03/29/18

Freedom in Christ John 8: 31-36

John 8:31-36    (NIV)

 

 

Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are

 

 

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

 

 

 

The Power of Family

 

 

The Pharisees were teachers of the law. They saw Jesus’ claim to be The Son of GOD as heresy against GOD and the Jewish nation. They were so sure of their identity as sons of  Abraham that they had no hesitation in questioning Jesus, who was in reality the Son of GOD come to save them from their sins.

As Jesus taught them, many believed His witness. Yet they also clung to the teachings they had heard all of their lives. It is hard to convince someone of a truth who thinks that they already know what the truth is all about. They had been waiting for The Messiah with preconceived ideas of His identity and purpose. They were not willing to receive what they were told because it did not fit their expectations.

 

 

“Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek the LORD: Look to the Rock from which you were hewn, and the hole of the pit from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for I called him alone, and blessed him and increased him.”  Isaiah 51: 1&2  NIV

 

This scripture passage gives us an indicator of where the Jews conviction regarding Abraham as father arose. Abraham was in reality the father of the Jews, but what was not a reality to them was Abraham’s commitment to his Father, the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were so blinded by their own concept of who GOD was that they did not recognize Him when he appeared before them. The Jews were looking for a warrior King, someone to fight their battles against the Roman tyranny. There were previous times in Hebrew history where they sought a Redeemer after  repeated warnings from GOD that they needed to turn from their sins and repent. In our present age, this applies to the entire population of the earth, because Christ came to save us all.

 

 

 

Isaiah 53    (NIV)

 

 

 

 Who has believed our message
    and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
    and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
    nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
 He was despised and rejected by mankind,
    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

 

 

 Surely he took up our pain
    and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
    stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.
 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
    each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.

 

 

 

He was oppressed and afflicted,
    yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
    and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
    so he did not open his mouth.
 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
    Yet who of his generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
    for the transgression of my people he was punished.
 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
    and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
    nor was any deceit in his mouth.

 

 

 

 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
    and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
    and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.
 After he has suffered,
    he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
    and he will bear their iniquities.
 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
    and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
    and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
    and made intercession for the transgressors.

Family Works Together

In the natural order of things, family pulls together to ensure existence, to produce offspring, and to pass on values.  If we are made in the image of  Christ, we are a part of His family, therefore we seek His existence, we are His offspring, and we possess His values.We also possess His power.

 

 

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

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09/15/11

Psalm 92 Verses 12 through 15 King James Version

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our GOD.

They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the Lord is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him”.

06/4/11

Psalm 4 GOD is With Us

 

Reposted on July 10th, 2012  God’s Word is Timeless

 

 

Psalm 4

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

Safety is in The LORD. he is our rock and our hiding place. When it seems as if this world would crush you with all of its demands and expectations, look to the author and finisher of our faith for support and encouragement. Stand strong in those things that you know to be true, stand steadfast and do not move. GOD looks down from above and sees your affliction. He will heal you. He will set your feet on straight paths, and his mighty outstretched arm will sweep all opposition away. Trust, I say, in the LORD.

                                                                       Charlene

 

Psalm 4

Psalm 4[a]    For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

 

 1 Answer me when I call to you,
   my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
   have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

 2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
   How long will you love delusions and seek false gods[b]?[c]
3 Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
   the LORD hears when I call to him.

 4 Tremble and[d] do not sin;
   when you are on your beds,
   search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
   and trust in the LORD.

 6 Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
   Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
   when their grain and new wine abound.

 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
   for you alone, LORD,
   make me dwell in safety.

 

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 4:1 In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.
  2. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies
  3. Psalm 4:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
  4. Psalm 4:4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)
Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Charlene Kirst
05/28/11

Psalm 7

Psalm 7 (New International Version)

 The Psalms, especially King David’s songs, are such an aid to all of us who seek peace in time of trouble. As GOD delivered David from the hands of Saul, and from other enemies, He (GOD) will do the same for you. So do not despair that all is lost–you have a Father in Heaven who loves you beyond measure, Jesus, your Saviour, who intercedes on your behalf, and The Holy Spirit who dwells in you, counsels you and comforts you. Take Heart and rise with the Son who has healing in His wings.   Charlene

Psalm 7

Psalm 7[a]

    A shiggaion[b] of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite.

 

 1 LORD my God, I take refuge in you;
   save and deliver me from all who pursue me,
2 or they will tear me apart like a lion
   and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.

 3 LORD my God, if I have done this
   and there is guilt on my hands—
4 if I have repaid my ally with evil
   or without cause have robbed my foe—
5 then let my enemy pursue and overtake me;
   let him trample my life to the ground
   and make me sleep in the dust.[c]

 6 Arise, LORD, in your anger;
   rise up against the rage of my enemies.
   Awake, my God; decree justice.
7 Let the assembled peoples gather around you,
   while you sit enthroned over them on high.
 8 Let the LORD judge the peoples.
Vindicate me, LORD, according to my righteousness,
   according to my integrity, O Most High.
9 Bring to an end the violence of the wicked
   and make the righteous secure—
you, the righteous God
   who probes minds and hearts.

 10 My shield[d] is God Most High,
   who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous judge,
   a God who displays his wrath every day.
12 If he does not relent,
   he[e] will sharpen his sword;
   he will bend and string his bow.
13 He has prepared his deadly weapons;
   he makes ready his flaming arrows.

 14 Whoever is pregnant with evil
   conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.
15 Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out
   falls into the pit they have made.
16 The trouble they cause recoils on them;
   their violence comes down on their own heads.

 17 I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness;
   I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.

