the Righteous are Saints before GOD)
I am on the subject of the common man becoming the promised Righteousness of GOD, a Saint before HIM. To acquire this standing requires our being of HIS Perfection just as the Ascended LORD, Christ Jesus was and is. But first things first Pastor Hoekstra's writing on the Grace found in Christ the anointed one Who is to be our anointing. I will turn to the ESV translation to accomplish this again and when the LORD my anointing gives me utterance I will interject His words to me.
"Reigning in Life through Christ"
"For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive Abundance of Grace and of the Gift of Righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17)
"The LORD wants us to grow in the magnificent blessing of living victoriously through Him. Having a triumphant Christian walk can only be realized from a developing acquaintanceship with the Ascended LORD, because we are only able to "reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Who was first possessed in the character and nature of Adam in Genesis 2. It was this that man lost in Genesis 3 in the rebellion of Genesis 3, rebellion being disobedience to GODS spoken word of Genesis 1:28 and 2:16-17.
Significant spiritual issues are set against a victorious Life: "By the one man's offense death reigned through the one." Because of Adam's sin, spiritual deadness ruled over the family of man, mans head, chief leader and spiritual partner, had changed from GOD to Satan in the action of his disobedience. The enemy of men's souls uses this deadness to dominate and destroy lives. Elsewhere, Jesus likened him to a thief. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" (John 10:10). This is why lives, households, and nations experience such deadly defeats and crushing failure. A tyrant dictator, "death," dominates all lives that are only born once in Adam. They can only draw upon Adam's fallen, sinful, inadequate rebellious life source.
A new and greater resource is needed and is found only in Christ. "Much more those who receive Abundance of Grace and of the Gift of Righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." These heavenly provisions are "much more" than is needed to replace the defeats of Adam with the victories of Christ. The resources are two-fold: "Abundance of Grace and of the Gift of Righteousness."
One of these two is possessed by every believer in Christ: "the Gift of Righteousness." This is the Righteousness of the Lord Jesus, given to us by faith. That allows us to stand accepted before a Holy GOD: "found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the Righteousness which is from GOD by faith" (Philippians 3:9). Every believer has this Gift, but not every believer is victorious. Primarily because a lack of trust in this great Truth caused by the misunderstanding within the worlds churches, fleshly church, that receive only the letter of the Law in its literal sense. In other words it denies the power (authority) of the Holy Spirit to be in operation within it. Thusly grieving the Holy Spirit of GOD.
Thus, the key variable is to be receiving "Abundance of Grace." Every Christian has been the recipient of grace. Yet, many of GOD's people do not live day by day by Grace. They walk according to the flesh, thereby drawing upon Adam's natural bankrupt resources. Remember, living by (in) Grace involves humility and faith. GOD "gives Grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Likewise, through Jesus," we have access by faith into this Grace in which we stand" (Romans 5:2).
GODS Divine Perfection:
Deuteronomy 32:1-6 and 2Samuel 22:31 "Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our GOD! "The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is HE. They have dealt corruptly with Him; they are no longer His children because they are blemished; they are a crooked and twisted generation. Do you thus repay the LORD, you foolish and senseless people? Is not HE your father, Who created you, Who made you and established you?"
2Samuel 22:20-33 "He brought me out into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delights in me. "The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands He rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my GOD. For all His rules were before me, and from His statutes I did not turn aside. I was blameless before Him, and I kept myself from guilt. And the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in His sight. "With the merciful You show Yourself merciful; with the blameless man You show Yourself blameless; with the purified You deal purely, and with the crooked You make Yourself seem tortuous. You save a humble people, but Your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down. For You are my lamp, O LORD, and my GOD lightens my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, and by my GOD I can leap over a wall. This GOD—His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. "For who is God, but the LORD? And Who is a rock, except our GOD? This GOD is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless."
Psalm 18:30-36 "This God—His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. For who is GOD, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our GOD?—the GOD who equips me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of Your Salvation, and Your right hand supports me, and Your gentleness made me great. You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip."
Ecclesiastes 3:12-15 "I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is GOD's gift to man. I perceived that whatever GOD does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. GOD has done it, so that people fear, bow reverently, before Him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and GOD seeks what has been driven away."
Matthew 5:43-48 (Jesus is speaking) "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father Who is in heaven. For HE makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain (Grace) on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
"Reigning in Life through Christ"
"For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive Abundance of Grace and of the Gift of Righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17)
"The LORD wants us to grow in the magnificent blessing of living victoriously through Him. Having a triumphant Christian walk can only be realized from a developing acquaintanceship with the Ascended LORD, because we are only able to "reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Who was first possessed in the character and nature of Adam in Genesis 2. It was this that man lost in Genesis 3 in the rebellion of Genesis 3, rebellion being disobedience to GODS spoken word of Genesis 1:28 and 2:16-17.
Significant spiritual issues are set against a victorious Life: "By the one man's offense death reigned through the one." Because of Adam's sin, spiritual deadness ruled over the family of man, mans head, chief leader and spiritual partner, had changed from GOD to Satan in the action of his disobedience. The enemy of men's souls uses this deadness to dominate and destroy lives. Elsewhere, Jesus likened him to a thief. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" (John 10:10). This is why lives, households, and nations experience such deadly defeats and crushing failure. A tyrant dictator, "death," dominates all lives that are only born once in Adam. They can only draw upon Adam's fallen, sinful, inadequate rebellious life source.
A new and greater resource is needed and is found only in Christ. "Much more those who receive Abundance of Grace and of the Gift of Righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." These heavenly provisions are "much more" than is needed to replace the defeats of Adam with the victories of Christ. The resources are two-fold: "Abundance of Grace and of the Gift of Righteousness."
One of these two is possessed by every believer in Christ: "the Gift of Righteousness." This is the Righteousness of the Lord Jesus, given to us by faith. That allows us to stand accepted before a Holy GOD: "found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the Righteousness which is from GOD by faith" (Philippians 3:9). Every believer has this Gift, but not every believer is victorious. Primarily because a lack of trust in this great Truth caused by the misunderstanding within the worlds churches, fleshly church, that receive only the letter of the Law in its literal sense. In other words it denies the power (authority) of the Holy Spirit to be in operation within it. Thusly grieving the Holy Spirit of GOD.
Thus, the key variable is to be receiving "Abundance of Grace." Every Christian has been the recipient of grace. Yet, many of GOD's people do not live day by day by Grace. They walk according to the flesh, thereby drawing upon Adam's natural bankrupt resources. Remember, living by (in) Grace involves humility and faith. GOD "gives Grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Likewise, through Jesus," we have access by faith into this Grace in which we stand" (Romans 5:2).
GODS Divine Perfection:
Deuteronomy 32:1-6 and 2Samuel 22:31 "Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our GOD! "The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is HE. They have dealt corruptly with Him; they are no longer His children because they are blemished; they are a crooked and twisted generation. Do you thus repay the LORD, you foolish and senseless people? Is not HE your father, Who created you, Who made you and established you?"
2Samuel 22:20-33 "He brought me out into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delights in me. "The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands He rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my GOD. For all His rules were before me, and from His statutes I did not turn aside. I was blameless before Him, and I kept myself from guilt. And the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in His sight. "With the merciful You show Yourself merciful; with the blameless man You show Yourself blameless; with the purified You deal purely, and with the crooked You make Yourself seem tortuous. You save a humble people, but Your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down. For You are my lamp, O LORD, and my GOD lightens my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, and by my GOD I can leap over a wall. This GOD—His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. "For who is God, but the LORD? And Who is a rock, except our GOD? This GOD is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless."
Psalm 18:30-36 "This God—His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. For who is GOD, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our GOD?—the GOD who equips me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of Your Salvation, and Your right hand supports me, and Your gentleness made me great. You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip."
Ecclesiastes 3:12-15 "I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is GOD's gift to man. I perceived that whatever GOD does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. GOD has done it, so that people fear, bow reverently, before Him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and GOD seeks what has been driven away."
Matthew 5:43-48 (Jesus is speaking) "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father Who is in heaven. For HE makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain (Grace) on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (the Righteous are Saints before GOD)
How many have committed themselves to pursuing after GOD or how about this, striving after GOD? I will at a look into this in this post. But first Pastor Hoekstra's writing on Grace. And the I will make use of the ESV translation and as always when the LORD gives me an inspiration I will add it.
"Death In Adam or Life In Christ"
"For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive." (1Corinthians 15:21-22)
"The New Covenant of Grace is a covenant of Relationship restored. Spiritual death through Adam made the Covenant of Grace necessary. Restored Spiritual life through Christ makes Intimacy with GOD possible. Every human who has ever existed inherited a sinful, fallen, earthly life from Adam: "by man came death." Every person who has ever put their faith in Christ has received from Him a righteous, risen, heavenly Life: "by Man [i.e., Jesus] also came the resurrection of the dead." This is Promised in Genesis 3:15.
Adam began with Intimacy with His Creator. "And the LORD GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of Life; and man became a Living being . . . Then the LORD GOD took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it" (Genesis 2:7, 15). In the garden, Adam served the LORD and had fellowship with Him, when He would walk "in the garden in the cool of the day" (Genesis 3:8).
