Tag Archives: Lord Jesus Christ

Friday Proverb – The Wicked Will Always Counter Attack

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Did you ever feel that every time something good happens – something bad follows?  There is a reason behind that – and his name is Satan.  Since the beginning, he has mustered a response for every movement the Lord has made.    A close examination of the church ages, shows  Satan made a counter attack at each significant uprising of the church.  The same thing happens in individual lives, and in the national and international arena. 

Proverbs 11:11

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted:

In every instance, even following the 1st and 2nd Great Awakenings – Satan has launched a counter attack almost immediately. What was the evil one’s response to the Age of Missions, Great Awakenings, and the Philadelphia Church Age?   False philosophies, and cults.  Higher “criticism,” Darwinism, progressive education, and Freudian psychology.  On top of those four philosophies, which have infiltrated the education system – the major cults also rose during this time.  Mormonism, 7th Day Adventism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science,  Unitarianism, and Armstrongism.  Every single one – still active and growing in this time.

but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.   

We should not be disheartened or discouraged when the president vetoes the bill we want passed, or a judge overturns a pro-life, or pro-traditional marriage bill.  A close study of the Bible and secular history reveals that the tide of evil will always thwart the upright, and will continue to do so until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to set things right.  This is why beloveds – the evil one is working so hard, because he knows his time is short!  Liberals and progressives may be riding high now – but I would not want to be in their shoes for anything in the world.  Their victory is only temporary.  Very temporary.

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. 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.

sage

For the Lord’s Day – The Old Fashioned Meeting

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This song, has a lot of “bounce,” but it is not syncopated.  The tempo is even, at a quick march beat, known as a “quick-step.”  A real “foot stomper!” The offering for today was inspired by Terry Dawson’s testimony, wherein he was saved at “an old fashioned tent meeting.”  The words to this hymn are outstanding – especially verses 3 and 4!

The Complete 1922 Lyrics to the song: The Old Fashioned Meeting,
By Herbert Buffman 

Verse 1:
Oh how well I remember in the old fashioned days,
When some old fashioned people had some old fashioned ways
In the old fashioned meetings, as they tarried there
In the old fashioned manner, how God answered their prayer.

Chorus:
‘Twas an old fashiomed meeting, In an old fashioned place
Where some old fashioned people, had some old fashion grace
As an old fashioned sinner, I began to pray,
And God heard me and answered in the old fashioned way

Verse 2:
There was singing, such singing, of those old fashioned airs!
There was power, such power, in those old fashioned prayers
An old fashioned conviction made the sinner pray
And the Lord heard and saved him in the old fashioned way.

Repeat Chorus:

Verse 3:
Well, They say it is better, ” Things have changed, don’t you know!”
And the people in general seem to think it is so
And they call me old fashioned when I dare to say
That I like it far better in the old fashioned way.

Repeat Chorus:

Verse 4:
If the Lord never changes, as the fashion of men,
If He’s always the same, why, He is old fashioned then!
As an old fashioned sinner saved through old time grace,
Oh, I’m sure He will take me to an old fashioned place.

Repeat Chorus:

Short Name: Herbert Buffum

Full Name: Buffum, Herbert, 1879-1939

Birth Year: 1879

Death Year: 1939

Born: November 13, 1879, La­fay­ette, Il­li­nois.
Died: Oc­to­ber 9, 1939, Los An­ge­les, Cal­i­for­nia.
Buried: Val­hal­la Me­mor­i­al Park, Los An­ge­les, Cal­i­for­nia. His ep­i­taph reads “I have fought a good fight.”

Af­ter mov­ing with his fam­i­ly to Cal­i­for­nia and be­ing con­vert­ed to Christ at age 18, Buf­fum felt a call to the min­is­try. He held min­is­ter­i­al cre­den­tials with the Church of the Nazarene, and was a Ho­li­ness/Pen­te­cost­al evan­gel­ist. He was al­so a prolific song writ­er, with ma­ny songs in­spired by per­son­al ex­per­i­ence; He had 10,000 Songs to his cred­it, 1,000 ac­tu­al­ly pub­lished. Ripley’s “Believe It Or Not” claimed He once wrote 12 songs in an hour. Though a tal­ent­ed mu­si­cian, Buf­fum re­ceived no mu­sic­al train­ing. He sold most of his songs for five dollars or less. When he died, the Los An­ge­les Times called him “the king of Gos­pel song writ­ers.  http://www.hymnary.org/text/o_how_well_i_remember

Jeremiah 6:16

Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.

sage

Friday Proverb – What Comes After the Church is Taken?

