The day when Christ returns to defeat the antichrist and rule the earth is often called the “Day of the Lord”. In II Thessalonians 2, the Apostle Paul instructed the believers that, according to prophecy, the antichrist has to be revealed before the Day of the Lord can occur. As he spoke of the rule of the antichrist, he said that something is holding the antichrist back until God’s appointed time.
II Thessalonians 2:6-8
6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. (NKJ)
The devil resists any authority other than his own, and it would appear that Paul was saying it is the power of civil laws that restrains the lawlessness of the devil. The terrorism, pestilence and disease of the early years of the tribulation period will make people more than willing to give up the liberties that are guaranteed by law in exchange for the security that is offered by a leader who promises to eliminate their suffering.
Some have suggested that the restraining force of verse 7 is the Church which is the Body of Christ. However, this epistle was written about 52 A.D., and Paul did not reveal the institution of the Church which is the Body of Christ until about 62 A.D. The first hint of the Body of Christ was in I Corinthians 12 which was written about 57 A.D. With this point in mind, Paul said in verse 6 of II Thessalonians 2 that whatever was restraining the devil was something they already knew about. Therefore, Paul could not have been talking about the Church.
Is it possible that Paul was referring to the catching up of the believers of the tribulation period? That is not likely because that rapture will occur at the sound of the last trumpet which is described in Revelation 11 and will occur at the end of the antichrist’s reign of terror. The believers of the tribulation period can not be taken out of the way before the antichrist is revealed because they will be the primary target of his wrath. However, they will be protected from his wrath because God has not appointed them unto wrath (I Thessalonians 5: 9).
It has also been suggested that the force to be removed is the Holy Spirit. However, we know that the Holy Spirit will be very active in the lives of the believers of the tribulation period, especially during the intense persecution they will experience at the hands of the antichrist.
Therefore, it seems most reasonable that Paul was saying that it is the power of civil law that will be taken out of the way before the antichrist is revealed. Other noted scholars agree. In their Bible commentary, Jamieson, Fausset and Brown quote Olshausen who said:
. . . the power that has restrained the man of sin from his full and final development, is the moral and conservative influence of political states.
They also quote Alford who said:
. . . He who (now restrains) refers to those who rule those (political states) by which the great upbursting of godlessness is kept down.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
During the tribulation period, there will be a great religious apostasy which will allow a religion from the depths of hell to rise to power while the protections of human government are obliterated. These things do not apply directly to those of us in this dispensation of the Church which is the Body of Christ. Before the tribulation period begins, our dispensation will end with the appearing of the Lord in heaven and the catching up of the Church.
However, there is every reason for us to be on guard for many of the same dangers that will exist during the tribulation period. Paul wrote to Timothy about the last days of the Church age and said,
II Timothy 3:1-5
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (KJV)
Obviously, the evil of the last days of the Church will not be as extreme as the evil of the tribulation period, but things will be moving in that direction.
Paul wrote Timothy about the seducing spirits of the latter times of the Church age.
I Timothy 4:1-2
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (KJV)
Again, this is but a foreshadowing of what will happen in the tribulation period when God will send “strong delusion” upon the people (II Thess 2:11).
To combat this evil in our dispensation, we are to study God’s word, rightly divided.
II Timothy 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)
We are to preach God’s word.
II Timothy 4:2
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (KJV)
We are to turn away from all that is not consistent with the truth of God’s word. Paul describes the people of the last days of the Church as:
II Timothy 3:5
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (KJV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
However, there is every reason for us to be on guard for many of the same dangers that will exist during the tribulation period. Paul wrote to Timothy about the last days of the Church age and said,
II Timothy 3:1-5
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (KJV)
Obviously, the evil of the last days of the Church will not be as extreme as the evil of the tribulation period, but things will be moving in that direction.
Paul wrote Timothy about the seducing spirits of the latter times of the Church age.
I Timothy 4:1-2
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (KJV)
Again, this is but a foreshadowing of what will happen in the tribulation period when God will send “strong delusion” upon the people (II Thess 2:11).
To combat this evil in our dispensation, we are to study God’s word, rightly divided.
II Timothy 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)
We are to preach God’s word.
II Timothy 4:2
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (KJV)
We are to turn away from all that is not consistent with the truth of God’s word. Paul describes the people of the last days of the Church as:
II Timothy 3:5
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (KJV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Monday, March 29, 2004
Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians were among his first epistles. During the time he wrote these letters, Paul's ministry was based on the New Covenant as he offered the Kingdom to the Jews and the grace of God to the Gentiles. Paul knew from Daniel’s prophecies that there would be a period of great tribulation before the kingdom was established, and He assured the Thessalonian believers that their tribulation did not escape the notice of God. He taught that Jesus Christ would return to earth with great vengeance on those who were causing their suffering.
II Th 1:5-8
5 (Your persecution and tribulation are) a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
However, Paul instructed these believers that the antichrist would have to be revealed before Christ’s return.
II Th 2:3-4
3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. (NKJ)
Paul indicated that the antichrist would rise to power during a time of great religious apostasy which he called “the falling away”. In the book of the Revelation, the Apostle John described the murderous religion of the antichrist.
Rev 17:5-6
5 And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. (NKJ)
Paul said that, during the tribulation period, the forces which restrain this murderous religion will be taken out of the way, and the antichrist will be revealed.
II Th 2:7-8
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. (NKJ)
The devil has such great opportunity within the realm of religion because he can hide his sinister deeds behind a veil of piety and self-righteous works. From an historical perspective, human government has often protected God’s people from religious tyranny. Martin Luther was protected by a German chancellor while the Catholic Church sought to kill him for preaching the grace of God. The Constitution of the United States was written to ensure, among other things, that no injustice such as the Salem witch trials would ever again take place in our country. It is likely that society’s commitment to the rule of law is what will hinder the devil in the early years of the tribulation period.
Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians while he was in a Roman prison after Israel’s promise of the New Covenant Kingdom was set aside. In these prison epistles, there is no discussion of the antichrist or the return of the Lord to the earth to punish the ungodly and exalt the righteous. Our present dispensation will end with the rapture of the Church which is the Body of Christ, and then God will once again offer the New Covenant Kingdom to Israel. When that happens, the scenario of the tribulation period will become very real to the believers of that time.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
II Th 1:5-8
5 (Your persecution and tribulation are) a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
However, Paul instructed these believers that the antichrist would have to be revealed before Christ’s return.
II Th 2:3-4
3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. (NKJ)
Paul indicated that the antichrist would rise to power during a time of great religious apostasy which he called “the falling away”. In the book of the Revelation, the Apostle John described the murderous religion of the antichrist.
Rev 17:5-6
5 And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. (NKJ)
Paul said that, during the tribulation period, the forces which restrain this murderous religion will be taken out of the way, and the antichrist will be revealed.
II Th 2:7-8
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. (NKJ)
The devil has such great opportunity within the realm of religion because he can hide his sinister deeds behind a veil of piety and self-righteous works. From an historical perspective, human government has often protected God’s people from religious tyranny. Martin Luther was protected by a German chancellor while the Catholic Church sought to kill him for preaching the grace of God. The Constitution of the United States was written to ensure, among other things, that no injustice such as the Salem witch trials would ever again take place in our country. It is likely that society’s commitment to the rule of law is what will hinder the devil in the early years of the tribulation period.
Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians while he was in a Roman prison after Israel’s promise of the New Covenant Kingdom was set aside. In these prison epistles, there is no discussion of the antichrist or the return of the Lord to the earth to punish the ungodly and exalt the righteous. Our present dispensation will end with the rapture of the Church which is the Body of Christ, and then God will once again offer the New Covenant Kingdom to Israel. When that happens, the scenario of the tribulation period will become very real to the believers of that time.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Friday, March 26, 2004
Not long before the Lord Jesus was crucified, His friend, Lazarus, died. Jesus went to Bethany to comfort Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, and as the Lord arrived, Martha went out to greet Him. They had the following conversation:
John 11:21-26
21 Then Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.
22 "But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You."