Adam could partake freely of all that was in the garden, except for one tree. "Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die" (Genesis 2:17). For Adam, as for all of his race, "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). The day that Adam and Eve disobeyed and ate of the forbidden fruit, they died spiritually. From then mans spirit no longer was intimate with his Creator GOD. "And they heard the sound of the LORD GOD walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD GOD among the trees of the garden" (Genesis 3:8). Whereas they had enjoyed intimacy with LORD, they now fled from His presence. Ever after, the natural children of Adam would begin there existence "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesian 2:1). Adam changed his, mankind's, family head from the LORD to Satan in his rebellion.
The only remedy for the spiritually dead human family would be through a restored relationship to their first "family head." "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned . . . if by the one man's offense many died, much more the Grace of GOD and the gift by the Grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many" (Romans 5:12, 15). There are only two families to which humanity can belong: Adam's or Christ's. There are only two family head's to which anyone can be related: Adam or Christ. Adam passed along spiritual death to his offspring. Christ gives to His own Life Eternal, Life abundant — all by His glorious Grace."
The Duty of Striving for Perfection:
Genesis 17:1-8, and Deuteronomy 18:13, 1Kings 8:61 "When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I AM GOD Almighty; walk before ME, and be blameless, that I may make My Covenant between Me and you, and may multiply you greatly." Then Abram fell on his face. And GOD said to him, "Behold, My Covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I Will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I Will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I Will establish My Covenant between Me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be GOD to you and to your offspring after you. And I Will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I Will be their GOD."
(The last five words are the key to being counted as One with the LORD GOD again as His inheritance forever. As seen in Psalm 2.)
Deuteronomy 18:9-1 "When you come into the land that the LORD your GOD is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter (the hidden meaning of Easter) as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God, for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do this."
1Kings 8:56-61 "Blessed be the LORD Who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that HE promised. Not one word has failed of all His good promises, which He spoke by Moses His servant. The LORD our God be with us, as HE was with our fathers. May HE not leave us or forsake us, that HE may incline our hearts to Him, to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His rules, which HE commanded our fathers. Let these words of mine, with which I have pleaded before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, and may HE maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day requires, that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is GOD; there is no other. Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the LORD our GOD, walking in His statutes and keeping His commandments, as at this day."
Matthew 5:43-8 (Jesus is speaking) "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father Who is in heaven. For HE makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
2Corinthians 13:11-13, 14 "Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the GOD of Love and Peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.
The Grace of the LORD, Jesus Christ and the Love of GOD and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
Ephesians 4:7-16 and Philippians 3:15 "But Grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's Gift. Therefore it says, "When HE ascended on high HE led a host of captives (in Matthew 27:52-54 and Colossians 1:15-20), and HE gave gifts (Acts 2:1-4 and Psalm 68:18) to men." (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that HE had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He Who descended is the one Who also ascended far above all the heavens, that HE might fill all things.) And HE gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of GOD, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes (of mans religions and denominationalisms which divide GODS House). Rather, speaking the Truth in Love, we are to grow up in every way into Him Who is the Head, into Christ, from (through, in) Whom the whole Body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the Body Grow so that it builds itself up in (GODS selfless) Love."
Philippians 3:12-16 "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of GOD in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, GOD will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained."
Colossians 1:24-29 and 2Timothy 3:17 "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of His Body, that is, the Church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from GOD that was given to me for you, to make the word of GOD fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His Saints. To them GOD chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that HE powerfully works within me."
2Timothy 3:10-17 "You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the LORD rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived (this is the false churches of this world who hinder and destroy mankind keeping them spiritually dead and children of Satan by his lusts). But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from Whom you learned it (Matthew 11:29's question) and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for Salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by GOD and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of GOD may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Hebrews 6:1-12 and 13:21 "Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of Repentance from dead works and of faith toward GOD, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if GOD permits. For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly Gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit,
Heb 6:5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of GOD to their own harm and holding Him up to contempt (these are called the wicked ones, the blasphemers and mockers of GOD, spoken of in Ezekiel 22:5). For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing (Grace) from GOD. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned. Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to Salvation. For GOD is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for HIS name in serving the Saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now may the GOD of Peace Who brought again from the dead our LORD Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the Blood of the Eternal Covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do HIS Will, working in us that which is pleasing in HIS sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
James 1:2-4 and 1Peter 5:10 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
1Peter 5:6-11 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of GOD so that at the proper time HE may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because HE cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the GOD of all Grace, Who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself Restore, Confirm, Strengthen, and Establish you. To HIM be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
"Death In Adam or Life In Christ"
"For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive." (1Corinthians 15:21-22)
"The New Covenant of Grace is a covenant of Relationship restored. Spiritual death through Adam made the Covenant of Grace necessary. Restored Spiritual life through Christ makes Intimacy with GOD possible. Every human who has ever existed inherited a sinful, fallen, earthly life from Adam: "by man came death." Every person who has ever put their faith in Christ has received from Him a righteous, risen, heavenly Life: "by Man [i.e., Jesus] also came the resurrection of the dead." This is Promised in Genesis 3:15.
Adam began with Intimacy with His Creator. "And the LORD GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of Life; and man became a Living being . . . Then the LORD GOD took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it" (Genesis 2:7, 15). In the garden, Adam served the LORD and had fellowship with Him, when He would walk "in the garden in the cool of the day" (Genesis 3:8).
Adam could partake freely of all that was in the garden, except for one tree. "Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die" (Genesis 2:17). For Adam, as for all of his race, "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). The day that Adam and Eve disobeyed and ate of the forbidden fruit, they died spiritually. From then mans spirit no longer was intimate with his Creator GOD. "And they heard the sound of the LORD GOD walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD GOD among the trees of the garden" (Genesis 3:8). Whereas they had enjoyed intimacy with LORD, they now fled from His presence. Ever after, the natural children of Adam would begin there existence "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesian 2:1). Adam changed his, mankind's, family head from the LORD to Satan in his rebellion.
The only remedy for the spiritually dead human family would be through a restored relationship to their first "family head." "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned . . . if by the one man's offense many died, much more the Grace of GOD and the gift by the Grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many" (Romans 5:12, 15). There are only two families to which humanity can belong: Adam's or Christ's. There are only two family head's to which anyone can be related: Adam or Christ. Adam passed along spiritual death to his offspring. Christ gives to His own Life Eternal, Life abundant — all by His glorious Grace."
The Duty of Striving for Perfection:
Genesis 17:1-8, and Deuteronomy 18:13, 1Kings 8:61 "When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I AM GOD Almighty; walk before ME, and be blameless, that I may make My Covenant between Me and you, and may multiply you greatly." Then Abram fell on his face. And GOD said to him, "Behold, My Covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I Will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I Will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I Will establish My Covenant between Me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be GOD to you and to your offspring after you. And I Will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I Will be their GOD."
(The last five words are the key to being counted as One with the LORD GOD again as His inheritance forever. As seen in Psalm 2.)
Deuteronomy 18:9-1 "When you come into the land that the LORD your GOD is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter (the hidden meaning of Easter) as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God, for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do this."
1Kings 8:56-61 "Blessed be the LORD Who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that HE promised. Not one word has failed of all His good promises, which He spoke by Moses His servant. The LORD our God be with us, as HE was with our fathers. May HE not leave us or forsake us, that HE may incline our hearts to Him, to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His rules, which HE commanded our fathers. Let these words of mine, with which I have pleaded before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, and may HE maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day requires, that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is GOD; there is no other. Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the LORD our GOD, walking in His statutes and keeping His commandments, as at this day."
Matthew 5:43-8 (Jesus is speaking) "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father Who is in heaven. For HE makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
2Corinthians 13:11-13, 14 "Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the GOD of Love and Peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.
The Grace of the LORD, Jesus Christ and the Love of GOD and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
Ephesians 4:7-16 and Philippians 3:15 "But Grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's Gift. Therefore it says, "When HE ascended on high HE led a host of captives (in Matthew 27:52-54 and Colossians 1:15-20), and HE gave gifts (Acts 2:1-4 and Psalm 68:18) to men." (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that HE had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He Who descended is the one Who also ascended far above all the heavens, that HE might fill all things.) And HE gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of GOD, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes (of mans religions and denominationalisms which divide GODS House). Rather, speaking the Truth in Love, we are to grow up in every way into Him Who is the Head, into Christ, from (through, in) Whom the whole Body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the Body Grow so that it builds itself up in (GODS selfless) Love."
Philippians 3:12-16 "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of GOD in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, GOD will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained."
Colossians 1:24-29 and 2Timothy 3:17 "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of His Body, that is, the Church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from GOD that was given to me for you, to make the word of GOD fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His Saints. To them GOD chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that HE powerfully works within me."
2Timothy 3:10-17 "You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the LORD rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived (this is the false churches of this world who hinder and destroy mankind keeping them spiritually dead and children of Satan by his lusts). But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from Whom you learned it (Matthew 11:29's question) and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for Salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by GOD and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of GOD may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Hebrews 6:1-12 and 13:21 "Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of Repentance from dead works and of faith toward GOD, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if GOD permits. For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly Gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit,
Heb 6:5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of GOD to their own harm and holding Him up to contempt (these are called the wicked ones, the blasphemers and mockers of GOD, spoken of in Ezekiel 22:5). For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing (Grace) from GOD. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned. Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to Salvation. For GOD is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for HIS name in serving the Saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now may the GOD of Peace Who brought again from the dead our LORD Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the Blood of the Eternal Covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do HIS Will, working in us that which is pleasing in HIS sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
James 1:2-4 and 1Peter 5:10 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
1Peter 5:6-11 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of GOD so that at the proper time HE may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because HE cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the GOD of all Grace, Who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself Restore, Confirm, Strengthen, and Establish you. To HIM be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Monday, March 28, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (the Righteous are Saints before GOD)
Is our perfection a reality and if so how is it accomplished? From the moment that we become one of the Redeemed the process begins when we allow the Holy Spirit to work as He wants to within us. Yes that is right it is again a matter of choice as we have seen many times in the past writings. For it is how we deal with the afflictions or crises that this an other lessons are learned. Now for Pastor Hoekstra's writing on Grace and then I will look at our Perfection. And as has become my norm I will use the ESV translation and when the LORD gives me something more I will add it.
