tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66931866387895332622024-03-05T01:52:30.388-08:00A Bible BlogThoughts, ideas, and insights on God's word.Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-74997742104029431802021-04-30T10:29:00.000-07:002021-04-30T10:32:59.142-07:00Jesus' Kingdom. Our Orders.<div class="gmail_default"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This world is full of traps, and it seems I avoid one and fall for another; I suppose it is the same for everyone who belongs to Jesus. <br /><br /><br />I dislike politics. I got caught up during the last campaign and election; but now that all the madness has subsided, I find I still dislike it. Actually, I dislike it even more than I used to, because there is too much fighting and too little love. <br /><br /><br />Jesus said "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight,..." (John 18:36a). Yet, we do. We fight among ourselves, we fight with those who are not His, we fight against the authorities in this world which He has placed to rule over us. It is wrong. It is sin. Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. This world is in the kingdom of the prince of the power of the air, who knows his time is short. <br /><br /><br />Jesus also said, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16) <br /><br /><br />I had to look up the Greek translations: "Sheep" refers to walking forward, "wolves" refers to whiteness, "serpents" refers to sharp eyes, and "doves" refers to pigeons. <br />This is the truth: Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. Our orders from Him are: Don't fight, walk forward knowing the wolf will try to catch you by his whiteness, be aware of what is going on, and follow the Holy Spirit. <br /><br /><br />Beware of trying to serve God and the Constitution. It cannot be done, because we cannot serve two masters. God, our creator, did not give us the right to liberty. He also did not give us the right to pursue happiness. He gave us the right to choose whom we would serve. Everything depends on that choice</span><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></div><script src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=4"></script>Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-20189816431394919622018-03-03T07:25:00.000-08:002018-03-03T07:25:22.867-08:00God Answers Prayer<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God answers prayer. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />I say this not because I have heard it, or had prayers answered in the past, but because I had a prayer answered this week...<br /><br />My son inherited a ring from my father. Last Sunday, he took it off while he was showering, and somehow it fell down the drain in the shower. His wife told me he was devastated, and I can understand. I was very sad, myself. <br /><br />It was Sunday, and he had to work, and the stores were closed in the little town where they live, and they didn't have the tools they needed...We talked on the phone, and gave advice, and offered financial assistance if needed, but they don't live close, so that was all we could physically do.<br /><br />Monday they got some tools, and took the pipe apart, but couldn't find the ring. Well, I knew that it was just a thing, and that life goes on, but it was hard for all of us.<br /><br />So Tuesday, as I was doing my day, I prayed God would help them find it. I had no doubt that He knew exactly where it was... </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That evening the phone rang. It was my son, telling me that he had taken the pipe apart before they used the shower again, and had dug a little deeper, and had found the ring! It was such a relief! I said to him, "God answers prayer!" and now I am affirming to you that God cares about us, and He answers prayer, even prayer about seemingly small, worldly things.<br /><br />Blessings!</span><script src="https://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=4"></script></div>
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Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-91598319126020751112018-01-25T14:02:00.000-08:002018-01-25T14:02:13.137-08:00Jesus and Psalm 82<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a recent study, I encountered Psalm 82. This is the Psalm which Jesus quoted in John 10:<script src="https://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=4"></script></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joh 10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In verse 34 above, the Scripture to which Jesus referred was Psalm 82:6. Here is the Psalm in its entirety:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 82:1 A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7 But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In reading this Psalm with the Strong's numbers, which was needed for the study I was doing, I realized I was seeing the situation in John 10. I will try to explain... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the Psalm, verse one, God is standing among the powerful, judging them. Looking at John 10:24-26, Jesus is standing among the leaders of the Jewish people, telling them that they are not his sheep because they do not believe him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Verses 2-4 of the Psalm detail some of the things the Jewish leaders are doing and not doing which God would have them change, and verse 5 shows their unwillingness to see the light which is before them in the person of Jesus. Instead, they accuse him of blasphemy and making himself God when he was a man. (John 10:33)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That is when Jesus quotes the Psalm, verse 6, showing that their accusation is groundless, because not only is he a child of God, but they are, also. This doesn't deny the relationship he has with his father (John 10:30)--instead, if they would but see it, it shows them the relationship that the father desires to have with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Father, give us ears to hear, that we may follow your Son.</span><br />
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Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-49912129088267138012017-04-15T08:53:00.000-07:002018-01-27T08:08:27.373-08:00Wait on the LordI was reading a post <a href="https://enteringthepromisedland.wordpress.com/2017/04/05/trust-in-him-a-biblical-promise-in-pictures" target="_blank">Entering the Promised Land</a>, and found myself thinking, "Wait on the Lord." Wanting to comment there, I searched for those words. I was encouraged and uplifted by what I found, and if you are in a dark place, or are wondering where God is, perhaps you will find help in these verses:<script src="https://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=4"></script><br />
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Psalms 27:14<br />
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.<br />
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Isaiah 30:18<br />
And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.<br />
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Psalms 130:5<br />
I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.<br />
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Psalms 39:7<br />
And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.<br />
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Micah 7:7<br />
Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.<br />
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Lamentations 3:25<br />
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.<br />
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Lamentations 3:26<br />
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.<br />
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Isaiah 40:31<br />
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.<br />
