Category Archives: Our Studies

09/24/12

Hebrews 10: Christ’s Sacrifice Once For All

        

          Sacrifice is hard, and it is not a part of the natural ways of mankind. As people, we tend to prefer the easier roads to travel, and sacrifice involves traveling the hardest roads without knowing where they may lead, just having a surety that the way will be hard. So how do we obtain the surety that our sacrifice is not in vain? We find it in clinging to Christ, the ultimate Gift of Sacrifice, where we find our joy and stability. It is through His Holy Spirit that we find the key to happiness–living for Him as our sole source of hope and strength. GOD the Father knew before the beginning of time that we would need a Savior, and Jesus, the son of GOD, volunteered to become the sacrificial lamb. Our sins can be forgiven; our hope can be restored.

Is life easy. Absolutely not. People often envy those who appear to have it all, but this is appearance only. Happiness evades those who are dependent upon the world for their identity and substance. Let us cling therefore to Him who is our everything, our identity, and our substance.

 

Praise Ye The LORD.     Charlene

 

Hebrews 10

 

Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All

 

10 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.2 Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshippers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. 4 It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

 

5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:

 

“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
    but a body you prepared for me;
6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings
    you were not pleased.
7 Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—
    I have come to do your will, my God.’”[a]

 

8 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

 

11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

 

15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:

 

16 “This is the covenant I will make with them
    after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
    and I will write them on their minds.”[b]

 

17 Then he adds:

 

“Their sins and lawless acts
    I will remember no more.”[c]

 

18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.

 

 

A Call to Persevere in Faith

 

 

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”[e] 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

 

32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

 

36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For,

 

“In just a little while,
    he who is coming will come
    and will not delay.”[f]

 

38 And,

“But my righteous[g] one will live by faith.
    And I take no pleasure
    in the one who shrinks back.”[h]

 

39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Hebrews 10:7 Psalm 40:6-8 (see Septuagint)

  2. Hebrews 10:16 Jer. 31:33

  3. Hebrews 10:17 Jer. 31:34

  4. Hebrews 10:30 Deut. 32:35

  5. Hebrews 10:30 Deut. 32:36; Psalm 135:14

  6. Hebrews 10:37 Isaiah 26:20; Hab. 2:3

  7. Hebrews 10:38 Some early manuscripts But the righteous

  8. Hebrews 10:38 Hab. 2:4 (see Septuagint)

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Charlene Kirst
09/17/12

120917 Jeremiah 6: Warning and Punishment

   Some passages of Scripture speak so plainly to us that we are left on our knees in prayer. Mankind has not changed much since the days of  Jeremiah the Prophet, and because we live in a time when teaching the wrath of GOD is not considered “politically correct”, we miss one of the most basic teachings of scripture. Every child gets warning after warning to change their ways–and we as parents discipline when those changes do not occur. Since we are made in the image of Christ, wouldn’t we as children of GOD  expect discipline also?

 

 

Jeremiah 6

 

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

Jerusalem’s Last Warning

 

 

6 “Run for your lives, you people of Benjamin!
    Get out of Jerusalem!
Sound the alarm in Tekoa!
    Send up a signal at Beth-hakkerem!
A powerful army is coming from the north,
    coming with disaster and destruction.
2 O Jerusalem,[a] you are my beautiful and delicate daughter—
    but I will destroy you!
3 Enemies will surround you, like shepherds camped around the city.
    Each chooses a place for his troops to devour.
4 They shout, ‘Prepare for battle!
    Attack at noon!’
‘No, it’s too late; the day is fading,
    and the evening shadows are falling.’
5 ‘Well then, let’s attack at night
    and destroy her palaces!’”

 

6 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says:
“Cut down the trees for battering rams.
    Build siege ramps against the walls of Jerusalem.
This is the city to be punished,
    for she is wicked through and through.
7 She spouts evil like a fountain.
    Her streets echo with the sounds of violence and destruction.
    I always see her sickness and sores.
8 Listen to this warning, Jerusalem,
    or I will turn from you in disgust.
Listen, or I will turn you into a heap of ruins,
    a land where no one lives.”

9 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says:
“Even the few who remain in Israel
    will be picked over again,
as when a harvester checks each vine a second time
    to pick the grapes that were missed.”

 

 

Judah’s Constant Rebellion

 

 

10 To whom can I give warning?
    Who will listen when I speak?
Their ears are closed,
    and they cannot hear.
They scorn the word of the Lord.
    They don’t want to listen at all.
11 So now I am filled with the Lord’s fury.
    Yes, I am tired of holding it in!

 

“I will pour out my fury on children playing in the streets
    and on gatherings of young men,
on husbands and wives
    and on those who are old and gray.
12 Their homes will be turned over to their enemies,
    as will their fields and their wives.
For I will raise my powerful fist
    against the people of this land,”
    says the Lord.
13 “From the least to the greatest,
    their lives are ruled by greed.
From prophets to priests,
    they are all frauds.
14 They offer superficial treatments
    for my people’s mortal wound.
They give assurances of peace
    when there is no peace.
15 Are they ashamed of their disgusting actions?
    Not at all—they don’t even know how to blush!
Therefore, they will lie among the slaughtered.
    They will be brought down when I punish them,”
    says the Lord.

 

       

Judah Rejects the Lord’s Way

 

16 This is what the Lord says:
“Stop at the crossroads and look around.
    Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it.
Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.
    But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’
17 I posted watchmen over you who said,
    ‘Listen for the sound of the alarm.’
But you replied,
    ‘No! We won’t pay attention!’

 

18 “Therefore, listen to this, all you nations.
    Take note of my people’s situation.
19 Listen, all the earth!
    I will bring disaster on my people.
It is the fruit of their own schemes,
    because they refuse to listen to me.
    They have rejected my word.
20 There’s no use offering me sweet frankincense from Sheba.
    Keep your fragrant calamus imported from distant lands!
I will not accept your burnt offerings.
    Your sacrifices have no pleasing aroma for me.”

21 Therefore, this is what the Lord says:
    “I will put obstacles in my people’s path.
Fathers and sons will both fall over them.
    Neighbors and friends will die together.”

 

An Invasion from the North

 

22 This is what the Lord says:
“Look! A great army coming from the north!
    A great nation is rising against you from far-off lands.
23 They are armed with bows and spears.
    They are cruel and show no mercy.
They sound like a roaring sea
    as they ride forward on horses.
They are coming in battle formation,
    planning to destroy you, beautiful Jerusalem.[b]”

 

24 We have heard reports about the enemy,
    and we wring our hands in fright.
Pangs of anguish have gripped us,
    like those of a woman in labor.
25 Don’t go out to the fields!
    Don’t travel on the roads!
The enemy’s sword is everywhere
    and terrorizes us at every turn!
26 Oh, my people, dress yourselves in burlap
    and sit among the ashes.
Mourn and weep bitterly, as for the loss of an only son.
    For suddenly the destroying armies will be upon you!