"Intimacy of Relationship in Christ"
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:13)
"We have begun to see that the New Covenant of Grace is a covenant of Relationship. The simple phrase "in Christ" indicates the extent of the Intimacy that is available by Grace. "In Christ" is where we live spiritually. It is also how we live. As sure as a fish is in the ocean and lives on the resources of the ocean, we are "in Christ" and live on the resources of Christ. As sure as a unborn child is in the mother and lives on the life of the mother, we are "in Christ" and live on the Life of Christ.
We who believe in Jesus are not only "brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13), we are conjoined to Him in a "united closeness," like a body is to its head. "He is the Head of the Body, the Church" (Colossians 1:18). We can relate to the Lord Jesus more closely than the members of our physical body relate to our physical head. We can look to Jesus for direction and coordination. We can depend upon Him for planning, guiding, and timing in our entire lives. We can anticipate that He will monitor, maintain, and adjust our situations.
This Union of Intimacy is also like a Vine and its branches. "I am the Vine, you are the branches" (John 15:5). We can look to Christ for our very Life source. We don't have to produce a life on our own. We can concentrate on abiding (depending) on Him. He makes our lives fruitful and effective.
The Intimate Relationship the LORD wants to develop within us is also likened to the joining of a husband and a wife. "You also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another, even to Him Who was raised from the dead" (Romans 7:4). We can count upon Jesus to love us faithfully and sacrificially. We can rest in His constant companionship, never leaving us for any reason throughout our pilgrimage here on earth.
What blessings are ours for time and eternity "in Christ." Conjoined intimately to Christ, nothing can separate us from the love and kindness that He has for us: "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD which is in Christ Jesus our LORD. . . that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His Grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:38-39 and Ephesians 2:7).
Perfection of the Righteous Saints:
Some Essential Elements,
Benevolence,
Matthew 19:16-22 "Behold, a man came up to Him, saying, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" And He said to him, "Why do you ask Me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to Him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and, you shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to Him, "All these I have kept. What do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions."
Selfless Love,
Colossians 3:12-17 "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the LORD has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all these put on (selfless) Love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in One Body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to GOD. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to GOD the Father through Him."
Good Works,
James 2:18-26 "But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that GOD is One; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by (love) works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works (of love), and faith was completed by his (love) works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of GOD. You see that a person is justified by (love) works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from (loves) works is dead."
Control of the Tongue,
James 3:1-12 "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our LORD and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of GOD. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water."
Obedience,
1John 2:3-6 and 1John 4:12 "By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. Whoever says "I know Him" but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the Truth is not in him, but whoever keeps His word, in him truly the (selfless) Love of GOD is perfected. By this we may know that we are in Him: whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked."
1John 4:7-14 "Beloved, let us love one another, for (selfless) Love is from GOD, and whoever loves has been born of GOD and knows GOD. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because GOD is (selfless) Love. In this the Love of GOD was made manifest among us, that GOD sent HIS only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that HE loves us and sent HIS Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if GOD so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen GOD; if we love one another, GOD abides in us and His Love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in HIM and HE in us, because HE has given us of HIS Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent HIS Son to be the Savior of the world."
"Intimacy of Relationship in Christ"
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:13)
"We have begun to see that the New Covenant of Grace is a covenant of Relationship. The simple phrase "in Christ" indicates the extent of the Intimacy that is available by Grace. "In Christ" is where we live spiritually. It is also how we live. As sure as a fish is in the ocean and lives on the resources of the ocean, we are "in Christ" and live on the resources of Christ. As sure as a unborn child is in the mother and lives on the life of the mother, we are "in Christ" and live on the Life of Christ.
We who believe in Jesus are not only "brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13), we are conjoined to Him in a "united closeness," like a body is to its head. "He is the Head of the Body, the Church" (Colossians 1:18). We can relate to the Lord Jesus more closely than the members of our physical body relate to our physical head. We can look to Jesus for direction and coordination. We can depend upon Him for planning, guiding, and timing in our entire lives. We can anticipate that He will monitor, maintain, and adjust our situations.
This Union of Intimacy is also like a Vine and its branches. "I am the Vine, you are the branches" (John 15:5). We can look to Christ for our very Life source. We don't have to produce a life on our own. We can concentrate on abiding (depending) on Him. He makes our lives fruitful and effective.
The Intimate Relationship the LORD wants to develop within us is also likened to the joining of a husband and a wife. "You also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another, even to Him Who was raised from the dead" (Romans 7:4). We can count upon Jesus to love us faithfully and sacrificially. We can rest in His constant companionship, never leaving us for any reason throughout our pilgrimage here on earth.
What blessings are ours for time and eternity "in Christ." Conjoined intimately to Christ, nothing can separate us from the love and kindness that He has for us: "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD which is in Christ Jesus our LORD. . . that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His Grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:38-39 and Ephesians 2:7).
Perfection of the Righteous Saints:
Some Essential Elements,
Benevolence,
Matthew 19:16-22 "Behold, a man came up to Him, saying, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" And He said to him, "Why do you ask Me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to Him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and, you shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to Him, "All these I have kept. What do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions."
Selfless Love,
Colossians 3:12-17 "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the LORD has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all these put on (selfless) Love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in One Body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to GOD. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to GOD the Father through Him."
Good Works,
James 2:18-26 "But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that GOD is One; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by (love) works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works (of love), and faith was completed by his (love) works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of GOD. You see that a person is justified by (love) works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from (loves) works is dead."
Control of the Tongue,
James 3:1-12 "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our LORD and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of GOD. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water."
Obedience,
1John 2:3-6 and 1John 4:12 "By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. Whoever says "I know Him" but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the Truth is not in him, but whoever keeps His word, in him truly the (selfless) Love of GOD is perfected. By this we may know that we are in Him: whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked."
1John 4:7-14 "Beloved, let us love one another, for (selfless) Love is from GOD, and whoever loves has been born of GOD and knows GOD. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because GOD is (selfless) Love. In this the Love of GOD was made manifest among us, that GOD sent HIS only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that HE loves us and sent HIS Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if GOD so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen GOD; if we love one another, GOD abides in us and His Love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in HIM and HE in us, because HE has given us of HIS Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent HIS Son to be the Savior of the world."
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (the Righteous are Saints before GOD)
I am exploring who and what kind of man is accredited by GOD as being a Saint and with that thought in mind I will uncover what GOD has to say about the matter. For it is only GODS understanding that carries any weight to it. But first things first, as it has become my habit I will draw from the ink well of Pastor Hoekstra's writing on GODS Grace. And then move on into the Contrast with Saints and sinners taking full use of the ESV translation. And if and when the LORD interjects a thought I will endeavor to edit the message with as much clarity that I can pull together.
"The New Covenant of Grace: A Covenant of Relationship"
"In Him we have Redemption through His blood, the Forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His Grace . . . But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 1:7; 2:13)
"The ultimate blessing of the New (Living, Eternal Life sustaining)) Covenant of Grace is that it allows people to develop an Intimate Relationship with the true and Living GOD. We began our personal history greatly separated and alienated from GOD: "you who once were far off." How could we ever comprehend the "vast relational distance" that our sins brought between us and the LORD? We could not relate to GOD. We could not talk to Him or enjoy His Presence. We were "without Christ . . having no hope and without GOD in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). Therefore, we were "alienated from the Life of GOD" (Ephesians 4:18). Then, "according to the riches of His Grace," we found "Forgiveness of sins," as Jesus shed His blood unto death to pay the Redemption price. "In Him we have Redemption through His blood."
Now, the entire picture is drastically changed. "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." We are no longer alienated from GOD. The dark fog has been for us removed lifted from us. "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of GOD" (Ephesians 2:19). We are now members of GOD's Family. We are His beloved children. "And because you are sons, GOD has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'" (Galatians 4:6). By the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we cry out intimately to the LORD GOD as our "Heavenly Papa!" "You received the Spirit of adoption by Whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of GOD" (Romans 8:15-16). As we cry out "Abba," the Holy Spirit, Who dwells within us, gives us a deep internal, spiritual confirmation that we truly are GOD's children. We have been restored to a Genesis 2 kind of person having the same Relationship therein spoken of, but one thing we are still looking for the spiritual relationship of which is seen in Genesis 1. Which took place eons before the world was.
Our heavenly Father wants to build a close Relationship with us, His children. He wants us to know His Love. "The (selfless) Love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit Who was given to us" (Romans 5:5). Also, GOD wants us to respond in love to Him."
We love Him because He first loved us" (1John 4:19). He wants us to call upon Him, that He might respond to us. "Call to Me, and I Will answer you" (Jeremiah 33:3). He wants us to empty our heart unto Him. "Pour out your heart before Him" (Psalm 62:8). By God's Grace, the way for intimacy is now open to us."
