Lesson 14 The Teachings of CHRIST
Part 9
The Key
For me, the teachings of CHRIST can be summed up in one simple but powerful word-----LOVE.
CHRIST summed up all the 600 and some commandments that the Jews lived under in two commandments.
1. Love GOD
2. Love your neighbor (that includes everyone)
Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
As a Christian, love should be our defining quality. The means by which all who see us or hear us or know of us are sure of WHO we represent.
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
JESUS through HIS substitutionary death on the cross for my sins and yours demonstrated the greatest love possible.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
JESUS´s prayer of intersession was a plea for unity of purpose in winning lost souls.
John 17:1-23 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
The church, the body of CHRIST, was left here on earth to witness in HIS absence.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
CHRIST´s doctrine of love is not always easy. We are to love everyone, not just those that are easy to love. We must love even our enemies. Why? Because JESUS already loves them.
Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
I John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
CHRIST´s love should abound in our lives so that all might see HIM through us.
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A Quote to Ponder
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Searching the Scripture
Lesson 13 The Character of CHRIST
Part 4
JESUS Was Meek.
Meekness is the attitude of mind that is opposed to harshness and contentiousness (Torrey)
Meekness demonstrates itself in gentleness and tenderness toward others.
JESUS says HE is meek.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Look at what Paul asked the Corinthians.
I Corinthians 4:21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
We, as Christians, are to learn meekness.
Galatians6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
II Timothy 2:24-25 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
JESUS Was Humble
JESUS was not only meek, HE was also humble.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
HE was humble because HE did not seek HIS own glory, but the FATHER´s glory.
John 8:50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
Because of HIS humility HE was able to associate with publicans and with sinners.
Luke 15:1-2 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
HE demonstrated HIS humility by washing HIS disciples´s feet.
John 13:4-5 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
HE demonstrated HIS humility by HIS sacrifice.
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
It is not enough that we imitate CHRIST. WE must reproduce the holiness, love, compassion, meekness and humility of JESUS CHRIST.
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
We must yield ourselves to HIM.
Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Part 4
JESUS Was Meek.
Meekness is the attitude of mind that is opposed to harshness and contentiousness (Torrey)
Meekness demonstrates itself in gentleness and tenderness toward others.
JESUS says HE is meek.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Look at what Paul asked the Corinthians.
I Corinthians 4:21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
We, as Christians, are to learn meekness.
Galatians6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
II Timothy 2:24-25 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
JESUS Was Humble
JESUS was not only meek, HE was also humble.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
HE was humble because HE did not seek HIS own glory, but the FATHER´s glory.
John 8:50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
Because of HIS humility HE was able to associate with publicans and with sinners.
Luke 15:1-2 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
HE demonstrated HIS humility by washing HIS disciples´s feet.
John 13:4-5 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
HE demonstrated HIS humility by HIS sacrifice.
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
It is not enough that we imitate CHRIST. WE must reproduce the holiness, love, compassion, meekness and humility of JESUS CHRIST.
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
We must yield ourselves to HIM.
Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Searching the Scripture
Lesson 13 The Character of CHRIST
Part 3
JESUS Was Compassionate.
John 11:35 Jesus wept.
HE demonstrated compassion toward the multitude.
Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
Because of HIS compassion HE was concerned for the physical need of the people.
John 6:5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
HIS compassion led HIM to heal the blind.
Matthew 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
HE had compassion for those possessed by demons.
Mark 9:22 and 25 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
Mark 5:1-13 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
Luke 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
HE had compassion for the leper.
Mark 1:40-41 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
Luke 5:12-15 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.
And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.
Frequently we hear others say they have compassion, or we say that we ourselves have compassion. JESUS proved HIS compassion with HIS actions. HE became a SHEPHERD to lost sheep. HE became a SAVIOUR to those without hope. HE healed the sick and the blind. HE cast out demons. If HE is our example we must love not only in words but by our actions.
JESUS Was Prayerful
JESUS had a tremendous prayer life.
Hebrews 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
It was not unusual for JESUS to pray all night.
Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
HE prayed before HIS baptism. HE prayed before HE faced temptation.
Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
HE prayed to the FATHER asking for miracles.
Matthew 14:19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
John 11:41-42 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
JESUS ´s earthly life ended with a prayer.
Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
HE sometimes prayed alone.
Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
HE sometimes prayed with HIS disciples.
Luke 9:28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
Luke 22:39-46 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
At Gethsemane HE prayed in submission to the will of the FATHER.
Matthew 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
HE prayed for individuals.
Luke 2:31-32 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
John 17:9 and 20 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
HE taught HIS disciples to pray and we were told to do the same.
Matthew 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
It was through prayer that JESUS overcame temptation, performed miracles, escaped death,and glorified GOD.
Part 3
JESUS Was Compassionate.
