SettledInHeaven.org (Blogger): January 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

Become Familiar With The Books Of The Bible - Part #4

(Part #4 – The Central Theme Line of the Bible)

2Tim 3:14-17 (KJV)

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The Holy Bible, God’s word revealed to man, is made up of 66 books. These books were penned by approx. 35 authors. The Bible covers over 6000 years of history through the use of both historical accounts and prophetic writings.

For those who are unfamiliar with the Bible, it can be a very confusing, intimidating book. In many cases, an attempt at studying and becoming familiar with the Word can be a very frustrating experience. In our 4-part blog series, we will be looking at some basic information about the Bible. Hopefully, through this study we will be laying a basic foundation of Bible knowledge. In doing so, our hope is that the Bible will become more easily understood and less intimidating.

If there is one key to coming to a better understanding of God’s Word, it is a consistent, daily quiet time of Bible reading. The more we read the Bible the more we become familiar with it. With this familiarity, comes which leads to less intimidation and an easier, more complete understanding of His Word.

Our series will consist of 4 parts:

The Order and Divisions of the Bible

The Author and Writers of the Bible

The Time Line of the Bible

The Theme of the Bible

A downloadable spreadsheet containing all the series information can be found at the following link… two versions are available BibleSurvey - Excel or BibleSurvey - PDF. Please feel free to save it to you hard drive or print it out to use during your Bible Study times.

THE STUDY:

Although the Bible has two major divisions (Old and New Testaments), and it is made up of 66 books, written by 30 plus authors over a 1600 year time period; it has one basic theme…. The Lord Jesus Christ… His person, His attributes, His work, and His future glory.

John 5:39 - “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

John 1:45 – “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

Acts 26:21-23 – “For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill [me]. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, [and] that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. “

Rom 1:1-6 – “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:”

1Pet 1:10-12 – “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

This is why, as we study His Word, we are to be constantly looking for truths about Christ.

In The Historical Accounts...
1. The history of world events, we can see the power, sovereignty and authority of Christ at work among the nations.
2. The history of the nation of Israel, we can see Christ working among His nation. We can see how He reveals Himself as He interacts with mankind; a Holy God saving, protecting, enabling, and judging sinful men.
3. The history of the life of Christ, we see Him revealed in His works, teachings, and submission to His heavenly Father.
4. The history of the ministry of the local church we can learn of His grace, and authority.

In the Old and New Testament prophecies, we learn of His first and second comings, as well as His Sovereignty over the nations, His judgment of sin and His grace towards those He has saved.

In the Law ….
1. The Moral law shows us Christ’s holiness and man’s need of His salvation
2. The Ceremonial law shows us Christ’s workings of salvation and our need of His sacrifice for our sins
3. The Civil law of Israel shows us His justice, His judgment of sin, and His delegation of authority

In the Wisdom writings of poetry and songs we can see His greatness, His workings among men and our need of Him.

These, and many other truths about Christ, can be learned within the pages of His Word. Truly, as is recorded in Rev 19:10…

“And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

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To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.

Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com

Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace

May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Become Familiar With The Books Of The Bible - Part #3

(Part #3 – The Time Line of the Bible)

2Tim 3:14-17 (KJV)

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The Holy Bible, God’s word revealed to man, is made up of 66 books. These books were penned by approx. 35 authors. The Bible covers over 6000 years of history through the use of both historical accounts and prophetic writings.

For those who are unfamiliar with the Bible, it can be a very confusing, intimidating book. In many cases, an attempt at studying and becoming familiar with the Word can be a very frustrating experience. In our 4-part blog series, we will be looking at some basic information about the Bible. Hopefully, through this study we will be laying a basic foundation of Bible knowledge. In doing so, our hope is that the Bible will become more easily understood and less intimidating.

If there is one key to coming to a better understanding of God’s Word, it is a consistent, daily quiet time of Bible reading. The more we read the Bible the more we become familiar with it. With this familiarity, comes which leads to less intimidation and an easier, more complete understanding of His Word.

Our series will consist of 4 parts:

The Order and Divisions of the Bible

The Author and Writers of the Bible

The Time Line of the Bible

The Theme of the Bible

THE STUDY:

The Lord, within the confines of His Word, has chosen to give to us an unbroken historical record of human events spanning from the beginning to the ending of this world. This table is illustrating which books of the Bible cover each of the major time frames of our world.

(All Dates Are Rounded And Based Upon Martin Anstey's Chronology of The Bible)

From Creation of the World to the Exodus of Israel from Egypt (4050 BC to 1550 BC)
1. Genesis – Creation; The Fall; The Flood; The Tower of Babel; Life of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, 12 sons of Jacob (12 tribes of Israel).
2. Job – the Life of Job
3. Exodus 1: - Bondage of Israel in Egypt; Birth of Moses

From the Exodus of Israel from Egypt to The Establishment of the Kingdom of Israel (1550 BC to 1023 BC)
1. Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deteronomy – Israel delivered from Egypt bondage; Wilderness wanderings of Israel; Giving of moral, ceremonial, civil law to Israel; Tabernacle; Golden Calf Worshipped; Manna from Heaven.
2. Joshua – Israel taking the Promised Land, Jericho, Division of Land
3. Judges – The time of the Judges ruling over Israel; Gideon, Samson
4. Ruth – Life of Ruth
5. 1 Samuel 1:-7: - Samuel’s early life

From The Establishment of the Kingdom of Israel to The Division of the Kingdom (1023 BC to 903 BC)
1. 1 Samuel 8:-31: - Reign of King Saul
2. 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles – Reign of King David
3. 1 Kings 1:-11:, 2 Chronicles 1:-9: - Reign of Solomon
4. Psalms – Songs of Worship for Israel. A majority of songs were written in this time frame
5. Proverbs - Wisdom writings. Most of the proverbs were written in this time frame
6. Ecclesiastes – Solomon’s lifelong search for the meaning of life
7. Song of Solomon – The story of the love of Solomon’s life, Shulamith