23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."
24 Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
26 "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (NKJ)
It is interesting that Martha was aware of the fact that the Old Testament scriptures teach that there is life after death. I have heard secular scholars say that the Old Testament says nothing about life after death. Although the resurrection of the dead is rarely talked about in the Old Testament, the fact of the resurrection is certainly taught. One of the most famous resurrection verses is found in one of Job’s discourses.
Job 19:25-27
25 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him with my own eyes-- I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (NIV)
As you may recall, the subject of the resurrection was one of the hotly debated topics of Jesus’ day. The Sadducees said there would be no resurrection, while the Pharisees believed in the resurrection. Apparently, the Pharisees were more conservative and interpreted the scriptures more literally. Clearly, Martha had been given the benefit of exposure to a literal interpretation of the scriptures.
However, Martha is a good example to us all that we should never become complacent in our understanding of the scriptures in that, regardless of our understanding of the scriptures, we always have more to learn. In John 11, the Lord Jesus shared with Martha something that would not become general knowledge for another 20 years or so.
In verse 25, the Lord confirmed the resurrection of the dead, but in verse 26, He taught that there would be some believers who would never die. About twenty years later, the Apostle Paul taught the church at Corinth about the catching up of believers who would never die.
1 Cor 15:51-52
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed--
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (NKJ)
The Apostle Paul hoped that he would be among those who would never die. All believers since the resurrection of Christ have been able to rejoice in the fact that they may be one of those who never taste of death.
Phil 3:20-21
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
John 11:21-26
21 Then Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.
22 "But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You."
23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."
24 Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
26 "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (NKJ)
It is interesting that Martha was aware of the fact that the Old Testament scriptures teach that there is life after death. I have heard secular scholars say that the Old Testament says nothing about life after death. Although the resurrection of the dead is rarely talked about in the Old Testament, the fact of the resurrection is certainly taught. One of the most famous resurrection verses is found in one of Job’s discourses.
Job 19:25-27
25 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him with my own eyes-- I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (NIV)
As you may recall, the subject of the resurrection was one of the hotly debated topics of Jesus’ day. The Sadducees said there would be no resurrection, while the Pharisees believed in the resurrection. Apparently, the Pharisees were more conservative and interpreted the scriptures more literally. Clearly, Martha had been given the benefit of exposure to a literal interpretation of the scriptures.
However, Martha is a good example to us all that we should never become complacent in our understanding of the scriptures in that, regardless of our understanding of the scriptures, we always have more to learn. In John 11, the Lord Jesus shared with Martha something that would not become general knowledge for another 20 years or so.
In verse 25, the Lord confirmed the resurrection of the dead, but in verse 26, He taught that there would be some believers who would never die. About twenty years later, the Apostle Paul taught the church at Corinth about the catching up of believers who would never die.
1 Cor 15:51-52
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed--
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (NKJ)
The Apostle Paul hoped that he would be among those who would never die. All believers since the resurrection of Christ have been able to rejoice in the fact that they may be one of those who never taste of death.
Phil 3:20-21
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Thursday, March 25, 2004
After the Acts period, while in a Roman prison, Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians as well as the pastoral epistles of I and II Timothy and Titus. They are, therefore, among those epistles known as the prison epistles. These epistles are unique in many ways. There is no mention of water baptism, the Lord’s Supper, physical circumcision or miracles. There is no mention of Abraham, while Paul mentioned Abraham 9 times in Romans, once in II Corinthians, 8 times in Galatians, and 6 times in the book of Hebrews. In the prison epistles there is no mention of the New Covenant, while he specifically referred to the New Covenant in I and II Corinthians and Hebrews, and he alluded to the New Covenant in various other places such as in Galatians 4. The only three places where the Church, the Body of Christ, is specifically referred to is in these prison epistles, and those three places are Ephesians 1:22–23, Colossians 1:18 and Colossians 1:24.
Another important distinction between Paul’s pre-prison and prison epistles is found in Paul’s use of the word parousia (coming) and the words epiphaneia (appearing) and phaneroo (shall appear). Paul consistently uses the word parousia in the pre-prison epistles when speaking of the return of the Lord, but he consistently uses the words epiphaneia or phaneroo in the prison epistles when referring to the return of the Lord. For example, to the Corinthians he wrote:
1 Corinthians 15:22-23
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. (NKJ)
But to the Colossians, he wrote:
Colossians 3:4
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (KJV)
Paul’s description of the coming of the Lord in I Thessalonians 4 is very similar to Christ’s description of the coming of the Son of Man in Matthew 24. In both passages we see the rapture of believers, the trumpet sound of angels, and Christ’s return in or on the clouds.
1Thessalonians 4:15-17
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. (NKJ)
Matthew 24:29-31
29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
30 "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 "And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (NKJ)
It is significant that Jesus said the coming of the Son of Man would occur after the tribulation period, and it is also significant that the coming of the Son of Man was a subject of Old Testament prophesy as seen in Daniel 7.
Daniel 7:13
13 "I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. (NKJ)
By contrast, the appearing of the Lord is revealed only in the prison epistles as part of the revelation of the Church which is the Body of Christ. It is also evident that the Church, the Body of Christ, will be raptured before the tribulation period because Paul’s description of the perilous last days of the Church in II Timothy 3 have no similarity to the events of the tribulation period.
After the rapture of the Church, many people will put their faith in Jesus Christ as great tribulation shakes the foundations of the earth. After the tribulation of those days,
1Thessalonians 4:16-17
16 . . . the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then (believers) who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus shall always be with the Lord. (Jim Roberts’ interpretation)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Another important distinction between Paul’s pre-prison and prison epistles is found in Paul’s use of the word parousia (coming) and the words epiphaneia (appearing) and phaneroo (shall appear). Paul consistently uses the word parousia in the pre-prison epistles when speaking of the return of the Lord, but he consistently uses the words epiphaneia or phaneroo in the prison epistles when referring to the return of the Lord. For example, to the Corinthians he wrote:
1 Corinthians 15:22-23
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. (NKJ)
But to the Colossians, he wrote:
Colossians 3:4
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (KJV)
Paul’s description of the coming of the Lord in I Thessalonians 4 is very similar to Christ’s description of the coming of the Son of Man in Matthew 24. In both passages we see the rapture of believers, the trumpet sound of angels, and Christ’s return in or on the clouds.
1Thessalonians 4:15-17
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. (NKJ)
Matthew 24:29-31
29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
30 "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 "And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (NKJ)
It is significant that Jesus said the coming of the Son of Man would occur after the tribulation period, and it is also significant that the coming of the Son of Man was a subject of Old Testament prophesy as seen in Daniel 7.
Daniel 7:13
13 "I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. (NKJ)
By contrast, the appearing of the Lord is revealed only in the prison epistles as part of the revelation of the Church which is the Body of Christ. It is also evident that the Church, the Body of Christ, will be raptured before the tribulation period because Paul’s description of the perilous last days of the Church in II Timothy 3 have no similarity to the events of the tribulation period.
After the rapture of the Church, many people will put their faith in Jesus Christ as great tribulation shakes the foundations of the earth. After the tribulation of those days,
1Thessalonians 4:16-17
16 . . . the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then (believers) who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus shall always be with the Lord. (Jim Roberts’ interpretation)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
The Mosaic Law was actually a marriage covenant between God and the nation of Israel. According to this marriage covenant, God was to provide for Israel while Israel served God with a heart of love. However, Israel was an unfaithful wife, and God sent her away into captivity in Babylon. God brought Israel back to the promised land after 70 years, but one could say that the marriage was never reconciled because Israel was continuously under the rule of other nations.
John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus came to Israel preaching “the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. This was actually an offer to reconcile the marriage according to the New Covenant which was foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament scriptures.