John 11:35 Jesus wept.
HE demonstrated compassion toward the multitude.
Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
Because of HIS compassion HE was concerned for the physical need of the people.
John 6:5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
HIS compassion led HIM to heal the blind.
Matthew 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
HE had compassion for those possessed by demons.
Mark 9:22 and 25 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
Mark 5:1-13 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
Luke 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
HE had compassion for the leper.
Mark 1:40-41 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
Luke 5:12-15 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.
And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.
Frequently we hear others say they have compassion, or we say that we ourselves have compassion. JESUS proved HIS compassion with HIS actions. HE became a SHEPHERD to lost sheep. HE became a SAVIOUR to those without hope. HE healed the sick and the blind. HE cast out demons. If HE is our example we must love not only in words but by our actions.
JESUS Was Prayerful
JESUS had a tremendous prayer life.
Hebrews 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
It was not unusual for JESUS to pray all night.
Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
HE prayed before HIS baptism. HE prayed before HE faced temptation.
Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
HE prayed to the FATHER asking for miracles.
Matthew 14:19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
John 11:41-42 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
JESUS ´s earthly life ended with a prayer.
Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
HE sometimes prayed alone.
Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
HE sometimes prayed with HIS disciples.
Luke 9:28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
Luke 22:39-46 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
At Gethsemane HE prayed in submission to the will of the FATHER.
Matthew 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
HE prayed for individuals.
Luke 2:31-32 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
John 17:9 and 20 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
HE taught HIS disciples to pray and we were told to do the same.
Matthew 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
It was through prayer that JESUS overcame temptation, performed miracles, escaped death,and glorified GOD.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Searching the Scripture
Lesson 13 The Character of CHRIST
Part 2
JESUS Has a Love for Souls
HIS love for the souls of men is never-ending. HE came as the GOOD SHEPHERD to seek the lost, both Jew and Gentile.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
JESUS loved the multitudes. HE came to die for all mankind.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
However, HIS ministry was most often one of individual soul winning. He reached people one by one. The first chapter of John gives the account of HIS dealings with some of John´s disciples.
Andrew and his friend in John 1:37-40
And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
Peter in John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Philip in John 1:43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
Nathanael in John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
JESUS deals with Nicodemus in John 3:1-21
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
JESUS deals with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:5-30
Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
JESUS deals with the blind man in John 9:1-11
And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
HIS love for mankind is shown in HIS willingness to go and search for the lost.
Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
JESUS felt joy in the finding of the lost sinner.
Luke 15:5-7 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Also, JESUS felt grief over every soul that rejected HIM.
Luke 19:41-42 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Part 2
JESUS Has a Love for Souls
HIS love for the souls of men is never-ending. HE came as the GOOD SHEPHERD to seek the lost, both Jew and Gentile.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
JESUS loved the multitudes. HE came to die for all mankind.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
However, HIS ministry was most often one of individual soul winning. He reached people one by one. The first chapter of John gives the account of HIS dealings with some of John´s disciples.
Andrew and his friend in John 1:37-40
And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
Peter in John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Philip in John 1:43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
Nathanael in John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
JESUS deals with Nicodemus in John 3:1-21
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
JESUS deals with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:5-30
Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
JESUS deals with the blind man in John 9:1-11
And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
HIS love for mankind is shown in HIS willingness to go and search for the lost.
Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
JESUS felt joy in the finding of the lost sinner.
Luke 15:5-7 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Also, JESUS felt grief over every soul that rejected HIM.
Luke 19:41-42 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Searching the Scripture
Lesson 13 The Character of CHRIST
Part 1
What kind of person was JESUS? What do we mean when we say we want to be like JESUS? HE is our example, not just in actions, but also in character.
I Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Being conformed to the image of CHRIST means being conformed to HIS character.
JESUS Was Holy
We covered this aspect in the lesson on the sinlessness of CHRIST. HE was holy, completely, totally, absolutely holy. From birth HE was without a sin nature. HE never committed any sin. HE always did what was right and pure.
Acts3:14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
CHRIST demonstrated HIS holiness by HIS love of righteousness and by HIS hate of iniquity. HE cleansed the temple. HE denounced hypocrisy and sin.
Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
JESUS Was Loving
JESUS demonstrated HIS love toward HIS FATER and toward mankind.
John 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
HE proved HIS love for HIS FATHER by obedience.
John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
HE proved HIS love by finishing the work that the FATHER gave HIM to do.
John 17:44 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
JESUS had a special love for the church.
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
JESUS had a special love for HIS own.
John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
JESUS also loved and still loves sinners.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Mark 10:13-16 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
JESUS proved HIS love by becoming poor so that we might be rich.
II Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
The ultimate proof of HIS love was willingly and voluntarily dying for us.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
JESUS continues to demonstrate HIS love to us by caring for us day by day.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Part 1
What kind of person was JESUS? What do we mean when we say we want to be like JESUS? HE is our example, not just in actions, but also in character.
I Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Being conformed to the image of CHRIST means being conformed to HIS character.
JESUS Was Holy
We covered this aspect in the lesson on the sinlessness of CHRIST. HE was holy, completely, totally, absolutely holy. From birth HE was without a sin nature. HE never committed any sin. HE always did what was right and pure.
Acts3:14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
CHRIST demonstrated HIS holiness by HIS love of righteousness and by HIS hate of iniquity. HE cleansed the temple. HE denounced hypocrisy and sin.
Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
JESUS Was Loving
JESUS demonstrated HIS love toward HIS FATER and toward mankind.
John 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
HE proved HIS love for HIS FATHER by obedience.
John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
HE proved HIS love by finishing the work that the FATHER gave HIM to do.
John 17:44 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
JESUS had a special love for the church.
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
JESUS had a special love for HIS own.
John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
JESUS also loved and still loves sinners.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Mark 10:13-16 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
JESUS proved HIS love by becoming poor so that we might be rich.
II Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
The ultimate proof of HIS love was willingly and voluntarily dying for us.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
JESUS continues to demonstrate HIS love to us by caring for us day by day.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
A Quote to Ponder
Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition.
- Alexander Smith
- Alexander Smith
Saturday, May 9, 2009
A Quote to Ponder
A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. - Tenneva Jordan
Saturday, February 14, 2009
A Quote to Ponder
Draw a circle, not a heart, around the one you love because a heart can break but a circle goes on forever. - Unknown
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Searching the Scripture
Lesson 3 GOD is a Balanced Being
Part 1:
GOD is holy, loving, merciful, and faithful. GOD is also just and righteous. Many people today have a one-sided view of GOD. They put all their emphasizes on HIS love and forget that HE is also just and holy. It is GOD´s love that allows HIM to forgive sin and show mercy to the repentant sinner. (Repentant is the key word). However, the holiness and justice of GOD demands that sin be punished to the full extent of the law.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS
CHRIST our LORD.
Many argue that hell is an impossibility. How can a loving, merciful GOD send a human being there for all eternity? To think this is to have an unbalanced view of GOD. Take a look at II Corinthians 5:11 and think about it. It will help you to understand the horrors of hell and the blackout a Calvary as you consider the holiness and severity of GOD´s wrath against sin.
GOD´s holiness demands that we be holy. GOD´s law places eternal damnation on the guilty sinner in accordance with GOD´s justice. It is one of the greatest miracles of all time that GOD found a way of salvation that satisfies both GOD´s holiness and HIS love. It satisfies the law and yet allows man to be a creature of free will who can choose salvation or damnation, heaven or hell.
GOD is Holy.
How can we imagine HIM as anything but perfectly holy. To be holy means to be pure; to be undefiled. GOD is totally pure. Read these verses: Habakkuk 1:13; Exodus 15:11; I Samuel 2:2; and Isaiah 6:3.
The holiness of GOD separated HIM from fallen man.
Eph. 2:13 - But now in CHRIST JESUS ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of CHRIST.
The only way that man can approach holy GOD is through the blood of JESUS CHRIST.
GOD is holy. GOD hates sin. His holy wrath must punish sin.
Isaiah 53:6 - All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on HIM the iniquity of us all.
This is why the FATHER forsook and punished HIS SON on Calvary. This demand was assumed by the SAVIOUR on the cross and the sacrifice completely satisfied the FATHER.
GOD is Love.
I John 4:8 - He that loveth not knoweth not GOD; for GOD is love.
Love here is not only a verb, it is also a noun. If GOD lives in my heart then I must love because I am indwelt by LOVE.
I John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of GOD, and knoweth GOD
What is love? It is a desire for and a delight in the welfare on the one whom the love is bestowed. True love even loves sinners and enemies.
Matthew 5:44-45 - But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your FATHER which is in heaven; for HE maketh HIS sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
John 3:16 - For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.
GOD loves the world (mankind) and because of that love HE formed a plan of salvation so that we (mankind) might have the opportunity to escape wrath and damnation.
Part 1:
GOD is holy, loving, merciful, and faithful. GOD is also just and righteous. Many people today have a one-sided view of GOD. They put all their emphasizes on HIS love and forget that HE is also just and holy. It is GOD´s love that allows HIM to forgive sin and show mercy to the repentant sinner. (Repentant is the key word). However, the holiness and justice of GOD demands that sin be punished to the full extent of the law.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS
CHRIST our LORD.
Many argue that hell is an impossibility. How can a loving, merciful GOD send a human being there for all eternity? To think this is to have an unbalanced view of GOD. Take a look at II Corinthians 5:11 and think about it. It will help you to understand the horrors of hell and the blackout a Calvary as you consider the holiness and severity of GOD´s wrath against sin.
