Category Archives: Our Studies

09/7/11

The Two Jerusalems–The Book of Life

The LORD gave me Psalm 87 this morning. This is a Psalm that can be hard to decipher, so I looked for an inspired explanation of this Psalm. Isn’t it awesome how so much of GOD’s holiness can be found in so few words.

Be in Christ Jesus,  Charlene

The Two Jerusalems

Psalm 87

An EasyEnglish Translation with Notes (about 1200 word vocabulary) on Psalm 87

www.easyenglish.info

Gordon Churchyard

Words in boxes are from the Bible.

A word list at the end explains words with a *star by them.

The translated Bible text has yet to go through Advanced Checking.

Jesus said, “You must be born again”. (John 3:7)

Psalm 87
(This is) a song with music, for the sons of *Korah.

v1 He built it on the mountains of *holiness.

v2 The *LORD loves the gates of Zion.
He loves them more than all the places where *Jacob lives.

v3 (People say) *wonderful things about you, city of God. *SELAH

v4 I will remember the people that I know, from Rahab and Babylon;
also from Philistia, Tyre and Ethiopia.
I will remember that this man was born there.

v5 They will say in Zion, “A man … this man … was born there”.
So he … the *Most High … will build her up.

v6 The *LORD will write in his book (the name of) everyone that says,
“This man was born there”. *SELAH

v7 The singers and the *musicians (will say),
“All my *springs are in you”.

The Story of Psalm 87
This is an important psalm but we do not know who wrote it. It was for the sons of *Korah. This is probably the name of the *musicians in the *temple in Jerusalem. The *temple was the house of God that Solomon built. Solomon was the son of David. He was the third king of Israel.

The psalm is about Jerusalem. The psalm calls Jerusalem by the name Zion. Really, Zion was the name of the hill on which Solomon built the *temple. The *Jews thought that God lived on this hill. It was his home on earth. Because they thought that God was *holy (or very, very good) they thought that Zion was *holy also. So they called the hill of Zion a “mountain of *holiness”.

But the psalm is really the story of two Jerusalems! Verses 1-3 are about Jerusalem on earth, the capital city of the *Jews. Verses 4-6 are about another Jerusalem. We can see this very clearly in the translation from the *Greek Bible below. (The translation above is from the *Hebrew Bible.) 250 years before Jesus came to the earth, the *Jews translated their Bible into *Greek.

This meant that more people could understand it. In some places, the two Bibles are different. We do not know why. We do believe that both translations teach us what is true.

What Psalm 87 means
Verses 1-3 are about Jerusalem, the capital city of the *Jews. Verses 4-6 are about the *Church. The *Church is the City of God, the New Jerusalem. The person that wrote Psalm 87 did not know this. But God inspired them to write verses 4-6. “Inspired” means “gave them words to say”. The person that wrote the psalm thought that Jerusalem would become the most important city on earth. God knew that the NEW Jerusalem would be the most important city! But it would not be on earth, but in *heaven where God lives.

Verses 1 – 2: These verses are about the Jerusalem that is on earth. To give you help to understand this difficult psalm we have shown it like this:

He built it on the mountains of *holiness

the *LORD loves the gates of Zion

He loves them more than the places where *Jacob lives

To the left it is about the *LORD God; to the right it is about the Jerusalem on earth, the capital of Israel. The “mountains of *holiness” are the hills on which they built Jerusalem. They were *holy because they thought that God lived there. “The gates of Zion” means the whole city of Jerusalem. *Jacob is another name for Israel, and the land where the *Jews lived.

Verses 4 – 6: These verses are about the *Church. The person that wrote the psalm did not know about our *Church. He thought that people from all over the world were becoming *Jews. This was probably true. But the *New Testament of the Bible repeats Psalm 87:5 and says that it is about the *Church (Galatians 4:26). People come to it from all over the world: Rahab (Egypt), Babylon (Iraq), Philistia, Tyre (Lebanon) and Ethiopia (Sudan) were countries near Israel.

We think that God is speaking in verses 4-6. He says that everyone that is born in Jerusalem is in his book. What does “born in Jerusalem” mean? We believe that it means “born again”. This is another way of saying “becoming a Christian”. The name of every Christian is in God’s book. He will not forget any of them. They are all included in those that say, “this man was born there”. In verse 6, this means “I was born there”. Here is Psalm 87:5 in another translation. It is not from the *Hebrew Bible. It is from the *Greek Bible:

“A man will say, ‘Zion is my mother’. This man was born in her. So he … the *Most High … will build her up”.

It is the translation from the *Greek Bible that the *New Testament uses. In Galatians 4:26 Paul wrote, “the Jerusalem that is above … is our mother”. Remember, Jerusalem and Zion are the same place.

