Tag Archives: King James Version

For the Lord’s Day – One Day

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=1hTeEYpcy9Q%3Fsi%3DYkaHfT5LMEW9d-j0
  1. One day when heaven was filled with His praises,
    One day when sin was as black as could be,
    Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin—
    Dwelt among men, my example is He! One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain,
    • Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
        Buried, He carried my sins far away;
      Rising, He justified freely forever:
          One day He’s coming—O glorious day!
  2.   One day they nailed Him to die on the tree; Suffering anguish, despised and rejected;  Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He.
  3. One day they left Him alone in the garden,  One day He rested, from suffering free; Angels came down o’er His tomb to keep vigil;  Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He.
  4. One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,  One day the stone rolled away from the door; Then He arose, over death He had conquered;  Now is ascended, my Lord evermore.
  5. One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,  One day the skies with His glory will shine; Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;  Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/987#ixzz2w4UcztxW

John Wilbur Chapman

J. Wilbur ChapmanJ. Wilbur Chapman (1859-1918) was an American evangelist, revivalist and pastor. He wrote the words to the hymns One Day, Jesus! What A Friend for Sinners (Our Great Saviour) and ‘Tis Jesus. 

Romans 5:6

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 

He didn’t die for righteous people. He died for dirty, rotten, sinful people like me. Praise Him!

For the Lord’s Day – How Great Thou Art

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=2YVSYyPj3oA%3Fsi%3DYmfO-liNG0LKS98Y
Click “Watch on Youtube” to hear this emotionally robust hymn!

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the *worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the *rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed:

Refrain

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:

Refrain

And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Refrain

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then *I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, My God, how great thou art! 

Words: Stuart K. Hine. In 1885, at age 26, Swedish preacher Carl G. Boberg wrote the words only of a poem entitled O Store Gud. Several years later, Boberg attended a meeting and was surprised to hear his poem being sung to the tune of an old Swedish melody.

In the early 1920s, English missionaries, Stuart K. Hine and his wife, ministered in Poland. It was there they learned the Russian version of Boberg’s poem, O Store Gud, coupled with the original Swedish melody. Later, Hine wrote original English words and made his own arrangement of the Swedish melody, which became popular and is now known as the hymn, How Great Thou Art.

The first three verses were inspired, line upon line, amidst unforgettable experiences in the Carpathian Mountains. In a village to which he had climbed, Mr. Hine stood in the street singing a Gospel Hymn and reading aloud, John, Chapter Three. Among the sympathetic listeners was a local village schoolmaster. A storm was gathering, and when it was evident that no further travel could be made that night, the friendly schoolmaster offered his hospitality. Awe-inspiring was the mighty thunder echoing through the mountains, and it was this impression that was to bring about the birth of the first verse.

Pushing on, Hine crossed the mountain frontier into Romania and into Bukovina. Together with some young people, through the woods and forest glades he wandered, and heard the birds sing sweetly in the trees. Thus, the second verse came into being. Verse three was inspired by the conversion of many Carpathian mountain-dwellers. The fourth verse did not come about until Hine’s return to Britain.

Music: How Great Thou Art, Swedish folk melody melody, adapted by Stuart K. Hine  http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/h/o/w/how_great_Thou_art.htm

eye of god

PSALM 92:5

O Lord, how great are Thy works! and Thy thoughts are very deep.

For the Lord’s Day – Just a Closer Walk With Thee

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Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

I am weak, but Thou art strong,
Jesus, keep me from all wrong,
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more,
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom’s shore, to Thy shore.

The history of this beloved hymn is uncertain, the safest conclusion is that it belongs to the wonderful legacy left to us known as the “spiritual.” (hymns developed by Christian slaves)

2 CORINTHIANS 13:4

peace and comfort

 For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God.

For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.

For the Lord’s Day – Softly and Tenderly

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Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.

Refrain

Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,
Mercies for you and for me?

Refrain

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.

Refrain

O for the wonderful love He has promised,
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me.

Refrain

thompson_wl

Words & Music: Will L. Thomp­son,
When the world-re­nowned lay preach­er, Dwight Ly­man Moody, lay on his death bed in his North­field, Mass­a­chu­setts, home, Will Thomp­son made a spe­cial vi­sit to in­quire as to his con­di­tion. The at­tend­ing phy­si­cian re­fused to ad­mit him to the sick­room, and Moody heard them talk­ing just out­side the bed­room door. Re­cog­niz­ing Thomp­son’s voice, he called for him to come to his bed­side. Tak­ing the Ohio po­et-com­pos­er by the hand, the dy­ing evan­gel­ist said, “Will, I would ra­ther have writ­ten “Soft­ly and Ten­der­ly Je­sus is Call­ing” than an­y­thing I have been able to do in my whole life.”