GOD´s holiness demands that we be holy. GOD´s law places eternal damnation on the guilty sinner in accordance with GOD´s justice. It is one of the greatest miracles of all time that GOD found a way of salvation that satisfies both GOD´s holiness and HIS love. It satisfies the law and yet allows man to be a creature of free will who can choose salvation or damnation, heaven or hell.
GOD is Holy.
How can we imagine HIM as anything but perfectly holy. To be holy means to be pure; to be undefiled. GOD is totally pure. Read these verses: Habakkuk 1:13; Exodus 15:11; I Samuel 2:2; and Isaiah 6:3.
The holiness of GOD separated HIM from fallen man.
Eph. 2:13 - But now in CHRIST JESUS ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of CHRIST.
The only way that man can approach holy GOD is through the blood of JESUS CHRIST.
GOD is holy. GOD hates sin. His holy wrath must punish sin.
Isaiah 53:6 - All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on HIM the iniquity of us all.
This is why the FATHER forsook and punished HIS SON on Calvary. This demand was assumed by the SAVIOUR on the cross and the sacrifice completely satisfied the FATHER.
GOD is Love.
I John 4:8 - He that loveth not knoweth not GOD; for GOD is love.
Love here is not only a verb, it is also a noun. If GOD lives in my heart then I must love because I am indwelt by LOVE.
I John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of GOD, and knoweth GOD
What is love? It is a desire for and a delight in the welfare on the one whom the love is bestowed. True love even loves sinners and enemies.
Matthew 5:44-45 - But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your FATHER which is in heaven; for HE maketh HIS sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
John 3:16 - For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.
GOD loves the world (mankind) and because of that love HE formed a plan of salvation so that we (mankind) might have the opportunity to escape wrath and damnation.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
DO YOU CARE?
Found this in an old notebook where I had copied it from a church bulletin. It is told in first person, but the "I" is not me.
It will certainly make you stop and think. You never know what a kind word or deed will do for someone else.
IT was a cold winter´s day that Sunday. The parking lot to the church was filling up quickly. I noticed as I got out of my car that fellow church members were whispering among themselves as they walked to the church. As I got closer I saw a man leaned up against the wall outside the church. He ws almost laying down as if he was asleep. He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds and a hat topped his head, pulled down so you could not see his face. He wore shoes that looked 30 years old, too small for his feet with holes all over them, his toes stuck out. I assumed this man was homeless, and asleep, so I walked on by through the doors of the church.
We all had fellowship for a few minutes, and someone brought up the man laying outside. People snickered and gossiped but no one bothered to ask him to come in, including me. A few moments later church began. We were all waiting for the Preacher to take his place and to give us the Word, when the doors to the church opened. In came the homeless man walking down the aisle with his head down. People gasped and whispered and made faces. He made his way down the aisle and up onto the pulpit. He took off his hat and coat. My heart sank.
There stood our preacher....he was the "homeless man". No one said a word. The preacher took his Bible and laid it on the stand. "Folks, I don´t think I have to tell you what I am preaching about today." Then he started singing the words to this song. "If I can help somebody as I pass along. If I can cheer somebody with a word or song. If I can show somebody that he´s traveling wrong. Then my living shall not be in vain."
Do you care? Are you living in vain?
Hard questions.
It will certainly make you stop and think. You never know what a kind word or deed will do for someone else.
IT was a cold winter´s day that Sunday. The parking lot to the church was filling up quickly. I noticed as I got out of my car that fellow church members were whispering among themselves as they walked to the church. As I got closer I saw a man leaned up against the wall outside the church. He ws almost laying down as if he was asleep. He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds and a hat topped his head, pulled down so you could not see his face. He wore shoes that looked 30 years old, too small for his feet with holes all over them, his toes stuck out. I assumed this man was homeless, and asleep, so I walked on by through the doors of the church.
We all had fellowship for a few minutes, and someone brought up the man laying outside. People snickered and gossiped but no one bothered to ask him to come in, including me. A few moments later church began. We were all waiting for the Preacher to take his place and to give us the Word, when the doors to the church opened. In came the homeless man walking down the aisle with his head down. People gasped and whispered and made faces. He made his way down the aisle and up onto the pulpit. He took off his hat and coat. My heart sank.
There stood our preacher....he was the "homeless man". No one said a word. The preacher took his Bible and laid it on the stand. "Folks, I don´t think I have to tell you what I am preaching about today." Then he started singing the words to this song. "If I can help somebody as I pass along. If I can cheer somebody with a word or song. If I can show somebody that he´s traveling wrong. Then my living shall not be in vain."
Do you care? Are you living in vain?
Hard questions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)