I often mention that the nation of Israel as a whole rejected the New Covenant during the Acts period. That means that Israel rejected the marriage of the New Covenant as well as the New Covenant Kingdom. However, even a casual reading of the gospels and the book of Acts will reveal a considerable number of Jews who did believe that Jesus was the Messiah, and who did believe that Jesus had come to establish the New Covenant Kingdom. That raises the question of how many Jews had to believe before the Lord Jesus would actually take the reins of government and establish the kingdom.
First of all, the Lord Jesus was not a revolutionary. He did not come to overthrow the existing government by mean of a military revolution. All of the scriptures teach the importance of submission to the existing authorities. David would not overthrow Saul by force. Paul and Peter both instructed believers to be in submission to political authorities. When Peter drew his sword to defend the Lord Jesus, the Lord said to him,
Matt 26:52
52 . . . "Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. (NKJ)
This would imply that at least the Jewish leadership would have to accept Jesus Christ by faith and voluntarily relinquish their power before Jesus could serve Israel as King. However, God actually has a much better plan for His ascension to power. Paul gave us a glimpse into that perfect plan in Romans 11.
Rom 11:26-27
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. (KJV)
During the tribulation period, the antichrist will dedicate himself to destroying every single Jew on the face of the earth. The anti-Semitism of Nazi Germany was but a hint of the hatred and annihilation the Jews will face under the antichrist. Even many believing Jews will be killed during that time, but God will protect 144,000 Jews from the terror of the antichrist.
When Christ returns to earth near the end of the tribulation period, He will gather His elect from the four winds of heaven.
Matt 24:30-31
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (KJV)
At that time kingdom saints, both living and dead, will be caught up into the clouds of heaven where they will be given glorified bodies. By this means all Israel will be saved. They will be joined with Christ in a marriage which is based on the New Covenant, and they will return to the earth with Christ to serve Him as His Bride in the New Covenant Kingdom.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus came to Israel preaching “the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. This was actually an offer to reconcile the marriage according to the New Covenant which was foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament scriptures.
I often mention that the nation of Israel as a whole rejected the New Covenant during the Acts period. That means that Israel rejected the marriage of the New Covenant as well as the New Covenant Kingdom. However, even a casual reading of the gospels and the book of Acts will reveal a considerable number of Jews who did believe that Jesus was the Messiah, and who did believe that Jesus had come to establish the New Covenant Kingdom. That raises the question of how many Jews had to believe before the Lord Jesus would actually take the reins of government and establish the kingdom.
First of all, the Lord Jesus was not a revolutionary. He did not come to overthrow the existing government by mean of a military revolution. All of the scriptures teach the importance of submission to the existing authorities. David would not overthrow Saul by force. Paul and Peter both instructed believers to be in submission to political authorities. When Peter drew his sword to defend the Lord Jesus, the Lord said to him,
Matt 26:52
52 . . . "Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. (NKJ)
This would imply that at least the Jewish leadership would have to accept Jesus Christ by faith and voluntarily relinquish their power before Jesus could serve Israel as King. However, God actually has a much better plan for His ascension to power. Paul gave us a glimpse into that perfect plan in Romans 11.
Rom 11:26-27
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. (KJV)
During the tribulation period, the antichrist will dedicate himself to destroying every single Jew on the face of the earth. The anti-Semitism of Nazi Germany was but a hint of the hatred and annihilation the Jews will face under the antichrist. Even many believing Jews will be killed during that time, but God will protect 144,000 Jews from the terror of the antichrist.
When Christ returns to earth near the end of the tribulation period, He will gather His elect from the four winds of heaven.
Matt 24:30-31
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (KJV)
At that time kingdom saints, both living and dead, will be caught up into the clouds of heaven where they will be given glorified bodies. By this means all Israel will be saved. They will be joined with Christ in a marriage which is based on the New Covenant, and they will return to the earth with Christ to serve Him as His Bride in the New Covenant Kingdom.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Jonah is a great example of a man who was caught between his religion and the truth of God’s word. When God told Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, he had to decide whether to follow the call of God or the corrupt Jewish culture of the Old Covenant Kingdom. Besides his own personal prejudice against Gentiles, he, being a prophet, may have known that the Assyrian Empire would in a couple of hundred years destroy the nation of Israel. If not, Jonah must have heard that the King of Assyria was a growing military threat to the region. In Jonah’s eyes and the eyes of his fellow countrymen, preaching to Nineveh could have been seen as an act of treason. Jonah thought he would rather die.
He bought a ticket to board a ship headed for the end of the known world. Along the way, Jonah was thrown overboard and ended up in the belly of a fish. After God miraculously saved Jonah from the belly of the fish, Jonah finally agreed to preach to Nineveh. After the city repented, Jonah went to the east side of the city even though Israel was to the west. Maybe Jonah did not want to go home. What if his fellow citizens heard about his ministry to Nineveh? Maybe he thought he would not be the most popular prophet in Israel.
The first lesson for us is that we must be careful about putting our patriotism above the Word of God. Jonah’s fellow countrymen would have considered him a hero if he had been willing to die rather than save Nineveh. But Jonah was willing, after some not-so-gentle persuasion from God, to be a hero for the cause of Christ. Not only did he bring the entire city of Nineveh to its knees before God, but his experience in the belly of the fish became the greatest picture in all of the Bible of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The Lord Jesus said to the Pharisees of His day:
Matt 12:39-41
39 . . . “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
40 "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
41 "The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. (NKJ)
The second lesson for us is that we must be careful about valuing our religion above the word of God. The religion of the Old Covenant Jews taught hatred for all Gentiles, but God not only saved the Gentiles of Nineveh from physical destruction, but He saved them for all of eternity. Jesus said they will one day rise up in judgment against the Jews who rejected the Lord Jesus, and we can safely conclude that they will rise up in judgment against the Jews of Jonah’s day. The Jews of Jonah’s day and the Jews of Jesus’ day were victims of their own religion. Their religion made the false assumption that God hated other people as much as they did. If they had known God’s Word, they would have known about God’s love for the Gentile nations. They would have known that God intended for the nation of Israel to be a testimony to the nations concerning God’s love and grace.
The Jews of Jonah’s day were destroyed by the Assyrians, and the Jews of Jesus’ day were destroyed by the Romans, but there is a greater judgment that is yet to come. It is a judgment which will bring eternal separation from God to those who refuse to believe what God has said in His word.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
He bought a ticket to board a ship headed for the end of the known world. Along the way, Jonah was thrown overboard and ended up in the belly of a fish. After God miraculously saved Jonah from the belly of the fish, Jonah finally agreed to preach to Nineveh. After the city repented, Jonah went to the east side of the city even though Israel was to the west. Maybe Jonah did not want to go home. What if his fellow citizens heard about his ministry to Nineveh? Maybe he thought he would not be the most popular prophet in Israel.
The first lesson for us is that we must be careful about putting our patriotism above the Word of God. Jonah’s fellow countrymen would have considered him a hero if he had been willing to die rather than save Nineveh. But Jonah was willing, after some not-so-gentle persuasion from God, to be a hero for the cause of Christ. Not only did he bring the entire city of Nineveh to its knees before God, but his experience in the belly of the fish became the greatest picture in all of the Bible of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The Lord Jesus said to the Pharisees of His day:
Matt 12:39-41
39 . . . “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
40 "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
41 "The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. (NKJ)
The second lesson for us is that we must be careful about valuing our religion above the word of God. The religion of the Old Covenant Jews taught hatred for all Gentiles, but God not only saved the Gentiles of Nineveh from physical destruction, but He saved them for all of eternity. Jesus said they will one day rise up in judgment against the Jews who rejected the Lord Jesus, and we can safely conclude that they will rise up in judgment against the Jews of Jonah’s day. The Jews of Jonah’s day and the Jews of Jesus’ day were victims of their own religion. Their religion made the false assumption that God hated other people as much as they did. If they had known God’s Word, they would have known about God’s love for the Gentile nations. They would have known that God intended for the nation of Israel to be a testimony to the nations concerning God’s love and grace.