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/o/softlyat.htm

peace and comfort

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Bible Study – Lot Delivered from Judgment

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Lot has returned from trying to persuade his two married daughters and their husbands of the impending doom. They mocked him in the same fashion that the world mocks Christians today. Since they can not see the doom coming – it does not exist in their minds. Forever the fallback of the secularists – prove it!

The angels spend the night in Lot’s home, then awaken him at dawn.

15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. 16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

Apparently Lot was “lingering” (vs. 16) – something many people do when presented with the Gospel. They delay leaving their old, sinful life, because they, like Lot, fail to see the gravely perilous situation they are in. We also see that Lot is being delivered, as we are, because of the Lord’s mercy. Not for anything that Lot did – and not for anything that we do.

lot-flees-sodom

17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.18 And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord:19 Behold now, Thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified Thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:20 Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.

zoar

21 And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken. 22 Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

The map at right shows the approximate locations of the “cities of the plain.” Some scholars believe they were farther north, but the location is not germane to this study.

Lot – still the carnal believer – is terrified of being homeless. His weak flesh still has control over his actions. He feels that if he were too far from “civilization” he would not be able to live. He asks to be granted sanctuary in the “little” city of Zoar.

escape-from-sodom1

23 The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.

24 Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; 25 And He overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

Many archeologists have attempted to locate the remains of these cities. I find that rather ridiculous, because the Lord “overthrew those cities.” Working in my garden, I often turn the top layer of soil and its weeds completely over. When I go back a few weeks later, the weeds underneath are all dead. If that could happen in my garden in just two weeks – how could something the the Lord completely destroyed still remain after thousands of years?  Most experts now agree – that Sodom and the “cities of the plain,” are now what is known as the Dead Sea.  They were completely destroyed.  The Lord “overthrew” them – even turning them upside down, as one dumps out a garbage pail!

fire-and-brimstone3

26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

NO MAN, HAVING PUT HIS HAND TO THE PLOUGH, AND LOOKING BACK, IS FIT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. LUKE 9: 62

burning-sulpher

27 And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the Lord:

abraham-sees-sodom-burning

28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.

29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt. Genesis 19: 15-29

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

Leviticus 18: 22

ALL sexual behavior outside of the God ordained marriage between one man and one woman is sin – gay or straight, plural, animal, whatever – including all fornication and adultery among “straight” people. Christians – when you are intimate with someone- you are permanently joined to them. Only God can separate that. Sexual sin is sin against your own body – and sin against God.

15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.

16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith He, shall be one flesh.

17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is One Spirit.

18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6: 15-18

The Lord Jesus Christ could not have been more clear on this subject –

Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Matthew 19: 4-6

struggle

If you are struggling with sexual sin – no matter if it is homosexuality, pornography, adultery, or fornication – it is the same sin of lust. Jesus can deliver you from this sin, no matter how heinous and unforgivable you feel. You may feel that you are beyond redemption. Jesus came and died to save sinners! If you are truly repentant, and truly want to be delivered – you can be delivered. Do you long to be pure? You can be – just like the thief on the cross next to Jesus. It’s not too late for you. . .  repent now, and turn to Jesus Christ.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.

9 Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto Thee. Psalm 51: 7-13

Bible Study – Ishmael to be a Nation

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Last week, the focus was entirely on the anticipated son of promise, Isaac. This week, the focus is Ishmael, who up until this point is Abraham’s only son. We learned in the last study, that Ishmael was born after the flesh, while the promised Isaac would be born of the Spirit. It is interesting to observe – that once again God presents us with the two lines – the Godly and the ungodly. . .

Abraham has expressed his desire that the Lord bless Ishmael [Gen. 17 : 18]

abraham-map1

20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

21 But My covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

22 And He left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.

The Lord promises Abraham that his son Ishmael will be blessed with twelve sons, and that they will all be princes. For thirteen years, since Abraham had succumbed to his wife’s manipulation to anticipate God, he has lived according to the flesh. His faith is still in the physical realm. God has “left off talking with him.” It is now time for Abraham to put off the flesh. Please recall that the outward circumcision represents what is to take place internally when the man is fully surrendered to God.

ishmael

23 And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.24 And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.26 In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.27 And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him. Genesis 17: 20-27

I am not advocating for or against circumcision – all I am doing is explaining what it means! Also consider that circumcision is the only flesh that can be severed without physical deformation. God would never require anything from us that He would not do Himself. Our Savior was circumcised at eight days old.