 

27 “Jeremiah, I have made you a tester of metals,[c]
    that you may determine the quality of my people.
28 They are the worst kind of rebel,
    full of slander.
They are as hard as bronze and iron,
    and they lead others into corruption.
29 The bellows fiercely fan the flames
    to burn out the corruption.
But it does not purify them,
    for the wickedness remains.
30 I will label them ‘Rejected Silver,’
    for I, the Lord, am discarding them.”

 

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Jeremiah 6:2 Hebrew Daughter of Zion.

  2. Jeremiah 6:23 Hebrew daughter of Zion.

  3. Jeremiah 6:27 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads a tester of my people a fortress.

 

 
New Living Translation (NLT)Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
09/11/12

Haggai 2 The Future of The Temple

 

Haggai 2 Expounded

 

There are seasons in which the work we are called to do for Christ is prolific and productive–then we walk into a quieter season where what we have accomplished in the past seems to be just  there, in the past. If we can keep the perspective that The Heavenly Father has more work to be accomplished, and a different productive season for us in which those things that we have learned from the past can enhance the work of the future–then we can relax in His love and proceed to the next challenge.

 

Why do I say challenge?

 

          The work of the Kingdom; “The Great Commission”  is a challenge to listen well, hear clearly, and walk uprightly before a righteous Savior who is not only willing to equip us for the challenges ahead of us, but through His Holy Spirit seeks to inspire us to trust Him for guidance and direction. It is the measure of our ability to discern and perceive the direction in which Christ is leading us that produces either a perfect work or a work that lacks some of the spiritual and corporeal elements needed to produce good fruit mete for the Harvest.

 

          ‘Jesus drew near and said to them, “I have been given all authority in Heaven and Earth. Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples; baptize them in the Name of  the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28: 18-20

 

          The call to the Great Commission, through the unction of the Holy Spirit, is a task not to be taken lightly and for which we must be prepared. Just as the world prepares us for higher education and personal achievement–The Holy Spirit prepares us through the Scriptural Word,  teaching, preaching, and the example of those saints equipped to instruct and lead us to seek first The Kingdom of GOD, and then to place all other things in their proper perspective.

 

         As saints living as imperfect people in an imperfect world, we struggle to rise above the tide; to stand out in a crowd as those who truly care about our brothers and sisters; fellow travelers on this road of Life. What does standing out involve?  It is a heartswork conducted and led by The Holy Spirit that uses all that we have learned to instruct and help others not as advanced as ourselves in their spiritual walk in Christ. This is not a matter of pride or superiority–it is a recognition of those who have worked hard and have paid their dues through pain and even bloodshed for the Cause of Christ. After all, Jesus paid our price on the Cross. How can we do less?

 

          The Temple represents not only our physical bodies, but the entire body of believers. The walls of the church are spiritual walls independent of hewn rock, pillars, and pews. These walls are held upright through the intercessory prayers and petitions of those who approach GOD’s throne daily, building up a foundation of faith and perseverence, and of allegiance to the Fruit of the Spirit as found in Galations 5: 22-26.

 

So, how does GODly application yield Good Fruit? What is the Future of The Temple?

 

           That depends upon you and me. Do we “study to show ourselves approved”, or do we study to simply announce our worth to other’s? The zeal to take The Word to the entire earth is our inner being responding to the desires of GOD’s Holy Spirit. Following His lead brings peace and inner healing to all who would receive Him. The commissioned work is already proclaimed, the victory is already sure, and the war’s results are already ordained. As soldiers in GOD’s army we must grab hold of the promises of GOD as weaponry, and trust to His Mercy and Grace to see us through the battle for hearts and spirits. Jesus’ grace and mercy abound in limitless measure. We simply need to approach the Temple where provision is laid out for us and walk in the door. Jesus awaits us there. We are then in His Holy Temple and the peace of His perfect Will.

 

GOD Bless You, Charlene

 

 

Haggai 2

 

The New Temple’s Diminished Splendor

 

2 Then on October 17 of that same year,[a] the Lord sent another message through the prophet Haggai. 2 “Say this to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua[b] son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of God’s people there in the land: 3 ‘Does anyone remember this house—this Temple—in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all! 4 But now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 5 My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.’

 

6 “For this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land. 7 I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 9 The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”

 

Blessings Promised for Obedience
10 On December 18[c] of the second year of King Darius’s reign, the Lord sent this message to the prophet Haggai: 11 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says. Ask the priests this question about the law: 12 ‘If one of you is carrying some meat from a holy sacrifice in his robes and his robe happens to brush against some bread or stew, wine or olive oil, or any other kind of food, will it also become holy?’”

 

The priests replied, “No.”

 

13 Then Haggai asked, “If someone becomes ceremonially unclean by touching a dead person and then touches any of these foods, will the food be defiled?”

 

And the priests answered, “Yes.”

 

14 Then Haggai responded, “That is how it is with this people and this nation, says the Lord. Everything they do and everything they offer is defiled by their sin. 15 Look at what was happening to you before you began to lay the foundation of the Lord’s Temple. 16 When you hoped for a twenty-bushel crop, you harvested only ten. When you expected to draw fifty gallons from the winepress, you found only twenty. 17 I sent blight and mildew and hail to destroy everything you worked so hard to produce. Even so, you refused to return to me, says the Lord.

 

18 “Think about this eighteenth day of December, the day[d] when the foundation of the Lord’s Temple was laid. Think carefully. 19 I am giving you a promise now while the seed is still in the barn.[e] You have not yet harvested your grain, and your grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates, and olive trees have not yet produced their crops. But from this day onward I will bless you.”

 

Promises for Zerubbabel

20 On that same day, December 18,[f] the Lord sent this second message to Haggai: 21 “Tell Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, that I am about to shake the heavens and the earth. 22 I will overthrow royal thrones and destroy the power of foreign kingdoms. I will overturn their chariots and riders. The horses will fall, and their riders will kill each other.

 

23 “But when this happens, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, I will honor you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant. I will make you like a signet ring on my finger, says the Lord, for I have chosen you. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”

 

Footnotes:

a.Haggai 2:1 Hebrew on the twenty-first day of the seventh month, of the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar. This event (in the second year of Darius’s reign) occurred on October 17, 520 b.c.; also see note on 1:1a.
b.Haggai 2:2 Hebrew Joshua, a variant spelling of Jeshua; also in 2:4.
c.Haggai 2:10 Hebrew On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, of the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar (similarly in 2:18). This event occurred on December 18, 520 b.c.; also see note on 1:1a.
d.Haggai 2:18 Or On this eighteenth day of December, think about the day.
e.Haggai 2:19 Hebrew Is the seed yet in the barn?
f.Haggai 2:20 Hebrew On the twenty-fourth day of the [ninth] month; see note on 2:10.