From The Division of the Kingdom to The Assyrian Captivity of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) (903 BC to 640 BC)
1. 1 Kings 12:-22:, 2 Chronicles 10:-20: - The History of the Divided Kingdoms (903 BC to 825 BC) - 1 Kings - History of South Kingdom from Rehoboam to Jehoshaphat; History of North Kingdom from Jeroboam to Ahaziah; Elijah, Elisha 2 Chronicles - History of Judah from Rehoboam to Jehoshaphat
2. 2 Kings 1:-18:, 2 Chronicles 21:-28: - The History of the Divided Kingdoms (825 BC to 640 BC) - 2 Kings – The History of the Southern Kingdom from Jehoram to Hezekiah; History of the North Kingdom from Jehoram to Hoshea; Elisha 2 Chronicles – The History of the Southern Kingdom from Jehoram to Hezekiah

1. Joel – to Judah (Jehoshaphat – Jehoash)
2. Jonah – to Assyria
3. Amos – to Israel (Jehoash – Jereboam II) and Judah (Jehoash – Uzziah)
4. Hosea – to Israel (Jereboam II)
5. Isaiah – to Judah (Uzziah – Hezekiah)
6. Micah – to Judah (Jotham to Hezekiah)

From The Assyrian Captivity of the Northern Kingdom of Israel to The Babylonian Captivity of Southern Kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem) (640 BC – 507 BC)
1. 2 Kings 18:-25:, 2 Chronicles 29:-36: - The History of the Southern Kingdom from the reign of Hezekiah to Zedekiah
2. Isaiah to Judah (Hezekiah)
3. Micah to Judah (Hezekiah)
4. Jeremiah to Judah (Josiah)
5. Nahum to Assyria
6. Zephaniah to Judah (Josiah)
7. Ezekiel to Judah (Josiah – Zedekiah)
8. Habakkuk to Judah ((Jehoiakim – Zedekiah)
9. Obadiah to Edom
10. Lamentations to Judah (after captivity)

From The Babylonian Captivity of Southern Kingdom to Beginning of the “Silent Years” (507 BC – 360 BC)
1. 2 Kings 25: - Judah’s captivity to Babylon
2. 2 Chronicles 36: - Judah’s captivity to Babylon
3. Ezra – Return from Babylon rebuilding of temple in Jerusalem
4. Esther – Deliverance of Jews during Ahasuerus reign
5. Nehemiah – Return from Babylon rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem
6. Psalms – A minority of worship songs were written during this time frame
7. Proverbs – A minority of proverbs were written in this time frame
8. Daniel – the life of Daniel and prophecies to the returning remnant of Israel
9. Haggai – Encouragement to Israelites to rebuild the temple
10. Zechariah - Encouragement to Israelites to rebuild the temple
11. Malachi – To the Israelites who have been resettled in the land

The Silent Years (360 BC – 5 BC)
1. Daniel 11:2-45 – Beginning of Greek Rule of Israel to Birth of Christ

The Birth of Christ to The Death/Ascension of Christ (5 BC – 30 AD)
1. Matthew, Luke – Covers the events of Christ’s life from His birth to His ascension
2. Mark, John – Covers the public ministry to Christ from His baptism to His ascension
3. Acts 1: – The events immediately prior to the ascension of Christ are covered

The Death/Ascension of Christ to The Completion of God’s Word (30 AD – 100 AD)
1. Acts 2:-28: - The spread of the gospel message throughout Israel and the Gentile nations
2. James – subjects: wisdom, good works, pure religion
3. Galatians – subjects: salvation by grace, keeping the law for a good testimony to others
4. 1 Thessalonians – subjects: Lord’s 2^nd coming need to serve Him now
5. 2 Thessalonians – subjects: Lord’s 2^nd coming need to serve Him now
6. 1 Corinthians – subjects: correcting errors in church
7. 2 Corinthians – subjects: Paul’s life as servant of God
8. Romans – subjects: Man’s need of salvation, God supplying man’s need
9. Ephesians – subjects: Unity of local church
10. Colossians – subjects: Christ as God, Christ as Savior
11. Philemon – subjects: Philemon’s acceptance of Onesimus (God’s acceptance of sinner)
12. Philippians – subjects: the gospel and our life
13. 1 Timothy – subjects: Pastoral instructions to Timothy
14. 2 Timothy – subjects: Paul’s ministry explained
15. Titus – subjects: Pastoral instructions
16. 1 Peter – subjects: Current persecution
17. 2 Peter – subjects: Coming apostasy (falling away from the truth)
18. Hebrews – subjects: Relation of the old covenant with the new covenant
19. Jude – subjects: the false teachings and teachers of the day
20. 1 John – subjects: Proofs of salvation
21. 2 John – subjects: False teaching refuted
22. 3 John – subjects: Role of the truth
23. Revelation – subjects: Symbolic teachings of Christ and the world events from ascension of Christ to eternity future

In our next, and last, blog entry in this series, we will be looking at the central theme of God’s Word.

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Sunday, January 23, 2011

Become Familiar With The Books Of The Bible - Part #2

(Part #2 – The Writers of the Bible)

2Tim 3:14-17 (KJV)

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The Holy Bible, God’s word revealed to man, is made up of 66 books. These books were penned by approx. 35 authors. The Bible covers over 6000 years of history through the use of both historical accounts and prophetic writings.

For those who are unfamiliar with the Bible, it can be a very confusing, intimidating book. In many cases, an attempt at studying and becoming familiar with the Word can be a very frustrating experience. In our 4-part blog series, we will be looking at some basic information about the Bible. Hopefully, through this study we will be laying a basic foundation of Bible knowledge. In doing so, our hope is that the Bible will become more easily understood and less intimidating.

If there is one key to coming to a better understanding of God’s Word, it is a consistent, daily quiet time of Bible reading. The more we read the Bible the more we become familiar with it. With this familiarity, comes which leads to less intimidation and an easier, more complete understanding of His Word.