AND WHEN EIGHT DAYS WERE ACCOMPLISHED FOR THE CIRCUMCISING OF THE CHILD, HIS NAME WAS CALLED JESUS, WHICH WAS SO NAMED OF THE ANGEL BEFORE HE WAS CONCEIVED IN THE WOMB.

Luke 2: 21 Jesus the Christ was the only One in all of history Who kept the entirety of the Law perfectly. All of it. The last devotional covered the important distinction between the bondage of the flesh or Law, (Hagar) and the freedom of the Spirit, (Sarah). Circumcision is the sign of the Covenant. It is the seal of the covenant, which must be sealed in blood.

emboss

A good way to understand this is to think about an important document, which is only considered viable when it has an authentic, impressed or embossed seal. Without the seal – it is fraudulent.  Please go here to review God’s part of the Covenant. Now, as we arrive at the end of Genesis 17, both God and Abraham have committed to the Covenant by “sealing” it.

The Jews came to think of the actual circumcision as being more than a sign, and regarded it as their actual justification. It is important to understand that Abraham was part of the Covenant long before he was circumcised. Much like a Biblical betrothal period, in where the bride is considered fully the wife of the groom, but the marriage has not been consummated yet. Paul enlarges this for us –

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.

Romans 4: 11

Bible Study – Circumcision Sign of the Covenant

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Thirteen years have passed since Hagar bare Abram a son, Ishmael. Although Abram loves Ishmael, he and Sarai still have no child. She is well past the age for having children, and certainly this has been a long time of testing.

abram-praying

1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect.

2 And I will make My covenant between Me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

4 As for Me, behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. 6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

Look carefully at verse 5 above. Abram’s name had always meant “exalted father.” When God changes Abram to Abraham – it changes to “father of many.” But the even more significant thing is that God attaches part of His own name to Abram’s. YHWH –   sounds something like “hey” or the sound made when exhaling strongly.

Abram +  = Abram or Abraham

 means “spirit.” The letter occurs twice in YHWH. The Lord takes one of the letters and inserts it into the middle of Abraham’s name. This is similar to when God – ” And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7

7 And I will establish my covenant between Me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

God has stated His part of the Covenant:

  • Abraham will be the father of many nations
  • Abraham will have exalted descendants
  • This is an everlasting Covenant

Now God states Abram’s part of the Covenant:

9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep My covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.10 This is My covenant, which ye shall keep, between Me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

Genesis 17: 1-14

Why circumcise? Always keep in mind that the nation of Israel was chosen by God to be a light unto the world. Everything that they experienced throughout the long history of the Old Testament was portraying and preparing for the Messiah.

The outward circumcision is a symbolic representation of what occurs on the inside man when he belongs to YHWH.

” And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.” Deuteronomy 30:6

” Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.” Jeremiah 4:4

“But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Romans 2:29

[As an interesting side note – from Dr. M.R. De Haan, “Chemistry of the Blood,” that a newborn baby has natural resistance to infection in the first seven days of life – but it is only on the eighth day, that the infant develops blood coagulating ability. While modern science has medications to prevent excessive bleeding – certainly, ancient peoples could not have been aware of this type of blood chemistry. Also. Dr. De Haan states – “Circumcision is probably the greatest factor in the prevention of venereal disease.” While Dr. De Haan wrote his book in 1943, his research has been more recently validated – see here. ]

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As we will explore during our journey through the Word of God – outward disease was used of God to represent inward sin.

Bible Study – Mysterious Melchizedek

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Our last devotional covered the exciting rescue of Lot, by Abram, who performed a brilliant coup in the middle of the night with only 318 men. Lot has been restored to his old life, and Abram turns towards home.

king of sodom

17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale.

Lot and his household had been taken hostage right along with this “king of Sodom.”

king of salem

 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

19 And he blessed him, and said,

Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: 20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.

And he gave him tithes of all. Genesis 14: 17-20

Melchizedek (Melkhey-Tsedek) is translated as King of Righteousness

Melchizedek was the King of Shalem, which is King of peace

Mysterious Melchizedek has been seized upon by cults and the occult for millenia. Mormons/Masons have a Melchizedek priesthood.  With extra-Biblical writings, he has been ascribed variously to be a man, Noah’s son Shem, the Holy Spirit, another supernatural entity, the archangel Michael. . .

