I Am The Lord: That Is My Name

On a recent broadcast of the “In Touch” TV program (www.intouch.org), I heard a song entitled “God Of The Ages”.   It is a beautiful, Scriptural song (it is based upon Colossians chapter 1) declaring our Lord as the God of the Ages.

 

 As I listened to this song it brought to my mind the following verses from Isa 42:…

 “Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee,… I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.”



Let’s take a few minutes to see what these verses of Scripture teach us about our wonderful Lord and Savior!

 THE SCRIPTURES:

 Isa 42:5-12 (KJV)

5) Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

6) I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

7) To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

8) I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

9) Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

10) Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

11) Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up [their voice], the villages [that] Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.

12) Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.

 THE STUDY:

Isaiah’s Description of the Lord…

 Isa 42:5-12 (KJV)

Before Isaiah delivers God’s message to the people of Judah, he emphasizes the greatness of the author of this message….

 5) Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

 Isaiah emphasizes three workings of this great God…

 1)   He is Creator of All  - he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that  spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it

2)   He gives us Physical Life - he that giveth breath unto the people upon it

3)   He gives us Spiritual Life. - and spirit to them that walk therein:

 What This Lord Has Done For Us (By Sending Christ on Our Behalf)…

 Isaiah now delivers God’s message to the people.  The message beings with a reminder of all the Lord has done for us when He sent His Son to save us…

6) I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

7) To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

 The Workings of the Father IN the Son…

1)   The sinlessness of His Son – I the LORD have called thee in righteousness,

2)   The Father’s accompanying of His Son – and will hold thine hand,

3)   The Father’s protection of His Son - and will keep thee,

 The Workings of the Father THROUGH the Son…

1)   The Father’s eternal plan of salvation based upon the work of the Son - and give thee for a covenant of the people,

2)   The Father’s giving of Truth through the Son - for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes,

3)   The Father’s liberation from sin’s bondage through the Son - to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

 How Can We Show Him Our Appreciation?....

 Based on who He is and what He has done for us in sending Christ on our behalf;  how do we show Him our appreciation?

 

1)    By putting Him first in our lives… I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

1. “Lord” – Master, Ruler, Authority Holder 

2)    By recognizing His greatness -  Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare:

3)    By recognizing what He does for us - Before they spring forth I tell you of them.

4)    By verbally declaring His greatness and workings to all mankind, everywhere - Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.  Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up [their voice], the villages [that] Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.

5)    Making Him shine in the eyes of others through our actions - Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.

1. Glory – to give great importance to


2. Praise – to make shine in the eyes of others 

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

For those who have received the Lord’s gracious offer of salvation, let us serve Him with our whole heart realizing what a great God we serve.

Now that we have seen how our Gracious, Loving Heavenly Father has sent His Son to the earth for the sake of His people…. Our need is to accept this message by faith and turn to the Lord to receive forgiveness and spiritual life.

If you have any questions about salvation, I have a tab available on my blog that gives in depth information on what salvation is and what you must do to be saved.  Please click on this link for more information about salvation.

If you continue to have questions or concerns about your salvation, find a Bible-believing church in your area.  The Pastor would be glad to share Christ and the way of salvation with you.   If you feel more comfortable communicating through email, you are always welcome to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. 

May the Lord bless you as you seek His truth.

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My Main Blog “Settled In Heaven” (updated twice weekly) – http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com

The following are other places you can find “Settled In Heaven” blog (updated once per month):

www.settledinheavenbibleblog.posterous.com

www.settledinheavenblog.blogspot.com

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.” 

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:

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


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


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


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


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


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


7. 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?

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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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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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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A Christian’s New Years Devotion

The Jewish Civil New Year begins on the first day of the month of Tishri on the Jewish calendar.  This month equates to our calendar months of September/October.  It was during this one month time frame that the Jews were instructed to observe three New Year related celebrations:  Feast of Trumpets (1st), Day of Atonement(10^th), and the Feast of Tabernacles(15^th-21^st). 



As we study these three celebrations, we can learn much about preparing for our new year as well.

THE SCRIPTURE:

Lev 23:23-44; Nums 29:1-40

THE STUDY:

The Feast of Trumpets (Lev 23:23-25, Nums 29:1-6)

This feast centered upon the ritualistic sounding of trumpets used to call men to assemble before God.   Besides calling men to attention or assembly, in the Bible, the blowing of trumpets emphasizes a new beginning, with new responsibilities, brought about by God’s intervention:

1. Giving of 10 commandments – Exo 19:16


2. Day of Atonement – forgiveness of national sin – Lev 25:9


3. Fall of Wall of Jericho – Josh 6:20


4. Defeat of Midianties – Judg 7:18


5. Ark restored to city of David – 2 Sam 6:15


6. New moon  beginning of new lunar cycle, new time of worship and service – Psa 81:3


7. Israel’s deliverance from bondage of Assyria and Egypt – Isa 27:13


8. Taking Of His people to Heaven at Rapture – Matt 24:31, 1 Cor 15:52


9. The Lord’s judgments during Tribulation period – Rev 8:13  

The Feast of Trumpets helps to remind us that:

It is by the Lord’s grace that we are entering into a New Year which can be a new beginning for us all.  This includes putting past failures behind us and looking forward to a new set of opportunities and responsibilities and victories in our service to Him.