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Charlene Kirst
09/4/12

Quote from Perry Stone’s “How to Interpret Dreams & Visions”

 

 “Once when I was ministering, a man cynical of spiritual manifestations said, “So what is the difference between a psychic telling someone correct information about himself and some preacher telling someone GOD”s future plans?’

 

I replied, “The difference is that an alleged psychic will tell you what’s on your [italics mine] mind, but a man [or woman] of GOD will tell you what is on GOD’s mind!”

 

Charlene’s Source: How To Intepret Dreams and Visions: Understanding GOD’s Warnings & Guidance pages 84 & 85.  Perry Stone 2011, Charisma House, Publishers.

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08/9/12

Psalm 55 I Will Trust

Psalm 55 is a bold, direct statement. David speaks of putting his trust in GOD because he knows that therein is his source of strength. Imagine singing this song in the assembly!

We live in a time when The Word is being watered down. No one wants to hear the truth–they are more interested in flattery and position. GOD’s Kingdom is not designed for the raising up of men to lofty heights. He is the One who rules the Heavens.

 

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.   2 Timothy 4:3

 

Beware of false doctrine. It is a scheme to rob you of your commitment and faith. Stand in the strength of GOD’s Word; in Christ, and allow GOD’s Holy Spirit to teach you all things. When the enemy [Satan, not people] rises up against you, call upon GOD to deliver you from the snare of the fowler. He will be faithful to do so.

 

Psalm 55

Psalm 55[a]

 

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil[b] of David.

 

1 Listen to my prayer, O God,
    do not ignore my plea;
2     hear me and answer me.
My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught
3     because of what my enemy is saying,
    because of the threats of the wicked;
for they bring down suffering on me
    and assail me in their anger.

4 My heart is in anguish within me;
    the terrors of death have fallen on me.
5 Fear and trembling have beset me;
    horror has overwhelmed me.
6 I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
    I would fly away and be at rest.
7 I would flee far away
    and stay in the desert;[c]
8 I would hurry to my place of shelter,
    far from the tempest and storm.”

9 Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words,
    for I see violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they prowl about on its walls;
    malice and abuse are within it.
11 Destructive forces are at work in the city;
    threats and lies never leave its streets.

12 If an enemy were insulting me,
    I could endure it;
if a foe were rising against me,
    I could hide.
13 But it is you, a man like myself,
    my companion, my close friend,
14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship
    at the house of God,
as we walked about
    among the worshipers.

15 Let death take my enemies by surprise;
    let them go down alive to the realm of the dead,
    for evil finds lodging among them.

16 As for me, I call to God,
    and the Lord saves me.
17 Evening, morning and noon
    I cry out in distress,
    and he hears my voice.
18 He rescues me unharmed
    from the battle waged against me,
    even though many oppose me.
19 God, who is enthroned from of old,
    who does not change—
he will hear them and humble them,
    because they have no fear of God.

20 My companion attacks his friends;
    he violates his covenant.
21 His talk is smooth as butter,
    yet war is in his heart;
his words are more soothing than oil,
    yet they are drawn swords.

22 Cast your cares on the Lord
    and he will sustain you;
he will never let
    the righteous be shaken.
23 But you, God, will bring down the wicked
    into the pit of decay;
the bloodthirsty and deceitful
    will not live out half their days.

But as for me, I trust in you.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 55:1 In Hebrew texts 55:1-23 is numbered 55:2-24.

  2. Psalm 55:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

  3. Psalm 55:7 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and in the middle of verse 19.

07/27/12

Ist Corinthians 3 The Church and Its Leaders

1 Corinthians 3

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

The Church and Its Leaders

 

The Church of Christ is worldwide. Just as the world is now connected by the Internet, this same tool enables us as believers to join in faith to receive the promises of GOD,and to be aware of  each other’s strengths and weaknesses. No one who has received Jesus Christ as their Savior is an isolated individual, but is part of the body of believers. Therefore, we should strive to devote ourselves to the work of the Great Commission–and allow GOD’s Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us as we traverse this phase of our human existence with the hope of eternal existence in Him.

 

 1 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly —mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,”are you not mere human beings?

 

 5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

 

 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it, but each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

 

 16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

 

 18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”[a]; 20 and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”[b] 21 So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas[c] or the world or life or death or the present or the future —all are yours, 23 and you are of Christ,and Christ is of God.

 

 Footnotes:

  1. 1 Corinthians 3:19 Job 5:13

  2. 1 Corinthians 3:20 Psalm 94:11

  3. 1 Corinthians 3:22 That is, Peter

Cross references:

  1. 1 Corinthians 3:1 : 1Co 2:15
  2. 1 Corinthians 3:1 : Ro 7:14; 1Co 2:14
  3. 1 Corinthians 3:1 : 1Co 14:20
  4. 1 Corinthians 3:2 : Heb 5:12-14; 1Pe 2:2
  5. 1 Corinthians 3:2 : Jn 16:12
  6. 1 Corinthians 3:3 : Ro 13:13; 1Co 1:11; Gal 5:20
  7. 1 Corinthians 3:4 : 1Co 1:12
  8. 1 Corinthians 3:5 : S Ac 18:24
  9. 1 Corinthians 3:5 : 1Co 4:1; 2Co 6:4; Eph 3:7; Col 1:23, 25
  10. 1 Corinthians 3:6 : Ac 18:4-11; 1Co 4:15; 9:1; 15:1
  11. 1 Corinthians 3:8 : ver 14; Ps 18:20; 62:12; Mt 25:21; 1Co 9:17
  12. 1 Corinthians 3:9 : Mk 16:20; 2Co 6:1; 1Th 3:2
  13. 1 Corinthians 3:9 : Isa 61:3
  14. 1 Corinthians 3:9 : Eph 2:20-22; 1Pe 2:5
  15. 1 Corinthians 3:10 : S Ro 12:3
  16. 1 Corinthians 3:10 : Ro 15:20; S Eph 2:20
  17. 1 Corinthians 3:11 : Isa 28:16; Eph 2:20
  18. 1 Corinthians 3:13 : 1Co 4:5
  19. 1 Corinthians 3:13 : S 1Co 1:8; 2Th 1:7-10; 2Ti 1:12, 18; 4:8
  20. 1 Corinthians 3:13 : Nu 31:22, 23; Jer 23:28, 29; Mal 3:3; S 2Th 1:7
  21. 1 Corinthians 3:14 : S ver 8
  22. 1 Corinthians 3:15 : Jude 23
  23. 1 Corinthians 3:16 : 1Co 6:19; 2Co 6:16; Eph 2:21, 22; Heb 3:6
  24. 1 Corinthians 3:16 : S Ro 8:9
  25. 1 Corinthians 3:18 : Isa 5:21; 1Co 8:2; Gal 6:3
  26. 1 Corinthians 3:18 : S 1Co 1:20
  27. 1 Corinthians 3:19 : ver 18; Ro 1:22; 1Co 1:20, 27
  28. 1 Corinthians 3:19 : Job 5:13
  29. 1 Corinthians 3:20 : Ps 94:11
  30. 1 Corinthians 3:21 : 1Co 4:6
  31. 1 Corinthians 3:21 : Ro 8:32
  32. 1 Corinthians 3:22 : ver 5, 6
  33. 1 Corinthians 3:22 : S 1Co 1:12
  34. 1 Corinthians 3:22 : Ro 8:38
  35. 1 Corinthians 3:23 : 1Co 15:23; 2Co 10:7; Gal 3:29

 

New International Version (NIV)

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06/5/12

June 5, 2012 The Tempting In The Wilderness Parts 1 & 2 Matthew 4 Expounded

What Is The Purpose of Temptation, Testing, and Trial?