The most important thing to remember – always use Scripture to interpret Scripture!

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Abram’s encounter with Melchizedek was around 1913 B.C. While in the Spirit, King David wrote this beautiful prophetic Psalm almost 1,000 years later –

1 The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou at my right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.

Verse one refers to the past 2,000 years – between Christ’s first coming and His second coming.

2 The Lord shall send the rod of Thy strength out of Zion: rule Thou in the midst of thine enemies. 3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: Thou hast the dew of Thy youth. 4 The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

5 The Lord at Thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of His wrath. 6 He shall judge among the heathen, He shall fill the places with the dead bodies; He shall wound the heads over many countries. 7 He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall He lift up the head. Psalm 110 1-7

Verses 2-7 is a scene of Armageddon, when “Christ will become King of kings and Lord of lords; He will also reveal His priesthood. He is the altogether unique High Priest established, not after the order of the Levitical priesthood, but after the order of Melchizedek.” {Hidden Prophecies in the Psalms, J.R. Church, p. 315}

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So here it is – right in the middle of the Old Testament – Gentile New Testament Christianity!! Psalm 110!!

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Then in A.D. 64, this incredible passage was written in Hebrews 7 –

1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Verse three seems to indicate that Melchizedek is more than a man, but we must remember that Hebrews was written to the Jews, whose entire thinking was based on the priesthood, and genealogies, specifically the Levite High Priest as the only means to access God. It is being stressed here that Melchizedek, whom was written about in their own book of Psalms, was not part of this Levitical priesthood, not of the bloodline of priests, but better! Even their father Abram tithed to him, and Levi tithed also while the priesthood was “being in Abram’s loins.” Saying he is without mother or father, is demonstrating Melchizedek is not in the Aaronic bloodline.

4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: 6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. 11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 7: 1-17

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The writer of Hebrews (Paul) throughout this last letter to the Jews, is stressing that the Perfect High Priest has made the perfect, final sacrifice. All the priests up until this point had been frail humans, who had to offer sacrifice for their own sins, but this High Priest is the completion of what was begun so long ago. As the Jews would undoubtedly been well versed in the book of Psalms – this was intended to open their eyes to Who Jesus Christ really was.

The focus of both David and Paul – is Jesus Christ – not Melchizedec!

MELCHIZEDEC IS AN OLD TESTAMENT “TYPE” OF CHRIST – A FORESHADOW OF JESUS CHRIST

  • Both priest and king
  • Superior to Aaron
  • Superior to Abram
  • Offers bread and wine (great symbolism here)

For such an High Priest became us, Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens

Hebrews 7: 26

And as much as King of Salem, Melchizedec, is Biblical typology of Jesus Christ, next week we will see that the the King of Sodom portrays the devil.

Bible Study – Battle of the Kings

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1 And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations; 2 That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar. 3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea. (Dead Sea)

4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim, 6 And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto El–paran, which is by the wilderness. 7 And they returned, and came to En–mishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezon–tamar. 8 And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim; 9 With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five.

Essentially – this is a battle among kings of very small areas. Abraham would have been considered a king, he had approximately 1,000 people in his tribe.

On Chedorlaomer’s side we have:

  1. Chedorlaomer (Hebrew kedhârelâ‘ômer or in consonantal form k-d-r-l-‘-m-r) king of Elam
  2. Amraphel (Hebrew ’am’râphel or in consonantal form ’-m-r-p-l) king of Shinar (Babylon)
  3. Arioch (Hebrew ’ar’yôwkh or in consonantal form ’-r-y-v-kh) king of Ellasar
  4. Tidal king of Goiim (or king of nations)

On the opposing side we have:

  1. Bera king of Sodom
  2. Birsha king of Gomorrah
  3. Shinab king of Admah
  4. Shemeber king of Zeboiim
  5. the unnamed king of Bela (also called Zoar)

{oldtestamenttimeline.com}

10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain. 11 And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way. 12 And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

Here is Lot, Abram’s “brother,” (in the faith) being carried away, part and parcel by the invading armies. Lot, the carnal believer, living in Sodom, is captured by the worldly conquerors, because he chose to live among them – even though he is not a participant in the fight!

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abraham-rescues-lot

13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram. 14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. 15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. 16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. Genesis 14:1-13


You can see on the map, Abram’s route from Hebron, where his home was, to Dan, where Lot had been taken captive. We can see ourselves in this true story.

