Welcome to Bible Study Time. We come to you each Sunday morning on behalf of the Peace Church, and we want to invite you to join us for any of our services. We’re located 8 miles south and a half a mile west of Indiahoma, and we’re just 12 miles east of Manitou right on the Baseline Road. If you’d like more information about the Peace Church, you can find that on our website, which is www.ok-peacechurch.org
Today in our Journey Through the Scripture, we will see Moses coming to the end of his life. Moses was a great servant of God. Hebrews, Chapter 3, says: Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, (even) as Moses also was faithful in all His house. (Hebrews 3:1-2 NKJV).
When it says that Moses was faithful in all His house, the writer was not talking about the house of Moses. He was talking about the house of God. So Moses was faithful in all the house of God, and his faithfulness was even mentioned in comparison with the faithfulness of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle John said: For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17 NKJV). Here again we see Moses mentioned in comparison to the Lord Jesus. What a tremendous commendation by the Holy Spirit of God!
Of course, what the Holy Spirit said was absolutely true. Everything that is written in the word of God is absolutely true. However, if we meditate upon the words and think about the circumstances of the Jewish people, we can also see why the Holy Spirit might want to emphasize the importance of Moses and his ministry.
All of the Jews valued Moses. They all knew that Moses had been used by God to part the Red Sea, bring water out of a rock in the wilderness, and bring victory in battle by simply raising his arms in the air. They knew that God had spoken to Moses face to face, and that God had given the Law through Moses at Mt. Sinai. The Jewish people loved every thing they had ever been taught about Moses.
So the Holy Spirit was able to use that to make a beautiful point about Jesus Christ. He did not say, you think Moses is so great, but really Moses was nothing compared to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is full of grace and truth. He is full of compassion and empathy. He understands our tendency to love and adore human beings even more than we love and adore our Savior, who died on the cross for our sins.
In the past, Christians have argued with one another over the scriptures, and because we know that Christians aren't suppose to fight, we may try to claim that those who disagree with us are not Christians. But you see, when John and the writer to the Hebrews were making their appeals to the Jewish people, they were kind and gracious. They knew that many of the Jewish people had rejected the claims of Christ, but we see them trying to make a connection with the Jewish people on the basis of common ground.
They said, yes, you are right. Moses was a great servant of God. Moses was faithful in all the house of God. But now, let's talk about Jesus. If you like Moses, you're really going to like Jesus because Jesus too was faithful over the house of God. But Jesus was even more so because the house of God was His house. As the Son of God, Jesus was the rightful heir of the house of God.
When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians about their testimony among unbelievers, he said: Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:5-6 NKJV).
When Paul spoke with the pagan Gentiles in Athens, he saw that one of the altars was dedicated To the Unknown God. Well, he could have chastised them, saying, don't you people know any better. There is no unknown God. If you knew the first thing about the Bible, you'd know who God is. But no, Paul spoke with love and compassion and said that the God who made the world doesn't dwell in temples made with human hands. Then he said, God is not far from any of us, but He is in fact calling out to us to repent for the day of judgment is coming. What gracious speech, seasoned with the salt of compassion and love.
Well, we can learn a lot by looking at the life of Moses and comparing those things to the things that we learn in the New Testament. So now, let's return once again to our Journey Through the Scripture with Pastor James Roberts.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
The Good Shepherd
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Thus begins the 23rd Psalm, one of the most beloved passages in all the Bible. These words were written by King David, who was a mighty warrior, a prophet and a man after God's own heart. As a warrior, David killed the mighty Goliath and subdued all of the enemies of Israel. As a prophet, David spoke of the coming Messiah and even gave specific details regarding the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But David's secret to success was his personal relationship with God. David viewed the Lord as his shepherd because he knew that God would always be there to love him, guide him, correct him and provide for him.
Today, we know that David's relationship with God was based on his relationship with the preincarnate Christ. Jesus Christ was in the beginning with God and was God (John 1:1-2). We know that David came to God through Jesus Christ because no one can come to the Father except through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and man (I Timothy 2:5), and today He is speaking to all people everywhere, saying: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:11,27-28 NKJV).