 

Part 1

 

Temptation, Testing and Trial are gifts from GOD placed in your life to help you to mature and to give you solid foundation for the implementation of GOD’s work. As GOD tested His son in the wilderness–he also tests us, his sons and daughters, in our own wilderness–the wilderness of life. Since the Fall, even with the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ to provide salvation, mankind tends to follow the beat of the wrong drummer. This results in wrong decisions, mistakes, and an unclear path through the wilderness. While seeking to focus on the correct path–there will be numerous trials to endure, and temptations of every sort will be placed in front of you by the Tempter to trip you and make you fall. It is up to you to seek direction from GOD to order your steps and to keep you on the right path once it is gained.

 

Now, supposing that you are a willing worker for Christ–discerning His will for your life and the special vision that He placed inside of you many years ago. This vision was shared by your partner in ministry, and even though time has passed since the prophecy came forth–time did not invalidate the prophecy; people invalidate prophecy.

 

How is this Done?

 

Prophecy is timeless. GOD determines the season of fulfillment based upon our growth and understanding. Many times we are called to support another’s vision for a season. This is good in the sight of GOD, but there comes a moment when you realize that the vision placed on your heart-line so long ago is starting to give birth. This vision may have been thwarted at some point or perhaps the laborers were too few or too immature.and the vision faded for a season. Whatever the reason for the delay–this is where you now stand.

 

Obviously this becomes subject to interpretation, especially on the part of those whom you have labored with and for through many years. They would rather have you support their vision as all things do point to GOD. I agree that this is logical, however, even within the realm of visions, there is not one vision or visionary, except Christ, who reigns over all. GOD can plant seeds in many of His servants, water them, then watch them either stagnate, sprout and die,  or sprout and flourish. Read ‘Parable of The Sower’ Mark 4: 1-32.

 

The timing of fruition or produce is in the food and provision. Spiritual food is different from physical food. Physical food is designed to feed the cells of the body; to nourish and stimulate more growth of our physical shell–because that is what the body is. The physical acts as a repository (a place where non-material things are placed or stored) for our spiritual being, and, if we are saved, the home of the Holy Spirit, for He is within us. Spiritual food has a different natural make-up and function. Spiritual food is designed by our Creator to feed our souls and spirits, and without this spiritual food, we are doomed to die from lack of nourishment. A baby fed with physical food but denied physical touch and comfort of their spirit will die. Jesus said, “it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD.’   Matthew 4: 4

 

Seeking GOD at this time of prophetic revealment is crucial. The noise of living can crowd GOD’s voice out and make it difficult to hear. Sadly, we can become so busy that we are performing works, not Kingdom building.

 

Part 2

 

How Do We Seek?

 

The Holy Bible is our inspirational guide. It was written by GOD’s Holy Spirit through divinely inspired men. If we seek GOD’s Word where He may be found our understanding will be Blessed and we will have the spiritual necessities to press into GOD’s Holy Spirit and thus His saving work. Only through His leading are we able to transcend the ways of this world and emerge victorious on the other side. The present world weighs us down with the cares and anxieties of life. No longer is life simply work, church, and home–our present lives are full of temptations from a vast amount of sources. The entertainment industry bombards our homes and resources as we purchase Computers, TVs , DVDs, Blu-Ray, CDs,  and any other technology and its support technology presented to the masses. Large portions of our income are absorbed into this field alone. Mankind loves to be entertained, but with that entertainment comes influence that, if not discerned and checked, will result in backsliding and spiritual loss.

 

I recall being told as a child that a Christian should not be seen going into a bar or a house of ill-repute (brothel). As I have progressed spiritually and in my Christian understanding, I realize that those brave souls who do venture into such places with the intent of trying to rescue the lost, do so only in the strength of their convictions. They emerge unscathed only through the support and intervention of The Holy Spirit who keeps their minds and bodies free from temptation. This is accomplished through prayer and supplication before GOD prior to entering the establishment. Asking Jesus to be with you as your Intercessor and The Holy Spirit as your Guide and Comforter will enable you to enter places that would swallow you whole in your own strength.

 

It is only through seeking the Trinity that we can overcome the temptations ever-present in this world. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work as three-in-one to help us to be overcomers.  Galatians 5: 16-25 NIV states:

 

“So I say, live by The Spirit , and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy; fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of GOD.

But the fruit of The Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by The Spirit, let us keep in step with The Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other”.

 

 Jesus came to earth for many reasons, primarily to bring salvation and redemption for mankind–but He also came to gve us example of what to do and what not to do. He taught the way to overcome temptation by example. Jesus showed us the way to deal with the devil and his works by living a blameless life that enabled Him to call upon GOD’s Spirit to endure and to accomplish the work. We should be inspired by Jesus’  example–it is the only example that will ensure eternal life. We gain heaven not through the law of man but by the law of The Spirit. Romans 8: 1-4 NIV says:

 

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

 

Go In Christ and if tempted know that GOD the Father, GOD the Son, and GOD the Holy Spirit are with you and will bear you up.  Rev. Charlene

 

All scripture quotes retrieved from the world-wide web [www.biblegateway.com] and the Zondervan Publishing House NIV Version 1984 

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Charlene Kirst
05/24/12

Romans 9 We Are Called To Be His Children

We Are All Called To Be His Children

 
 

In a time when we all struggle to maintain our faith in a doubting world–we read in Romans 9 of the adoption of Gentiles and Jews alike. This adoption is based on faith, not works, therefore it is for everyone who believes on The Son of GOD as their Savior and Redeemer. Paul speaks of his grief at the plight of the Jews–brought about by their stubbornness and disobedience. Their guaranteed inheritance was forfeited by their unbelief, so only those who believed in the promise of the Savior entered into adoption in Christ. It is not by birth or inheritance only that we become children of the Living GOD-it is through the Cross and the path of redemption that we can enter into the Kingdom. GOD showed His plan of Grace and Mercy through the adoption of the harlot Rahab, and the adoption of the Moabitess Ruth into His Son’s earthly bloodline. When Christ shed blood on the Cross this blood was spilled for the redemption of all and purified through the essence of who Jesus is. I Am made a way for all to eat and partake of the inheritance.Let us all rejoice and be glad that we have a right to become Sons and Daughters of the Most High GOD.