Saints Contrasted with Sinner:
Proverbs is full of contrasts between those counted as being righteous and those counted as being the sinner or wicked ones.
Proverbs 10:3-9 "The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but HE thwarts the craving of the wicked. A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out."
Proverbs 10:14-20 "The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near. A rich man's wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin. The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin. Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray. The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth."
Proverbs 11:1-8 "A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust. When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth perishes too. The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead."
Proverbs 12:5-9 "The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised. Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread."
Proverbs 13:16-22 "In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored. A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools. Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous."
Proverbs 14:29-35 "Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors Him. The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing, but the righteous finds refuge in his death. Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. A servant who deals wisely has the king's favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully."
Proverbs 15:1-9 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to Him. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but HE loves him who pursues righteousness."
Proverbs 21:10-16 "The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin. Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath. When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead."
Romans 2:1-11 "Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of GOD rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of GOD? Or do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that GOD's kindness is meant to lead you to Repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when GOD's righteous judgment will be revealed. He Will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, HE Will give Eternal Life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the Truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Hebrew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Hebrew first and also the Greek. For GOD shows no partiality."
1Peter 4:12-19 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His Glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of Glory and of GOD rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify GOD in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of GOD; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of GOD? And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" Therefore let those who suffer according to GOD's Will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good."
"The New Covenant of Grace: A Covenant of Relationship"
"In Him we have Redemption through His blood, the Forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His Grace . . . But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 1:7; 2:13)
"The ultimate blessing of the New (Living, Eternal Life sustaining)) Covenant of Grace is that it allows people to develop an Intimate Relationship with the true and Living GOD. We began our personal history greatly separated and alienated from GOD: "you who once were far off." How could we ever comprehend the "vast relational distance" that our sins brought between us and the LORD? We could not relate to GOD. We could not talk to Him or enjoy His Presence. We were "without Christ . . having no hope and without GOD in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). Therefore, we were "alienated from the Life of GOD" (Ephesians 4:18). Then, "according to the riches of His Grace," we found "Forgiveness of sins," as Jesus shed His blood unto death to pay the Redemption price. "In Him we have Redemption through His blood."
Now, the entire picture is drastically changed. "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." We are no longer alienated from GOD. The dark fog has been for us removed lifted from us. "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of GOD" (Ephesians 2:19). We are now members of GOD's Family. We are His beloved children. "And because you are sons, GOD has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'" (Galatians 4:6). By the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we cry out intimately to the LORD GOD as our "Heavenly Papa!" "You received the Spirit of adoption by Whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of GOD" (Romans 8:15-16). As we cry out "Abba," the Holy Spirit, Who dwells within us, gives us a deep internal, spiritual confirmation that we truly are GOD's children. We have been restored to a Genesis 2 kind of person having the same Relationship therein spoken of, but one thing we are still looking for the spiritual relationship of which is seen in Genesis 1. Which took place eons before the world was.
Our heavenly Father wants to build a close Relationship with us, His children. He wants us to know His Love. "The (selfless) Love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit Who was given to us" (Romans 5:5). Also, GOD wants us to respond in love to Him."
We love Him because He first loved us" (1John 4:19). He wants us to call upon Him, that He might respond to us. "Call to Me, and I Will answer you" (Jeremiah 33:3). He wants us to empty our heart unto Him. "Pour out your heart before Him" (Psalm 62:8). By God's Grace, the way for intimacy is now open to us."
Saints Contrasted with Sinner:
Proverbs is full of contrasts between those counted as being righteous and those counted as being the sinner or wicked ones.
Proverbs 10:3-9 "The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but HE thwarts the craving of the wicked. A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out."
Proverbs 10:14-20 "The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near. A rich man's wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin. The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin. Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray. The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth."
Proverbs 11:1-8 "A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust. When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth perishes too. The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead."
Proverbs 12:5-9 "The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised. Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread."
Proverbs 13:16-22 "In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored. A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools. Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous."
Proverbs 14:29-35 "Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors Him. The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing, but the righteous finds refuge in his death. Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. A servant who deals wisely has the king's favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully."
Proverbs 15:1-9 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to Him. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but HE loves him who pursues righteousness."
Proverbs 21:10-16 "The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin. Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath. When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead."
Romans 2:1-11 "Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of GOD rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of GOD? Or do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that GOD's kindness is meant to lead you to Repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when GOD's righteous judgment will be revealed. He Will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, HE Will give Eternal Life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the Truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Hebrew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Hebrew first and also the Greek. For GOD shows no partiality."
1Peter 4:12-19 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His Glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of Glory and of GOD rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify GOD in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of GOD; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of GOD? And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" Therefore let those who suffer according to GOD's Will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good."
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (the Righteous are Saints before GOD)
I want to look into the Promises made or should I say. that are given for those who become GOD'S Saints. Which by the way are the Righteous as GOD sees them. To do I will need to look first at two passages the first is Daniel 12:3 and the second is Matthew 13:43 and then I will begin the rest of the story of those whom GOD calls Saints. But first things first from Pastor Hoekstra's pen we have this dealing with Grace. And then our study with the use of the ESV translation and as always when the LORD gives more enlightenment I will interject it.
"The Resurrection: Reality, Not Dead Religion"
"Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead." (Acts 4:1-2)
"The resurrection of Christ is the difference between a dead religion and a Personal Relationship. Mans many forms of Religious efforts are dead works and lead us all no where. Thou we do gather as with the Lord, still we scatter by our many division of denominationalisms. However living by (in) Resurrection power is the difference between earthly striving and heavenly reality. These differences can be seen in the contrast between the religious authorities of Israel known as the Jews and the sheep of Israel the Hebrew children and the disciples of Jesus.
The disciples were proclaiming to the people (the Hebrews) the wondrous message of the risen Lord Jesus. "They taught the people and preached in Jesus (the reality of the promised) resurrection from the dead." Such a message infuriated the religious leaders. "The priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed." Today, many religious leaders reflect a similar response. In the popular religious world, universalism and skepticism prevail. Each religion is viewed as one more road leading to God. Anything miraculous is unacceptable, as human reasoning reigns supreme. In many religious circles, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is either an object of scoffing or an area of hypocritical compromise.
The Sadducees of old were like this. They would talk about the resurrection, even asking Jesus questions that seemed to affirm that GOD could raise people from the dead. "Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her" (Mathew 22:28). This question followed their scenario in which seven brothers would become the husband of the same woman, through seven death and marriage sequences. What a mockery this question represented. First, it was given in hypocrisy. "The Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him" (Matthew 22:23). Second, they were unaware of what the scriptures said about such a heavenly matter. "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage" (Matthew 22:30). Jesus explained that these religious rationalists made two great errors in their approach. "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of GOD" (Matthew 22:29).
We who have been born again by faith in the risen LORD Jesus can err in a similar fashion in our day by day living. We can talk about the resurrection of Jesus, but behave as though it were not an actual reality for Christian living. We can be mistaken, "not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of GOD."
Righteous in GOD:
Daniel 12:1-4 "At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
Matthew 13:36-43 "Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." He answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear."
Promises to Saints,
Psalm 37:27-34 "Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. For the LORD loves justice; He will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death. The LORD Will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial. Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off."
Psalm 97:10-12 "O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the lives of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to His Holy name!"
Psalm 116:12-19 "What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the house of the LORD, in Your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!"
Psalm 132:13-18 "For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place: "This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy. There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for My anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on Him His crown will shine."
Psalm 149:5-9 "Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. Let the high praises of GOD be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all His godly ones. Praise the LORD!"
Daniel 7:23-27 "Thus he said: 'As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces. As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings. He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end. And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; His kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.'"
1Corinthians 6:1-6 "When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the Church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers?"
Revelation 11:15-18 "Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our LORD and of His Christ, and HE shall reign forever and ever." And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before GOD fell on their faces and worshiped GOD, saying, "We give thanks to you, LORD GOD Almighty, Who is and Who was, for You have taken Your great power and begun to reign. The nations raged, but Your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding Your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear Your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth."
"The Resurrection: Reality, Not Dead Religion"
"Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead." (Acts 4:1-2)
"The resurrection of Christ is the difference between a dead religion and a Personal Relationship. Mans many forms of Religious efforts are dead works and lead us all no where. Thou we do gather as with the Lord, still we scatter by our many division of denominationalisms. However living by (in) Resurrection power is the difference between earthly striving and heavenly reality. These differences can be seen in the contrast between the religious authorities of Israel known as the Jews and the sheep of Israel the Hebrew children and the disciples of Jesus.
The disciples were proclaiming to the people (the Hebrews) the wondrous message of the risen Lord Jesus. "They taught the people and preached in Jesus (the reality of the promised) resurrection from the dead." Such a message infuriated the religious leaders. "The priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed." Today, many religious leaders reflect a similar response. In the popular religious world, universalism and skepticism prevail. Each religion is viewed as one more road leading to God. Anything miraculous is unacceptable, as human reasoning reigns supreme. In many religious circles, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is either an object of scoffing or an area of hypocritical compromise.
The Sadducees of old were like this. They would talk about the resurrection, even asking Jesus questions that seemed to affirm that GOD could raise people from the dead. "Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her" (Mathew 22:28). This question followed their scenario in which seven brothers would become the husband of the same woman, through seven death and marriage sequences. What a mockery this question represented. First, it was given in hypocrisy. "The Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him" (Matthew 22:23). Second, they were unaware of what the scriptures said about such a heavenly matter. "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage" (Matthew 22:30). Jesus explained that these religious rationalists made two great errors in their approach. "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of GOD" (Matthew 22:29).