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rapture23

Perhaps not many view the Proverbs and Psalms as being prophetic.  After so many decades of Bible study, I see Prophecy in almost every line of the Bible.  As is understood, the Lord reveals things to us in stages.  Most often, Old Testament events and poetry, describe an actual event such as Passover – which is a picture of something far more dramatic in the future.  Such is the case with this Proverb.  At face value, it does not seem to reveal much to the casual reader – but we are here to see what it really says.

Proverbs 11:8

The righteous is delivered out of trouble,

Only those who are truly born-again of the Holy Spirit of God, will be delivered – because only the truly born-again – are considered righteous.  When we repent, and accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we obtain His righteousness – which guarantees our deliverance.  None of the troubles, trials and tribulations of this present life and time, can compare to the Great Tribulation, and the judgments that will befall everyone on earth at that time.

Please do not allow the recent crop of preterists to worm their way into your faith in the deliverance promised to you by God in His Holy Book.  It is described over and over again – even in this short Proverb.  Every Word of the King James Bible is true – and you can trust it implicitly.  Read it literally, and with faith.

and the wicked cometh in his stead.

That’s right.  As soon as the church is taken up – The Wicked One will swoop in. Just as a vacuum needs to be filled – this will happen in such a way – that it will not be readily apparent to those who are not alert.  Since mankind always seeks to worship something or someone they can see, it will happen all too easily.  The Holy Spirit that is indwelling believers here on earth, will leave along with the righteous that are being delivered.  Once this happens, the only thing that was restraining the power of anti-christ will be gone!  It will happen, but, we will NOT BE HERE TO SEE IT!

2 Thessalonians 2:6-8

6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only He who now letteth will let, until He be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming.

sage

For the Lord’s Day – O For a Thousand Tongues

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O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.

He speaks, and, listening to His voice,
New life the dead receive,
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
The humble poor believe.

Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come,
And leap, ye lame, for joy.

In Christ your Head, you then shall know,
Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below,
And own that love is heaven.

Glory to God, and praise and love
Be ever, ever given,
By saints below and saints above,
The church in earth and heaven.

On this glad day the glorious Sun
Of Righteousness arose;
On my benighted soul He shone
And filled it with repose.

Sudden expired the legal strife,
’Twas then I ceased to grieve;
My second, real, living life
I then began to live.

Then with my heart I first believed,
Believed with faith divine,
Power with the Holy Ghost received
To call the Savior mine.

I felt my Lord’s atoning blood
Close to my soul applied;
Me, me He loved, the Son of God,
For me, for me He died!

I found and owned His promise true,
Ascertained of my part,
My pardon passed in heaven I knew
When written on my heart.

Look unto Him, ye nations, own
Your God, ye fallen race;
Look, and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.

See all your sins on Jesus laid:
The Lamb of God was slain,
His soul was once an offering made
For every soul of man.

Awake from guilty nature’s sleep,
And Christ shall give you light,
Cast all your sins into the deep,
And wash the Æthiop white.

Harlots and publicans and thieves
In holy triumph join!
Saved is the sinner that believes
From crimes as great as mine.

Murderers and all ye hellish crew
In holy triumph join!
Believe the Savior died for you;
For me the Savior died.

With me, your chief, ye then shall know,
Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below,
And own that love is heaven.

Charles Wesley 1739

Wesley wrote this hymn to com­mem­o­rate the first an­ni­ver­sa­ry of his con­ver­sion to Christ. This or­i­gin is re­flect­ed in the lyr­ics, “On this glad day the glor­i­ous Sun of Right­eous­ness arose.” The stanza that be­gins “O for a thou­sand tongues to sing” is verse seven of Wes­ley’s orig­in­al po­em. This work first ap­peared in Hymns and Sac­red Po­ems in 1740.