 

Romans 9 NIV

 

Paul’s Anguish Over Israel

 

9 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised![a]Amen.

 

God’s Sovereign Choice

 

6 It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”[b] 8 In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. 9 For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”[c]

10 Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad —in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”[d] 13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”[e]

14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to Moses,

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
    and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”[f]

16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”[g] 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

19 One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” 20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”[h] 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?

22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory — 24 even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25 As he says in Hosea:

“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people;
    and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,”[i]

26 and,

“In the very place where it was said to them,
    ‘You are not my people,’
    there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’”[j]

27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:

“Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,
    only the remnant will be saved.
28 For the Lord will carry out
    his sentence on earth with speed and finality.”[k]

29 It is just as Isaiah said previously:

“Unless the Lord Almighty
    had left us descendants,
we would have become like Sodom,
    we would have been like Gomorrah.”[l]

 

Israel’s Unbelief

 

30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. 33 As it is written:

“See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble
    and a rock that makes them fall,
    and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”[m]

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Romans 9:5 Or Messiah, who is over all. God be forever praised! Or Messiah. God who is over all be forever praised!

  2. Romans 9:7 Gen. 21:12

  3. Romans 9:9 Gen. 18:10,14

  4. Romans 9:12 Gen. 25:23

  5. Romans 9:13 Mal. 1:2,3

  6. Romans 9:15 Exodus 33:19

  7. Romans 9:17 Exodus 9:16

  8. Romans 9:20 Isaiah 29:16; 45:9

  9. Romans 9:25 Hosea 2:23

  10. Romans 9:26 Hosea 1:10

  11. Romans 9:28 Isaiah 10:22,23 (see Septuagint)

  12. Romans 9:29 Isaiah 1:9

  13. Romans 9:33 Isaiah 8:14; 28:16

 

Cross References:

 

  1. Romans 9:1 : Ps 15:2; 2Co 11:10; Gal 1:20; 1Ti 2:7

  2. Romans 9:1 : S Ro 1:9

  3. Romans 9:3 : Ex 32:32

  4. Romans 9:3 : 1Co 12:3; 16:22

  5. Romans 9:3 : S Ac 22:5

  6. Romans 9:3 : Ro 11:14

  7. Romans 9:4 : ver 6

  8. Romans 9:4 : Ex 4:22; 6:7; Dt 7:6

  9. Romans 9:4 : Heb 9:5

  10. Romans 9:4 : Ge 17:2; Dt 4:13; Ac 3:25; Eph 2:12

  11. Romans 9:4 : Ps 147:19

  12. Romans 9:4 : Heb 9:1

  13. Romans 9:4 : S Ac 13:32; S Gal 3:16

  14. Romans 9:5 : Ro 11:28

  15. Romans 9:5 : Mt 1:1-16; Ro 1:3

  16. Romans 9:5 : Jn 1:1; Col 2:9

  17. Romans 9:5 : Ro 1:25; 2Co 11:31

  18. Romans 9:6 : S Heb 4:12

  19. Romans 9:6 : Ro 2:28, 29; Gal 6:16

  20. Romans 9:7 : Ge 21:12; Heb 11:18

  21. Romans 9:8 : S Ro 8:14

  22. Romans 9:8 : S Gal 3:16

  23. Romans 9:9 : Ge 18:10, 14

  24. Romans 9:10 : Ge 25:21

  25. Romans 9:11 : ver 16

  26. Romans 9:11 : Ro 8:28

  27. Romans 9:12 : Ge 25:23

  28. Romans 9:13 : Mal 1:2, 3

  29. Romans 9:14 : S Ro 8:31

  30. Romans 9:14 : 2Ch 19:7

  31. Romans 9:15 : Ex 33:19

  32. Romans 9:16 : Eph 2:8; Tit 3:5

  33. Romans 9:17 : Ex 9:16; 14:4; Ps 76:10

  34. Romans 9:18 : Ex 4:21; 7:3; 14:4, 17; Dt 2:30; Jos 11:20; Ro 11:25

  35. Romans 9:19 : Ro 11:19; 1Co 15:35; Jas 2:18

  36. Romans 9:19 : Ro 3:7

  37. Romans 9:19 : 2Sa 16:10; 2Ch 20:6; Da 4:35

  38. Romans 9:20 : Job 1:22; 9:12; 40:2

  39. Romans 9:20 : Isa 64:8; Jer 18:6

  40. Romans 9:20 : Isa 29:16; 45:9; 10:15

  41. Romans 9:21 : 2Ti 2:20

  42. Romans 9:22 : S Ro 2:4

  43. Romans 9:22 : Pr 16:4

  44. Romans 9:23 : S Ro 2:4

  45. Romans 9:23 : Ro 8:30

  46. Romans 9:24 : S Ro 8:28

  47. Romans 9:24 : S Ro 3:29

  48. Romans 9:25 : Hos 2:23; 1Pe 2:10

  49. Romans 9:26 : Hos 1:10; S Mt 16:16; S Ro 8:14

  50. Romans 9:27 : Ge 22:17; Hos 1:10

  51. Romans 9:27 : 2Ki 19:4; Jer 44:14; 50:20; Joel 2:32; Ro 11:5

  52. Romans 9:28 : Isa 10:22, 23

  53. Romans 9:29 : Jas 5:4

  54. Romans 9:29 : Isa 1:9; Ge 19:24-29; Dt 29:23; Isa 13:19; Jer 50:40

  55. Romans 9:30 : S Ro 8:31

  56. Romans 9:30 : Ro 1:17; 3:22; 4:5, 13; 10:6; Gal 2:16; Php 3:9; Heb 11:7

  57. Romans 9:31 : Dt 6:25; Isa 51:1; Ro 10:2, 3; 11:7

  58. Romans 9:31 : Gal 5:4

  59. Romans 9:32 : 1Pe 2:8

  60. Romans 9:33 : Isa 8:14; 28:16; Ro 10:11; 1Pe 2:6, 8

 

 

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®

Charlene’s Source: biblegateway.com

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04/5/12

Knock, Knock, Is Anybody There? Part 3 Sharon Jaynes

April 5, 2012
Knock. Knock. Is Anybody There?
Part 3
Sharon Jaynes

This lesson is taken from Sharon Jaynes’ devotional book “Becoming Spiritually Beautiful” . There are many wonderful lessons that I have been sharing with you from time to time. This is a lesson about forgiveness–a key to answered prayer. Enjoy!!

Today’s Truth
But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it maybe well with you,’ (Jeremiah 7:23 NASB).

Friend to Friend
Yesterday I wrote about my little neighbor who had a tendency to walk into our house whenever he wanted to. After teaching him to knock first, if no one answered, he’d walk in anyway. It was a fun story. If you missed it, you can read it on my blog at www.sharonjaynes.com.