We who have been born again by faith in the risen LORD Jesus can err in a similar fashion in our day by day living. We can talk about the resurrection of Jesus, but behave as though it were not an actual reality for Christian living. We can be mistaken, "not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of GOD."
Righteous in GOD:
Daniel 12:1-4 "At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
Matthew 13:36-43 "Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." He answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear."
Promises to Saints,
Psalm 37:27-34 "Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. For the LORD loves justice; He will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death. The LORD Will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial. Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off."
Psalm 97:10-12 "O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the lives of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to His Holy name!"
Psalm 116:12-19 "What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the house of the LORD, in Your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!"
Psalm 132:13-18 "For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place: "This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy. There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for My anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on Him His crown will shine."
Psalm 149:5-9 "Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. Let the high praises of GOD be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all His godly ones. Praise the LORD!"
Daniel 7:23-27 "Thus he said: 'As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces. As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings. He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end. And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; His kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.'"
1Corinthians 6:1-6 "When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the Church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers?"
Revelation 11:15-18 "Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our LORD and of His Christ, and HE shall reign forever and ever." And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before GOD fell on their faces and worshiped GOD, saying, "We give thanks to you, LORD GOD Almighty, Who is and Who was, for You have taken Your great power and begun to reign. The nations raged, but Your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding Your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear Your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth."
Friday, March 25, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (GODS Care for Widows and Fatherless)
I am still looking at GODS Care of the Widow and Fatherless and the sojourner and stranger among us. But first Pastor Hoekstra and his writing on Grace. Then with the use of the ESV translation and with any editing from the LORD our course of study.
"Once More on the Resurrection and Sanctification"
"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us." (2Corinthians 1:8-10)
"Our passage speaks again of the Lord's resurrection power operating in our daily spiritual Christian lives, in the process of Sanctification and spiritual growth. The setting in which the LORD did this Resurrecting work was in the midst of trials while serving GOD.
Paul did not want other believers to be unaware of his difficulties. "For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia." Too often, we are tempted to keep our struggles totally private. Thereby, we rob glory from GOD, when He delivers us. Also, we keep others from learning important lessons that come from watching GOD fulfill the Faithful Promises of His word.
Paul's battles were severe on this occasion. "We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves." Spiritually speaking, these trials were killing Paul and his missionary team. They were pressed down, overwhelmed, helpless, and hopeless. When we are in hopeless despair, our sufferings seem to be pointless. Yet, our difficulties (like Paul's) have this invaluable purpose built into them: "that we should not trust in ourselves but in GOD Who raises the dead." We have frequently noted that living by Grace requires humility and faith. GOD gives Grace to the humble, and faith accesses Grace. Well, in the trials of life, of which GOD is the author, GOD is working on developing these relational realities (spiritual realities that become real through a Growing Relationship with Christ Jesus).
Trials and difficulties (light afflictions) become occasions to be humbled before GOD. We are provoked to cry out to GOD in helplessness. Also, trials present new opportunities to trust in the LORD. When the trials are intense, GOD is purging us of the primary obstacle to trusting in GOD, and that is self-trust. "Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in GOD Who raises the dead." Thus, convinced that we cannot handle it, we call upon GOD, Who Faithfully resurrects us from our circumstantial death. "Who delivered us from so great a death." Thereby, our faith grows that He Will continue to rescue us: "and does deliver us; in Whom we trust that He Will still deliver us."
GOD's Carrying for:
Deuteronomy 10:12-22 "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. Yet the LORD set His heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. For the LORD your God is GOD of gods and LORD of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome GOD, Who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve Him and hold fast to Him, and by His name you shall swear. He is your praise. He is your God, Who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven."
Psalm 10:12-15 "Arise, O LORD; O GOD, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted. Why does the wicked renounce GOD and say in his heart, "You will not call to account"? But You do see, for You note mischief and vexation, that You may take it into Your hands; to You the helpless commits himself; You have been the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till You find none."
Psalm 68:5-10 "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is GOD in His Holy habitation. GOD settles the solitary in a home; HE leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. O GOD, when You went out before Your people, when You marched through the wilderness, the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain, before GOD, the One of Sinai, before GOD, the God of Israel. Rain in abundance, O GOD, You shed abroad; You restored Your inheritance as it languished; Your flock found a dwelling in it; in Your goodness, O GOD, You provided for the needy."
Psalm 146:5-10 "Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, Who keeps faith forever; Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; HE upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked HE brings to ruin. The LORD Will reign forever, your GOD, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!"
Proverbs 15:21-26 "Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. The LORD tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow's boundaries. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but gracious words are pure."
Jeremiah 49:7-11 "Concerning Edom. Thus says the LORD of Hosts: "Is wisdom no more in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom vanished? Flee, turn back, dwell in the depths, O inhabitants of Dedan! For I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time when I punish him. If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave gleanings? If thieves came by night, would they not destroy only enough for themselves? But I have stripped Esau bare; I have uncovered his hiding places, and he is not able to conceal himself. His children are destroyed, and his brothers, and his neighbors; and he is no more. Leave your fatherless children; I will keep them alive; and let your widows trust in Me."
Hosea 14:1-3 "Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take with you words and return to the LORD; say to Him, "Take away all iniquity; accept what is good, and we will pay with bulls the vows of our lips. Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride on horses; and we will say no more, 'Our God,' to the work of our hands. In You the orphan finds mercy."
"Once More on the Resurrection and Sanctification"
"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us." (2Corinthians 1:8-10)
"Our passage speaks again of the Lord's resurrection power operating in our daily spiritual Christian lives, in the process of Sanctification and spiritual growth. The setting in which the LORD did this Resurrecting work was in the midst of trials while serving GOD.
Paul did not want other believers to be unaware of his difficulties. "For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia." Too often, we are tempted to keep our struggles totally private. Thereby, we rob glory from GOD, when He delivers us. Also, we keep others from learning important lessons that come from watching GOD fulfill the Faithful Promises of His word.
Paul's battles were severe on this occasion. "We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves." Spiritually speaking, these trials were killing Paul and his missionary team. They were pressed down, overwhelmed, helpless, and hopeless. When we are in hopeless despair, our sufferings seem to be pointless. Yet, our difficulties (like Paul's) have this invaluable purpose built into them: "that we should not trust in ourselves but in GOD Who raises the dead." We have frequently noted that living by Grace requires humility and faith. GOD gives Grace to the humble, and faith accesses Grace. Well, in the trials of life, of which GOD is the author, GOD is working on developing these relational realities (spiritual realities that become real through a Growing Relationship with Christ Jesus).
Trials and difficulties (light afflictions) become occasions to be humbled before GOD. We are provoked to cry out to GOD in helplessness. Also, trials present new opportunities to trust in the LORD. When the trials are intense, GOD is purging us of the primary obstacle to trusting in GOD, and that is self-trust. "Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in GOD Who raises the dead." Thus, convinced that we cannot handle it, we call upon GOD, Who Faithfully resurrects us from our circumstantial death. "Who delivered us from so great a death." Thereby, our faith grows that He Will continue to rescue us: "and does deliver us; in Whom we trust that He Will still deliver us."
GOD's Carrying for:
Deuteronomy 10:12-22 "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. Yet the LORD set His heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. For the LORD your God is GOD of gods and LORD of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome GOD, Who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve Him and hold fast to Him, and by His name you shall swear. He is your praise. He is your God, Who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven."
Psalm 10:12-15 "Arise, O LORD; O GOD, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted. Why does the wicked renounce GOD and say in his heart, "You will not call to account"? But You do see, for You note mischief and vexation, that You may take it into Your hands; to You the helpless commits himself; You have been the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till You find none."
Psalm 68:5-10 "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is GOD in His Holy habitation. GOD settles the solitary in a home; HE leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. O GOD, when You went out before Your people, when You marched through the wilderness, the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain, before GOD, the One of Sinai, before GOD, the God of Israel. Rain in abundance, O GOD, You shed abroad; You restored Your inheritance as it languished; Your flock found a dwelling in it; in Your goodness, O GOD, You provided for the needy."
Psalm 146:5-10 "Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, Who keeps faith forever; Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; HE upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked HE brings to ruin. The LORD Will reign forever, your GOD, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!"
Proverbs 15:21-26 "Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. The LORD tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow's boundaries. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but gracious words are pure."
Jeremiah 49:7-11 "Concerning Edom. Thus says the LORD of Hosts: "Is wisdom no more in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom vanished? Flee, turn back, dwell in the depths, O inhabitants of Dedan! For I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time when I punish him. If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave gleanings? If thieves came by night, would they not destroy only enough for themselves? But I have stripped Esau bare; I have uncovered his hiding places, and he is not able to conceal himself. His children are destroyed, and his brothers, and his neighbors; and he is no more. Leave your fatherless children; I will keep them alive; and let your widows trust in Me."
Hosea 14:1-3 "Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take with you words and return to the LORD; say to Him, "Take away all iniquity; accept what is good, and we will pay with bulls the vows of our lips. Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride on horses; and we will say no more, 'Our God,' to the work of our hands. In You the orphan finds mercy."