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Psalms 37:7<br />
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.<br />
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Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-54621129115955337222016-04-21T07:57:00.000-07:002016-04-21T08:03:25.641-07:00Earthquakes in Various PlacesI am interested in earthquakes, and lately there have been many which appear on the evening news. So recently, knowing that earthquakes are mentioned in the Bible, I did a short word study.<div>
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Picture this: Elijah, the prophet of God, has just done a big thing. Now Jezebel is out for blood, and he runs for his life forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. There he has a conversation with God, and we read this:</div>
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1Ki 19:11 And he [God] said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: </blockquote>
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1Ki 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. </blockquote>
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1Ki 19:13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? </blockquote>
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What does it mean, for us today?</div>
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God is in charge of every event, every day. He uses them for his own good purposes. But He is not necessarily IN them. We must not use such things for guidance. Instead, we must listen for his "still, small voice."<br />
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Isa 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. </blockquote>
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Then, when we have heard, we must do. I know, this is easier said than done. Nevertheless, it is true. </div>
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So, when you hear of these things "...nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." (Mat 24:7) do not be afraid or give up hope. Listen for God, and do what he says. He has promised he will not leave you.<br />
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Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-46466224054160207882013-04-14T12:48:00.000-07:002018-01-27T08:16:56.697-08:00Give Glory to GodDid you ever wonder what it means to give glory to God? It's one of those things we are told we are supposed to do, and it sounds like a very good thing, but what does it look like? Are we giving God glory when we sing a worship song or hymn? Go to church? Pass out religious literature? Take communion? Pray? Read the Bible? Point out sin? Preach?<br />
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Not necessarily.<br />
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God has some things to say about giving Him glory, and we can learn what He means from what He says. Searching the New Testament for the words "glory God," I learned.<br />
It is simple.<br />
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Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.<br />
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.<br />
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.<br />
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.<br />
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.<br />
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,<br />
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.<br />
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<li>This passage is about Jesus' birth. The whole purpose of Jesus' life and death was God's glory. When we <b>follow Jesus </b>according to God's plan, we are giving God glory.</li>
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Luke 17:11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.<br />
12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:<br />
13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.<br />
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.<br />
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,<br />
16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.<br />
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?<br />
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.<br />
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.<br />
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<li>This teaches us that <b>thanking God for what He has done</b> is giving Him glory.</li>
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John 11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.<br />
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3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.<br />
4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.<br />
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14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.<br />
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40 Jesus saith unto [Martha], Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?<br />
41 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.<br />
42 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.<br />
43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.<br />
44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.<br />
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<li>This is a little more complicated: Obviously, that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead gave God glory. But how does that apply to us today? One does not often see people raised from the dead today...at least not physically. But spiritually it is a different story. Every person who becomes Jesus' disciple passes from death into life (See John 5:24). So <b>our salvation</b> is a resurrection, and gives God glory.</li>
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Acts 12:22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.<br />
23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.<br />
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<li>Herod was a great orator, but God judged him "because he gave not God the glory" for his skill. When we <b>give credit to God</b> our Creator for our abilities, we give Him glory.</li>
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Romans 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:<br />
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;<br />
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.<br />
22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.<br />
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<li>Abraham, in his faith in God's promise of a son, gave Him glory through that faith. Likewise, we give God glory through <b>our faith</b> that He will keep His promises. Further, we give God glory when we <b>live according to our faith</b> (Romans 14:23 & 1 Corinthians 10:31).</li>
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Rom 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.<br />
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<li>Strong's lexicon defines receive as “to take to oneself, that is, use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality)." So we give God glory when we <b>break bread together, counsel each other, and extend friendship or hospitality to one another</b>. This is the outworking of the commandment to love one another, and the witness to those outside the body of Christ that we are His.</li>
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There are a few others, but these sum it up: Turn to Jesus for salvation and follow Him in faith; thank God, giving Him credit for what He has done; love one another. That is how to give glory to God. Simple.<br />
<br />Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-64657613121594590962012-11-01T10:38:00.000-07:002012-11-01T10:45:37.682-07:00October 31I am not a fan of halloween.