So what do we do when we knock on God’s door and we don’t hear an answer right away? We looked at various options, but one thing is for certain, silence from God cannot be interpreted as a “yes.” “Well, God didn’t tell me ‘no,’ so I went on ahead.” That’s not going to work. It could be that God is waiting for us to obey what He already HAS told us, before He gives further direction.

Let me share a story about a time when God was silent in my life. After my sophomore year in college, I decided to take a break and work for a year or so. After the first year, I felt an urge to go back to college, but my prayer for direction was met with silence. So I continued in my job.

When the next spring came around, my desire to return to school resurfaced. The confusion about what to do and where to go resurfaced as well.

I went to visit a man who had been a spiritual mentor to me during my teenage years. I told him about my confusion about college. Mr. Thorp decided that we should read some Scripture about prayer before we prayed for God’s direction.

First he turned to Matthew 6:8-15.

“For your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This, then, is how you should pray: `Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Then he turned to Matthew 18:19.

“‘Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.’ Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Each time Mr. Thorp turned to a passage about God answering prayer, there was one about forgiveness either before or after it.

“Sharon,” he said, “I sense that God is telling you that you have unforgiveness toward your father. Is that true?”

I wanted to say, “Wait a minute. I came here to ask for prayer about my future, not about my past.” But God was showing me that unforgiveness in my past was blocking His work in my future.

I had a very tumultuous childhood. My father had become a Christian when I was twenty, but I had yet to forgive him for all the pain he had caused. I knew God had instructed me to forgive, but I had not obeyed.

So that night, I forgave my father for everything he had ever done. Really. When I did, God set me free, and my life moved to a new and deeper level with Him. (That is what God really wants from us most of all.)

Interestingly, the next day, the cloud of confusion lifted. I knew exactly what to do. I applied to college, was accepted a few months later, resigned from my job, and began classes in the fall. I met my husband four weeks later, and soon became his wife.

I am not saying that obedience in one area will make you’ll strike it rich, find the man of your dreams, or live happily ever after. However, I do believe that sometimes God’s silence is due to the fact that He is waiting for us to obey what we do know before He gives us more direction. .

So go ahead and knock! Ask! Pray! But make sure that you are doing what you do know that GOD has told you to do first.

Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I pray that You will show me any areas of my life where I have not obeyed or am not obeying You. I’ll admit, there are some are as You don’t even need to tell me about. I know I haven’t obeyed. There are things in my life that You’ve told me to let go of and I’ve held onto them. There are people that You have told me to reach out to whom I’ve ignored. There are steps of faith that You’ve called me to take and I’ve hung back. Show me, Lord. And give me the courage to live in obedience to what I DO KNOW, before asking for direction in areas that I DON”T.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn
Some of you are mad at me right now. I don’t blame you. This is a hard lesson. Philip didn’t like it and honestly, sometimes I don’t like it either. But I love you too much to tickle your ears with fluff rather than give you meat to chew.

So here we go: Is there any area of your life where you know that you are living in disobedience to God. Are you willing to make a change? If so, log onto my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynesor my blog at www.sharonjaynes.comand write “yes” in the comment box.

More for the Girlfriends
Today’s devotion was taken from Sharon’s book, “Becoming Spiritually Beautiful”.To learn more about the keys to living fully and free found in this book, visit www.sharonjaynes.com. While you’re there, check out all the free resources!

Seeking God?

www.biblegateway.com

Source: Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106

info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

02/13/12

Hebrews 3: 1-15 Part One

  Hebrews 3: 1-15

Jesus Is Greater Than Moses

1 And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and[a] are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger[b] and High Priest. 2 For he was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God’s entire[c]house.

 3 But Jesus deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a house deserves more praise than the house itself. 4For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God.

  5 Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later. 6 But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.[d]

 7That is why the Holy Spirit says, 

   “Today when you hear his voice,
    8 don’t harden your hearts
   as Israel did when they rebelled,
      when they tested me in the wilderness.
 9 There your ancestors tested and tried my patience,
      even though they saw my miracles for forty years.
 10 So I was angry with them, and I said,
   ‘Their hearts always turn away from me.
      They refuse to do what I tell them.’
 11 So in my anger I took an oath:
      ‘They will never enter my place of rest.’”[e]

 12 Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters.[f] Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. 13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. 14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. 15Remember what it says:

   “Today when you hear his voice,
      don’t harden your hearts
      as Israel did when they rebelled.”[g]

 16 And who was it who rebelled against God, even though they heard his voice? Wasn’t it the people Moses led out of Egypt? 17 And who made God angry for forty years? Wasn’t it the people who sinned, whose corpses lay in the wilderness? 18 And to whom was God speaking when he took an oath that they would never enter his rest? Wasn’t it the people who disobeyed him? 19So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter his rest.

 Footnotes:

  1. Hebrews 3:1 Greek And so, holy brothers who.
  2. Hebrews 3:1 Greek God’s apostle.
  3. Hebrews 3:2 Some manuscripts do not include entire.
  4. Hebrews 3:6 Some manuscripts add faithful to the end.
  5. Hebrews 3:11 Ps 95:7-11.
  6. Hebrews 3:12 Greek brothers.
  7. Hebrews 3:15 Ps 95:7-8.

HEBREWS 3: 1-5

The Book of Hebrews is one of the most beautiful and inspirational books in The Bible. Historians and theologians insist that the author of Hebrews can be conjectured but not determined. Yet as we read the article below–many clues point to either the Apostle Paul or his students/companions. The Authorship  is ultimately God’s Holy Spirit. When you factor out man, Scripture points to GOD.  

The following article was retrieved on February 13, 2012 from www.gotquestions.org on the world-wide web.

Who Wrote The Book of Hebrews? Who Was The Author of Hebrews?

Question: “Who wrote the Book of Hebrews? Who was the author of Hebrews?”
Answer: Theologically speaking, scholars generally regard the book of Hebrews to be second in importance only to Paul’s letter to the Romans in the New Testament. No other book so eloquently defines Christ as high priest of Christianity, superior to the Aaronic priesthood, and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. This book presents Christ as the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). However, both the authorship and audience are in question.

The title, “To the Hebrews,” which appears in the earliest known copy of the epistle is not a part of the original manuscript. There is no salutation, the letter simply begins with the assertion that Jesus, the Son of God, has appeared, atoned for our sins, and is now seated at the right hand of God in heaven (Hebrews 1:1-4).

The letter closes with the words “Grace be with you all” (Hebrews 13:25), which is the same closing found in each of Paul’s known letters (see Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 16:23; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 6:18; Ephesians 6:24; Philippians 4:23; Colossians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:18; 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:22; Titus 3:15; and Philemon 25). However, it should be noted that Peter (1 Peter 5:14; 2 Peter 3:18) used similar—though not identical—closings. Possibly that it was simply customary to close letters like this with the words “Grace be with you all” during this time period.