  • We modern day believers, often choose to live among, tolerate, and very often emulate the sinful world
  • We can be “carried away” by the fleshly world we inhabit
  • We can be rescued and restored by the Lord, who was personified by Abram in this passage

What can the Christian be carried away by? Lust – in all its forms.

  • money
  • sex
  • things
  • talent
  • beauty
  • love
  • power

Genesis 14:2 is the first mention of war in Scripture.

We can also see from verse 16, that Lot returns to his former home in Sodom. Why didn’t he learn from this terrible experience? Why don’t Christians learn from their terrible experiences? Why doesn’t Lot take this a a first warning?

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Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:15

Bible Study – Time for Judgement

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 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Every evil behavior that you can imagine, and probably ones you can’t – in every human being – infanticide, matricide, patricide, rape, murder, adultery, incest, treachery, cannibalism – and human sacrifice to the god – Molech. In addition – the entire human race had been corrupted by fallen angels.

Let’s review this passage from Jude, which describes the interaction between the fallen angels and mankind –

6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

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strange = Strong’s #2087 – other or different. This phrase is not a reference to sodomy.

6 And it repented the Lord that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. 7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. Genesis 6: 5-7

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Genesis 6: 8

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9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

Noah’s gene pool was not corrupted by the fallen angels.

10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

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All flesh – not only human beings. This is just one example of Sumerian bas-relief. There are hundreds of such chimeras depicted in Sumerian, Babylonian, and Egyptian artifacts.

13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Genesis 6: 9-13

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14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. 15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. 16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

The ark was approximately 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. These are the same proportions employed in modern ocean liners and battle ships. It was divided into three decks, with compartments, and a course of windows around the top.

Gopher wood is used in this passage only, in the entire Bible. The type of wood can not be identified.  It most likely refers to the process of treating the wood, rather than the species of tree.

Dr. Henry Morris said in his Defender’s Study Bible (1995) that the ark was made of “a hard dense wood whose species has not yet been identified.” He added that the “pitch” that made it waterproof (Genesis 6:14) is the Hebrew word kopher, equivalent to kaphar, which was “frequently translated later as ‘atonement’ (Leviticus 17:11). In providing a protective covering against the waters of judgment, it thus becomes a beautiful type of Christ.”

It is interesting to note – that so many people who profess Jesus Christ, do not believe in the Genesis flood. Do they think Jesus was a liar? Here He is giving the Olivet Discourse. . .

37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Matthew 24: 37-39

Repentance – #5 – Impossible to Renew Unto

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Hebrews 6:4-6

4 For it is  impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

6  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance ; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

The words highlighted in red are the key to understanding this challenging portion of Scripture.  The word “impossible” is saying that the person who so sins, will find it impossible to repent again.

Once again, we will first cover what the Scripture does NOT mean, so that we can fully expose what it DOES mean.

!!!THIS PASSAGE – HEBREWS 6:4-6 – IS NOT ABOUT A BACKSLIDDEN CHRISTIAN!!!

1. Simon Peter backslid. . . Matt. 26:69-75 , repented, John 21:3-17, and was restored to fellowship with the Lord.  King David sinned, 2 Sam. 11:1–27, repented, Psalm 51:1-19, and was restored to fellowship with the Lord . . . 2 Sam. 12:13.

ANY BACKSLIDDEN CHRISTIAN CAN REPENT AND BE RESTORED TO FELLOWSHIP WITH THE LORD.  ALTHOUGH THERE ARE REPERCUSSIONS TO BACKSLIDING, SUCH AS LOSS OF POSITION IN THE CASE OF A FALLEN PASTOR,  FELLOWSHIP WITH THE LORD CAN STILL BE FULLY RESTORED. 

Lamentations 3:22

 It is of the Lord‘s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

2. So if Hebrews 6:4-6 is not about backsliding, what does it mean?  It is about religiousness.  This Scripture is proof that being religious does not save anyone.  Profession and confession without internal conversion – means no eternal life.  By all outward appearances, they appear to be, and are called – Christians. 

But Jesus said –

Matthew 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.

Esau so sinned against the Lord when he sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of pottage. . .  Gen. 25:27-3.  Later he tried to repent, but found it impossible to do so!  His repentance was not genuine, in that he lamented over what he had lost, not in what he had done!  He wanted the blessing – but he wanted it on his terms – not God’s.

Hebrews 12:16-17

16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

At the Great White Throne Judgment – only the wicked dead will be judged.  They too, like Esau, will try to repent, but will find it impossible. . .