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Some years ago, I worked the evening shift. I enjoyed listening to the radio as I commuted, because at that time I could hear a folk music show on my way home. One night, every song played had the devil as its subject. When I noticed this, I first wondered why, then I remembered it was halloween. That was the night when God brought home to me that halloween was the devil's holiday.</div>
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Eph 5:11 And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even expose them. </div>
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Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-1007189888368686892012-06-24T07:55:00.000-07:002012-06-24T08:57:43.930-07:00First Corinthians 1: Christ Is Divided<br />
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<b>Psalm 133</b></blockquote>
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1 A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!<br />
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;<br />
3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. </blockquote>
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I was reading Ivan Panin's numeric translation of First Corinthians when the Holy Spirit highlighted a verse for me. The verse was 1 Corinthians 1:13, which in the King James Version says this: "<b>Is Christ divided</b>? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" Panin, however, made the first phrase a declaration instead of a question: "<b>Christ is divided</b>: was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized into the name of Paul?" (My emphasis)<br />
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Full stop. This is different. What does it mean?</div>
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Christ is divided. Not good. Not good at all.</div>
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The context bears this out: Paul is chastising the Corinthians for contention and factionalism:</div>
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1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.<br />
1Co 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.<br />
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.<br />
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? </blockquote>
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Specifically, he is telling them that following a man, even a well-known one such as Paul, Cephas (Peter), or Apollos, is not right. Each of them had been baptized into the name of Jesus, therefore they all were to follow Jesus. To follow anyone else is contentious, and carnal (1 Cor 3:3). It is sin.</div>
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So, what does that mean today? Do we, who claim Jesus, divide him? Are we contentious?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>YES</b></span></div>
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We follow, for example, Luther, the Pope, Calvin, Wesley, or one of a host of others. We follow this or that radio, television, or internet preacher. We follow "our" pastor or priest or minister. We divide the body of Christ over men. </div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">It is idolatry.</b> </div>
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We need shepherds, because we are sheep. But if we follow a man who is not Jesus, and do not compare what he says and does with what is taught in the Bible; if we accept what a man teaches, and do not reject the lies and misinterpretations which creep in; we are in sin. We are making that man, whoever he is, into our god.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It is death.</b></span></div>
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We who claim Jesus as our savior and lord are one body, Christ's body, on earth, and he is our head (Rom 12:5, 1 Cor 10:17, Eph 1:22-23, Col 1:18). If a man is beheaded, he dies. Similarly, if one part of the body is cut off from the rest, that part dies. So if we remove Christ as our head and put a man there, or if we separate from one another because of a man, something dies. Not Christ: he overcame death in resurrection. But we die, our witness dies, our usefulness to God dies. Fellowships die. Churches die.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This need not be.</b></span></div>
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The solution is simple, although it isn't easy. It is as simple as turning away from putting man ahead of God, learning scripture, and asking God to reveal the lies we have believed. He answers that prayer, if we mean it.</div>
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Examine yourself to see if you are guilty of this. Ask God to search you and reveal any idolatry and all lies, then turn from those he reveals. It will not be easy, but it is right.<br />
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It will allow us to experience the blessing of Psalm 133.<br />
<br /><center><a href=" http://gratefulprayerthankfulheart.blogspot.com/ "><img border="0" src=" https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48RkTNM1kOKJ25NHyBqnm8P1Hi4my80Y4noCxCEiSxhmMjlgAvZR-RzTW3nwy8ZYuK9BXaK_-hvcw2byYufAECWhst1EYHxNCaoH5-4r6KvwIcRXHmajTiXMn2uPfMBAvSfgxdUOXzArZ/s1600/think+on+these+things+Blog+button+2.jpg " /></a></center>
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</div>Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-19368551671109606062012-04-28T14:36:00.000-07:002012-04-28T14:36:39.584-07:00Think on These ThingsMatthew 25:40b ...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. <script src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=4">
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Have you been overwhelmed by the struggles and need of others? I have. And I have often not done anything, because what I could offer seemed so small. But God showed me today, that if we each do the small thing the sum will be large for the one in need. And He promised in this passage that when we help those in need, we are doing Him worship. </div>
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With God's help, I will do the small things He puts before me, and trust Him to make the sum large.</div>