Our series will consist of 4 parts:

The Order and Divisions of the Bible

The Author and Writers of the Bible

The Time Line of the Bible

The Theme of the Bible

THE STUDY:

The author of the Bible is God. He used approximately 34 men to pen the 66 books that make up the entire Bible. Here is a short summary of each of the writers that God used:

Amos – (Burden Bearer) A Herdsman
1. Amos

Daniel – (God Is My Judge) A gifted Jewish boy trained to be a counselor by the Babylonian Kingdom
1. Daniel

David – (Beloved) A shepherd, servant of King Saul and chosen by God to be the 2^nd King of the unified nation of Israel
1. Many of the Psalms (3-9, 11-32, 34- 41, 51-66, 68-70, 86, 101, 103, 108-110, 122, 124, 131, 138-145) Perhaps others as well.

Ezekiel – (God Strengthens) Jewish priest exiled to Babylon
1. Ezekiel

Ezra – (Help) Jewish Priest who led the effort to rebuild the temple
1. Ezra, perhaps 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles

Habakkuk – (Embrace) Described only as “Habakkuk the prophet”
1. Habakkuk

Haggai – (Festival) Jewish Prophet
1. Haggai

Hosea – (God Is Our Aid) – Prophet of God who married an unfaithful wife but accepted her back. This pictured God’s relationship with the unfaithful nation of Israel
1. Hosea

Isaiah – (Jehovah Saves) – Descendent of Jewish nobility. Prophet of God.
1. Isaiah

James – (He Who Takes the Place of Another) Probably was the brother of Christ. Pastor of church at Jerusalem.
1. James

Jeremiah – (Who Jehovah Hurls) – Jewish Priest called by God to prophesy of coming doom to Judah
1. Jeremiah, Lamentations, perhaps 1 Kings and 2 Kings

Joel – (Jehovah is God) – He was a prophet of God with very little information about his background.
1. Joel

Apostle John – (favored or friend of Jehovah) Fisherman, brother of Apostle James, one of the Apostles
1. Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Revelation

John Mark – (favored or friend of Jehovah) (warring defender) John was his Jewish name, Mark was his Roman name.
1. Mark

Jonah – (dove) Prophet of God called to minister to Ninevah, capital city of Israel arch-rival Assyria
1. Jonah

Joshua – (Jehovah is salvation) Hebrew form of Jesus. Servant of Moses, and a Captain of the army of Israel
1. Joshua

Jude – (celebrated, praised) Greek form of Hebrew name Judah. He wasprobably the brother of Jesus.
1. Jude

Luke – (Man from Lucania) He was a physician, who was a helper to Paul.
1. Luke, Acts, maybe Hebrews

Malachi – (my messenger) Prophet of Jehovah to Judah during restoration of temple and walls
1. Malachi

Matthew – (gift of Jehovah) also known as Levi (attached). He was a tax collector before being called of God to be an Apostle.
1. Matthew

Micah – (Who is like Jehovah) – Prophet of Jehovah to Judah.
1. Micah

Mordecai – (Little man) – employee of Persian King, played key role in saving king from assassination
1. Esther

Moses – (drawn out) – Israelite raised by Pharoah’s daughter forsook Egypt royal family to be used of God to deliver Jews from Egyptian bondage and lead them back to promised land.
1. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Job

Nahum – (comfort, compassion) – The prophet of God ministering to Assyria
1. Nahum

Nehemiah – (comforted by God) – he was cupbearer for King of Persia, Artaxerxes. Through his close position to King he was able to get King’s permission to rebuild walls of Jerusalem.
1. Nehemiah

Obadiah – (servant of Jehovah) – Prophet of God ministering to Edom
1. Obadiah

Paul, Saul – (little, asked) – Prior to his salvation he was a Pharisee and persecutor of Christians. Following salvation He became the first missionary to the Gentiles and author of several Bible books.
1. Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, probably Hebrews

Peter, Simon – (small rock or stone, hearing) originally known as Simon, later Christ gave him the name Peter. He was a fisherman who later became an apostle and one of those who ministered to the Jews.
1. 1 Peter, 2 Peter

Samuel – (named of God or asked of God) – He was born miraculously to a barren woman. He was one of the last judges over Israel. He anointed Saul and David to be kings over Israel.
1. Judges, Ruth, probably 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel

Solomon – (Loved of Jehovah) Son of David and 3^rd King over nation of Israel
1. Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, most of Proverbs

Zechariah – (Jehovah is remembered, Jehovah is renown) – Zechariah was a Priest and a Prophet of God. He concentrated on finishing the temple rebuilding at Jerusalem.
1. Zechariah

Zephaniah – (Jehovah hath treasured or hidden) – Prophet during the times of Isaiah to the nation of Judah
1. Zephaniah

In our next blog entry we will be looking at the different time frames that are recorded in God’s Word.

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Become Familiar With The Books Of The Bible - Part #1

(Part #1 – The Order and Divisions of the Bible)

2Tim 3:14-17 (KJV)

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The Holy Bible, God’s word revealed to man, is made up of 66 books. These books were penned by approx. 35 authors. The Bible covers over 6000 years of history through the use of both historical accounts and prophetic writings.

For those who are unfamiliar with the Bible, it can be a very confusing, intimidating book. In many cases, an attempt at studying and becoming familiar with the Word can be a very frustrating experience. In our 4-part blog series, we will be looking at some basic information about the Bible. Hopefully, through this study we will be laying a basic foundation of Bible knowledge. In doing so, our hope is that the Bible will become more easily understood and less intimidating.

If there is one key to coming to a better understanding of God’s Word, it is a consistent, daily quiet time of Bible reading. The more we read the Bible the more we become familiar with it. With this familiarity, comes which leads to less intimidation and an easier, more complete understanding of His Word.

Our series will consist of 4 parts:

The Order and Divisions of the Bible

The Author and Writers of the Bible

The Time Line of the Bible

The Theme of the Bible

THE STUDY:

The central theme of the Bible is Jesus Christ, His person, His work, and His desires for our lives.

The two main divisions of the Bible are the Old Testament and the New Testament…

The Old Testament…

Is made up of 39 books.