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/f/o/ofor1000.htm

The majestic music for this breathtaking hymn was composed by Carl Glaser, 1828.

Psalm 35:27-28

27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

Psalm 119:171-173

171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.

172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.

173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.

For the Lord’s Day – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

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Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.

Henry Van Dyke  1852-1933

“The Hymn of Joy“[1] (often called “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” after the first line) is a poem written by Henry van Dyke in 1907 with the intention of musically setting it to the famous “Ode to Joy” melody of the final movement of Ludwig van Beethoven‘s final symphony, Symphony No. 9.[2]

Van Dyke wrote this poem in 1907 while staying at the home of Williams College president Harry Augustus Garfield. He was serving as a guest preacher at Williams at the time. He told his host that the local Berkshire Mountains had been his inspiration.[3] The lyrics were first published in 1911 in Van Dyke’s Book of Poems, Third Edition.[3]

Van Dyke wrote of this hymn:

These verses are simple expressions of common Christian feelings and desires in this present time—hymns of today that may be sung together by people who know the thought of the age, and are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy religion, or any revolution on earth overthrow the kingdom of heaven. Therefore this is a hymn of trust and joy and hope.

“This hymn is generally considered by hymnologists to be one of the most joyous expressions of hymn lyrics in the English language.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hymn_of_Joy

Psalm 139:14

 I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Revelation 15:3-4

 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints.

Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? for Thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before Thee; for Thy judgments are made manifest.

For the Lord’s Day – Precious Lord, Take My Hand

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Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:

Refrain

Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.

When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near,
When my life is almost gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall:

Refrain

When the darkness appears
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone,
At the river I stand,
Guide my feet, hold my hand:

Refrain

Words: Thomas A. Dorsey, 1932. Dorsey wrote this song in Chicago, Illinois, after his wife Nettie died while giving birth to a child (who also died shortly thereafter). Dorsey sang the song for his friend, Gospel singer Theodore Frye, and Frye’s choir sang it the next Sunday at the Ebenezer Baptist Church.

http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/p/l/t/pltmhand.htm

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

Friday Proverb – Staying Out of Harm’s Way

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The title pretty much says it all, but on this blog we like to delve into the “deep things of God.”  Most Christians make a cursory pass through the Book of Proverbs, especially the chapters consisting of scores of one verse axioms.  Is that really how the Lord wants us to study His precious Word?  No, it isn’t.  We are admonished over and over again throughout the Bible that His Word is paramount to knowing and serving Him.  Each Word.  Not just the easy passages which “speak to your heart.” 

Proverbs 10:9

 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely:

Merriam Webster: upright – marked by strong moral rectitude <an upright citizen>

Marked by “strong moral rectitude?”  That means it should be observable by others.  No one should ever be able to say – “why would I want to be a Christian – you’re no better or different than anyone else!” The public failures of prominent Christians have done great damage to the furtherance of the Gospel.  We have a great obligation – famous or not – to walk uprightly.  Not only for our own safety and well-being; but for a walking testimony.  Christians will be held to a higher standard because we are a target of the evil one.  Do not let the lusts of this world spoil your testimony!  Walk surely and safely on the narrow path – for your own sake, as well as the sakes of those watching you.

narrow path

but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

Merriam Webster: pervert

a :  to cause to turn aside or away from what is good or true or morally right :  corrupt

b :  to cause to turn aside or away from what is generally done or accepted :  misdirect

This second part of the Proverb is interestingly phrased.  How often the sinner thinks that he’s “getting away with it.”  The idea of “secret sin” is a misnomer if there ever was one.  It is sold to us as a “guilty pleasure,” and that you have a “right to indulge yourself.”  One of the most over-used copouts of the porn addict is that “it’s not hurting anyone.”  Prominent pastors caught in adultery never go into the affair with the idea that they will be found out! 