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<center><a href="http://gratefulprayerthankfulheart.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src=" https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48RkTNM1kOKJ25NHyBqnm8P1Hi4my80Y4noCxCEiSxhmMjlgAvZR-RzTW3nwy8ZYuK9BXaK_-hvcw2byYufAECWhst1EYHxNCaoH5-4r6KvwIcRXHmajTiXMn2uPfMBAvSfgxdUOXzArZ/s1600/think+on+these+things+Blog+button+2.jpg " /></a></center>Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-7622235252335948042012-04-07T09:34:00.000-07:002012-04-07T09:34:41.179-07:00One Little WordI have been reading Ivan Panin's numeric translation of the New Testament recently. Today I was reading Acts 16, and a word in verse 17 caught my attention. The word was "a..":
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Acts 16:17 The same following after :Paul and us cried out, saying, These :men are bondmen of the Most High :God, who proclaim to you <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">a</span></u> way of salvation. (Panin)</blockquote>
(Before I go on, I should tell you that Panin was concerned that his translation be as accurate as possible, so when the Greek used a "the" which would not be grammatically acceptable in English, he inserted a colon [:] in its place. In this verse, you see this before "Paul," "men," and "God.")<br />
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Now I can go on. I noticed the "a" near the end of the verse. In many translations, including King James, "the" is used instead of "a." I looked at the passage in my Greek Interlinear Version and in Young's Literal Translation, and found that they were in agreement with Panin, so his is not a unique translation.<br />
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You may be wondering what that small difference makes. Maybe not much, but I have been puzzled WHY Paul was so bothered by the (supposed) testimony to the truth from the mouth of the girl. Here is the passage, in King James, so you will know the context:<br />
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Act 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: </blockquote>
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Act 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us <u><i><b>the</b></i></u> way of salvation. </blockquote>
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Act 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. </blockquote>
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It is true that Paul was a servant of the Most High God, and that he was showing the way of salvation, so why was he "grieved?"<br />
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I remember an explanation which focused on the spirit of divination which possessed the girl (v 16), saying that was his reason for grief, and that may be true. But the use of "a" in this context, instead of "the," turns a true statement into a lie: Paul was not showing the people "a" way of salvation (one of several), but "THE" way of salvation (the only one).<br />
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I am glad God showed me the answer to my question, and revealed (again) how easily the truth can be turned into a lie. All it takes is one little word.<br />
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</script>Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-13260392560943728532012-03-18T14:16:00.000-07:002012-03-18T14:16:43.078-07:00What is Truth?<div>
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. </div>
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Jesus is the truth. He truly came. He truly taught. He truly died. He truly rose again from the dead. He truly sits in heaven at God's right hand.</div>
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Does that mean that everything which is taught in His name today is true?</div>
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No.</div>
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If He taught it, it is true. But if He didn't teach it...</div>
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Have you ever asked God to show you the lies which you have believed?</div>
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If not, are you willing to ask? You will surely be surprised at His answer.</div>
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If you are willing to have your faith challenged, to find the idols in your life, to embrace the truth, ask.</div>
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You will be changed. You will become more like Him.</div>
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</script>Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-66875794106256321422012-01-23T06:52:00.000-08:002012-01-23T06:52:41.299-08:00Thou Shalt Love the LORD Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deut 6:4-5)<br />
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How do I love You, Father? What does it look like? I know man's answers, or some of them. They become work. How do You answer?<br />
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</script>Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-73095586421755373662011-11-13T13:03:00.001-08:002011-11-13T13:08:04.452-08:00The Last Supper<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have occasionally heard that the last supper was not a passover meal. But in Luke 22:15, Jesus says that it is:</span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this <u>passover</u> with you before I suffer:" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Greek word is <i>pascha</i>, which means passover.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So my belief has been, and is, that the last supper was a passover meal. If there are details which seem to confuse the issue, they are confusing only because of human misunderstanding of the text.</span></div>
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</script>Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-32705486389769722442011-11-12T06:17:00.001-08:002012-01-02T16:25:56.255-08:00The Holy Spirit<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I have heard some teach that there is no separate Holy Spirit, but that He is identical with the Father. However, Jesus says this:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="verse-num woc" id="v43016012-1" style="background-color: white; color: #b36c38; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; padding-right: 0.15em; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6693186638789533262" rel="v43016012" style="background-color: white; color: #284f57; line-height: 22px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-indent: 25px;"></a><span class="woc" style="background-color: white; color: #990000; line-height: 22px; text-indent: 25px;">“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.