Was written BEFORE Christ’s first coming to the earth, the OT looks FORWARD to the first coming of Christ to the earth.

Its main theme is Jesus Christ. Christ is presented through the use of symbolism, prophetic predictions and the story of Christ’s nation of ancestry (Israel).

The divisions of the Old Testament include…

The Pentateuch – the first five books of the Old Testament
1. The beginning of the world
2. The beginning of sin
3. The beginning of the languages and races of the world
4. The beginning of the Nation of Israel
5. The beginning of the Law of God

The History - The History of the Nation of Israel including
1. The retaking of the land area of Israel
2. The time of the Judges ruling united Israel
3. The time of the Kings ruling united Israel
4. The time of the Kings ruling the divided nation of Israel
5. The taking of the Northern Kingdom by Assyria
6. The taking of the Southern Kingdom of Judah

The Poetry - Books of Practical Knowledge and Remembrance and Praise
1. The Example of Faith under Fire of Job
2. The Worship songs of Israel
3. The Wisdom writings of Solomon

The Major Prophets - The prophetic books of the OT that are long in length
1. The Events spoken of involve events concerning the North and South kingdoms of Israel and events related to the 1^st and 2^nd comings of Christ

The Minor Prophets - The prophetic books of the OT that are short in length
1. The Events spoken of are identical to the major prophets (events concerning the North and South kingdoms of Israel and events related to the 1^st and 2^nd comings of Christ)

The New Testament…

Is made up of 27 books

Was written AFTER Christ’s 1^st coming to the earth. The New Testament looks BACKWARD at the coming of Christ, leaving us historical accounts and explanations of His coming.

Its main theme is Jesus Christ. Christ is presented through the use of historical accounts, doctrinal teachings, explanations and clarifications of OT passages and prophecies of His second coming to earth.

The divisions of the New Testament include…

The Gospels – The historical accounts of Christ’s first coming
1. Christ’s birth, His ministry, His crucifixion and resurrection.

The Church History – The historical record of the beginning of the ministry of the church
1. the Ascension of Christ
2. Pentecost
3. Churches formed in Israel and throughout the Gentile nations
4. The persecution and martyrdom of the Apostles and other followers of Christ.

The Pauline Epistles (Note: Epistles are personal letters) – the personal letters written by the Apostle Paul to various churches and individuals
1. These letters contain both doctrinal and practical instruction

The General Epistles - the personal letters written by the various followers of Christ. They wrote to churches and individuals to various churches and individuals
1. These letters contain both doctrinal and practical instruction

The Prophecies – the Revelation received by John while banished to the Isle of Patmos
1. prophecies concerning the existing churches of his day and future events leading to the second coming of Christ.

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The Main Divisions of the Bible and the Books that each contain…

THE OLD TESTAMENT

The Books of The Pentateuch
1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Leviticus
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy

The Books of History
1. Joshua
2. Judges
3. Ruth
4. 1 Samuel
5. 2 Samuel
6. 1 Kings
7. 2 Kings
8. 1 Chronicles
9. 2 Chronicles
10. Ezra
11. Nehemiah
12. Esther

The Books of Poetry
1. Job
2. Psalms
3. Proverbs
4. Ecclesiastes
5. Song of Solomon

The Books of the Major Prophets
1. Isaiah
2. Jeremiah
3. Lamentations
4. Ezekiel
5. Daniel

The Books of the Minor Prophets
1. Hosea
2. Joel
3. Amos
4. Obadiah
5. Jonah
6. Micah
7. Nahum
8. Habakkuk
9. Zephaniah
10. Zechariah
11. Malachi

THE NEW TESTAMENT

The Books of the Gospels
1. Matthew
2. Mark
3. Luke
4. John

The Book of Church History
1. Acts

The Books of the Pauline Epistles
1. Romans
2. 1 Corinthians
3. 2 Corinthians
4. Galatians
5. Ephesians
6. Philippians
7. Colossians
8. 1 Thessalonians
9. 2 Thessalonians
10. 1 Timothy
11. 2 Timothy
12. Titus
13. Philemon
14. Hebrews

The Books of the General Epistles
1. James
2. 1 Peter
3. 2 Peter
4. 1 John
5. 2 John
6. 3 John
7. Jude

The Book of NT Prophecy
1. Revelation

In our next blog entry we will be looking at the different writers that God used to pen His Holy Word

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Saturday, January 15, 2011

I’m Sorry, But Why?

In my previous blog entry based on Psalm 51: we touched on a basic definition of Godly sorrow. However, I’ve noticed that one of the areas of confusion for my readers, as well as Christians in general, centers on the question “Why do some Christians live a lifestyle of sin if they are sorry for their sin?” based upon your responses to my previous posting, more needs to be said. I am hoping this blog entry will answer most of your questions, but again, if not, feel free to write me (via comment, or email) I’ll be glad to try to clarify anything that I can.

Also, before I begin let me apologize for the extended length of this posting. I normally try to limit my postings for both my readers benefit as well as mine. This is a subject that is important and extremely involved. To attempt to adequately answer your inquiries, I felt it necessary to lengthen this posting. Please accept my apologies beforehand.

So here goes, in this blog entry we will be answering these questions… “Why do some Christians live a lifestyle of sin”, “Does the Bible teach there is more than one type of sorrow that an individual can exhibit?” If so, “How can we tell the difference?”

THE SCRIPTURE:

2Cor 7:8-11 (KJV)

8) For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though [it were] but for a season.

9) Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

10) For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

11) For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, [what] clearing of yourselves, yea, [what] indignation, yea, [what] fear, yea, [what] vehement desire, yea, [what] zeal, yea, [what] revenge! In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

THE STUDY:

In our text, we find that the Bible says there are two types of sorrow that a person can exhibit. Our text refers to these two types as “the sorrow of the world” and “Godly sorrow”. Our text will help us to understand the difference in these two “sorrows”.