Revelation 20:11-15

11 And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

great white throne judgment

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Study of the Church – Introduction

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The word “ecclesia,” in the New Testament was used to designate any assembly – political – Christian – or national.  Jesus said – “I will build my church (ecclesia)” in Matthew 16:18.  Used in this context it means a “called out” assembly or congregation.  Israel was “called out” of Egypt whereupon they congregated in the wilderness.  Today – the saved ones are “called out,” of the world to congregate in worship.  What we are talking about is something that can not be seen with human eyes.  It is the church that is in the world – but not of the world. . .

The church in the wilderness came to an end, but the church that Jesus Christ is building will never cease.  He said “the gates of hell shall  not prevail against it,” and it consists not of buildings and ordinances, but only of those souls who are saved – they are the building stones of the true church. 

THE CHURCH IS A MYSTERY –

Only fellow heirs can understand this mystery, because it is only revealed through the Spirit.  And only those born again, blood washed, and Spirit- baptized believers constitute the Church of Jesus Christ.

EPHESIANS 3:3-10

3 How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel:

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power.

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.. .

THE CHURCH HAS A SINGULAR BODY –

Christendom is made up of those who profess to be Christians, but they do not know Christ personally.  The religionists would say that we are outside the faith because we do not obey their tenets – yet the Word of God states that each and every truly born again believer is part of the same body.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-31

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?

20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

THE CHURCH ITSELF IS AN INVISIBLE BUILDING

Not that there is anything wrong with church buildings, but the true church is built from  the born again souls that occupy the building – not the building itself.

EPHESIANS 2:10-22

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

THE CHURCH IS THE ONLY BRIDE OF CHRIST

As Israel in the Old Testament is often referred to God’s “faithless wife,” the blood washed church is referred to as the pure and spotless “bride of Christ.”

2 CORINTHIANS 11:2

 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

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This concludes the introduction of our study on the Church.  Please come back for a detailed analysis of the Church, which will be installed in seven parts. 

Rewards of Crowns – Part 3

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The beauty of our LORD is so evident in the crowns  He gives to some of the saved.  So far in this series we have explored:

  1. The Crown of Life
  2. The Crown Incorruptible

Some say this next crown is the best crown – it is the “soul-winners” crown, and is the reward for the greatest work a believer can do for the LORD.  Bringing others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  The degree of joy we experience in heaven is directly related to the souls we have had a part in bringing to Christ. 

THE CROWN OF REJOICING!

1 THESSALONIANS 2:19

 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

It is GREAT wisdom to win lost souls to Christ.  Pro.11:30 –  The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

We work AGAINST sin when we win lost souls to Christ. James 5:20 – Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Heaven is FILLED with joy when souls are won for Christ. Luke 15:10 – Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

We SHINE as the stars in heaven when we win souls for Christ. Dan.12:3 –  And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

The wonderful thing about this crown, is that it can be won by any believer!  

HOW TO WIN SOULS TO CHRIST:

Make your life a witness!  Live in such a manner that the lost can see Christ living in you.  2 Cor.3:2 – Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men. . .

Let the Holy Spirit use your mouth as a witness to give power to the spoken word!  Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Let your “stuff” be a witness, that others may preach Christ with your tithes and offering – and you will have fruit that will abound to your account!  Phil. 4:15-17 –

15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

2 Cor. 9:6 – But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

THIS PROMISE FROM GOD –

1 CORINTHIANS 15:58

 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

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YOU WILL NOT REJOICE ALONE WHEN YOU RECEIVE THE CROWN OF REJOICING – ALL HEAVEN WILL REJOICE TOO!

JOHN 4:36

 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

The Rewards of Crowns – Part 2

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As if the Crown of Life weren’t enough – our gracious and merciful LORD wishes to bless some of us even further. 

THE CROWN INCORRUPTIBLE

In 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27, Paul makes use of the Greek games as an analogy of the spiritual race of the believer.  As we are in the midst of Olympic games now, this is especially meaningful.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

According to Greek law at the time, no young man could participate in the games unless he was a Greek citizen.  Paul’s brilliant analogy allows us to see that no unsaved person can participate in working for the LORD for rewards.  You must be a citizen of heaven.

Close examination of verse 27 shows us that just as the athlete controls his flesh, so believers must do the same.  The athlete and the believer are both in the race – and both may lose their “crown,” or reward.  If the athlete does not win the crown –  he does not lose his Greek citizenship.  Nor does the believer lose their salvation – they only lose the crown.