Famous pervert, Oscar Wilde,  gave the practice of “secret sin,” the literary treatment in his classic – The Picture of Dorian Gray. 

dorian gray

Wilde and his friends knew the effects of the libertine, perverted  lifestyle only too well.  In this fantasy novel, the beautiful Dorian Gray makes a deal with the evil one, which would cause all the excesses of his licentious activities to only appear on his portrait – not his own face or body.  The catch to this was, that the more his sins were hidden, the more perverted he became, even offending his libertine friends.  It has long been a trick of Satan to sell the bills of goods, without revealing the “side effects.”  Those most deeply immersed in a sinful lifestyle, are usually the last to know how their choices have caught up with them.  There is no hiding it – the Proverb says – “his ways shall be known!” 

If you are struggling with an addiction, please realize that it is rooted in sin.  And sin is sin is sin.  Calling it something else does not change what it is.  Face up to it, and call on the Lord Jesus Christ to free you from that bondage.  Bondage to sin and perversion is not freedom, even though at the outset – it may seem very freeing to be released from moral constraints.  But it is not freedom at all – rather – it is the worst kind of bondage to a very harsh taskmaster known as the Father of Lies.  And he does not love you or care whether you live or die.  But Jesus Christ loves you so much that He died for all the terrible things you’ve done – so that you can live forever and spend eternity with Him. 

a4cee-gods-love1

John 8:36 

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

The Abundant Life – #3 – The Separated Life

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The separated life is simultaneously positive and negative.  The old adage – “be in the world, but not of the world,” was derived from the topic of this article.  

Romans 1:1

 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. . .

Read that carefully!  We are to be “separated unto the gospel of God”!  This is  POSITIVE SEPARATION.

2 Corinthians 6:17

 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

We must come out of ANYTHING that is contrary to the perfect will of God. This is NEGATIVE SEPARATION.

FOR THE BELIEVER – TO BE SEPARATED –  MEANS TO BE SANCTIFIED (SET APART) FOR SALVATION AND SERVICE

1. The Word of God has the power to separate the believer from sin.  John 17:17 – Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth.  Ps. 119:11 –   Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.

2. God the Father has the power to separate the believer unto the “coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thess. 5:23 – And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. God the Son has the power to separate the believer unto righteousness, “not having spot, or wrinkle.”  Eph. 5: 24,27 –  

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; 

26 That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word,

27 That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

4. God the Holy Spirit has the power to separate the believer unto salvation and service.  2 Thess. 2:13 –  But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.

If we are not separated, we can still have a relationship with God, but we can not have fellowship with Him.  This is the problem of the dominant church spirit at this time – Laodicea.  The majority of churches are now so closely allied with the world, there is no fellowship with God.  They may be united with Him at Calvary, but separated from Him in sin.  

Isaiah 59:1-2

59 Behold, the Lord‘s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.

Without separation we can have:

  • Influence without power
  • Movement without achievement
  • Trying without trusting
  • Serving without success
  • Spiritual battle without victory

WITHOUT SEPARATION UNTO GOD – OUR ENTIRE CHRISTIAN WALK WILL BE “WOOD, HAY, AND STUBBLE.” 

THE TRULY ABUNDANT LIFE IS ONLY MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – MADE REALITY BY SEPARATION UNTO HIM. 

The Abundant Life – #2 – The Service Life

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The only way for believers to live abundantly, is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, Who Himself became our example.  He served from the beginning, all the way to Calvary; and there became the obedient servant. . .”obedient unto death.” Phil. 2

Romans 12:1-2

 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.

In the above verses from Romans,  believers are urged to take the necessary steps for abundant living.  Please note the highlighted words in red.

1. We are to “present.” Of our own volition, we are to surrender to the perfect will of God – even though we may not know God’s will for our lives – it is on our own part – AN ACT OF FAITH.  John 7:17 If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.

2. We are to “present your bodies,” because God must control and use the WHOLE man.  Your whole man was redeemed on the cross and sanctified!  (set apart for service)  1 Thess. 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3.  We are to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.”  No where is this better demonstrated than in the life of Paul – who was a “living sacrifice.”  In life he was a servant of Jesus Christ – Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. . .

In spiritual battle, he was a warrior – Eph. 6:10-18

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

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.  

  He lived as a “prisoner of Christ,” in the will of God – Eph 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles  These words were spoken from a Roman prison – yet he never stated that he was a prisoner of Rome.  To the Apostle Paul, prison was a part of the perfect will of God.  Full of this conviction – he lived abundantly.  Phil. 1:12 – But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. . .