</span><span class="verse-num woc" id="v43016013-1" style="background-color: white; color: #b36c38; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; padding-right: 0.15em; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6693186638789533262" rel="v43016013" style="background-color: white; color: #284f57; line-height: 22px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-indent: 25px;"></a><span class="woc" style="background-color: white; color: #990000; line-height: 22px; text-indent: 25px;">When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for <u style="text-indent: 0px !important;"><b><i>he will not speak on his own authority</i></b></u>, but <b style="text-indent: 0px !important;"><i><u>whatever he hears he will speak</u></i>,</b> and he will declare to you the things that are to come.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="verse-num woc" id="v43016014-1" style="background-color: white; color: #b36c38; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; padding-right: 0.15em; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6693186638789533262" rel="v43016014" style="background-color: white; color: #284f57; line-height: 22px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-indent: 25px;"></a><span class="woc" style="background-color: white; color: #990000; line-height: 22px; text-indent: 25px;">He will glorify me, for <i style="text-indent: 0px !important;"><b><u>he will take what is mine</u></b></i> and declare it to you.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px; text-indent: 25px;"> (John 16:12-14 ESV my emphasis)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 22px;">If the Holy Spirit does not speak on his own authority, then there is someone directing him what to say, and he is separate from the one who is directing him.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 22px;">Jesus also did not speak or act on his own authority (John 5:19), so the director is the Father.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 22px;">If the Holy Spirit takes what belongs to Jesus, then he is separate from Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Therefore, since the Holy Spirit is separate both from Jesus and the Father, He is an individual.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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</script>Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-30671473009942621922011-08-16T10:05:00.000-07:002011-08-16T10:11:50.367-07:00James 1:17 The Gifts of God<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jas 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.</span><br />
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I like to make things. I sew, crochet, and knit various useful and beautiful things. I make jewelry and photographs. I take pride in doing these things well, and am dissatisfied when something I am working on doesn't come out as I have envisioned.<br />
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I also enjoy being praised for what I have done. I am human in that! But God teaches a different attitude, one of thankfulness and humility. He pointed that out to me recently.<br />
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I had completed a knitted shawl in soft hand-painted wool. I was wrapped in it one morning recently, talking and praying with a good friend over the phone, and God showed me that I DID NOT MAKE IT ALONE. I did not raise the sheep, or sheer them. I didn't clean, spin, or dye the wool. I didn't just automatically know how to knit: my grandmother taught me when I was a young girl. I didn't design the pattern. You get the idea.<br />
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It is the same with "my" photography: I didn't create the light or the technology which makes photography possible. I didn't buy my camera, it was a gift from my husband. I didn't give myself the ability to see through the camera in order to make an image which others find pleasing. As my friend said when I shared this insight with her, I "just pushed the button."<br />
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So why am I so pleased when someone compliments me for something "I" have made? It can only be my fallen, human nature.<br />
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It is right to use what I have been given to the best of my ability, but it is wrong to take credit for what I have not done. God made the sheep, the grass they eat, the people who care for them. He made the light, the elements which are used to manufacture the camera, and the world from which its images come. He has given me gifts: people to teach me, eyes to see with, and a brain to process information. He deserves all the praise, not I.<br />
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Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-55579695405156920622011-04-30T11:55:00.000-07:002011-04-30T11:57:48.185-07:00Galatians 3 To Bring Us to Christ<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: 14px;">There are 39 books in the Old Testament.</span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc;">A person could be beaten with not more than 40 lashes, and it came to be 40 stripes minus 1 (=39).</span></div><div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Deu 25:2 And it shall be, if the wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Deu 25:3 <b>Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed</b>: lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee. </span></span></span></blockquote><div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">2Co 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I <b>forty stripes save one</b>. </span></span></blockquote></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" /></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc;">The law (OT) is our tutor to bring us to Christ.</span></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. </span></span></blockquote><div style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc;">One way we learn is by chastisement</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc;">Chastisement=stripes</span></div><div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Heb 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Heb 12:6 For <b>whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and <u>scourgeth</u> every son whom he receiveth. </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Heb 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Heb 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Heb 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Heb 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Heb 12:11 Now <b>no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby</b>. </span></span></span></blockquote><div style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc;">So, it seems that the 39 books of the Old Testament are the "stripes" which chastise us and bring us to Christ...</span></div>Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-837235068965869782011-04-24T08:23:00.000-07:002011-04-24T08:28:45.887-07:001 Corinthians 15: He Is Risen!He is Risen, He is Risen, indeed!<br />