The Day of Atonement (Lev 23:26-32, Num 29:7-11)

 This was a day set aside for the Jewish people to “afflict” their souls. In other words, it was a time set aside for coming to the Lord in humility asking for forgiveness for sins and a renewal of dedication for His service, putting Him first in their lives.

 Just as in the Feast of Trumpets, there was a  series of offerings that were to be made:

1. Burnt – picturing His death on the cross accepted by God  - Lev 1:1-17


2. Meat – picturing His blessings given to us  -  Lev 2:1-16


3. Sin – Picturing forgiveness of our transgressions against Him  - Lev 4:1-35


4. Drink – Picturing His shed blood on our behalf  -  Nums 15:5-7


5. Peace – Picturing His work brings about peace (rest, comfort, forgiveness) for us - Lev 3:1-5


6. Taken together, these represent His death, and shed blood, resulting in our forgiveness, peace and other blessings.

This was perhaps the most important observance for the Jewish celebrations.  If anyone refused to observe this Day of Atonement they were to be cut off from the people, alienated from all areas of worship and service.

The Day of Atonement reminds us that:

We have a great need to deal with our past sins, putting them behind us, and securing our communion with the Lord.  We are to enter into a New Year of service humbly and in submission to the Lord’s will and way for our lives. 

The motive for both of these should be His great sacrifice on our behalf.  When we consider what He has done for us shouldn’t we desire a close walk with Him, not hindered by unconfessed sin?  Shouldn’t we desire to be in submissive to His desires for us?  After all, aren’t both of these “our duty to do”?

We cannot over emphasize the absolute importance of communion and submission for the coming year ahead.  To deal with sin in our lives and then be submissive to will for the future is essential to living a victorious life in the coming year. 

The Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:34-44, Nums 29:12-40)

The Feast of Tabernacles was an eight day observance (beginning on the 15^th of the month and concluding on the 22^nd day of the month).  During this eight day celebration, the Israelites were to give sacrifices unto the Lord and dwell in booths (tents).  It was observed to remind the Israelites of their dwelling in tents during their wilderness journeys following their release from Egyptian slavery. 

The Feast of Tabernacles helps us to remind us that:

We are currently on a pilgrimage here on earth.  This is not our permanent home, like the Israelites who were traveling through the wilderness waiting for the Promised Land.  We are only strangers and pilgrims on this earth, waiting for our permanent, heavenly home.  

When trials enter our lives this coming year we need to always keep in mind, our heavenly home awaits… our greatest need is to rely on our Lord and keep looking for our heavenly home.

Please note in all of these three celebrations, no work was to be done on these days, emphasizing the need to concentrate solely on the things of God.  We should take a break from all the distractions the world has to offer and take time to simply commune with our Lord.  What better way is there to start the New Year?

Also, in all three celebrations we find a command to convene (assemble) was issued, this would allow for a time of worship and also a time of encouragement to be passed from one Israelite to another as they prepared to face their New Year.

We, as well, should learn from this principle.  Take time to worship at a Bible- believing church and try to encourage other Christians to prepare for the coming year.

THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION

For the Christian….

To summarize our preparation for the New Year:

1.  It is by the Lord’s grace that we are entering into a New Year which can be a new beginning for us all.  (Phil 3:13-14)


2. putting past failures behind us


3. looking forward to a new set of opportunities and responsibilities and victories in our service to Him.


4. Entering into a New Year of service humbly and submitting to the Lord’s will and way for our lives.  (James 4:7-8)


5. Recognize His great sacrifice on our behalf. (Luke 17:10) 
   
   
   
   1. When we consider all He has done for us shouldn’t we desire a close walk with Him, not hindered by unconfessed sin? 
   
   
   2. Shouldn’t we desire to be in submissive to His desires for us?
   
   
   3. After all, aren’t both of these “our duty to do”?
   
   
   
   


6. Realize we are currently on a pilgrimage here on earth. We are waiting for our permanent, heavenly home. (Heb 11:13-16)
   
   
   
   1. When trials enter our lives this coming year we need to always keep in mind, our heavenly home awaits, our trials will only last for a season.
   
   
   
   


7. We should take a break from all the distractions the world has to offer and take time to simply commune with our Lord.  What better way is there to start the New Year?  (Psa 63:1-7)


8. Take time to attend a Bible- believing church  (Heb 10:24-25)
   
   
   
   1. We can worship the Lord
   
   
   2. We can encourage other Christians to prepare for the coming year. 
   
   
   
   

For those who have never trusted in Christ…

Now is the time for you to put your life of rebellion against God and His Word behind you and begin the New Year as a new creature in Christ (2 Cor 5:14-21).    None of us know what the New Year will bring into our lives, however, the greatest insurance for the future is being a child of God (Gal 4:4-7).  He promises to His children that He will never leave nor forsake His children (Heb 13:5-6) .  If adopted into His family, you can be assured of His love, care, communion and intervention in your life, as well as a glorious eternity awaiting you. (Matt 6:25-24)  

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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.

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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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