The Jews of Jonah’s day were destroyed by the Assyrians, and the Jews of Jesus’ day were destroyed by the Romans, but there is a greater judgment that is yet to come. It is a judgment which will bring eternal separation from God to those who refuse to believe what God has said in His word.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Monday, March 22, 2004
God counted Abraham as righteous because he believed what God said. Paul said that God has always dealt with mankind upon this very basis.
Romans 4:5
5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, (NKJ)
Much of the hatred we see in our world today is caused by the different religions of the world. Many times Muslims in Muslim communities simply follow the customs taught by their Muslim leaders. Many Hindus just follow the teachings of their Hindu leaders. Many Christians base their lives on the doctrines of Christian traditions. On judgment day, God will not judge people on the basis of their compliance with their religious culture. He will judge on the basis of their faithfulness to what God has said.
That is why the Apostle Paul told Timothy,
II Timothy 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)
It is obvious that God has dealt with different people in different ways through the centuries, and our task is to find out what God expects from us? To accomplish this task we must rightly divide the word of truth.
In the Old Testament, God gave the nation of Israel a kingdom which brought great physical blessings to its citizens. To live in that kingdom, the Jews were required to live according to the Mosaic Law of the Old Covenant.
During the period of time covered by the book of Acts, God offered the New Covenant Kingdom to the nation of Israel. According to the words of the Lord Jesus at the Last Supper, His shed blood was the basis for the New Covenant.
Matthew 26:28
28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (NKJ)
In accordance with this New Covenant ministry, Paul was sent to the Gentiles and revealed what it means to be saved by grace through faith in Christ apart from the Law. During that dispensation, Jewish believers continued practicing all of the Mosaic Law, and Jews and Gentiles alike experienced many miracles and practiced water baptism as a sign to unbelieving Jews.
One might ask why the Lord Jesus said that the blood of the New Covenant was shed for many. Didn't Jesus die for the sins of all people? The fact is that the New Covenant does not apply to all believers. When Israel rejected Christ and the New Covenant Kingdom at the end of the Acts period, God set aside His offer of the New Covenant Kingdom and allowed the Apostle Paul to fully reveal the dispensation of the Church which is the Body of Christ. Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians are the primary doctrinal books which present the Church and the marching orders for the Church.
According to the dispensation of the Church which is the Body of Christ, the blood of the Lord Jesus was shed for the sins of the whole world. As a result, anyone who believes in Christ is automatically saved and given a position in the Body of Christ. In Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians, we find that the Church which is the Body of Christ has no hope of an earthly kingdom, and we have no physical ceremonies or rituals to bind us to the earth. Paul said,
Colossians 2:20-22
20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations--
21 "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,"
22 which all concern things which perish with the using-- according to the commandments and doctrines of men? (NKJ)
Philippians 3:20
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (NKJ)
After the Church which is the Body of Christ is caught up to be with Christ at His appearing, God will offer the New Covenant Kingdom to Israel once again. At that time He will perform many miracles, wonders, and signs as he protects the nation of Israel from the wrath of the antichrist and prepares them to rule with Christ in an everlasting kingdom of righteousness.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Romans 4:5
5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, (NKJ)
Much of the hatred we see in our world today is caused by the different religions of the world. Many times Muslims in Muslim communities simply follow the customs taught by their Muslim leaders. Many Hindus just follow the teachings of their Hindu leaders. Many Christians base their lives on the doctrines of Christian traditions. On judgment day, God will not judge people on the basis of their compliance with their religious culture. He will judge on the basis of their faithfulness to what God has said.
That is why the Apostle Paul told Timothy,
II Timothy 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)
It is obvious that God has dealt with different people in different ways through the centuries, and our task is to find out what God expects from us? To accomplish this task we must rightly divide the word of truth.
In the Old Testament, God gave the nation of Israel a kingdom which brought great physical blessings to its citizens. To live in that kingdom, the Jews were required to live according to the Mosaic Law of the Old Covenant.
During the period of time covered by the book of Acts, God offered the New Covenant Kingdom to the nation of Israel. According to the words of the Lord Jesus at the Last Supper, His shed blood was the basis for the New Covenant.
Matthew 26:28
28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (NKJ)
In accordance with this New Covenant ministry, Paul was sent to the Gentiles and revealed what it means to be saved by grace through faith in Christ apart from the Law. During that dispensation, Jewish believers continued practicing all of the Mosaic Law, and Jews and Gentiles alike experienced many miracles and practiced water baptism as a sign to unbelieving Jews.
One might ask why the Lord Jesus said that the blood of the New Covenant was shed for many. Didn't Jesus die for the sins of all people? The fact is that the New Covenant does not apply to all believers. When Israel rejected Christ and the New Covenant Kingdom at the end of the Acts period, God set aside His offer of the New Covenant Kingdom and allowed the Apostle Paul to fully reveal the dispensation of the Church which is the Body of Christ. Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians are the primary doctrinal books which present the Church and the marching orders for the Church.
According to the dispensation of the Church which is the Body of Christ, the blood of the Lord Jesus was shed for the sins of the whole world. As a result, anyone who believes in Christ is automatically saved and given a position in the Body of Christ. In Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians, we find that the Church which is the Body of Christ has no hope of an earthly kingdom, and we have no physical ceremonies or rituals to bind us to the earth. Paul said,
Colossians 2:20-22
20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations--
21 "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,"
22 which all concern things which perish with the using-- according to the commandments and doctrines of men? (NKJ)
Philippians 3:20
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (NKJ)
After the Church which is the Body of Christ is caught up to be with Christ at His appearing, God will offer the New Covenant Kingdom to Israel once again. At that time He will perform many miracles, wonders, and signs as he protects the nation of Israel from the wrath of the antichrist and prepares them to rule with Christ in an everlasting kingdom of righteousness.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
In John 4 the Lord Jesus was speaking with the Samaritan woman. He offered her living water, of which, if she drank, she would never thirst again. She was very interested, but then the devil distracted her with one of the political issues of the day. Was it acceptable to worship God without going to Jerusalem? Jesus said,
John 4:23-24
23 "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.
24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (NKJ)
I have heard interpretations of this verse which assert that God wants believers to worship in a spiritual and a physical way. This would equate spiritual with spirit and physical with truth. This is an unfortunate interpretation in that it goes against the context of the passage. The Lord Jesus was emphasizing that it really does not matter to God where a person worships in the physical world. The spiritual reality of the heart is where real truth lies. Therefore, “in truth” simply gives further definition to “in spirit”.
John 4 continues developing the concepts expressed by the Lord Jesus in John 3 where the Lord Jesus told Nicodemus he needed to be born again because
John 3:6
6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (NKJ)
The physical world will always have a tendency to draw believers away from the Spirit of God because it appeals to the desires of the natural human body. Paul wrote:
Romans 7:23
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (NKJ)
The Spirit of Christ is the only hope believers have of overcoming the destructive pull of the physical body and the things of the world.
Romans 8:2
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (NKJ)
The Apostle Paul said that believers should set a priority on the things of heaven as opposed to the things of this earth. Therefore, Paul said:
Colossians 3:1-2
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
John 4:23-24
23 "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.
24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (NKJ)
I have heard interpretations of this verse which assert that God wants believers to worship in a spiritual and a physical way. This would equate spiritual with spirit and physical with truth. This is an unfortunate interpretation in that it goes against the context of the passage. The Lord Jesus was emphasizing that it really does not matter to God where a person worships in the physical world. The spiritual reality of the heart is where real truth lies. Therefore, “in truth” simply gives further definition to “in spirit”.