Let’s look at our text, verse by verse, and see what the Lord teaches us…

Please keep in mind, in this second letter to the Corinthians, Paul is following up on his previous letter written to them. In his first letter, Paul wrote giving the Corinthians instructions to help them correct many areas of sin that was found within their assembly. A few of areas included: ignoring sinful lifestyles of some of it’s members, misuse of the observance of the Lord’s Supper, misuse of spiritual gifts… the list goes on and on.

Paul, after seeing their response to his first letter, now writes to them in this second letter, encouraging them after they repented and made the necessary changes in their assembly. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 7:8-11…

8) For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though [it were] but for a season.

Paul had written the first letter with much sorrow of heart. It was a shame that such sin had entered into the assembly at Corinth. Perhaps Paul was taking partial responsibility for the sin that had entered, after all, he was the one that had instructed the church during their founding. Had failure in his teachings been a part of the reason why they had fallen into so many varied sins? Surely, this must have crossed his mind.

Even though Paul felt sorrow for having to write that first letter, he still wrote it. He understood that it had to be done… much like a parent hates disciplining a disobedient child but realizes that the discipline must be done. There was no other choice. (see 2 Cor 2:2-11 for greater details about Paul’s feelings as he wrote 1 Corinthians)

However, now Paul could see the results of this “letter of discipline”… he says that the first letter had made the church “sorry” . This sorrow had only lasted a short period of time and then, after their period of sorrow, the Lord had blessed them and joy had been brought back to their assembly.

So, too with individuals who exhibit, true Godly sorrow due to sin that is in their lives. Following the period of sorrow, as the individual deals with the sin that is in their lives, comes a time of joy as the Lord blesses, and forgives, the truly repentant heart.

Lam 3:32 (KJV) - But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

9) Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

Now Paul gets to the heart of the matter at hand…. the two types of sorrow that an individual, or church can experience. Paul said that he was now rejoicing after hearing the news of how they had “sorrowed to repentance” and “were made sorry after a Godly manner”. What did he mean by these statements?

One of the types of sorrow we can experience is a “Godly sorrow”. This is a type of sorrow that is brought upon us by the Lord. The Lord uses His Word, through our conscience and the Holy Spirit, to convict us of sin. (Acts 18:28, Titus 1:9, John 8:9, Roms 8:13) A sorrow that comes from God, through His Word, is described as a “Godly sorrow” (a sorrow originating from God’s workings in our lives.)

This type of “Godly sorrow” will result in repentance on the part of the one grieving over his sin. This is the great mark of Godly sorrow being experienced by an individual.

Repentance has several aspects to it:

Repentance always involves a “change” -

One Greek word used in the New Testament for repentance means “to reverse a decision that has been made” in other words, to change your mind about something).

The other NT word for repentance means “to care afterwards” in other words, to regret something.

A Godly sorrow will result in us changing our mind about the sin we have committed. Godly sorrow brings to our mind and heart a sorrow, a regret, and a realization that we failed our God and it has affected our relationship with Him and, in many cases, others around us.

This sin we once enjoyed, now becomes a weight hanging upon us… as time goes by this burden of sin increases. It is now forever before us. We can’t sleep, we can’t enjoy life, we can do nothing to rid ourselves of the realization we have sinned against God, He is displeased. We wish we had never committed this sin. We are now experiencing repentance. Our minds are now changed about the sin we have committed. The sin we at one time loved, we now hate. This sin that was once a pleasure, is now a torture.

In absolute desperation, we turn from that sin and come running to the Lord. We recognize our only hope to being freed from this sin is His divine forgiveness. We look to Him by faith, trusting that He will intervene in our lives and forgive us. He is our only hope of forgiveness. We can do nothing to merit this forgiveness. We are entirely at His mercy.

This is Godly sorrow and it’s results.

10) For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Paul understood Godly sorrow will bring salvation to those who experience it. For it is through true sorrow and repentance we are saved. Note what Paul says… “godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation” in other words, it is this type of sorrow that develops repentance which is the key to salvation for those He brings to salvation. (Acts 3:18-19, Mark 2:17)

Please note, Paul makes it plain that once forgiveness is bestowed by God, He does not repent nor change his mind about forgiving the sinner.   Once He forgives us He never takes that forgiveness away from us.   We do not have to be constantly concerned that He plays “give back” with our salvation. He bestows His grace upon us and we never will bear the burden of our sin again. We are eternally secure in Him. (Rom 8:29-30, Rom 8:1, John 5:24, John 6:39-40)

However, in sadness, Paul recognizes that not all sorrow is of the “Godly” type. He recognizes there is a counterfeit sorrow that is brought about by the influence of the world. Therefore, since this sorrow finds it’s beginnings in the world, Paul describes it as “ the sorrow of the world”.

What is this “sorrow of the world”? It can take many forms and fashions, but basically it is centered in selfishness.

A sorrow based on regretting a sin’s punishment is a very common type of sorrow of the world. It is an entirely self-centered sorrow. It is the child who is caught in the act of stealing a cookie, screaming “I’m sorry” as he realizes he now faces parental punishment. He has every intention to steal the cookie again, next time he just needs to be more careful. He doesn’t regret displeasing his parents, he is just sorry he will now face the consequences of displeasing his parents. This is not Godly sorrow nor is it true repentance.

What does Paul say this type of sins results in? DEATH. It is as pure and simple as that. A salvation experienced based upon selfishness is no salvation experience at all. It is a “salvation” that does not result in a new creature, nor a changed life. It is a counterfeit that only makes men “two-fold more the child of hell”, thinking they are saved but actually they are much harder to reach with the truth now that they think their spiritual needs are met. (Matt 23:15)

Now for the shocker…. If an individual only desires to be saved to escape the fires of hell…. He has never truly experienced Godly sorrow, nor has He ever repented for His sin. The teachings of eternal punishment in the Bible are put there for a reason. I believe these teachings help us to understand our Lord’s great displeasure of our sin and rebellion against Him.

I am the first to acknowledge, a part of the motive for my coming to Christ was a desire to escape the eternal punishment the Word so clearly declares. After all, who could possibly want to go into a state of eternal separation from God and punishment for their sins. Absolutely no one.