Jim Roberts, Peace Church, Indiahoma, OK
http://www.ok-peacechurch.org
Today, we know that David's relationship with God was based on his relationship with the preincarnate Christ. Jesus Christ was in the beginning with God and was God (John 1:1-2). We know that David came to God through Jesus Christ because no one can come to the Father except through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and man (I Timothy 2:5), and today He is speaking to all people everywhere, saying: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:11,27-28 NKJV).
Jim Roberts, Peace Church, Indiahoma, OK
http://www.ok-peacechurch.org
Jesus, The Life Giving Spirit
The Apostle Paul draws a sharp contrast between those who are the natural descendants of Adam and those who are the spiritual descendants of Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15 says that in Adam all die, but those who are in Christ are made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:22).
Jesus Christ created Adam without sin, but when Adam sinned by His own volition, death passed upon him and all of his descendants. To rescue mankind from death, Jesus Christ entered the human race to die for the sins of the world. Since Jesus Christ is eternal by nature, He would not have been able to die if He had manifested Himself in His divine state. The virgin birth of Christ is therefore extremely important because it is the basis upon which God manifested Himself in human form.
After Adam and Eve sinned, God announced that the seed of the woman would someday destroy the power of Satan (Genesis 3:15). And sure enough, four thousand years later Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary to die for sin and conquer death. This actually disarmed Satan and his demon forces and made a spectacle of them. (Colossians 2:15).
This marvelous victory is available to all who put their faith in the saving power of the shed blood of Christ. The first man Adam became a living being when he was created, but he fell under the condemnation of death. Jesus Christ, on the other hand, conquered death and became a life giving spirit for all who believe in Him. (1 Corinthians 15:45 NKJV).
Jim Roberts, Peace Church, Indiahoma, OK
http://www.ok-peacechurch.org
Jesus Christ created Adam without sin, but when Adam sinned by His own volition, death passed upon him and all of his descendants. To rescue mankind from death, Jesus Christ entered the human race to die for the sins of the world. Since Jesus Christ is eternal by nature, He would not have been able to die if He had manifested Himself in His divine state. The virgin birth of Christ is therefore extremely important because it is the basis upon which God manifested Himself in human form.
After Adam and Eve sinned, God announced that the seed of the woman would someday destroy the power of Satan (Genesis 3:15). And sure enough, four thousand years later Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary to die for sin and conquer death. This actually disarmed Satan and his demon forces and made a spectacle of them. (Colossians 2:15).
This marvelous victory is available to all who put their faith in the saving power of the shed blood of Christ. The first man Adam became a living being when he was created, but he fell under the condemnation of death. Jesus Christ, on the other hand, conquered death and became a life giving spirit for all who believe in Him. (1 Corinthians 15:45 NKJV).
Jim Roberts, Peace Church, Indiahoma, OK
http://www.ok-peacechurch.org
Transformed and Productive
In Romans, Chapter 12, the Apostle Paul says that believers should not be conformed to this world but that we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Paul concludes that if we set aside our personal pride and honestly evaluate our gifts, this transformation will lead to great productivity in our service for Christ. In the New Living Translation Paul says: Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. (Romans 12:3 NLT)
The Message by Eugene Peterson paraphrases the same verse this way: I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him. (Romans 12:3 The Message)
If we set aside our pride and get honest before the Lord, we can truly dedicate our lives to God and bring glory to His name.
Jim Roberts, Peace Church, Indiahoma, OK
http://www.ok-peacechurch.org
The Message by Eugene Peterson paraphrases the same verse this way: I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him. (Romans 12:3 The Message)
If we set aside our pride and get honest before the Lord, we can truly dedicate our lives to God and bring glory to His name.