John 4 continues developing the concepts expressed by the Lord Jesus in John 3 where the Lord Jesus told Nicodemus he needed to be born again because
John 3:6
6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (NKJ)
The physical world will always have a tendency to draw believers away from the Spirit of God because it appeals to the desires of the natural human body. Paul wrote:
Romans 7:23
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (NKJ)
The Spirit of Christ is the only hope believers have of overcoming the destructive pull of the physical body and the things of the world.
Romans 8:2
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (NKJ)
The Apostle Paul said that believers should set a priority on the things of heaven as opposed to the things of this earth. Therefore, Paul said:
Colossians 3:1-2
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
The first time the word righteous is used in the Bible is in the Lord’s description of Noah in Genesis 6:9.
Genesis 6:9
9 This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. (NIV)
Hebrews says that Noah’s righteousness was the righteousness of faith.
Hebrews 11:7
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (KJV)
The first time the word righteousness is used in the Bible is in Genesis 15:6.
Genesis 15:6
6 And Abraham believed in the LORD; and the LORD counted it to him for righteousness.
Paul quoted Genesis 15:6 as he wrote to the believers in Galatia.
Galatians 3:5-7
5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?--
6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. (NKJ)
Paul wrote the epistle to the Galatians during the time that God was offering the New Covenant Kingdom to Israel. During that time many miracles were done as a sign to the nation of Israel. Paul’s point was that these miracles were not done through the power of the law but through the power of faith. His proof of the superior power of faith lay in the fact that Abraham’s righteousness came through faith 430 years before the law was ever given.
Paul quoted Genesis 15:6 again as he wrote to the Romans.
Romans 4:1-5
1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.
5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, (NKJ)
From Genesis to Revelation we see that righteousness is a gift from God and is given in response to faith. Jesus said:
Rev 3:20
20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Genesis 6:9
9 This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. (NIV)
Hebrews says that Noah’s righteousness was the righteousness of faith.
Hebrews 11:7
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (KJV)
The first time the word righteousness is used in the Bible is in Genesis 15:6.
Genesis 15:6
6 And Abraham believed in the LORD; and the LORD counted it to him for righteousness.
Paul quoted Genesis 15:6 as he wrote to the believers in Galatia.
Galatians 3:5-7
5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?--
6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. (NKJ)
Paul wrote the epistle to the Galatians during the time that God was offering the New Covenant Kingdom to Israel. During that time many miracles were done as a sign to the nation of Israel. Paul’s point was that these miracles were not done through the power of the law but through the power of faith. His proof of the superior power of faith lay in the fact that Abraham’s righteousness came through faith 430 years before the law was ever given.
Paul quoted Genesis 15:6 again as he wrote to the Romans.
Romans 4:1-5
1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.
5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, (NKJ)
From Genesis to Revelation we see that righteousness is a gift from God and is given in response to faith. Jesus said:
Rev 3:20
20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Friday, March 12, 2004
Abraham grew up in Ur of the Chaldeans worshiping the various pagan gods of that culture. But the Lord Jesus Christ spoke to Abraham and said,
Genesis 12:1-2
1 . . . "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.
2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. (NIV)
So Abraham left, and the Lord was with Abraham as he traveled to the promised land. One day Abraham mentioned to the Lord that he did not have any children in spite of the promise of Genesis 12:2. The Lord Jesus confirmed the promise and said that Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars of heaven. Then one of the great events of human history occurred.
Genesis 15:6
6 And Abraham believed in the LORD, and the LORD accounted it to him for righteousness.
Years later the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 3 that God can not give salvation to those who do good works because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But after quoting Genesis 15:6, Paul said that God will save anyone who has faith like that of Abraham. When people simply believe what God says, God counts that for righteousness.
What has God been saying since Jesus died on the cross of Calvary? Before Paul was saved, the apostles simply preached that Jesus had come back from the dead, and was, therefore, still Israel’s Messiah. During the Acts period, the Apostle Paul revealed that Jesus Christ died for our sins to bring eternal life in accordance with the hope of the New Covenant Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 50-52
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed--
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (NKJ)
In Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, Paul revealed the dispensation of the Church which is the Body of Christ and said that members of the Church receive salvation and experience all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.
Ephesians 1:3,7
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (NKJ)
Ephesians 2:4-7
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Genesis 12:1-2
1 . . . "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.
2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. (NIV)
So Abraham left, and the Lord was with Abraham as he traveled to the promised land. One day Abraham mentioned to the Lord that he did not have any children in spite of the promise of Genesis 12:2. The Lord Jesus confirmed the promise and said that Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars of heaven. Then one of the great events of human history occurred.
Genesis 15:6
6 And Abraham believed in the LORD, and the LORD accounted it to him for righteousness.
Years later the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 3 that God can not give salvation to those who do good works because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But after quoting Genesis 15:6, Paul said that God will save anyone who has faith like that of Abraham. When people simply believe what God says, God counts that for righteousness.
What has God been saying since Jesus died on the cross of Calvary? Before Paul was saved, the apostles simply preached that Jesus had come back from the dead, and was, therefore, still Israel’s Messiah. During the Acts period, the Apostle Paul revealed that Jesus Christ died for our sins to bring eternal life in accordance with the hope of the New Covenant Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 50-52
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed--
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (NKJ)
In Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, Paul revealed the dispensation of the Church which is the Body of Christ and said that members of the Church receive salvation and experience all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.
Ephesians 1:3,7
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (NKJ)
Ephesians 2:4-7
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Thursday, March 11, 2004
When Nicodemus came to the Lord Jesus by night, he said:
John 3:2
2 . . . "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." (NKJ)
If Nicodemus was speaking on behalf of the Pharisees, he was not telling the truth. The Pharisees did not accept the Lord Jesus as a teacher from God, but rather as a blasphemer who was worthy of death. But maybe Nicodemus just said that to open up a conversation about Who Jesus really was.
However, Jesus ignored his statement and totally changed the subject.
John 3:3
3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (NKJ)
It is almost as if Jesus was saying, “Nicodemus, we have to talk about you, before we can talk about me. You want to inherit the kingdom of God, but you aren’t ready for the kingdom. In fact, there is nothing about you that is acceptable to God. Before you can even see the kingdom of God, you will have to be made completely over again.”
This was going to cause Nicodemus to do some real soul searching. He must have started wondering if all of his assumptions about himself were really correct. He had always viewed himself as a law-abiding, responsible person. Even all of his very legalistic friends accepted him as such. As a Pharisee, he was even in a position to judge the actions of other people. But Jesus told him straight up, “You have to be born again to see the kingdom of God.”
Sometimes, it is hard to be honest with ourselves because the truth hurts. On the road to Damascus, Paul was devastated to realize that all of his good works and religious zeal were actually a curse upon his life rather than a blessing. Later, he said:
Philippians 3:4-9
4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:
5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; (NKJ)
When Paul put his faith in Jesus Christ, he became a new creation in Christ and was born again.
After telling Nicodemus that he needed to be born again, the Lord Jesus went on to explain that He had been sent into the world to save the lost.
John 3:16
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. (KJV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
John 3:2
2 . . . "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." (NKJ)
If Nicodemus was speaking on behalf of the Pharisees, he was not telling the truth. The Pharisees did not accept the Lord Jesus as a teacher from God, but rather as a blasphemer who was worthy of death. But maybe Nicodemus just said that to open up a conversation about Who Jesus really was.
However, Jesus ignored his statement and totally changed the subject.
John 3:3
3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (NKJ)
It is almost as if Jesus was saying, “Nicodemus, we have to talk about you, before we can talk about me. You want to inherit the kingdom of God, but you aren’t ready for the kingdom. In fact, there is nothing about you that is acceptable to God. Before you can even see the kingdom of God, you will have to be made completely over again.”