 In death, Paul was victorious –  2 Tim. 4:7-8

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

ONLY THOSE WHO ARE TRULY BORN AGAIN, CAN EXPERIENCE THE ABUNDANT LIFE.  BY CHOOSING THE ABUNDANT LIFE – THE BELIEVER IS “TRANSFORMED,” BY THE POWER OF GOD – AND NO LONGER “CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD.”  NOW WE CAN BE CONFORMED TO THE “PERFECT WILL OF GOD.”  

Repentance – Introduction

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Proverbs 28:13

 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

What mankind expresses outwardly only fools other people.  God desires truth in the inward parts.  Baby kissing politicians are an excellent allegory of this concept.  The same politician publicly kissing the cheek of a six month old infant, thinks nothing of voting for a six month pre-born infant to be killed in the womb. 

Psalm 51:6

 Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

God commands ALL  men everywhere to repent.

Acts 17:30

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Sinners must repent before we can become the recipients of salvation by grace through faith.

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.

Once saved, we must practice repentance so that we may enjoy unbroken fellowship with God.   Someone once said – “I repented before I understood the meaning of the word, but since then as a Christian  I have repented many times.”

Job 42:1-6

42 Then Job answered the Lord, and said,

2 I know that Thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from Thee.

3 Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

4 Hear, I beseech Thee, and I will speak: I will demand of Thee, and declare Thou unto me.

5 I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee.

6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

Repentance itself, is a gift from God!

Acts 5:31

Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 11:18

 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

The goodness of God is not merited – therefore – the results of His goodness (which is repentance) is a gift.

Romans 2:4

 Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

This gift of repentance is an inward change produced by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit as the Word of God is proclaimed.

Acts 2:37-38

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The result of preaching the Word of God is “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Faith that Christ died for our sins, and that He was buried and that He rose from the dead.

Acts 20:21

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God,  and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures;

4 And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:

forgiveness

Repentance qualifies us for salvation – but it takes faith in christ to acquire it.  countless very religious people are aware of their sinfulness – but since they do not fully trust christ for their salvation – they never acquire it.  true repentance is always coupled with faith.  it is impossible to have saving faith and not repent!  “repentance toward god and faith toward our lord Jesus Christ” are essential and inseparable in salvation. 

Faith without repentance is the ultimate hypocrisy – and  repentance without faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ is folly and futility. 

How to Witness for Him – #6 – Giving the Invitation

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Revelation 22:17

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

SUGGESTIONS FOR GIVING THE INVITATION:

  After sharing  God’s Plan of Salvation, invite the person to whom you are witnessing, to accept, by faith,   the Lord Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior.   You can ask them to kneel with you, but no pressure!  If you just get down on your knees, it is likely that they will follow – but it is not necessary.  If you are on an airplane, or in a foxhole, kneeling is not going to happen.  You lead the way! 

While you are kneeling, or other posture of reverence, out loud, pray that the Lord will convict him of his sinfulness, and bring him to a state of repentance.  If he does not follow you, then arise and make another appointment to meet with him again.  If he does follow you to his knees, ask the Lord to save him now.  You will need to lead him – like a baby.  Yes – even coach- if need be.  Just be sure, that however you do it, that he/she acknowledges the complete Gospel.  Be sure he:

  1. Admits God loves him
  2. Admits Christ died bearing his sins
  3. Thanks the Lord for convicting him
  4. Admits that he is a sinner
  5. Admits that he is dead in sins
  6. Admits that he cannot save himself
  7. Cries out to the Lord to save him

 Please don’t be preoccupied with the “sinner’s prayer.”  Let the Holy Spirit lead you, as you lead the lost one to his Savior.  The prayer should flow from the heart – not a prescribed formula from an “expert.”

When you finish leading him through prayer, stand up, and ask him – “Did you by faith accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?”  If he says yes, confirm it  – “Upon the authority of God’s Word you are now a child of God.”  Give thanks and praise to God!

Romans 10:13

 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

God’s Plan of Salvation – Fact #7 – You Are Now A Child of God And Are To Obey Him

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Acts 5:29

 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

If you have followed God’s Plan of Salvation and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, then you are now a child of God.  You belong to Jesus Christ!  You are not a servant – but a son.  A son that wants to please his Father.