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It is a day of rejoicing. As Jesus said, "Rejoice!" (Mat 28:9) He has accomplished the work the Father sent Him to do, and has conquered sin and death. It is a great matter for joy.<br />
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But in my heart, I also grieve. I grieve for my brothers and sisters who say "Happy Easter," without realizing they are using the name of a pagan fertility goddess as a greeting. You see, "Easter" can be traced back to Astarte (Ashtoreth), the goddess to whom Asherah poles were dedicated and before whom the Israelites repeatedly polluted themselves and incurred the wrath of God. I grieve for these ignorant ones.<br />
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I grieve for my brothers and sisters who, knowing this, continue to use this name.<br />
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And most of all, I grieve for the institutions called churches, who claim to have and know the truth, who approve and teach pagan practices related to the worship of a fertility goddess, and claim that it is honoring to God and to Jesus Christ. It is a lie. They believe a lie, and they teach others to believe a lie. This is an abomination before God, and I grieve.<br />
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It is Firstfruits, rejoice! For Jesus is the firstfruits of them that sleep!<br />
It is Resurrection Day, rejoice! For now is Christ risen from the grave!<br />
<blockquote>1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. </blockquote><br />
Never again will it be "easter" to me!Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-20710202914906194772011-04-22T19:29:00.000-07:002011-04-22T19:29:51.618-07:00Psalm 22: The Crucifixion<div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14206" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">1</sup>My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?</div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mat 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? </span></blockquote><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14207" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">2</sup>O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14208" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">3</sup>But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14209" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">4</sup>Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14210" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">5</sup>They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14211" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">6</sup>But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.</div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isa 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. </span></blockquote><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14212" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">7</sup>All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14213" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">8</sup>He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.</div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mat 27:43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. </span></blockquote><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14214" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">9</sup>But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14215" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">10</sup>I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14216" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">11</sup>Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14217" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">12</sup>Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14218" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">13</sup>They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14219" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">14</sup>I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14220" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">15</sup>My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14221" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">16</sup>For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14222" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">17</sup>I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14223" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">18</sup>They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.</div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mat 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. </span></blockquote><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14224" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">19</sup>But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14225" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">20</sup>Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14226" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">21</sup>Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14227" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">22</sup>I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14228" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">23</sup>Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14229" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">24</sup>For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14230" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">25</sup>My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14231" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">26</sup>The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14232" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">27</sup>All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14233" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">28</sup>For the kingdom is the LORD's: and he is the governor among the nations.