This was going to cause Nicodemus to do some real soul searching. He must have started wondering if all of his assumptions about himself were really correct. He had always viewed himself as a law-abiding, responsible person. Even all of his very legalistic friends accepted him as such. As a Pharisee, he was even in a position to judge the actions of other people. But Jesus told him straight up, “You have to be born again to see the kingdom of God.”
Sometimes, it is hard to be honest with ourselves because the truth hurts. On the road to Damascus, Paul was devastated to realize that all of his good works and religious zeal were actually a curse upon his life rather than a blessing. Later, he said:
Philippians 3:4-9
4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:
5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; (NKJ)
When Paul put his faith in Jesus Christ, he became a new creation in Christ and was born again.
After telling Nicodemus that he needed to be born again, the Lord Jesus went on to explain that He had been sent into the world to save the lost.
John 3:16
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. (KJV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Nicodemus was a Pharisee who came to Jesus by night. Presumably, he came by night because he was afraid of what the other Pharisees would think if they knew he was with Jesus. He told Jesus that he and all of the Pharisees knew there was something special about Jesus because the miracles Jesus did showed that God was with Him.
Jesus did not enter into that debate with Nicodemus for He could see that Nicodemus did not need intellectual clarification concerning His identity. Jesus saw immediately that Nicodemus needed to be born again.
John 3:3
3 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. (KJV)
Nicodemus was dumbfounded. He must have thought this was the strangest thing he had ever heard, and he challenged the Lord.
John 3:4
4 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? (KJV)
John 3:5
5 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. (KJV)
Certainly one has to be born as a human being before they can enter the kingdom, but Jesus told Nicodemus that one must experience another, spiritual birth to qualify for the kingdom. As Jesus spoke of being born of water and born of the Spirit, He was drawing a contrast between physical birth and spiritual rebirth. That is clear from verse 6 where Jesus said,
John 3:6
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (KJV)
When people believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for their sins, the Holy Spirit brings them into spiritual union with Jesus Christ, and they are forever changed.
2 Corinthians 5:17
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (KJV)
The Holy Spirit seals the believer in Christ and becomes the life-force within the believer. He reveals the Word of God. He gives guidance. He convicts of sin. He gives the joy of the Lord. In Ephesians, Paul says, we must do everything possible to maintain unhindered fellowship with Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:30-32
30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (KJV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Jesus did not enter into that debate with Nicodemus for He could see that Nicodemus did not need intellectual clarification concerning His identity. Jesus saw immediately that Nicodemus needed to be born again.
John 3:3
3 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. (KJV)
Nicodemus was dumbfounded. He must have thought this was the strangest thing he had ever heard, and he challenged the Lord.
John 3:4
4 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? (KJV)
John 3:5
5 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. (KJV)
Certainly one has to be born as a human being before they can enter the kingdom, but Jesus told Nicodemus that one must experience another, spiritual birth to qualify for the kingdom. As Jesus spoke of being born of water and born of the Spirit, He was drawing a contrast between physical birth and spiritual rebirth. That is clear from verse 6 where Jesus said,
John 3:6
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (KJV)
When people believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for their sins, the Holy Spirit brings them into spiritual union with Jesus Christ, and they are forever changed.
2 Corinthians 5:17
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (KJV)
The Holy Spirit seals the believer in Christ and becomes the life-force within the believer. He reveals the Word of God. He gives guidance. He convicts of sin. He gives the joy of the Lord. In Ephesians, Paul says, we must do everything possible to maintain unhindered fellowship with Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:30-32
30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (KJV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
In Genesis 6, we read that God looked upon the earth and saw the wickedness of men, but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. By faith, Noah believed that great judgment was coming upon the earth. By faith, Noah built an ark according to the instructions of the Lord. God told Noah,
Genesis 6:14
14 "Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. (NKJ)
Noah sealed the ark with pitch so that the ark would be waterproof and none of the judgment waters would touch those who were sealed inside the ark. Before the rains came, the Lord led Noah, his family and types of all living things into the ark, and then the Lord, Himself, shut the door.
Genesis 7:16
16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. (KJV)
The ark is a picture of the Lord Jesus in that those who by faith are spiritually baptized into the Lord Jesus are protected from the fiery judgment which is to come in the next life. The pitch is symbolic of the Holy Spirit for it is the Holy Spirit of God Who seals us inside Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:13
13 . . . ye also trusted (in Christ), after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (KJV)
Ephesians 4:30
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV)
The day of redemption is the day when we stand before the Lord Jesus and plead the shed blood of Christ as our atonement for sin. The seal of the Holy Spirit will protect not only in that day of judgment, but it seals and protects us in Christ until that day. From the day we believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, we are protected in Christ by the Holy Spirit of God.
John 3:36 says,
36 "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (NKJ)
Notice that John did not say that believers will have everlasting life. Believers have everlasting life. The moment they believe, they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of God unto the day of redemption.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Genesis 6:14
14 "Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. (NKJ)
Noah sealed the ark with pitch so that the ark would be waterproof and none of the judgment waters would touch those who were sealed inside the ark. Before the rains came, the Lord led Noah, his family and types of all living things into the ark, and then the Lord, Himself, shut the door.
Genesis 7:16
16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. (KJV)
The ark is a picture of the Lord Jesus in that those who by faith are spiritually baptized into the Lord Jesus are protected from the fiery judgment which is to come in the next life. The pitch is symbolic of the Holy Spirit for it is the Holy Spirit of God Who seals us inside Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:13
13 . . . ye also trusted (in Christ), after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (KJV)
Ephesians 4:30
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV)
The day of redemption is the day when we stand before the Lord Jesus and plead the shed blood of Christ as our atonement for sin. The seal of the Holy Spirit will protect not only in that day of judgment, but it seals and protects us in Christ until that day. From the day we believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, we are protected in Christ by the Holy Spirit of God.
John 3:36 says,
36 "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (NKJ)
Notice that John did not say that believers will have everlasting life. Believers have everlasting life. The moment they believe, they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of God unto the day of redemption.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Monday, March 08, 2004
After the first sin of Adam and Eve, the population of human beings rapidly increased, and mankind became more and more sinful. The people on the earth were very much like Cain in that they had no respect for the desire of God. They wanted what they wanted when they wanted it. God, in His mercy, delayed His judgment, but in Genesis 6 we read:
Gen 6:3
3 And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." (NKJ)
God decided to destroy all of mankind with a great flood, but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. God instructed Noah to build a huge boat. When the boat was finished, God brought Noah and his family into the boat to save them from the impending flood.
Gen 7:1
1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. (KJV)
The righteousness of Noah was not based on his own human perfection but was based on the grace of God.
Gen 6:8
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. (KJV)
Grace is getting something that is not deserved. Therefore, Noah did not deserve to be saved from the flood, but Noah found grace because he was a man of faith. God told Noah that a great flood of water was coming which would destroy all the people on the face of the earth. Noah believed God and did what God told him to do. Noah told this same message to his neighbors but not one of them believed his warning.
The writer of the book of Hebrews made the following observation.
Heb 11:7
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (KJV)
Even though Noah had never seen rain, he still believed that God’s word was true.
God will accept anyone who is sinlessly perfect. The problem is that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. God in His mercy decided to offer Jesus Christ as the full payment for all sin so that faith could be the determining factor in salvation.
The ark that Noah built was a picture of Jesus Christ. Those who were in the ark were saved from the judgment. When we accept Christ by faith and believe that He died for our sins, we are spiritually baptized into Christ. Those who enter into Christ by faith find salvation from the judgment to come. It is important to remember that people must accept Christ before they die. There will be no second chance in the after life.
Heb 9:27
27 . . . it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (KJV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Gen 6:3
3 And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." (NKJ)
God decided to destroy all of mankind with a great flood, but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. God instructed Noah to build a huge boat. When the boat was finished, God brought Noah and his family into the boat to save them from the impending flood.
Gen 7:1
1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. (KJV)
The righteousness of Noah was not based on his own human perfection but was based on the grace of God.