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (GODS Care for Widows and Fatherless)
I am stepping into and area the has been abused by some who have learned how to manipulate the worlds churches and societies to their advantage. But here is the thing most of them are not in the religion of GODS care. As we shall see as I progress on with the text. But before doing so I will again call on the writings of Pastor Hoekstra and his dealings of Grace. And then use the ESV translation and if or when the LORD interjects some insight I will break in with an editing comment.
"Still More on the Resurrection and Sanctification"
"That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:10-11)
"As we are getting to know our GOD of Resurrection (by learning about and then partaking of His resurrection power, Christ's sufferings, and conformity to His death), our lives are being changed. We are attaining to "the resurrection from the dead."
This phrase brings to mind the final resurrection of the redeemed in the last day. "When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just" (Luke 14:13-14). Yet, the final resurrection cannot be in view in our meditation verses. The overall teaching of the scriptures would lead to this conclusion. One's place in the final resurrection is determined by one's relationship to GOD. That issue is settled through exercising of saving faith in Jesus Christ. Those who trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior have a part in the last resurrection, unto eternal life.
Furthermore, the immediate context of Paul's statement indicates that attaining to "the resurrection from the dead" was something he was reaching out for now, hoping to grow into it increasingly during this life. "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me" (Philippians 3:12). Paul confesses that he had not fully gained the type of resurrection about which he is writing. Yet, the final resurrection was already his expectation, through justifying faith in Jesus. So, Paul is pressing on for something else.
Earlier, the Apostle had revealed what He was seeking after. "I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ" (Philippians 3:8, 10). This is why Paul wrote, "that I may know Him." This was the one passion of his life. "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do" (Philippians 3:13). The one thing that Paul was aiming at was a growing acquaintanceship with his resurrected LORD. He desired to know His risen LORD so well that he might attain to "the resurrection from the dead." He wanted his developing relationship with the risen Christ to produce a resurrected lifestyle in him. He wanted to face each situation of life with a heavenly, resurrected perspective and attitude, a way of life completely different from the dead and dying world all around him."
GODS Care for the Widows and Fatherless:
Exodus 22:21-24 and Deuteronomy 14:29 "You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me, I will surely hear their cry, and My wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless."
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 "At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do."
Deuteronomy 24:17-18 "You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner or to the fatherless, or take a widow's garment in pledge, but you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this."
Deuteronomy 26:12-15 "When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce in the third year, which is the year of tithing, giving it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your towns and be filled, then you shall say before the LORD your God, 'I have removed the sacred portion out of my house, and moreover, I have given it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all Your commandment that You have commanded me. I have not transgressed any of Your commandments, nor have I forgotten them.
I have not eaten of the tithe while I was mourning, or removed any of it while I was unclean, or offered any of it to the dead. I have obeyed the voice of the LORD my God. I have done according to all that You have commanded me. Look down from Your Holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel and the ground that You have given us, as You swore to our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey.'"
Proverbs 23:10-12 "Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; HE will plead their cause against you. Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge."
James 1:26-27 "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
"Still More on the Resurrection and Sanctification"
"That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:10-11)
"As we are getting to know our GOD of Resurrection (by learning about and then partaking of His resurrection power, Christ's sufferings, and conformity to His death), our lives are being changed. We are attaining to "the resurrection from the dead."
This phrase brings to mind the final resurrection of the redeemed in the last day. "When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just" (Luke 14:13-14). Yet, the final resurrection cannot be in view in our meditation verses. The overall teaching of the scriptures would lead to this conclusion. One's place in the final resurrection is determined by one's relationship to GOD. That issue is settled through exercising of saving faith in Jesus Christ. Those who trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior have a part in the last resurrection, unto eternal life.
Furthermore, the immediate context of Paul's statement indicates that attaining to "the resurrection from the dead" was something he was reaching out for now, hoping to grow into it increasingly during this life. "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me" (Philippians 3:12). Paul confesses that he had not fully gained the type of resurrection about which he is writing. Yet, the final resurrection was already his expectation, through justifying faith in Jesus. So, Paul is pressing on for something else.
Earlier, the Apostle had revealed what He was seeking after. "I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ" (Philippians 3:8, 10). This is why Paul wrote, "that I may know Him." This was the one passion of his life. "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do" (Philippians 3:13). The one thing that Paul was aiming at was a growing acquaintanceship with his resurrected LORD. He desired to know His risen LORD so well that he might attain to "the resurrection from the dead." He wanted his developing relationship with the risen Christ to produce a resurrected lifestyle in him. He wanted to face each situation of life with a heavenly, resurrected perspective and attitude, a way of life completely different from the dead and dying world all around him."
GODS Care for the Widows and Fatherless:
Exodus 22:21-24 and Deuteronomy 14:29 "You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me, I will surely hear their cry, and My wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless."
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 "At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do."
Deuteronomy 24:17-18 "You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner or to the fatherless, or take a widow's garment in pledge, but you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this."
Deuteronomy 26:12-15 "When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce in the third year, which is the year of tithing, giving it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your towns and be filled, then you shall say before the LORD your God, 'I have removed the sacred portion out of my house, and moreover, I have given it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all Your commandment that You have commanded me. I have not transgressed any of Your commandments, nor have I forgotten them.
I have not eaten of the tithe while I was mourning, or removed any of it while I was unclean, or offered any of it to the dead. I have obeyed the voice of the LORD my God. I have done according to all that You have commanded me. Look down from Your Holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel and the ground that You have given us, as You swore to our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey.'"
Proverbs 23:10-12 "Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; HE will plead their cause against you. Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge."
James 1:26-27 "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (continuing with Divine Guidance)
Well I have reached the limit on this subject of Divine Guidance with today's post with this sub subject Spiritual Receptivity. But before looking into it Pastor Hoekstra and his writing on GODS Grace as received in the face of the Resurrected and Ascended LORD Christ. The very One Who brought about the Transition and mans Transformation from darkness to Light. As has become my habit I will make use of the ESV translation and edit all things as the LORD directs.
"Even More on the Resurrection and Sanctification"
"That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death." (Philippians 3:10)
"Paul's all-consuming passion was "That I may know Him." The hidden answer to the hidden question of Matthew 11:29 where the Lord Jesus states this, beginning at Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Paraphrased: Are you ready to take My Yoke upon you and learn of (from) Me? This verse does not list four matters for which Paul sought an acquaintanceship (a Knowledge of GOD, Resurrection power, a Fellowship in Christ's sufferings, and Conformity to His death). Rather, it points out one great quest (a Knowledge of GOD) and three different arenas in which that knowledge could grow (Resurrection power, a Fellowship in Christ's sufferings, and Conformity to His death). We saw in our last meditation how resurrection power and suffering can increase our knowing of the LORD. Now, we add another amazing aspect to a Growing acquaintanceship with Jesus: "being conformed to His death."
There are some unique aspects to the death of Christ upon the cross (for example, His atonement for sins). However, there were other aspects of His death that GOD wants to repeat in our lives. As Jesus was placed upon the cross, it looked like defeat. It seemed to be the greatest wrong that man could ever do. Yet, GOD, making use of a negative turned it to a positive, was working out His sovereign purposes. "Him, being delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of GOD, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death" (Acts 2:23). At times, we are placed in situations that seem certain to lead to a deadly defeat. Yet, the LORD is unfolding His sovereign plan for us. In taking us through such impossibilities (and turning apparent defeat into victory), the LORD is allowing us to become more acquainted with Him and His ways.
When Jesus was dying, He hung helpless upon the tree. He entrusted Himself into the hands of His Father. "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit" (Luke 23:46). The Father would have to prove faithful, if Jesus were to come forth from the grave. "Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father" (Romans 6:4). At times, we are in circumstances that are personally crucifying. We are in situations where everything so obviously requires a mighty work of GOD. If He does not prove faithful on our behalf, there will be no way out of the agonizing dilemma, a real life crisis. When our LORD is so clearly our only hope (and then He comes through faithfully), we again grow in a deeper knowledge of Him and His ways."
Receptivity of GOD and Truth:
Matthew 13:18-23 (Jesus is speaking) "Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."
Luke 10:38-42 "Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to His teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Acts 2:37-42 "Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the LORD our GOD calls to Himself." And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." So those who received His word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
Acts 17:10-15 "The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Hebrews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (we know these those gathered here were not part of the elitists group that hounded Jesus or Paul and put Jesus to death because they has to search the scriptures for themselves.) Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. But when the Jews (the elitists of the religious politically correct establishment) from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed."
1Thessalonians 2:13-16 "We also thank GOD constantly for this, that when you received the word of GOD, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of GOD, which is at work in you believers. For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches (assembles) of GOD in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the (elitist religious politicians) Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease GOD and oppose all mankind by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!"
"Even More on the Resurrection and Sanctification"
"That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death." (Philippians 3:10)
"Paul's all-consuming passion was "That I may know Him." The hidden answer to the hidden question of Matthew 11:29 where the Lord Jesus states this, beginning at Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Paraphrased: Are you ready to take My Yoke upon you and learn of (from) Me? This verse does not list four matters for which Paul sought an acquaintanceship (a Knowledge of GOD, Resurrection power, a Fellowship in Christ's sufferings, and Conformity to His death). Rather, it points out one great quest (a Knowledge of GOD) and three different arenas in which that knowledge could grow (Resurrection power, a Fellowship in Christ's sufferings, and Conformity to His death). We saw in our last meditation how resurrection power and suffering can increase our knowing of the LORD. Now, we add another amazing aspect to a Growing acquaintanceship with Jesus: "being conformed to His death."