Church tradition teaches that Paul wrote the book of Hebrews, and until the 1800s, that issue was closed. However, though a vast majority of Christians—both and scholars and the laity—still believe Paul wrote the book, there are some tempting reasons to think otherwise.

First and foremost is the lack of a salutation. Some sort of personal salutation from Paul appears in all of his letters. So it would seem that writing anonymously is not his usual method; therefore, the reasoning goes, Hebrews cannot be one of his letters. Second, the overall composition and style is of a person who is a very sophisticated writer. Even though he was certainly a sophisticated communicator, Paul stated that he purposely did not speak with a commanding vocabulary (1 Corinthians 1:17; 2:1; 2 Corinthians 11:6).

The book of Hebrews quotes extensively from the Old Testament. Paul, as a Pharisee, would have been familiar with the Scripture in its original Hebrew language. In other letters, Paul either quotes the Masoretic Text (the original Hebrew) or paraphrases it. However, all of the quotes in this epistle are taken out of the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), which is inconsistent with Paul’s usage. Finally, Paul was an apostle who claimed to receive his revelations directly from the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23; Galatians 1:12). The writer of Hebrews specifically says that he was taught by an apostle (Hebrews 2:3).

If Paul didn’t write the letter, who did? The most plausible suggestion is that this was actually a sermon Paul gave and it was transcribed later by Luke, a person who would have had the command of the Greek language which the writer shows. Barnabas is another likely prospect, since he was a Levite and would have been speaking on a subject that he knew much about. Martin Luther suggested Apollos, since he would have had the education the writer of this letter must have had. Priscilla and Clemet of Rome have been suggested by other scholars.

However, there is still much evidence that Paul wrote the letter. The most compelling comes from Scripture itself. Remember that Peter wrote to the Hebrews (that is, the Jews; see Galatians 2:7, 9 and 1 Peter 1:1). Peter wrote: “…just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him [emphasis added]” (2 Peter 3:15). In that last verse, Peter is confirming that Paul had also written a letter to the Hebrews!

The theology presented in Hebrews is consistent with Paul’s. Paul was a proponent of salvation by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9), and that message is strongly communicated in this epistle (Hebrews 4:2, 6:12, 10:19-22, 10:37-39, and 11:1-40). Either Paul wrote the epistle, or the writer was trained by Paul. Although it is a small detail, this epistle makes mention of Timothy (Hebrews 13:23), and Paul is the only apostle known to have ever done that in any letter.

So, who actually wrote Hebrews? The letter fills a needed space in Scripture and both outlines our faith and defines faith itself in the same way that Romans defines the tenets of Christian living. It closes the chapters of faith alone and serves as a prelude to the chapters on good works built on a foundation of faith in God. In short, this book belongs in the Bible. Therefore, its human author is unimportant. What is important is to treat the book as inspired Scripture as defined in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Holy Spirit was the divine author of Hebrews, and of all Scripture, even though we don’t know who put the physical pen to the physical paper and traced the words.

    

Authorship defined, let us examine Hebrews 3: 1-15 as a declaration of the Sovereignty of Christ. When Jesus was ministering on earth there were many occasions when the High Priests and synagogue leaders  questioned His deity based upon their concept of Abraham as their Father and Moses as the deliverer of the Jews. Mankind finds comfort in religious thoughts, religious ceremony, and rules because it makes life safe and predictable. Jesus came to question every unGodly rule that had crept it’s way, over time, into the Hebraic religious system.

While speaking in the temple Jesus declared in Luke 4: 18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them who are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord”.

The Scribes and Pharisees could not accept this from Jesus. Even though Israel had been anticipating the Messiah for many centuries they failed to see Him when He appeared because they were looking for a warrior King such as David. They were caught up in their traditions so religiously that their eyes were blinded; their ears deafened; and their  spirits barren.

To be continued…

01/16/12

Psalm 53 David Expounded

 Psalm 53

 For the director of music. According to mahalath.[b] A maskil[c] of David.

 1 The fool says in his heart,
   “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile;
   there is no one who does good.

 2 God looks down from heaven
   on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
   any who seek God.
3 Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt;
   there is no one who does good,
   not even one.

 4Do all these evildoers know nothing?

   They devour my people as though eating bread;
   they never call on God.
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
   where there was nothing to dread.
God scattered the bones of those who attacked you;
   you put them to shame, for God despised them.

 6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
   When God restores his people,
   let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 53:1 In Hebrew texts 53:1-6 is numbered 53:2-7.
  2. Psalm 53:1 Title: Probably a musical term
  3. Psalm 53:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

I find it so amazing that these words expressed by the Psalmist echo through time to our present age as a testimony of the nature of man. We read in Scripture that GOD does not change. Sadly, neither does mankind.

Yes, we do change in our outer lives–some prosper and accumulate wordly wealth. Others may prosper and accumulate spiritual wealth. In some cases both forms of wealth are realized–but mankind has this tendency to stick to a basic, selfish nature. “The fool says in his heart, “There is no GOD”. Verse 1a. This obviously happened long ago and is still happening today. That is the reason why we still need a Savior to intervene and stand in the gap for us. Jesus is our intercessor, and He is the one who declares the reality and righteousness of the Father. We have a warrior King on our side, and even within this historical timeframe; because of this historical timeframe; it is even more desperately important to see that the Kingdom of GOD is presented to the masses, and that the people are given opportunity for redemption and salvation.

David saw into the heart of man because of his own human experiences. He also saw into the heart of GOD because of his own spiritual encounters with GOD and personal deliverance. David speaks frankly and fervently here. He knows the mercy of GOD’s Spirit–the Comfort of His presence.

“God looks down from Heaven on all mankind, to see if there are any who understand, any who seek GOD”  Verse 2.  This statement was relevant tn David’s time–it is also relevant in our own time.        Charlene

 

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

01/3/12

Rev. Charlene on New Years Resolutions + Let All Past Troubles Be Forgot

credit: gisociety

Charlene’s Source: youtube

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Years ago I would diligently make a list of New Year’s resolutions that I would sincerely intend to keep. They weren’t anything unobtainable–in fact they were quite simple pursuits such as ‘lose 50 pounds’ or ‘write a bestseller’–you know what I mean  ^_^ 

I found out over time that even with the best of intentions these resolutions would pass or fail depending upon factors other than my own sheer will. Life has a way of altering your plans, however sincerely constructed, and it is nothing unusual to be facing yet another year with unfulfilled resolutions. Approaching 2012 with goals not finished in 2011 seems normal.