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14234" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">29</sup>All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14235" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">30</sup>A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-14236" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">31</sup>They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.</div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joh 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. </span></blockquote>Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-7051402291477891642011-04-19T15:13:00.000-07:002011-04-19T15:13:38.002-07:00The Red Sea<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Red Sea crossing is a theme throughout the Bible which shows God's provision for and protection of His people. They crossed from death to life, because He made a way. But each of them had to decide to follow.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is a picture of salvation for each person. You come to the end of what you know. Ahead is the sea, swelling and surging. Behind is the world and everything you have ever known. You are trembling, certain that you need to cross, but afraid. A voice inside you says, "Go on, I will help you." Do you turn away? Ahead is life, do you refuse it?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Joh 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">God has made a straight path for you. His name is Jesus. Cross over!</span>Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-2146420320083617662011-03-12T12:07:00.000-08:002011-03-12T12:07:44.419-08:00Numbers 9: The Second PassoverNumbers 9:10-11 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto the LORD. <div>11 The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. </div><div><br />
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</div><div>The Passover was to be celebrated in the FIRST month, but Yahweh provided a second time to celebrate it for anyone who was unclean through touching a dead body or on a long journey. All the rules were the same, except it was in the SECOND month. <div><br />
</div><div>All who are Christ's are on a journey. We are not yet at home, but are sojourners in this world, waiting to arrive at the New Jerusalem. (Heb 11:13-16) Further, everyone has touched death by sinning (Rom 3:23 & 6:23). But although we have been far from God, and are unclean through our sin, Jesus has brought us near and cleansed us with His blood. So a time is coming when we will celebrate the Passover in the second month.</div></div>Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-10844447752254988282010-12-25T06:37:00.000-08:002010-12-25T06:37:46.955-08:00Christmas PrayerToday is Christmas, and although the Bible does not say in what month or on which day our Savior was born, we can all rejoice in the fact of His birth. I wish each of you who reads this a blessed day and year. May you be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and become more like Emmanuel, who is God with Us, each moment of your life.Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-52107468612501608292010-11-16T11:47:00.000-08:002010-11-16T11:47:19.774-08:00Hallelujah!<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wp_RHnQ-jgU?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wp_RHnQ-jgU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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God bless each of you!Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-48061147731131275662010-10-17T18:14:00.000-07:002010-10-17T18:14:00.366-07:00Mark 12 Render Unto GodMar 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? <br />
15) Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why make ye trial of me? bring me a denarius, that I may see it.<br />
16) And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.<br />
17) And Jesus said unto them, Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's. And they marvelled greatly at him.<br />
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I'm sure many of you have read or heard this passage before; probably in the context of paying taxes. That is a valid lesson from the passage, but, as is usual with God's word, there is more. I want to point out something relating to "image and superscription" in verse 16.<br />
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Jesus asks <u>whose</u> image and superscription are on the coin He has been given, and He is told that they are Caesar's. Then in verse 17 He says, in effect, that the image and the writing on the coin indicate that it <u>belongs</u> to Caesar. (Did you ever think that the money in your pocket belongs to the ruler or government of your country? I suppose not, most people think it belongs to them...)<br />
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Going back to our passage, we read that Jesus also says that there are things which belong to God. What could that possibly mean?<br />
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The Bible will interpret itself, and the Holy Spirit will teach us correct understanding, so let's find out who or what carries God's image and writing, since that is what shows ownership here.<br />
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<blockquote>Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27) And God created man <u>in his own image</u>, <u>in the image of God created he him</u>; <u>male and female created he them.</u> </blockquote>Ah-ha! MAN (male and female) was created in God's image! But what about writing? The coin had Caesar's image and writing...<br />
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In the Old Testament, God's words were written on stone, and there is no OT verse in which God says He has written anything on man. But in the New Testament we learn that the Gentiles, who were not given the written law, had something written on them:<br />
<blockquote>Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15) Which shew the work of the law <u>written in their hearts</u>, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;</blockquote>This is sometimes called natural law. What it means is that everyone, in every culture, has a knowledge of right and wrong: God's law written on their hearts.<br />