There are some unique aspects to the death of Christ upon the cross (for example, His atonement for sins). However, there were other aspects of His death that GOD wants to repeat in our lives. As Jesus was placed upon the cross, it looked like defeat. It seemed to be the greatest wrong that man could ever do. Yet, GOD, making use of a negative turned it to a positive, was working out His sovereign purposes. "Him, being delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of GOD, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death" (Acts 2:23). At times, we are placed in situations that seem certain to lead to a deadly defeat. Yet, the LORD is unfolding His sovereign plan for us. In taking us through such impossibilities (and turning apparent defeat into victory), the LORD is allowing us to become more acquainted with Him and His ways.
When Jesus was dying, He hung helpless upon the tree. He entrusted Himself into the hands of His Father. "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit" (Luke 23:46). The Father would have to prove faithful, if Jesus were to come forth from the grave. "Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father" (Romans 6:4). At times, we are in circumstances that are personally crucifying. We are in situations where everything so obviously requires a mighty work of GOD. If He does not prove faithful on our behalf, there will be no way out of the agonizing dilemma, a real life crisis. When our LORD is so clearly our only hope (and then He comes through faithfully), we again grow in a deeper knowledge of Him and His ways."
Receptivity of GOD and Truth:
Matthew 13:18-23 (Jesus is speaking) "Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."
Luke 10:38-42 "Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to His teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Acts 2:37-42 "Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the LORD our GOD calls to Himself." And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." So those who received His word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
Acts 17:10-15 "The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Hebrews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (we know these those gathered here were not part of the elitists group that hounded Jesus or Paul and put Jesus to death because they has to search the scriptures for themselves.) Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. But when the Jews (the elitists of the religious politically correct establishment) from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed."
1Thessalonians 2:13-16 "We also thank GOD constantly for this, that when you received the word of GOD, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of GOD, which is at work in you believers. For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches (assembles) of GOD in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the (elitist religious politicians) Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease GOD and oppose all mankind by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!"
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (continuing with Divine Guidance)
I am getting to the point that I can see the light at the end of our tunnel, which is much like the horizon on a long winding road or the top of a high hill that one claims with no visible end in sight and is some what like looking at a long cast shadow of a tree when the image of the tree is all that is there but having no tree in sight. We have a unknown knowledge of what it is that we are anticipating but have not yet reached our goal. And so it was with the Prophets long ago. Christ was before and at creation as was the LORD and the Lord Jesus was with GOD when the Holy Spirit spoke to the yet spirit man and woman and said, be fruitful multiple and have dominion over the fish and birds and animals and creeping things, every thing that has the breath of life in it, that which I AM creating for you to dwell upon. Then this spirit man and woman rested with GOD in HIS Sabbath rest of the seventh day for it is Holy GODS day. Now turning to Pastor Hoekstra's pen and his chosen subject of Grace. And then I will look at Spiritual Hearing of Believers. Making use of the ESV translation and as always when the LORD directs editing will be done up the text.
"More on the Resurrection and Sanctification"
"I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord . . . That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection." (Philippians 3:8, 10)
"Sanctification is that process whereby the Redeemed are increasingly set apart for the purposes, use, and glory of GOD. The Resurrection of Christ and the power of that Resurrection are interwoven into that entire process. Our present passage offers additional insight into this sublime Truth.
The power of the Resurrection is again in view. However, the context involves more than heavenly empowerment: "That I may know Him and the power of His Resurrection." The primary context is getting to know the LORD. "I also count all things loss for the excellence of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD." Paul's passion was to know His LORD, to become more intimately acquainted with Him. He refers to this blessed goal as the greatest value available in all of creation: "I also count all things loss for the excellence of the Knowledge of Christ," Paul was ready to lose anything in order gain more Intimacy with the risen LORD. To him, such a knowing of Christ was "the excellence" This could be translated, "the excelling value."
Our own Relationship with the LORD began in "the power of His Resurrection." We were dead in our sins, and the LORD raised us to New Life, as we believed upon Him. What a wonderful way to start out our acquaintanceship with GOD. A glorious season of joy and gratitude accompanied this personal resurrection. His Resurrection power gave us such a great appreciation of who our LORD actually was, a the GOD of might and power, Universal Authority.
As time marched along, we discovered that there are other ways to get to know our LORD more fully: namely, "the fellowship of His sufferings." Many of us who walk daily in Christ were startled when, after believing Jesus, we encountered some personal suffering. In our early joyous days with Christ Jesus, we maybe assumed that trials would never come our way. Eventually, we began to suffer as Jesus did (for doing the right things, for righteousness sake). "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps," it states this in 1Peter 2:21. How much deeper did our spiritual Relationship with Him grow in those trials. We learned more of the difficult path He walked here on earth. We found out how faithful and compassionate He was when we called upon Him in our need. Once more, our love for Him grew."
Hearing:
Believers Spiritual Hearing,
Proverbs 8:32-36 "And now, O sons, listen to Me: blessed are those who keep My ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting beside My doors. For whoever finds Me finds Life and obtains favor from the LORD, but he who fails to find Me injures himself; all who hate Me love death."
Proverbs 15:28-33 "The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor."
Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 and Habakkuk 3:2 "Guard your steps when you go to the house of GOD. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before GOD, for GOD is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words."
Habakkuk 3:2 "O LORD, I have heard the report of You, and Your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy."
Luke 8:11-15 (Jesus is speaking) "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of GOD. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience."
James 1:19-25 "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the Righteousness of GOD. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
"More on the Resurrection and Sanctification"
"I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord . . . That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection." (Philippians 3:8, 10)
"Sanctification is that process whereby the Redeemed are increasingly set apart for the purposes, use, and glory of GOD. The Resurrection of Christ and the power of that Resurrection are interwoven into that entire process. Our present passage offers additional insight into this sublime Truth.
The power of the Resurrection is again in view. However, the context involves more than heavenly empowerment: "That I may know Him and the power of His Resurrection." The primary context is getting to know the LORD. "I also count all things loss for the excellence of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD." Paul's passion was to know His LORD, to become more intimately acquainted with Him. He refers to this blessed goal as the greatest value available in all of creation: "I also count all things loss for the excellence of the Knowledge of Christ," Paul was ready to lose anything in order gain more Intimacy with the risen LORD. To him, such a knowing of Christ was "the excellence" This could be translated, "the excelling value."
Our own Relationship with the LORD began in "the power of His Resurrection." We were dead in our sins, and the LORD raised us to New Life, as we believed upon Him. What a wonderful way to start out our acquaintanceship with GOD. A glorious season of joy and gratitude accompanied this personal resurrection. His Resurrection power gave us such a great appreciation of who our LORD actually was, a the GOD of might and power, Universal Authority.
As time marched along, we discovered that there are other ways to get to know our LORD more fully: namely, "the fellowship of His sufferings." Many of us who walk daily in Christ were startled when, after believing Jesus, we encountered some personal suffering. In our early joyous days with Christ Jesus, we maybe assumed that trials would never come our way. Eventually, we began to suffer as Jesus did (for doing the right things, for righteousness sake). "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps," it states this in 1Peter 2:21. How much deeper did our spiritual Relationship with Him grow in those trials. We learned more of the difficult path He walked here on earth. We found out how faithful and compassionate He was when we called upon Him in our need. Once more, our love for Him grew."
Hearing:
Believers Spiritual Hearing,
Proverbs 8:32-36 "And now, O sons, listen to Me: blessed are those who keep My ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting beside My doors. For whoever finds Me finds Life and obtains favor from the LORD, but he who fails to find Me injures himself; all who hate Me love death."
Proverbs 15:28-33 "The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor."
Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 and Habakkuk 3:2 "Guard your steps when you go to the house of GOD. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before GOD, for GOD is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words."
Habakkuk 3:2 "O LORD, I have heard the report of You, and Your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy."
Luke 8:11-15 (Jesus is speaking) "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of GOD. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience."
James 1:19-25 "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the Righteousness of GOD. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Monday, March 21, 2016
Discovering the Great and Precious Promises of GOD (continuing with Divine Guidance)
In yesterdays posting I share two parts of one promise, the first was the greater, the second the lesser but still important. Today I will do likewise but in reverse dealing with mans Circumcision of the heart. But before doing so I will call on the writing of Pastor Hoekstra as he explains GODS Grace in some detail as he has been doing. Then with the use of the ESV translation and the LORD I will undertake today's subject. And is my normal practice when the LORD gives me more I will add it in to the mix.
"The Resurrection and Sanctification"
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know . . . what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when HE raised Him from the dead and seated Him at HIS right hand in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1:18-20)
"Just as the Resurrection had an essential role in our starting out with GOD (in Justification), it also plays an irreplaceable part in our going on with GOD (in Sanctification). In the New Covenant of Grace, the Resurrection is involved from start to finish in the Christian life.
Our scripture meditation is from one of the great prayers in all of the Bible. This portion begins by asking GOD to give us spiritual insight: "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened." What the LORD addresses in this prayer determines whether as a believer will live by Godly power or by human weakness. GOD desires to give us heavenly insight on this vital matter. Then, HE intends for this spiritual Enlightenment to lead us into a personal walk concerning this reality: "that you may know." The issue of this prayer is to become a partaker of HIS Life in our daily experience.