THE RULES OF OUR GAMES

The believer must deny themselves of anything that restrains them from full dedication to the LORD and His service.  Heb. 12:1 – Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Our eyes must be fixed on Christ – “our finish line,” looking neither to the right hand nor to the left.  Heb. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our strength must be found only in the LORD.  Eph. 6:10-18 –

8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with Him.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.

Our all must be placed on the altar of the LORD.  Holding back does not win anything!  Rom. 12:1-2 – 

12 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.

We all, must, by faith, refuse anything that will impede spiritual progress.  You may even have to refuse a job or a promotion if it places you  in a situation which stifles (or is openly hostile) to your spiritual growth.    Heb.11:24-29 –

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

Should we be “spiritual spectators?”  Or should we enter this most important race of all – to win the incorruptible crown!  

Rewards of Crowns – Part 1

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If you have used the correct “building materials,” (gold, silver, precious stones) then you are sure to receive rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  In the New Testament, these rewards are called “crowns.” 

THE CROWN OF LIFE

Sometimes called the “Lover’s Crown,” because it is built on the love of God. 

JAMES 1:12

 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.

Wow.  We need to memorize that one.  Look carefully at it again.  It says that the believer finds strength to overcome the world and it’s temptations and trials through the love of God.  In today’s self-esteeming society, it seems incredible to even think of “glorying in tribulations,” but that is exactly what we do when –

ROMANS 5:3-5

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Without the love of God in our hearts, we can become bitter, even spiteful – thereby – losing the Crown of life!  ALL believers have eternal life – but that does not equate with the reward of THE Crown of Life.  The Crown of Life is given to those who are –

REVELATION 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

To receive this reward,  we must love The LORD more than our own lives! 

MARK 8:35

 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

LIVE FOR CHRIST ONLY, ENDURE TEMPTATIONS ONLY IN THE POWER OF THE LOVE OF OUR HOLY GOD – IF YOU ATTEMPT TO DO IT ON YOUR OWN THROUGH SELF DISCIPLINE AND “LAW KEEPING,”  YOU WILL FAIL.

Jesus saving

1 CORINTHIANS 10:13

 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able;but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

The Rewards of Crowns – Introduction

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It is essential to understand the vast difference between the doctrine of salvation for the lost, and the doctrine of rewards for the saved. 

Salvation is a gift from God. . .

EPHESIANS 2:8-9

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Rewards are  given according to the works of the believer. . .

MATTHEW 16:27

27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works.

WE DO NOT LABOR FOR SALVATION!!!!!

This Scripture reveals all Truth about rewards-

1 CORINTHIANS 3:8-15

8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. (every believer will be rewarded according to his own labor)

9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. (we are laborers together with God for rewards – not salvation!)

10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (the believer is to build on the LORD Jesus Christ – the only foundation)

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (every believer has a choice between two types of building materials – gold, silver, precious stones – the eternal building materials; or wood, hay and stubble – the temporary building materials)

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Every believer who builds with eternal materials, will receive rewards – and those believers who build with temporary materials will not receive rewards – because their wood, hay and stubble will be “burned.”  These believers will actually be ashamed at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  

1 JOHN 2:28

water in a weary land

 And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear,

we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

It is important enough to mention the doctrine of “Lordship Salvation.”  There is ambiguous understanding of this term among God’s people – largely because of the redefining of the term “repentance.”  What many preachers are teaching as repentance is not what the King James Bible says.  The true definition of repentance means to “turn, or change your mind.”  It does not mean the sinner stops sinning! If you for one minute, think you are capable of not sinning, or keeping the Law – you are effectually denying the complete sufficiency of our Savior’s atonement for the sins of the entire world.  By saying that you are “keeping the Ten Commandments,” you have placed  yourself on His level – which is blasphemy – for only He can keep the Law perfectly, because He is the Personification of it.

Repentance, properly defined, is necessary for salvation. Biblical repentance is changing your mind about Jesus Christ,  and turning towards Him in faith for salvation.   Turning from sin is not the definition of repentance, but it is one of the of signs of genuine,  faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ.  We are to build only on the foundation that is Christ – and not with the shabby materials of wood, hay and stubble, but with solid stones of planting, cultivating, and harvesting the Gospel of Peace.

cornerstone

1 PETER 2:6-8

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded.

7 Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the Stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

8 And a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Judgments – Part 5

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In review – the first four parts of this series on judgments covered:

  1. The judgment of the believer’s  sins
  2. The judgment of the believer’s self
  3. The judgment of the believer’s works
  4. The judgment of the nations

This fifth and final study on the judgments will cover the judgment of the wicked.