SERVANTS OBEY BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO – SONS OBEY BECAUSE THEY WANT TO! 

This is one of the major differences between true Biblical Christianity, and pseudo-Christianity, which is works based.  Those who are not born again, work to earn their salvation and reward; and not a little amount of fear goes along with that.    Believers work as loving children, desiring to please their loving Father, always aware of His care and patience.  We do not fear Him as His children, because we are His own forever.  We already have a safe and happy home with Him in eternity.

What are some of the ways that we, as His children, can please Him in our day-to-day lives? 

1. Make an effort to find a solid, King James, New Testament church to attend.  Don’t settle for a worldly church!  Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

2. Do get water baptized.  Baptism does not save; it is a witness of your faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Romans 6:4 – Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

3. Do attend Sunday School!  Study the Word of God with your church family – all God’s children.  2 Tim. 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

4. Attend the worship services of your church.  We ALL need the preaching of God’s Word AND Christian fellowship.  Heb. 10:25 – Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

5. Be a faithful steward.  All that you are and have belongs to the Lord.  1 Cor. 4:2 – Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

6. Make time in your daily life to pray and read God’s Word, that you may grow in grace, knowledge, and understanding of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Be ever vigilant of the urge to be under the Law.  It is something that both new born and mature Christians struggle with.  Always keep in the forefront of your mind, that everything you need to know about God, is contained within the Person of Jesus Christ, Who is the Personification of the Law.  He has fulfilled it for you.  You can not follow the Ten Commandments, anymore than you can sprout wings and fly.  No one was ever able to be completely obedient to the Law except Jesus Christ. Try living the commandments that Christ gave . . .

Matthew 22:36-40

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Trust me – those are enough!  Welcome to the family of God, and we will all meet one day!  Praise Him!!!

Admit this fact to yourself

I AM A CHILD OF GOD AND I WANT TO OBEY HIM

God’s Plan of Salvation – Fact #5 – You Can Be Saved By Faith In The Lord Jesus Christ

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Acts 16:25-33

25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.

27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

Acts 16:31

 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

The Philippian jailer directly asked Paul and Silas – “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  The answer was quick, concise, and positive in content – “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house.”  Just what was that answer that Paul and Silas gave to the jailer?  The Gospel!  Upon hearing the Gospel preached, the jailer and his family believed and were saved.

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL THAT SAVES WHEN BELIEVED?

  1. “That Christ died for our sins.”
  2. “That He was buried.”
  3. “That He rose again the third day.” 1 Cor. 15:3-4

Jesus Christ  the God-man, died for you, was buried for you, and rose from the dead for you.  And He is now at the right hand of the Father, interceding for you.

1 John 2:1

 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Romans 1:16

 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation only when you believe.  Your faith in Christ releases the power of God that saves your soul.

The man born blind received physical sight by a miracle, but spiritual sight came when Jesus asked –

John 9:35-38

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on

him?

37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen Him, and it is He that talketh with thee.

38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Him.

Salvation came to Thomas , when he believed and confessed –

John 20: 24-29

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.

26 And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

27 Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing.

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

When you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God hath raised Him from the dead – you will be saved.

Romans 10:9-10

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Please, accept Him now by faith.  Speak to Him in prayer, while you are alone at your computer, or anywhere you like.  It doesn’t matter where.  You don’t need to follow any special words, but your prayer might go something like this:

Lord Jesus, I know that You love me, because You died on the cross bearing my sins.  Thank You, Lord, for revealing to me my lost, sinful condition.  I confess that I am a sinner, dead in sin, and cannot save myself.  I do now by faith, gladly accept You as my personal Savior, and I praise and thank You, Lord, for all Your mercies, and the gift of eternal salvation.  Amen.

Admit this fact to yourself

I CAN BE SAVED THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

The Abundant Life – #5 – The Mature Life

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2 Peter 3:18

 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Just as there are four stages of growth in the  natural man, there are four stages of growth in the new born spiritual man, which leads to maturity in the Christian life.