But, a part of true God-given sorrow and repentance involves a recognition that we have failed our Heavenly Father, we have hurt Him, we have shown no regard for His desires for us. It is as if we have spat in His face, kicked waste on His clothes, and placed Him on the cross ourselves. We have attempted to place filth upon the Only One who is totally pure.   This is what we have attempted to do to Him through our acts of sin. Of this we must feel sorrow as well. This must be a part of our motivation to come to Him. We come falling at His feet and begging for Him to forgive us our sins not because of the wrath to come, but because we have sinned against our Heavenly Father.

11) For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, [what] clearing of yourselves, yea, [what] indignation, yea, [what] fear, yea, [what] vehement desire, yea, [what] zeal, yea, [what] revenge! In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Paul is now looking at the results that are displayed in the lives of the Corinthians who had experienced a true Godly repentance.

They showed:

carefulness to not indulge in the sins they had previously committed;

they cleared themselves by putting this forgiven sin behind them and now they were serving God in great ways;

they had indignation towards themselves hating themselves for what they had done;

they had shown fear in what their standing was before God; now they were at peace.

they had a vehement desire to be right with God; now they are enjoying that communion with Him

they had zeal; they had a burning desire for forgiveness; now they had a burning desire to serve Him and to abstain from sin

they showed revenge upon themselves for failing Him as they had; they were willing to give up all for His forgiveness and the privilege of serving Him again.

These were all the signs of a Godly sorrow and repentance that Paul saw in the lives of the Corinth believers.

Are these same signs found in our lives as well?

Thursday, January 13, 2011

I’m Sorry

Do you know one of the hardest phrases to say in the English language consists of only 7 letters which make up only two words? That phrase is “I’m sorry”.

When we say “I’m sorry” we are admitting to ourselves, and to others, that we have erred. Whether on purpose, or accidentally; we messed up. We wish we could take it back; but we can’t. All we can do is come and speak that dreaded phrase, “I’m sorry”, and hope that undeserved forgiveness is granted to us.

The Bible goes into great detail about the need for sorrow when we sin against the Lord and others around us. Let’s see what the Bible teaches us about sorrow, and especially sorrow for our sins against God.

THE SCRIPTURE:

Ps 51:1-19

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions… Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

THE STUDY:

Throughout the Bible, our sin, and the need for sorrow before God cannot be overemphasized… the picture of a sorrowful heart is found in Psalm 51:. Here, the many aspects of sorrow are described by King David, who after having an illicit relationship with Bathsheba, comes to a realization of his Lord’s view of his sin.

Here are basic principles about sin, sorrow and forgiveness we can find in this Psalm….

Principles About Sin

Our sin is revealed to us by the Lord – Nathan the prophet had come in unto David and revealed David’s sin to him. –

Heading - To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

Vs 6 - and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Sin causes a hindered relation with God.

Vs 10 - and renew a right spirit within me.

Vs 11 - Cast me not away from thy presence

Sin causes spiritual weakness and loss of communication between God and man

Vs 11 - and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Sin brings guilt upon the offender and the deserving of punishment, both temporal and eternal.

Vs 14 - Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation:

Principles About Sorrow

True sorrow results in a change in our desires. Our heart now has desries to to be free from the sin that was committed and a desire to follow the Lord. This change in our desires is called “repentance”

Vs 2 - Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

True sorrow results in a willingness to admit the sin and accepting the blame. True sorrow doesn’t seek to justify or excuse its actions, but readily accepts responsibility and acknowledges that wrongs have been done.

Vs 3 - For I acknowledge my transgressions:

Vs 4 - that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest.

Vs 5 - Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

True sorrow causes the sin to be a plague, never allowing rest until the sin is dealt with. It is likened to the breaking of bones, hindering every aspect of one’s life. –

Vs 3 - and my sin [is] ever before me.

Vs 8 - [that] the bones [which] thou hast broken may rejoice.

True sorrow for sin recognizes that not only man, but Almighty, Holy God has been offended

Vs 4 - Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight:

Vs 6 - Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts:

True sorrow works shame in the heart.

Vs 9 - Hide thy face from my sins,

True sorrow results in a recognition of the filth of sin and the need for cleansing

Vs 10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God;

Godly sorrow is an absolute necessity for forgiveness

Vs 17 - The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

True sorrow is concerned with sins affects on others

Vs 18 - Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

Vs 19 - Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Principles About Forgiveness

Forgiveness is an act of mercy.

Vs 1 - Have mercy upon me, O God,

Forgiveness is an act of love.

Vs 1 - according to thy lovingkindness:

God’s love, mercy and forgiveness is unlimited. There is no sin so great God cannot forgive. There is no sin that God cannot cleanse.

Vs 1 - according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

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

Vs 9 - and blot out all mine iniquities.

Knowledge of being forgiven by God restores joy, and gladness to the heart that has been broken, knowing the sin has been released.

Vs 8 - Make me to hear joy and gladness;

Vs 12 - Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;

Divine forgiveness is accompanied by a restoration of fellowship and the enabling of the Holy Spirit to begin service to the Lord again.

Vs 12 - and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.

Vs 13 - [Then] will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Vs 14 - [and] my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

Vs 15 - O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

Divine forgiveness is not based upon any good works of “retribution”. True forgiveness is granted based upon God’s gracious intervention in our lives.

Vs 16 - For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

For those who are saved …

When we recognize the wickedness of our sin and the completeness of the Lord’s forgiveness, our hearts should be melted and our appreciation overflowing. Should we not serve Him with all our hearts and lives when we consider all He has done for us?

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. 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.

For those who have yet to be saved...

As fallen mankind, our greatest need is to recognize the heinousness of our sin and the grief we have brought upon our Lord and Savior. This knowledge, through God’s intervention, should lead us to godly repentance. Godly repentance is a combination of: a sincere, heartfelt sorrow for our sin; a desire to forsake that sin; a turning to Christ in helplessness, seeking His salvation; and a submission to the desires of Christ for our life.