IN THE FIFTH JUDGMENT THE WICKED DEAD ARE TO JUDGED AT THE GREAT WHITE THRONE WHICH TAKES PLACE AFTER THE 1,000 YEAR REIGN OF KING JESUS CHRIST ON EARTH

AT THIS JUDGMENT, THE WICKED DEAD WILL SEEK  A HIDING PLACE FROM THE FACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.  NO HIDING PLACE WILL BE FOUND FOR THEM.  Rev. 20:11 –  And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

AT THIS JUDGMENT, THE “DEAD, SMALL AND GREAT,” WILL STAND BEFORE GOD.  THE GREATNESS OF THE PERSON WILL BE WORTHLESS.  Romans 3:12 – They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

AT THIS JUDGMENT, THE “BOOK OF LIFE,” WILL BE OPENED .  IF THERE ARE NO SAVED AT THIS JUDGMENT – WHY IS THE “BOOK OF LIFE” OPENED?  THE WICKED WILL BE SHOWN THAT GOD IN HIS MERCY GRANTED SPACE FOR THEM WITHIN THE “BOOK OF LIFE,” SO THAT THEY ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE.  Romans 1: 18-20 –

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

AT THIS JUDGMENT THE WICKED WILL BE JUDGED “ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS.”  BECAUSE GOD IS JUST, AND THERE ARE DEGREES OF PUNISHMENT IN HELL, SOME WILL BE PUNISHED MORE THAN OTHERS.  Luke 12: 42,48 – 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?  /  48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

AT THIS JUDGMENT THERE CAN BE NO ACQUITTAL, NO PAROLE, NO PURGATORY, NO HIGHER COURT IN WHICH TO APPEAL.  LOST – AND LOST FOREVER!  DAMNED TO ALL ETERNITY WITHOUT HOPE.  NO SYMPATHY, NO LOVE, NO ESCAPE.  NOT EVEN THE GREAT LOVE OF GOD EXTENDS PAST THE PORTALS OF HELL.  Luke 16: 19-31

19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:

28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

All the unbelievers who have died and are in Hell will be resurrected and stand before the Great White Throne!  Hell will be emptied and the wicked will stand in a court of LAW before the only righteous Judge of the Universe where they will be sentenced to the Lake of Fire. 

The “Book of Life,” is there in case anyone claims innocence!  None of the wicked dead will be wearing the proper attire – the Blood of Jesus Christ! 

REVELATION 20:14

 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

great white throne judgment

If you are not sure  your name is in the Lamb’s book of life, you need to make sure by trusting in Christ as your Savior.  The future does not end here. . . think about eternity . .

JOHN THEN SEES AN UNINHABITABLE EARTH

REVELATION 21:1

 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

new heaven and new earth

TIME ON EARTH IS FINISHED BUT ETERNITY CONTINUES!

Jesus Christ the Son of God – Part 2

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The dividing line between all religions and true, Biblical Christianity always comes down to Jesus Christ.  Everywhere one looks – the religious leaders of the world are gathered together, united for their common cause –

–but what is never mentioned – is what is so-so different  – THE NATURE AND PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST!  He is the God-man, Christ Jesus, glorified above all others, and exalted on high.

MATTHEW 2:11

King James Version (KJV)

 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

THE HUMANITY OF JESUS CHRIST IS REVEALED THROUGH HIS HUMAN PARENTAGE

He matured as a normal human being.  Luke 2:25 – And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

He was subject to all the sinless infirmities of natural man.

  1. He hungered. Matt. 4:2 – And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred.
  2. He was weary.  John 4:6 – Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with His journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
  3. He wept.  John 11:35 – Jesus wept.
  4. He was tempted. Heb. 4:15 – For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Jesus is man in every way – yet He is more than a man.  He is not God, and a man.  He is the God-man.  God – clothed in human flesh.  His two natures are inextricable – not dual – but one – with a single consciousness and will. 

interfaith

Interfaith conferences are becoming more prevalent now.  If you belong to an affiliated church – you can assume that a representative of your religion has attended at least one of these conferences.  The theme of these meetings is to create commonality amongst the various factions, in the pursuit of “world peace.”  Without Jesus Christ – there can be no peace. The religions of the world continue to merge, with true Biblical Christianity becoming more obscure and marginalized.  One wonders – will anyone miss the Bride of Christ when she is caught up and away? 

water in a weary land

ROMANS 1:3-6

King James Version (KJV)

3 Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

5 By Whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name:

6 Among Whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ. . .