1. The baby stage.  1 Cor. 3:1-4 – And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.  3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?  4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?  A baby thinks only of itself.  If the baby is denied what it wants, it will wail.  The baby seeks its own, its feelings are easily hurt, and – it is often jealous.  The baby lives to be served – it never serves.  It can only drink milk, and cannot eat solid food.  The baby cries a great deal – but never sings.  It tries to talk – but makes no sense.

IT IS A SAD BUT TRUE FACT, THAT MANY CHRISTIANS DISPLAY THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SPIRITUAL BABY.  THOUGH THEY ARE BORN AGAIN INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD – THEY NEVER GROW AND DEVELOP SPIRITUALLY.  THE SPIRITUAL BABY IS A CARNAL CHRISTIAN.

2. The little child stage.  1 John 2:12 – I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. Some Christians grow enough to become little children spiritually – but many stop there.  Spiritual little children are often untruthful, envious,  and even cruel.  When rebuked, they take on the role of martyr.  If crossed, they feel resentment, and may even make a scene.  They are talebearers, repeating everything they hear (grownups call it gossip!)  The child is given to emotional outbursts, and their immaturity causes them to be easily puffed up.  They live for praise, and will accept that praise from ANYONE!  The child only seeks after what will appeal to self.

ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL CHILD????

3. The young man stage.  1 John 2:13 – I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.  Another sad fact – not many believers reach the stage of a young man in Christ.  He is strong and virile – well able to overcome his enemy – Satan (in his many forms) The young man’s vision for the future consists of his faith and courage.  He is preparing for his most productive years.  

WE CAN BECOME A YOUNG MAN SPIRITUALLY BY “PUTTING AWAY CHILDISH THINGS!”  1 COR. 13:11 – WHEN I WAS A CHILD, I SPAKE AS A CHILD, I UNDERSTOOD AS A CHILD, I THOUGHT AS A CHILD: BUT WHEN I BECAME A MAN, I PUT AWAY CHILDISH THINGS.

4. The father stage.  1 John 2:13 – I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.  This stage can be reached by all believers – but SO FEW EVER ATTAIN IT.  The spiritual father has peace with God.  Rom. 5:1 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  The father knows the peace of God.  Phil. 4:7 – And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  He rejoices in his spiritual children.  1 Thess. 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?  The father has learned contentment under ALL circumstances.  Phil. 4:11 – Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  He knows the ONLY source of true strength.  Phil. 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  The father NEVER broods over the past, but continually looks to the future.  

Phil.3: 13, 14 –   13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  He knows that ALL  things work together in his life for ETERNAL GOOD.   Rom. 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

THE SPIRITUAL FATHER ENJOYS THE ABUNDANT LIFE NOW – AND WILL ENJOY IT IN THE LIFE TO COME.  EPH. 2:7 – THAT IN THE AGES TO COME HE MIGHT SHEW THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE IN HIS KINDNESS TOWARD US THROUGH CHRIST JESUS.

This concludes our study of the Abundant Life.  Next up in our deep study of doctrine – Repentance!

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.

jesus-christ-wallpapers-4

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 – 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.

The Prophetic Emphasis of the Bible

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Just a quick thought that I felt had to be stated in view of the recent discussion we had with a commenter regarding  the rapture of the church.

  • The Old Testament emphasizes the millennial reign of Christ
  • The Gospels emphasize the second coming which ushers in the millennial reign of Christ
  • The Epistles emphasize the rapture
  • The Revelation emphasizes the Great Tribulation

If you keep this little chart in mind it will be easier to keep the prophetic time line organized in your study.  For example, it is extremely helpful when dealing with a passage like  Luke 17:20-37.  Since that passage is in the Gospels, it probably deals with the second coming of Christ to earth.  The ones “taken” and the ones “left” are expressions dealing with the separation that will take place when Christ returns  to earth.  

The Epistles make references to the “Day of Christ,” which usually indicates the rapture. 

1 Corinthians 1:7-8

7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the  day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 5:5

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

2 Corinthians 1:14

As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are our’s in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Philippians 1:10

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

Philippians 2:16

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

I keep a copy of that little chart, written on an index card, in my Bible as a book mark. Very helpful!