Jim Roberts, Peace Church, Indiahoma, OK
http://www.ok-peacechurch.org
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Fulfilled Prophecy
In Acts, Chapter 2, the Apostle Peter told the Jewish people that when they killed Jesus, they killed the promised Messiah. But then Peter gave them the good news that Jesus had been raised from the dead and would therefore be able to bring in the promised Jewish kingdom. To prove his point, Peter quoted a prophecy of King David, saying: You will not leave my soul in the grave, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. (Acts 2:25-27).
Peter knew that David's words in Psalm 16 were not written about David because David's body did see corruption in the grave. As Peter said: Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet . . . he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in the grave, nor did His flesh see corruption. (Acts 2:29-31).
The apostles were greatly encouraged by this prophecy which was given by King David a thousand years before Jesus lived on the earth. Today, the hope of Christian people is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the fulfilled prophecies of the Old Testament still stand as a potent confirmation of our faith. Jesus said, I've pitched my tent in the land of hope (Acts 2:26 The Message), and because Jesus Christ is alive today, we too can pitch our tents in the land of hope.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2 NKJV).
Peter knew that David's words in Psalm 16 were not written about David because David's body did see corruption in the grave. As Peter said: Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet . . . he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in the grave, nor did His flesh see corruption. (Acts 2:29-31).
The apostles were greatly encouraged by this prophecy which was given by King David a thousand years before Jesus lived on the earth. Today, the hope of Christian people is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the fulfilled prophecies of the Old Testament still stand as a potent confirmation of our faith. Jesus said, I've pitched my tent in the land of hope (Acts 2:26 The Message), and because Jesus Christ is alive today, we too can pitch our tents in the land of hope.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2 NKJV).
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Living in Victory
When the nation of Israel made a covenant with the Lord at Mt. Sinai, God told them that He would give them the land of Canaan as their inheritance. But what was God planning to do with the Canaanites who were already living in that land? His plan was to drive the Canaanites out of the land a little bit at a time. God said: And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite from before you. I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land. (Exodus 23:28-30 NKJV).
People often come to God in faith and expect Him to rid them instantly of all their demons, even though those demons have had the opportunity to flourish unhindered over many years. It may be that victory over those demons and the claiming of the promised land will take years of dedicated warfare, but the victory is assured and well worth the effort.
When Joshua was ready to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land, God said: No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. (Joshua 1:5-6 NKJV).
Jim Roberts, Peace Church, Indiahoma, OK
http://www.ok-peacechurch.org
People often come to God in faith and expect Him to rid them instantly of all their demons, even though those demons have had the opportunity to flourish unhindered over many years. It may be that victory over those demons and the claiming of the promised land will take years of dedicated warfare, but the victory is assured and well worth the effort.
When Joshua was ready to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land, God said: No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. (Joshua 1:5-6 NKJV).
Jim Roberts, Peace Church, Indiahoma, OK
http://www.ok-peacechurch.org
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
FORGIVENESS
In the 1993 movie, Groundhog Day, Bill Murray plays the part of a man who lives the same day over and over again until he learns some important lessons. Day after day he wakes up to exactly the same circumstances as the day before. His hedonistic exploits result in extreme frustration, but even his attempts at suicide cannot deliver him from the day in which he is trapped.
This is a great illustration of what happens when we refuse to forgive. Ephesians, Chapter 4, says: Do not let the sun go down on your wrath. (Ephesians 4:26 NKJV). If we refuse to forgive, the sun will, in a figurative sense, never go down on our wrath.
The scriptures declare that God gets angry when he sees sin and violence, but He never allows His anger to overshadow His love or His forgiveness. Some sins seem truly unforgivable to us, but when Paul encourages us to forgive, he is not talking about justice; he is talking about healing. Every victim of injustice has a right to a period of anger, but every victim also has the opportunity to heal through the love of Jesus Christ.
Therefore, Paul goes on to say: Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV).
This is a great illustration of what happens when we refuse to forgive. Ephesians, Chapter 4, says: Do not let the sun go down on your wrath. (Ephesians 4:26 NKJV). If we refuse to forgive, the sun will, in a figurative sense, never go down on our wrath.