If you desire more information about salvation be sure to visit my web page entitled “How To Have A Relationship With God”. Also, please feel free to email me with any questions or comments you may have. Also I would encourage you to seek out a Bible believing church and talk to the pastor/counselor in that church for more information about sin, sorrow, and forgiveness.

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Sunday, January 9, 2011

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Devotion

Martin Luther King Jr. was pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama from 1954 to 1960. In 1960, he moved to Atlanta and became co-pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. He remained in that position until his death in 1968.

While holding these pastoral positions, he was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which was organized to give leadership to civil rights movement. During his service as president, it is believed that he gave over 2500 speeches, led protests, wrote 5 books and many articles. All of this was done in his never-ending quest for equality and civil rights for all people. This quest led to his arrest at least 25 times, as well as being assaulted numerous times for his beliefs.

Some of his most well-known writings and speeches were: “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” and his “I have a Dream Speech”

In 1968, Martin Luther King was murdered while standing on a balcony of a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.

Martin Luther King Jr’s life is the epitome of a life sacrificed for the good of others. Because of this, he received many awards during his life and following his death. Some of these awards include five honorary degrees, as well as was named Man of the Year by Time magazine in 1963, Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and the Rosa L. Parks Award, presented by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. (posthumously) 1968

See the following links (and many others) for more in-depth information concerning MLK Jr’s life and accomplishments:

http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html

http://www.paralumun.com/uskingawards.htm

http://www.lib.lsu.edu/hum/mlk/srs218.html

One of the many famous quotations of Martin Luther King, Jr. is a question that he posed to his listeners, which became a summary of his entire life’s mission: “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'” http://blog.twitter.com/2010/01/persistent-and-urgent-question.html

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life was filled with great sacrifices for others. But the sacrifice made by our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest of all sacrifices made on behalf of others…

THE SCRIPTURE:

Phil 2:4-8 (KJV)

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

THE STUDY:

In Phil 2:4-8, we find some of the Lord’s instructions to us concerning living lives of service for others…

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

One of the greatest responsibilities our God has handed to His people is the need to love and care for others (Matt 22:38-40, Mark 12:30-31, Gals 5:14, 1 John 3:17-19) Because of this, we should be concerned about both the spiritual and physical needs of others:

Gal 6:7-10

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

For many of us, it is easy to love and care for those who are our friends, but what about those who oppose us? We are to love and care for them as well.   It is a great opportunity for us to show the love of Christ to others:

Luke 6:35-36

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

What is one key to showing consistent concern for others? Thinking as Christ thinks.   What was the mindset of Christ, that allowed Him to literally give all for others that He loved?...

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Christ’s mindset allowed Him to recognize His deity (John 10:30) …

But made himself of no reputation,

And be willing to “empty” Himself of the exercise of His divine attributes. In other words, Christ choose to not exercise His great Godly abilities that He possessed.

and took upon him the form of a servant,

He was willing to serve others, working for their benefit, by teaching, healing, and dying for them.

and was made in the likeness of men:

He was willing to take upon Himself, flesh (not sinful flesh), so as to be in the “likeness of men”. His perfect humanity is being spoken of here. He was in the “form” of man although, as God, He was sinless.

And being found in fashion as a man,

Not only did Christ physically appear as a man, but He also came to the earth, lived among men, conversed with men, ate as a man, worked as a man; ie - He lived his life just as any other man lived his life on earth (only without sin). This is what is meant by Christ being found “in fashion” as a man.

he humbled himself,

His entire earthly life was characterized by “humility”. From his birth in a stable, to His heinous suffering and death as a publicly convicted criminal (although He was actually innocent).

and became obedient unto death,

Christ’s death was not only motivated by His love for others, but it was also an act of obedience to His Father in heaven. (Matt 26:39-42)

even the death of the cross.

Christ displayed the ultimate self-sacrificial act by submitting to a horrible death on the cross.

The greatest aspect of His suffering was not the physical torture. It was when He was separated from His heavenly Father, as He bore the sins of His people upon Himself. (Mark 15:34)

This was the supreme act of self-sacrifice… the sinless Son of God was willing to be humiliated by His own creation and separated from His heavenly Father.

THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION

For those who have trusted in Christ…

By following the Lord’s perfect example of self-sacrifice, we all can leave a legacy of a life that is pleasing to God and of benefit to all mankind.

1Cor 9:19-23

For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.   To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.23And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].

For those who have never trusted in Christ…

God the Father chose to give His Son to be the Savior of His people. Then Christ, in submission to the will of His Father, came to the earth, lived a life of self-sacrifice and then died on the cross, as He bore our sins. All of this was done to make it possible for the people of God to be saved.

By coming to a realization that we can do nothing to save ourselves, we must come to Christ and rely upon Him to intervene in our life and save us from our sins.

Rom 3:19-26

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

For more information about the way to salvation please take a look at my blog page found here:

http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/

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Thursday, January 6, 2011

Remember When PC Used To Describe a Computer?

Back in my younger days, my first experience with a computer was while working at Brown’s Computer Service in Wooster, Ohio. We were a small bookkeeping service that used a small IBM 5100 personal computer to perform much of our clientele’s bookkeeping. For you computer geeks out there, it had a whopping 16 K RAM, a 1.9 Mhz processor and used 204 Kbyte data cartridges to archive its data. She was a beaut! You can take a look at this baby by clicking the following link: http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/pc/pc_2.html

Ever since my experiences with that first computer, I have been amazed at what computers can do. I love working with them; they are an indispensable tool for me as I work on both accounting and teaching tasks.

But, in today’s world, there is another type of “pc” that is harmful to my work as a teacher of God’s Word. This “pc” is the politically correct attitude of today’s society. Somehow, we have gotten to the point in our society where no one can speak the truth, if the truth happens to hurt someone’s feelings or rightfully, reveals error in a person’s beliefs, thoughts, or actions. We can no longer call sin - sin.

To present Christ as the ONLY Savior of the world is looked upon as a horrible thing to say…. Why? In a politically correct society, it excludes those who hold to another way of salvation and exclusion is a no no. It’s enough to make you sick.     Today’s pc society is content to sit back and watch entire societies condemned to hell; just so no one would be offended, or proclaimed guilty.