 

Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 7:1 In Hebrew texts 7:1-17 is numbered 7:2-18.
  2. Psalm 7:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
  3. Psalm 7:5 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.
  4. Psalm 7:10 Or sovereign
  5. Psalm 7:12 Or If anyone does not repent, / God

New International Version (NIV)

05/20/11

Psalm 64

Psalm 64 (New International Version)

Satan walks around seeking who he can devour. We have to continually look to Jesus, our Savior, for strength, guidance, and Godly relationship. When it seems as if all things are coming against you, remember whose child you are and let God’s Holy Spirit bring comfort into your life.

Charlene

Psalm 64

Psalm 64[a]

    For the director of music. A psalm of David.

 1 Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;
   protect my life from the threat of the enemy.

 2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked,
   from the plots of evildoers.
3 They sharpen their tongues like swords
   and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.
4 They shoot from ambush at the innocent;
   they shoot suddenly, without fear.

 5 They encourage each other in evil plans,
   they talk about hiding their snares;
   they say, “Who will see it[b]?”
6 They plot injustice and say,
   “We have devised a perfect plan!”
   Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.

 7 But God will shoot them with his arrows;
   they will suddenly be struck down.
8 He will turn their own tongues against them
   and bring them to ruin;
   all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.
9 All people will fear;
   they will proclaim the works of God
   and ponder what he has done.

 10 The righteous will rejoice in the LORD
   and take refuge in him;
   all the upright in heart will glory in him!
 

Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 64:1 In Hebrew texts 64:1-10 is numbered 64:2-11.
  2. Psalm 64:5 Or us

Charlene’s Source: Bible Gateway  Holy Scriptures  NIV Version

05/12/11

Psalm 5 Revisited

May 12, 2011

God gives me a Psalm more than once. I have found that that Psalm 5  applies everyday, so I am reposting it. Have a wonderful day in Christ.  Charlene

Do you ever feel as if you need to be vindicated? Do your circumstances seem overwhelming ? There is a God in Heaven who cares about you and your circumstances. This beautiful Psalm 5 written by David will make you gain hope, strength, and joy, and, with the fullness of the knowledge of Christ, you can move forward knowing that your Sovereign Lord and His hosts are watching your back.   Praise Him all you people!!!!!!   Charlene

Psalm 5 (New International Version, ©2010)

 

Psalm 5

Psalm 5[a]

    For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

 1 Listen to my words, LORD,
   consider my lament.
2 Hear my cry for help,
   my King and my God,
   for to you I pray.

 3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
   in the morning I lay my requests before you
   and wait expectantly.
4 For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
   with you, evil people are not welcome.
5 The arrogant cannot stand
   in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
 6 you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
   you, LORD, detest.
7 But I, by your great love,
   can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
   toward your holy temple.

 8 Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness
   because of my enemies—
   make your way straight before me.
9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
   their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
   with their tongues they tell lies.
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
   Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
   for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
   let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
   that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

 12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;
   you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

 Source: www.biblegateway.com

02/28/11

Psalm 5

 

May 12, 2011

God gives me a Psalm more than once. I have found that that Psalm 5  applies everyday, so I am reposting it. Have a wonderful day in Christ.  Charlene

Do you ever feel as if you need to be vindicated? Do your circumstances seem overwhelming ? There is a God in Heaven who cares about you and your circumstances. This beautiful Psalm 5 written by David will make you gain hope, strength, and joy, and, with the fullness of the knowledge of Christ, you can move forward knowing that your Sovereign Lord and His hosts are watching your back.   Praise Him all you people!!!!!!   Charlene

Psalm 5 (New International Version, ©2010)

 

Psalm 5

Psalm 5[a]

    For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

 1 Listen to my words, LORD,
   consider my lament.
2 Hear my cry for help,
   my King and my God,
   for to you I pray.

 3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
   in the morning I lay my requests before you
   and wait expectantly.
4 For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
   with you, evil people are not welcome.
5 The arrogant cannot stand
   in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
 6 you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
   you, LORD, detest.
7 But I, by your great love,
   can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
   toward your holy temple.

 8 Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness
   because of my enemies—
   make your way straight before me.
9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
   their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
   with their tongues they tell lies.
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
   Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
   for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
   let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
   that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

 12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;
   you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

 Source: www.biblegateway.com

02/23/11

Psalm 33

 The Lord is ever gracious to us. He has created a world for us to enjoy; time and space are His to command. I have been thinking on how God uses mathematics and music in all of his creation. Most people state: “I hate math”, or “I can’t do math”  Mathematics, of which music is a part, are tools God used to create this world. It says in Psalm 33 that He created out of the breath of His mouth–out of His spoken Word. The Lord created through sound, breath, the Word, and the elements. Music is a language; mathematics are a language–they are a part of the Word. Enjoy this Psalm, for it is God-created through His servant, through His Spirit. AMEN.

Psalm 33

 1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
   it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
   make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song;
   play skillfully, and shout for joy.

 4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
   he is faithful in all he does.
5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
   the earth is full of his unfailing love.

 6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
   their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars[a];
   he puts the deep into storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
   let all the people of the world revere him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
   he commanded, and it stood firm.

 10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
   he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
   the purposes of his heart through all generations.

 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
   the people he chose for his inheritance.
13 From heaven the LORD looks down
   and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches
   all who live on earth—
15 he who forms the hearts of all,
   who considers everything they do.

 16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
   no warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
   despite all its great strength it cannot save.
18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
   on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
19 to deliver them from death
   and keep them alive in famine.

 20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
   he is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
   for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
   even as we put our hope in you.

 

Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 33:7 Or sea as into a heap