Gen 6:8
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. (KJV)
Grace is getting something that is not deserved. Therefore, Noah did not deserve to be saved from the flood, but Noah found grace because he was a man of faith. God told Noah that a great flood of water was coming which would destroy all the people on the face of the earth. Noah believed God and did what God told him to do. Noah told this same message to his neighbors but not one of them believed his warning.
The writer of the book of Hebrews made the following observation.
Heb 11:7
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (KJV)
Even though Noah had never seen rain, he still believed that God’s word was true.
God will accept anyone who is sinlessly perfect. The problem is that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. God in His mercy decided to offer Jesus Christ as the full payment for all sin so that faith could be the determining factor in salvation.
The ark that Noah built was a picture of Jesus Christ. Those who were in the ark were saved from the judgment. When we accept Christ by faith and believe that He died for our sins, we are spiritually baptized into Christ. Those who enter into Christ by faith find salvation from the judgment to come. It is important to remember that people must accept Christ before they die. There will be no second chance in the after life.
Heb 9:27
27 . . . it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (KJV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Friday, March 05, 2004
When Adam and Eve sinned, God said that Satan would try to destroy the seed of the woman but that the seed of the woman would destroy Satan.
Gen 3:15
15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel." (NKJ)
Satan fully understood that one of Eve’s descendants would destroy him. Therefore, from that time, Satan has been on a search and destroy mission to identify and destroy that child. His first opportunity came with Cain and Abel. It was not that difficult to determine which of the two was most likely to align himself with God. Satan planted seeds of envy and hatred in Cain’s heart which resulted in the murder of Abel.
This did not deter the plan of God for Eve had another child by the name of Seth, and this is what the Bible says at the birth of Seth.
Gen 4:25
25 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, "For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed." (NKJ)
There is nothing that Satan can do to avoid the ultimate doom to which he has been appointed. God is sovereign over all of the circumstances of human history as well as all of the events that take place in the heavens. However, Satan never gives up his quest to defeat God and his perfect plan for the universe.
When the wise men came to worship Jesus at His birth, they asked King Herod, “Where is He Who is born King of the Jews?” Then Satan filled Herod’s heart with jealousy and fear, and Herod killed all of the children of Bethlehem who were under two years of age.
When Jesus ate His final Passover with the disciples, He told them that one of those who ate with them would betray Him. Then the Apostle John asked Jesus who it was, and Jesus said,
John 13:26-27
26 . . . "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." (NKJ)
Because Judas loved the things of this world, his hearts was open to the wiles of the devil. Satan lead Judas to the religious leaders who crucified the Lord Jesus.
However, not even the death of Jesus could stop the plan of God for after Jesus had been in the grave for 3 days and 3 nights, He came back from the dead. He conquered death, hell, and the grave once and for all, and He stripped all of Satan’s forces of their spiritual power.
Col 2:9-10, 15
9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power . . .
15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Gen 3:15
15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel." (NKJ)
Satan fully understood that one of Eve’s descendants would destroy him. Therefore, from that time, Satan has been on a search and destroy mission to identify and destroy that child. His first opportunity came with Cain and Abel. It was not that difficult to determine which of the two was most likely to align himself with God. Satan planted seeds of envy and hatred in Cain’s heart which resulted in the murder of Abel.
This did not deter the plan of God for Eve had another child by the name of Seth, and this is what the Bible says at the birth of Seth.
Gen 4:25
25 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, "For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed." (NKJ)
There is nothing that Satan can do to avoid the ultimate doom to which he has been appointed. God is sovereign over all of the circumstances of human history as well as all of the events that take place in the heavens. However, Satan never gives up his quest to defeat God and his perfect plan for the universe.
When the wise men came to worship Jesus at His birth, they asked King Herod, “Where is He Who is born King of the Jews?” Then Satan filled Herod’s heart with jealousy and fear, and Herod killed all of the children of Bethlehem who were under two years of age.
When Jesus ate His final Passover with the disciples, He told them that one of those who ate with them would betray Him. Then the Apostle John asked Jesus who it was, and Jesus said,
John 13:26-27
26 . . . "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." (NKJ)
Because Judas loved the things of this world, his hearts was open to the wiles of the devil. Satan lead Judas to the religious leaders who crucified the Lord Jesus.
However, not even the death of Jesus could stop the plan of God for after Jesus had been in the grave for 3 days and 3 nights, He came back from the dead. He conquered death, hell, and the grave once and for all, and He stripped all of Satan’s forces of their spiritual power.
Col 2:9-10, 15
9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power . . .
15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Sennacherib was king of the Assyrian Empire. He had a great army and had conquered all of the nations around him including the northern kingdom of Israel. He had his eyes set on the southern kingdom of Judah and was sure they would be an easy target. As he and his army approached Jerusalem, Judah’s King Hezekiah went to the temple and asked the Lord for deliverance. Isaiah sent word to Hezekiah that he should not be afraid of Sennacherib for the Lord would protect Jerusalem. But the Lord also had a message for Sennacherib. It went this way:
II Kings 19:27-28
27 'But I know your dwelling place, your going out and your coming in, and your rage against Me.
28 Because your rage against Me and your tumult have come up to My ears, therefore I will put My hook in your nose and My bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way which you came. (NKJ)
I was struck by the fact that Sennacherib had an internal rage against God. Could it be that the violence in Sennacherib’s life was a result of his rage toward God? I wonder how much of the violence in the world today is a result of the rage that people feel toward God. It could be that people have an internal rage toward God that they themselves have never articulated in their own minds. Maybe that truth would be too hard to accept.
When God refused Cain’s offering, Cain killed his brother, Abel. Does that make any sense? Abel had not done one thing to Cain. Cain really had an uncontrollable rage toward God which resulted in the murder of his brother. Cain could not deal with the fact that he hated God, so he killed his brother.
The Bible says that before the great flood of Noah’s day,
Gen 6:11
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. (NKJ)
Maybe their violence was really a result of their internal rage toward God and His righteousness. So much of the violence we see in the world today is senseless violence. There is terrorism throughout the world. There is violent crime in the streets and homes of every American city. There is only one solution for the rage that people feel toward God, and that is the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said:
John 15:9
9 "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. (NKJ)
The Apostle John said:
I Jn 4:7-8
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
II Kings 19:27-28
27 'But I know your dwelling place, your going out and your coming in, and your rage against Me.
28 Because your rage against Me and your tumult have come up to My ears, therefore I will put My hook in your nose and My bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way which you came. (NKJ)
I was struck by the fact that Sennacherib had an internal rage against God. Could it be that the violence in Sennacherib’s life was a result of his rage toward God? I wonder how much of the violence in the world today is a result of the rage that people feel toward God. It could be that people have an internal rage toward God that they themselves have never articulated in their own minds. Maybe that truth would be too hard to accept.
When God refused Cain’s offering, Cain killed his brother, Abel. Does that make any sense? Abel had not done one thing to Cain. Cain really had an uncontrollable rage toward God which resulted in the murder of his brother. Cain could not deal with the fact that he hated God, so he killed his brother.
The Bible says that before the great flood of Noah’s day,
Gen 6:11
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. (NKJ)
Maybe their violence was really a result of their internal rage toward God and His righteousness. So much of the violence we see in the world today is senseless violence. There is terrorism throughout the world. There is violent crime in the streets and homes of every American city. There is only one solution for the rage that people feel toward God, and that is the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said:
John 15:9
9 "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. (NKJ)
The Apostle John said:
I Jn 4:7-8
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
In Genesis 4, Cain and Abel both brought sacrifices to God. Abel brought an animal sacrifice while Cain brought an offering of produce he had harvested from the field. Cain’s fruit represented the things of the earth which perish with the using (see Colossians 2:22). The animal sacrifice of Abel represented the gift of life which is given from heaven. God accepted the sacrifice of Abel but refused the offering of Cain. However, God did give Cain some advice along with a warning.