But was our Lord (the sinlessly Perfect One) politically correct as He walked this earth? Let’s see what we can find in our study today….

  THE SCRIPTURE:

But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation….Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. (Mat 23:13-36)

THE STUDY:

In answer to the preceding question “But was our Lord (the sinlessly Perfect One) politically correct as He walked this earth?´   I’ll let the above verses speak for themselves. Please notice the following basic principles the Lord repeatedly proclaimed (please have a Bible in hand and read Mat 23:13-36 as you go down through the list):

They were under impending judgment - “Woe unto you” - vs 13, 14, 15, 16, 23, 25, 27, 29

They were hypocrites – vs 13, 14, 15, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

They were presenting a false gospel message – vs 13, 15

They took advantage of their followers – vs 14

They were spiritually blind – vs 16, 17, 19, 24, 26

They had misplaced priorities – vs 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24

They were foolish – vs 17, 19

They were sinful within – vs 25, 27, 28

They lied with their mouths – vs 30

They would be guilty of martyrdom/murder – vs 31-32, 34, 37

They were harmful, deadly to others – vs 33

They were destined for hell – vs 33, 35-36,

They rejected the love and invitations of God – vs 37-38

They have been rejected by God and now reprobate – vs 39

Can you imagine publicly declaring these things about the false teachers and religions today? Our pc society wouldn’t like it that is for sure. It would probably get down right ugly.

But, these things do need to be said, in love, to those opposing the truth; both as a warning to the false teachers, and as a warning to their followers.

THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

As Christians, as hard as it may be to go against a pc society, we have a responsibility to loving, kindly, and patiently warn and admonish those who are involved in a false gospel. Their spiritual life depends on it.

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. “(2Ti 2:24-26)

For those who are not saved, and perhaps holding to false teachings please keep in mind some important principles….

1 – The Bible is explicit in the teaching that salvation is through Christ and Him alone. No other person, nor can our works, can save us. Acts 4:10-12

2 - You must reconcile in your own mind where truth is found. Again, the declarations of the Bible, the many scientific discoveries that support God’s Word, and the changed lives of millions of people gives ample evidence that the Bible truly is the ONLY container of God’s words. It is the ONLY sure source of spiritual life and revelation from God.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.(Joh 6:63)

If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com.    I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.

Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace”

“The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike”

http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace

May the Lord bless your study of His Word.

Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Gonna Take A Sentimental Journey

The song Sentimental Journey was performed by Vikki Carr in 1961 (when I was just 3 years old). As I grew older, I remember this being one of the first songs that I ever heard. It turned into a big hit for Doris Day four years later in 1965 …

What was the appeal of the song “Sentimental Journey”? I think one area of appeal was the lyrics, describing an older person looking back on their life and remembering “the good old days”. It is very common for those of us who are older to look back and remember our younger days.

Two of the most famous of all Bible characters, Job and David, began looking back to their younger lives when they both were facing very difficult circumstances. Was this a good thing for them to do? Is it a good thing for us to do in today’s time? Let’s see what the Word of God teaches us concerning remembering our past.

THE SCRIPTURE:

Moreover Job continued his parable, and said, Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me; When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness; As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle; When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me; … But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock. Yea, whereto might the strength of their hands profit me, in whom old age was perished? For want and famine they were solitary; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste….

(Job 29:1-30:31)

And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. (1Sa 17:32-37)

THE STUDY:

In our two Scripture references we find two men reminiscing over their life’s experiences:

Job 29:-30:

In the case of Job, this “looking back” led to greater depression and misery. As Job looked back at the “good old days” when God’s blessings were upon him (chapter 29), he did not use his past experiences to give him faith and strength to continue on. Just the opposite was true. He used these thoughts of the past to remind him how miserable he was in the current time (chapter 30:). This led to a greater depression and lack of faith in his Lord. In Job’s case, based on how he used his memories, looking back at his past blessings was not glorifying to his Lord.

Paul also knew of the danger of depression and anxiety when we reminisce, and he wrote in Phils 3:13-15:

“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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Paul knew that recalling past sins, or lost blessings, can lead to depression and anxiety as we seek to serve the Lord now.

1Sa 17:32-37

In the case of David, his “looking back” resulted in him being encouraged to take a greater step of faith in his service. Note what he did… David was blessed with the opportunity to glorify his God by facing the giant Goliath.   But how could he ever win such a match? Well, by looking back and remembering how the Lord had given him past victories over a lion and a bear, David realized the Lord could give him the victory over the giant Goliath as well.

This is why Moses instructed the Israelites to always remember the great deliverance the Lord gave to them when he brought them out of Egypt and delivered them to the Promised Land:

“Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten. “(Exo 13:3)

Many times, when we remember the Lord’s past blessings, they can encourage and strengthen our faith as we face difficulties now. One of my most used expressions is this… “If the Lord was able to do all that for me in the past; surely, He can deliver me from the troubles I face today.”

THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION

For the Christian….

So to answer our previous question, “When facing difficult circumstances in our life is it a good thing to look back at our younger days?” The answer is …. It can be a good thing, if it is done properly!

If we can look back with a heart of faith, remembering His blessings and using them to encourage us in our current situation… the Lord is greatly pleased.

If however, we are looking back in our flesh, using our remembrances as a hindrance to our future service… it will not help, it can even harm us.

For those who have never trusted in Christ…

Today is the day to begin your life’s walk with the Lord. By trusting in Him and His work on the cross, you will be gaining a loving Heavenly Father who will be there to aid you in every situation of life you come to face. Until you place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, there is no reason to believe that you will be blessed or that you are securely in His care.   It is only when we humbly turn to Him in faith, trusting Him with our life that we can know that He is with us. (Roms 8:12-18)

For you looking back at your life, will only reflect a life that is filled with missed opportunities to serve the Lord.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1Pe 5:6-7)

If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com.    I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.

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