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So, going back to the passage in Mark, what are we to give to God? That which is made in His image and bears His writing. Our bodies are made in His image, and our hearts have His law written on them. We are His, and we are to give ourselves to Him.Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-33748778727454258672010-09-04T10:59:00.000-07:002010-10-18T05:13:48.149-07:00Exodus 28: Pomegranates, Bells, and the High PriestExo 28:33 And beneath upon the hem of it [the robe for the high priest] thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about: <br />
Exo 28:34 A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about. <br />
Exo 28:35 And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not. <br />
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I was taught that every detail in the Bible is important, and it is true. I was also taught that the whole Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, speaks of Jesus in some way, even if it is not immediately obvious. This also is true.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMGqcV8zCL15JMTN2M4Jr1L6MBn5krOmDPzjLDqPMyrfFsRBC6vMB0ZnmGfQ2co8hOXCNn_PoFMmdWx9biWSYL7lPSdWFKKUwS5i25xNHfqVTljF373zr3FLB3L3bmLkHW64zAg9znlcb/s200/pomegranate.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Used by permission</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMGqcV8zCL15JMTN2M4Jr1L6MBn5krOmDPzjLDqPMyrfFsRBC6vMB0ZnmGfQ2co8hOXCNn_PoFMmdWx9biWSYL7lPSdWFKKUwS5i25xNHfqVTljF373zr3FLB3L3bmLkHW64zAg9znlcb/s1600/pomegranate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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One time, as I was reading the passage above, I wondered about the pomegranates and the bells. What did they represent? The bells I thought I understood, but why pomegranates? And why were they on the hem of the high priest's robe? Other people have wondered this before me, but I did not try to research my question by reading other people's answers. I asked God. I meditated on this for some time, thinking about the pomegranate fruit: a globe shape with a tough rind which surrounds hundreds of seeds. Each seed is covered with a little red juice, the seeds are in groups, and each group is both held together and separated from other groups by a flexible membrane. One day, God showed me the mystery of the pomegranate: The seeds represent individual Christians, covered by Jesus' blood. They are gathered into local churches, where they cling to and support one another. Each local church is part of the whole body of Christ, and the body is held together by the Holy Spirit. <br />
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I was awed by this revelation, and still am. What a wonderful picture God painted for us, and how marvelous that each high priest, as he performed intercession for the people of Israel on the Day of Atonement, was wearing a reminder of the Church which was to come! God is great!<br />
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But I dismissed the bells, and didn't ask God about them. I assumed I knew: I thought they must represent giving praise to God. Well, that may be true, but there is another beautiful picture here, which God showed me much later. Let me explain:<br />
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Verse 35 above says, "And it [the robe] shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, <b>that he die not</b>." <br />
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The High Priest [Aaron] was to wear this robe as he went into the Holy Place. Leviticus 16 records the regulations regarding this. If these rules were not correctly followed, he would die. And since he could only go in alone, the bells on his robe told those outside that the priest was alive and performing his duties before God.<br />
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How can the golden bells tell us something about Jesus? First, we must realize that gold, in scripture, represents divinity, and that the word translated 'bell' means something struck. So the golden bells represent Jesus, the Son of God, who was stricken for our sins and iniquities. Wow!<br />
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But wait, there's more: the bells were also a signal that the high priest was alive. With this thought, we can see that the bells represent the Spirit of God witnessing to Christians and seekers that Jesus, although He is not walking in a body on the earth, is ALIVE in Heaven performing his priestly duty of intercession before God for everyone who will come to Him. Wow!!<br />
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But wait, there's more: because we, as believers, are the Temple, and the Holy Spirit resides in us (1 Cor 3:16), the bells also represent each one of us, witnessing to the world that Jesus is ALIVE, and is standing before God making intercession for all who come to Him. Wow!!!<br />
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So in these three verses in the Old Testament, we find a picture of the church, and of Jesus' death and resurrection. I want to say WOW!!!! How about you?Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693186638789533262.post-36361208468578402102010-09-01T12:18:00.000-07:002010-09-01T12:18:20.966-07:00Job 32:2 What's in a Name?Many names in the Bible are strange to us. They look funny and they sound funny, but they have meaning. In the Old Testament, the names are usually Hebrew; they are transliterated, but not translated into English. That is why they seem strange. But it is worth taking the time to look up what they mean. Here is an example:<br />
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<blockquote>Job 32:2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. </blockquote>Elihu, Barachel, Buz, Ram-- what do these names mean?<br />
Looking in a Hebrew lexicon, we find that Elihu means "his God," Barachel means "God has blessed," Buz means "disrespect, contempt, despised, shamed," and Ram means "high."<br />
Now we can put these together into one thought: "His God, God, has blessed the despised from on high."<br />
This reminds me of 1 Corinthians 1:26-31:<br />
<blockquote> 1Co 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. <br />
1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. </blockquote>So don't be concerned, you who are in Christ, whether you are thought foolish, weak, or common by those in the world. God is using you to bring those things to nothing through Jesus Christ. God is blessing you from on high, with the wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption which is only to be had through His Son.Dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08313315926201426600noreply@blogger.com3