Genesis 4:7
7 "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." (NKJ)
Anyone in a position of authority should learn from the example God has set. In this passage we see that God is a believer in due process. First, He told Cain that what he did was unacceptable, and then He warned him that consequences would follow for continued disobedience.
The Apostle Paul describes the fleshly fruit of the earth in his letter to the Galatian believers.
Galatians 5:19-21
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (KJV)
Cain’s heart was full of envy, strife, and murder. His offering was rejected, and his response was to kill his brother. Abel’s sacrifice was accepted because his animal sacrifice was an acceptable picture of the sacrifice that Jesus Christ would make upon the cross of Calvary.
Today, many Christians think that God will be satisfied with an offering of Church attendance and 10% of their income, but God wants much more than that. We today are called upon to present our bodies as a living sacrifice unto God.
Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
As we experience spiritual union with Jesus Christ in His death, our bodies become a living sacrifice. Our responsibility is to offer that sacrifice to God so that God can fill our hearts with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. In this way, we become an offering which is holy and acceptable unto God.
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (KJV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Genesis 4:7
7 "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." (NKJ)
Anyone in a position of authority should learn from the example God has set. In this passage we see that God is a believer in due process. First, He told Cain that what he did was unacceptable, and then He warned him that consequences would follow for continued disobedience.
The Apostle Paul describes the fleshly fruit of the earth in his letter to the Galatian believers.
Galatians 5:19-21
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (KJV)
Cain’s heart was full of envy, strife, and murder. His offering was rejected, and his response was to kill his brother. Abel’s sacrifice was accepted because his animal sacrifice was an acceptable picture of the sacrifice that Jesus Christ would make upon the cross of Calvary.
Today, many Christians think that God will be satisfied with an offering of Church attendance and 10% of their income, but God wants much more than that. We today are called upon to present our bodies as a living sacrifice unto God.
Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
As we experience spiritual union with Jesus Christ in His death, our bodies become a living sacrifice. Our responsibility is to offer that sacrifice to God so that God can fill our hearts with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. In this way, we become an offering which is holy and acceptable unto God.
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (KJV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
The Lord Jesus Christ was Jehovah God of the Old Testament. Therefore, it was Jesus Christ who formed Adam out of the dust of the ground, and it was Jesus Christ who created Eve from one of Adam’s ribs. Adam and Eve enjoyed constant fellowship with Jesus Christ in the Garden of Eden and had only one rule to live by. They were not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
The devil was determined to destroy Adam and Eve for he was jealous of their position of dominance over all things within the garden of God. The devil was very cunning and full of deceit, and with his power of persuasion, he convinced Adam and Eve to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Immediately, Adam and Eve became aware of sin, and they knew they had entered into the realm of sin. They made clothes of fig leaves for themselves to cover their nakedness.
As the Lord Jesus came walking through the garden, they hid from Him. He confronted them with their sin and pronounced a curse upon them, upon the earth, and upon the devil. The sentence of death came upon Adam and Eve, for God had said that in the day they ate of the fruit, they would surely die. Therefore, mortality came upon Adam and Eve and all of their descendants.
However, Jesus Christ had mercy on Adam and Eve and made coats of animal skin for them.
Gen 3:21
21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. (KJV)
This is one of the earliest events of human history, and in it we find that the shedding of blood was required to cover sin. This animal sacrifice could never have taken away sin or its consequences, but it did picture the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus upon the cross of Calvary. When Jesus Christ gave His blood for the sins of the world, it provided a permanent solution for sin, and the Lord Jesus, Himself, said that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life.
When Christ was resurrected from the grave, He took the spirits of Old Testament believers such as Adam and Eve with Him into heaven.
Eph 4:8
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (KJV)
Since that day, when believers die, their spirits enter directly into heaven to dwell in the presence of the Lord. The spirits of all believers who have died, from Adam and Eve to the present, are waiting in heaven for the resurrection of their bodies. Resurrection day will be a great day of rejoicing for all believers, and it will be a great victory over death.
1 Cor 15:54
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (KJV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
The devil was determined to destroy Adam and Eve for he was jealous of their position of dominance over all things within the garden of God. The devil was very cunning and full of deceit, and with his power of persuasion, he convinced Adam and Eve to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Immediately, Adam and Eve became aware of sin, and they knew they had entered into the realm of sin. They made clothes of fig leaves for themselves to cover their nakedness.
As the Lord Jesus came walking through the garden, they hid from Him. He confronted them with their sin and pronounced a curse upon them, upon the earth, and upon the devil. The sentence of death came upon Adam and Eve, for God had said that in the day they ate of the fruit, they would surely die. Therefore, mortality came upon Adam and Eve and all of their descendants.
However, Jesus Christ had mercy on Adam and Eve and made coats of animal skin for them.
Gen 3:21
21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. (KJV)
This is one of the earliest events of human history, and in it we find that the shedding of blood was required to cover sin. This animal sacrifice could never have taken away sin or its consequences, but it did picture the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus upon the cross of Calvary. When Jesus Christ gave His blood for the sins of the world, it provided a permanent solution for sin, and the Lord Jesus, Himself, said that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life.
When Christ was resurrected from the grave, He took the spirits of Old Testament believers such as Adam and Eve with Him into heaven.
Eph 4:8
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (KJV)
Since that day, when believers die, their spirits enter directly into heaven to dwell in the presence of the Lord. The spirits of all believers who have died, from Adam and Eve to the present, are waiting in heaven for the resurrection of their bodies. Resurrection day will be a great day of rejoicing for all believers, and it will be a great victory over death.
1 Cor 15:54
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (KJV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Monday, March 01, 2004
Jerusalem had been charged with excitement ever since the news broke that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. Then, as Jesus entered Jerusalem for Passover, a spontaneous parade erupted, and the people yelled, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” But the Apostle John declared the spiritual darkness in their hearts.
John 12:37-41
37 Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.
38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: "Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"
39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:
40 "He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn-- and I would heal them."
41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him. (NIV)
Verses 40 and 41 refer back to the events of Isaiah, Chapter 6, when Isaiah saw Jehovah God sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up. Isaiah confessed his sinfulness as he saw the righteousness of the Lord.
Isaiah 6:5
5 Then said (Isaiah), Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. (KJV)
At that time, the Lord called Isaiah to preach but warned him that no one would listen.
Isaiah 6:9-10
9 And (the Lord said to Isaiah), Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. (KJV)
However, in verse 41 of John, Chapter 12, we find that Isaiah actually saw Jesus Christ in all of His glory.
John 12:41
41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him.
Isaiah knew that someday Jehovah God would be born of a virgin, and one of his names was to be Immanuel which means "God with us."
Isaiah 7:14
14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (NKJ)
Isaiah also knew that this One, Who was God in the flesh, would die for the sins of the world.
Isaiah 53:2,5
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
John 12:37-41
37 Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.
38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: "Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"
39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:
40 "He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn-- and I would heal them."
41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him. (NIV)
Verses 40 and 41 refer back to the events of Isaiah, Chapter 6, when Isaiah saw Jehovah God sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up. Isaiah confessed his sinfulness as he saw the righteousness of the Lord.
Isaiah 6:5
5 Then said (Isaiah), Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. (KJV)
At that time, the Lord called Isaiah to preach but warned him that no one would listen.
Isaiah 6:9-10
9 And (the Lord said to Isaiah), Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. (KJV)
However, in verse 41 of John, Chapter 12, we find that Isaiah actually saw Jesus Christ in all of His glory.
John 12:41
41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him.
Isaiah knew that someday Jehovah God would be born of a virgin, and one of his names was to be Immanuel which means "God with us."
Isaiah 7:14
14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (NKJ)
Isaiah also knew that this One, Who was God in the flesh, would die for the sins of the world.
Isaiah 53:2,5
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
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