GOD wants us to experience the proper power source for living the Christian life: "that you may Know . . . what is the exceeding greatness of HIS power toward us who believe." We who have been Justified (declared Righteous) through the faith of Christ are not supposed to face each day by our meager, inadequate resources. We who have been born again by the Spirit of GOD are to live this New Life by the power of GOD! Just as did Jesus and Paul and the others from the moment of their transformation on. GOD working within them just as HE is working within and through me.
The aspect of GOD's power in view here is Resurrection Power: "according to the working of HIS mighty power which HE worked in Christ when HE raised Him from the dead." Think of the mighty power of GOD that was at work to bring Jesus from a crucified Savior to a victorious risen LORD. This is the power that our GOD wants to unleash upon and within us day by day.
As great as this display of power was, even more is available to us: "and seated Him at HIS right hand in the heavenly places." This mighty Divine power that brought forth Jesus from the dead, also raised Him to the right hand of the Father in the heaven realm. Surely, this power is sufficient to lift us out of any deadening situation of our minds or our surroundings."
Circumcision:
Spiritual Circumcision of the Heart,
Deuteronomy 10:12-22 "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your GOD require of you, but to fear the LORD your GOD, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the LORD your GOD belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. Yet the LORD set His heart in Love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. For the LORD your GOD is GOD of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome GOD, Who is not partial and takes no bribe. HE executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall fear (Revere, Respect and greatly Reverence) the LORD your GOD. You shall serve Him and hold fast to Him, and by His name you shall swear. HE is your praise. HE is your GOD, Who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons, and now the LORD your GOD has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven."
Deuteronomy 30:6-10 "The LORD your GOD Will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. And the LORD your GOD Will put all these curses on your foes and enemies who persecuted you. And you shall again obey the voice of the LORD and keep all His commandments that I command you today. The LORD your GOD Will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the LORD Will again take delight in prospering you, as HE took delight in your fathers, when you obey the Voice of the LORD your GOD, to keep His commandments and His statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul."
Jeremiah 4:3-4 "For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: "Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest My wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds."
Romans 2:25-29 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Hebrew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from GOD."
Colossians 2:8-15 "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human (religious) tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him, Who is the head of all rule and authority. In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of GOD, Who raised Him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, GOD made us alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This HE set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them (in) through Him."
Divine Revelation:
Daniel 2:17-23 "Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from the GOD of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the GOD of heaven. Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of GOD forever and ever, to Whom belong wisdom and might. HE changes times and seasons; HE removes kings and sets up kings; HE gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; HE reveals deep and hidden things; HE knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. To You, O GOD of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king's matter."
Amos 3:1-8 "Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O people of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt: "You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. "Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet? Does a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from his den, if he has taken nothing? Does a bird fall in a snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when it has taken nothing? Is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? Does disaster come to a city, unless the LORD has done it? "For the LORD GOD does nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets. The lion has roared; who will not fear? The LORD GOD has spoken; who can but prophesy?"
John 15:12-17 and Romans 16:26 (Jesus is speaking) "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, HE may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another."
Romans 16:25-27 "Now to Him Who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal GOD, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise GOD be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen."
1Corinthians 2:6-13 "Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of GOD, which GOD decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the LORD of Glory. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM"— these things GOD has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of GOD. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of GOD except the Spirit of GOD. Now we have Received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit Who is (from) GOD, that we might understand the things freely given us by GOD. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual."
Ephesians 1:1-14, 3:5 and Colossians 1:26 "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the Will of GOD, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from GOD our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who having blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as HE chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be Holy and blameless before HIM. In love HE predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of HIS Will, to the praise of HIS glorious Grace, with which HE has blessed us in the Beloved. (Through) In Him we have Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His Grace, which HE lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of HIS Will, according to HIS purpose, which HE set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in HIM, things in heaven and things on earth. In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him Who works all things according to the counsel of His Will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also, when you heard the word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory."
Ephesians 3:4-13 "When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to His Holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same Body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this Gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of GOD's Grace, which was given me by the working of His power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this Grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to Light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in GOD Who created all things, so that through the Church the manifold wisdom of GOD might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that HE has realized in Christ Jesus our LORD, in Whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory."
Colossians 1:24-29 "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of His Body, that is, the Church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from GOD that was given to me for you, to make the word of GOD fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to HIS saints. To them GOD chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that HE powerfully works within me."
"The Resurrection and Sanctification"
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know . . . what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when HE raised Him from the dead and seated Him at HIS right hand in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1:18-20)
"Just as the Resurrection had an essential role in our starting out with GOD (in Justification), it also plays an irreplaceable part in our going on with GOD (in Sanctification). In the New Covenant of Grace, the Resurrection is involved from start to finish in the Christian life.
Our scripture meditation is from one of the great prayers in all of the Bible. This portion begins by asking GOD to give us spiritual insight: "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened." What the LORD addresses in this prayer determines whether as a believer will live by Godly power or by human weakness. GOD desires to give us heavenly insight on this vital matter. Then, HE intends for this spiritual Enlightenment to lead us into a personal walk concerning this reality: "that you may know." The issue of this prayer is to become a partaker of HIS Life in our daily experience.
GOD wants us to experience the proper power source for living the Christian life: "that you may Know . . . what is the exceeding greatness of HIS power toward us who believe." We who have been Justified (declared Righteous) through the faith of Christ are not supposed to face each day by our meager, inadequate resources. We who have been born again by the Spirit of GOD are to live this New Life by the power of GOD! Just as did Jesus and Paul and the others from the moment of their transformation on. GOD working within them just as HE is working within and through me.
The aspect of GOD's power in view here is Resurrection Power: "according to the working of HIS mighty power which HE worked in Christ when HE raised Him from the dead." Think of the mighty power of GOD that was at work to bring Jesus from a crucified Savior to a victorious risen LORD. This is the power that our GOD wants to unleash upon and within us day by day.
As great as this display of power was, even more is available to us: "and seated Him at HIS right hand in the heavenly places." This mighty Divine power that brought forth Jesus from the dead, also raised Him to the right hand of the Father in the heaven realm. Surely, this power is sufficient to lift us out of any deadening situation of our minds or our surroundings."
Circumcision:
Spiritual Circumcision of the Heart,
Deuteronomy 10:12-22 "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your GOD require of you, but to fear the LORD your GOD, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the LORD your GOD belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. Yet the LORD set His heart in Love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. For the LORD your GOD is GOD of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome GOD, Who is not partial and takes no bribe. HE executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall fear (Revere, Respect and greatly Reverence) the LORD your GOD. You shall serve Him and hold fast to Him, and by His name you shall swear. HE is your praise. HE is your GOD, Who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons, and now the LORD your GOD has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven."
Deuteronomy 30:6-10 "The LORD your GOD Will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. And the LORD your GOD Will put all these curses on your foes and enemies who persecuted you. And you shall again obey the voice of the LORD and keep all His commandments that I command you today. The LORD your GOD Will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the LORD Will again take delight in prospering you, as HE took delight in your fathers, when you obey the Voice of the LORD your GOD, to keep His commandments and His statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul."
Jeremiah 4:3-4 "For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: "Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest My wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds."
Romans 2:25-29 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Hebrew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from GOD."
Colossians 2:8-15 "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human (religious) tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him, Who is the head of all rule and authority. In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of GOD, Who raised Him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, GOD made us alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This HE set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them (in) through Him."
Divine Revelation:
Daniel 2:17-23 "Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from the GOD of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the GOD of heaven. Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of GOD forever and ever, to Whom belong wisdom and might. HE changes times and seasons; HE removes kings and sets up kings; HE gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; HE reveals deep and hidden things; HE knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. To You, O GOD of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king's matter."
Amos 3:1-8 "Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O people of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt: "You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. "Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet? Does a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from his den, if he has taken nothing? Does a bird fall in a snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when it has taken nothing? Is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? Does disaster come to a city, unless the LORD has done it? "For the LORD GOD does nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets. The lion has roared; who will not fear? The LORD GOD has spoken; who can but prophesy?"
John 15:12-17 and Romans 16:26 (Jesus is speaking) "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, HE may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another."
Romans 16:25-27 "Now to Him Who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal GOD, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise GOD be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen."
1Corinthians 2:6-13 "Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of GOD, which GOD decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the LORD of Glory. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM"— these things GOD has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of GOD. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of GOD except the Spirit of GOD. Now we have Received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit Who is (from) GOD, that we might understand the things freely given us by GOD. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual."
Ephesians 1:1-14, 3:5 and Colossians 1:26 "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the Will of GOD, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from GOD our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who having blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as HE chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be Holy and blameless before HIM. In love HE predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of HIS Will, to the praise of HIS glorious Grace, with which HE has blessed us in the Beloved. (Through) In Him we have Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His Grace, which HE lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of HIS Will, according to HIS purpose, which HE set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in HIM, things in heaven and things on earth. In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him Who works all things according to the counsel of His Will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also, when you heard the word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory."
Ephesians 3:4-13 "When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to His Holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same Body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this Gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of GOD's Grace, which was given me by the working of His power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this Grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to Light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in GOD Who created all things, so that through the Church the manifold wisdom of GOD might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that HE has realized in Christ Jesus our LORD, in Whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory."
Colossians 1:24-29 "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of His Body, that is, the Church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from GOD that was given to me for you, to make the word of GOD fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to HIS saints. To them GOD chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that HE powerfully works within me."
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