The scriptures declare that God gets angry when he sees sin and violence, but He never allows His anger to overshadow His love or His forgiveness. Some sins seem truly unforgivable to us, but when Paul encourages us to forgive, he is not talking about justice; he is talking about healing. Every victim of injustice has a right to a period of anger, but every victim also has the opportunity to heal through the love of Jesus Christ.
Therefore, Paul goes on to say: Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV).
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Congratulations to the Graduates
During this time of the year our mailboxes fill with graduation announcements. Some announce a graduation from high school. Others announce a graduation from college or from postgraduate studies. Regardless, graduation is always a time of much anticipated celebration.
As it turns out, God's plan for mankind includes several graduation events. The first graduation was when God gave the Law of Moses which took mankind from individual revelation to a documented, systematic study of God's perfect righteousness. However, even that level of education was fairly elementary compared to the revelation of God that came through Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ came, it was time for mankind to graduate to the next level of the divine curriculum.
The Apostle Paul said: Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24 NKJV). The Apostle John said: For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17 NKJV). Jesus said: You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:43-45 NKJV).
Therefore, to all those who have graduated from the Law to enter by faith into a study of the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, I say congratulations. May you enjoy success and victory in your chosen profession.
As it turns out, God's plan for mankind includes several graduation events. The first graduation was when God gave the Law of Moses which took mankind from individual revelation to a documented, systematic study of God's perfect righteousness. However, even that level of education was fairly elementary compared to the revelation of God that came through Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ came, it was time for mankind to graduate to the next level of the divine curriculum.
The Apostle Paul said: Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24 NKJV). The Apostle John said: For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17 NKJV). Jesus said: You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:43-45 NKJV).
Therefore, to all those who have graduated from the Law to enter by faith into a study of the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, I say congratulations. May you enjoy success and victory in your chosen profession.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Be of One Mind
When the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers at Philippi, he said: Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:1-2 NKJV)
Time and time again, the Bible tells believers to dwell together in unity. This is one of God's top priorities, and it should be a top priority for every believer. Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35 NKJV).
When Paul said, be of one accord and of one mind, what mind was he talking about? He goes on to explain: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV).
If we, as believers, humble ourselves to do the will of God as the Lord Jesus did, we will have no problem dwelling together in unity.
Time and time again, the Bible tells believers to dwell together in unity. This is one of God's top priorities, and it should be a top priority for every believer. Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35 NKJV).
When Paul said, be of one accord and of one mind, what mind was he talking about? He goes on to explain: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV).
If we, as believers, humble ourselves to do the will of God as the Lord Jesus did, we will have no problem dwelling together in unity.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Evaluate Without Judging
Jesus said, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." (Matthew 7:1-2 NKJV). I once heard about a lady who told her pastor that her greatest talent was seeing the faults in others. Her pastor wisely advised her that the Lord would be very pleased if she were to bury that particular talent. (See Matthew 25:25). Jesus clearly taught that we love one another, even to the point of loving our enemies.
However, Jesus was not saying that it is inappropriate for believers to evaluate the spiritual condition of others and their deeds. The Apostle Paul said, "Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things." (1 Corinthians 2:15 NLT). He went on to say, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV).
When Paul wrote to the Ephesians, he said that believers should "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." (Ephesians 5:11 NKJV). Obviously, to be obedient we must identify the unfruitful works of darkness and then be bold enough to expose them in a spirit of love and concern. "God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love — like Christ in everything." (Ephesians 4:15 The Message).
However, Jesus was not saying that it is inappropriate for believers to evaluate the spiritual condition of others and their deeds. The Apostle Paul said, "Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things." (1 Corinthians 2:15 NLT). He went on to say, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV).
When Paul wrote to the Ephesians, he said that believers should "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." (Ephesians 5:11 NKJV). Obviously, to be obedient we must identify the unfruitful works of darkness and then be bold enough to expose them in a spirit of love and concern. "God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love — like Christ in everything." (Ephesians 4:15 The Message).
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