I have found out over time that the things that do get done are the normal everyday-living things that never go on a resolution list. You cannot avoid going to the grocery store, or shopping for the family at Wal-Mart. Job obligations certainly do get addressed because money as a reward tends to keep us sharp to task. Taking the kids to the dentist gets accomplished; as does helping with homework. Most certainly working on keeping the home, family and (in my case) church duties implemented become high on the priority list. I think that the deterent to keeping our resolutions list may be in the way that we allow the world to penetrate our fortresses and keep us distracted from accomplishing the really important, life-changing things–such as losing those 50 pounds.

So am I saying that New Year’s resolutions should be banned as passe’? Am I implying that making a list and “checking it twice ‘ should only pertain to Santa? No, because there may be some people out there who determinedly press on until every last resolution is nailed to the board. If you are one of those, I am happy for you. Make your resolutions and then prove to those of us sadly lacking in fortitude that resolutions were made to be accomplished.

I’ve discovered that I will sometimes fulfill a resolution just by accident. In the course of living life some resolutions just find their way to the accomplished pile. You come across an old list and say, “My Goodness, I honestly got that one and that one done”!!  That is when the value of making the list appears–when you can smile and say you did it despite yourself.  :)

Commitments, as opposed to resolutions, may stand the test of time, especially if those commitments are a covenant between you and GOD.  So, I guess if I can make a list of commitments instead of resolutions I may see them fufilled by the end of the year. 

 A Blessed New YearTo You, Rev. Charlene

12/19/11

2 Peter 3:9 Promise of the Saviour

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish,  but that all should come to repentance.”— 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
 
Does GOD keep his promises? Does he break covenant with us? You are saying, “Of course not”, GOD does not change. So the question here is– in a relationship between ourselves and our Maker, “Who does change”?  
I believe that we can all agree that mankind is subject to change–that the nature of mankind desires change.
 
As a people, we are a restless bunch. We bore easily, and at a time in history when there are so many diversions hour by hour, humankind has less and less time to be still and listen to God’s still, small voice. If we would take the time, we would discover a world of possibilities that exist far beyond our everyday existence.
 
Service to Christ involves embracing all that He is and has been. He is the second Person of the Holy Trinity; He was God made flesh and still is today.
The teaching of the Cross and the sacrifice of Jesus lives on today in our hearts. The Christchild born of a virgin mother is still ‘God With Us’, ‘Emmanuel’, and ‘Saviour of All Mankind’. We have covenanted again and again with Our LORD when we partake of His Holy Communion; when we break the bread and lift the cup in His Name. Jesus’ name is the only  name under heaven by which we can be saved.
 
This Christmas Season is a new beginning, a time to reevaluate and reassess our Christian walk. It is not about ‘Black Day’ or ‘Macy’s Parade’–it is about ‘Giving’ as Christ has given to us over and over. It is about the “Great Commission”–going out into the world in any way possible to seek the lost sheep and bring them into the fold.
 
What is Christmas? Christmas is Jesus as an Intercessor, coming to earth to experience what we experience and to create a bridge between GOD and Man. The ‘Promise’ is still here, and the recipients of the ‘Promise’ through GOD’s Holy Spirit have much to make them rejoice.
“For unto us a child is born; unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders, and His name shall be called Wonderful. Counselor, Almighty GOD, The Everlasting Father; The Prince of Peace. 
Isaiah 9:6 KJV
 
All Scripture Quotes are from The Holy Bible, KJV,  World Publishing, 1986.
11/15/11

Psalm 8: A Psalm Of David

Republished January 2, 2012

 

Psalm 8

For the director of music. According to gittith.[b]

 A Psalm of David.

1 LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[c]

5 You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]
and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their[g] feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Footnotes:
a.Psalm 8:1 In Hebrew texts 8:1-9 is numbered 8:2-10.
b.Psalm 8:1 Title: Probably a musical term
c.Psalm 8:4 Or what is a human being that you are mindful of him, / a son of man that you care for him?
d.Psalm 8:5 Or him
e.Psalm 8:5 Or than God
f.Psalm 8:5 Or him
g.Psalm 8:6 Or made him ruler . . . ; / . . . his

Psalm 8 is a Psalm of Inquiry. David is contemplating the nature and work of GOD.

 “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, and human beings that you  visit them…”  ?

David is asking “Why am I here, LORD, and what is the purpose in my relationship with you”? 

 Haven’t we all asked this question at many times in our lives? It is astonishing to us that, we, as mere sinful mortals, have the attention of the Triune GOD. We have a Father in Heaven who looks down upon his children and sees each one as the creation he ordained into being. We are all here for a specific purpose because GOD sees us as equals in His sight. We have all been preordained to perform a work in Him that will draw others unto Him. No one is more important than the other, and each of us has to seek out our personal place in His ministry.

I’m learning as time goes on to concentrate my energies into fewer projects. To spread my Godly gifts more discreetly. This does not mean that I turn my back on those things that have gone before–it means that I embrace new possibilities while gradually passing the baton to others to guide ministries in which I am presently engaged. The word ‘gradually’ is employed here because stewardship demands that we keep our responsibilities until others are fully able to assume them.

David said “You have made them a little lower than the angels, and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the work of your hands, you put everything under their feet… ”  Why would GOD place us in such a position in Him?

There is a trust that exists between a committed believer and Christ.  We engage in a covenant relationship with Him, God’s Holy Spirit, and GOD the Father. This relationship is what fuels our abilities, our heart committments, and our purpose here on earth. We knew GOD before we were “formed in the belly”, and our connection to Him is not severed at birth but diverted until we learn to conquer he of this world through Jesus our LORD. “You, dear children, are from GOD and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” !    John 4:4 NIV

God has made us to be His hands, His voice, His feet, and His heart here on earth. We have been given a ‘trust’ in Him to guard, keep, and distribute wisely. Everything that is GOD’s is ours–therefore we are to keep His WORD, His world, His work, His church, and His people from all harm and danger. Can we do this alone? No we cannot. We must work together through GOD’s Holy Spirit to perform the works of Christ in all humility and diligence, establishing His Kingdom here on earth, and seeking the reward of Heaven. Does that mean that we do, or give, to get? No–it means that we do to give and allow GOD to determine the reward. Keep in mind that GOD is justice–therefore when we turn our backs on His WORD,  His world, His work, His church, and His people He will establish a just reward here also.

The Psalmist gives GOD praise. We  should all praise the King of Kings and LORD of LORDS for it is He who gives us life, breath, and hope for this world and beyond.  PRAISE YE THE LORD, HALLELUJAH!!

Rev. Charlene

All Scripture Quotes are from the New International Version of the Bible@  www.biblegateway.com

 

10/17/11

Psalm 16

 

My heart is sometimes troubled over things I cannot control. Spiritual matters are in the realm of our Sovereign Lord, and I have to lean on Him. Prayer and petition are our only means to safety, so I will pray and I will petition the Lord for deliverance.  Charlene

Psalm 16

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 16

A miktam[a] of David.
1 Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.

5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Footnotes:
a.Psalm 16:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
b.Psalm 16:10 Or holy