What does all this mean? It means that when we are born again (or become Christians) we are born in a place called Jerusalem. This is not the Jerusalem that is on earth. It is a Jerusalem that is in *heaven, where God lives. The people that live there are all the people that have become Christians. The Jerusalem that is in *heaven is made up of people, not buildings.

Verse 7: This verse is difficult to translate. It probably means one of:

· the singers and *musicians must use music that is called “All my *springs are in you”

· the singers and *musicians all say that their *springs are in Jerusalem (this means that Jerusalem gives them new life)

Something To Do
1. If you have a Bible, read Galatians 4:21-31, Hebrews 11:13-16, and Hebrews 12:22-24.

2. Ask God to put your name into his Book of Life!

Word List
Adonai ~ *Lord or master; (or better, my *Lord or my master) in *Hebrew.

church ~ all those people that believe all about Jesus.

covenant ~ two people have agreed what each should do (here, God and his people). Look after Psalm 25 in Book 1 of the Psalms of David for more about the covenant.

Greek ~ a language.

heaven ~ the home of God.

Hebrew ~ the language that the *Jews spoke when they wrote the Psalms of David.

holiness ~ something that is very good; in Psalm 87, a place where God is.

holy ~ very, very good; only God is really *holy, the land where he lives with his people is also *holy because he is there.

Jacob ~ another name for Israel, both the people and the land. (Jacob was Abraham’s grandson).

Jehovah ~ how some languages say *Yahweh, one of the names of God in *Hebrew.

Jew ~ someone who was born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their children.

Korah ~ look in the Introduction in Book 3 of the Psalms of David.

like ~ another word for “as”.

Lord ~ a name for God; it means he has authority, or “master”; *Adonai in *Hebrew. Look also at *LORD below.

LORD ~ a special name for God that his people use. It is the *covenant name of God. In *Hebrew it is *Yahweh or *Jehovah. Look after Psalm 25 in Book 1 of the Psalms of David for more about the names of God.

Most High ~ a name for God.

musical instrument ~ something that makes music when you hit it (cymbals, drum), blow in it (flute, trumpet, horn, shofar) or touch it in a quiet way (harp, lyre). Many of these are in Psalm 150 in Book 5 of The Psalms of David.

musicians ~ people that make music. They sing, or play *musical instruments.

New Testament ~ the last part of the Bible, which the writers wrote after the life of Jesus. It is about the things that Jesus did and taught and about the church [see church].

SELAH ~ a place to pray or think or make music.

springs ~ another word for “wells” (of water) in Psalm 87.

temple ~ a place where people meet to *worship God.

wonderful ~ great and surprising.

worship ~ tell someone that they are very great and that you love them.

Yahweh ~ the *covenant name for God. Most Bibles translate it *LORD with 4 capital letters. It means something *like “I am” or “always alive”.

© 2001-2002, Wycliffe Associates (UK)

This publication is written in EasyEnglish Level A (1200 words).

January 2002

Visit our website: www.easyenglish.info

09/5/11

Some Wisdom from Tommy Tenney's "Finding Favor with The King".

 

Book of Esther

I listened to a sermon on CGNKorea (Christian Global Network) based upon the book “Finding Favor With The King’ by Tommy Tenney. This book, which is written about Queen Esther, reveals ways in which we can approach the King and rest in the surety that we are leaving the battle in the King’s (Jesus’)hands. Tommy Tenney was preaching from his own book and there were many profound things said that I want to share with you. I hope for a strong degree of accuracy in the paraphrasing. No copyright infringement is intended.

“Once you become a believer, it does not mean that you discontinue to practice what made you become a believer”(what brought you to your knees) (insert mine).

“To ask the right question at the wrong time does no good”.

“Learn to worship with the enemy at your table”.

“Worship the King while obstacles are in your way” You cannot overindulge the King in Worship”.

‘I will not allow my enemy to dictate my destiny”.

“The presence of the enemy does not mean that God is not there”.

“Refuse to let the pressure of problems cause separation from GOD”.

Depression and other problems–“I’m going to take you to worship with me”  (and there you shall be defeated) (insert mine)

“Satan will try to defeat you by making you fight the right battle on the wrong battlefield”. (A lesson in futility).

“If your enemy becomes the King’s enemy, the battle then becomes the LORD’s”.

“Cleanse your heart; cleanse your life”. (Prepare your life as a banquet table for Christ).Your worship is an incredible feast for GOD.

“I love you, Jesus” is a banquet table”.

“My worship controls my destiny”.

I pray that what I have shared here has helped you. I believe that Evangelist Tenney would hope for the same.   Rev. Charlene

 

 

09/1/11

Psalm 83 A Psalm of Asaph

Psalm 83 A Psalm of Asaph Expounded

 

Psalm 83 is a heart-felt plea to GOD for deliverance. The people of the Old testament viewed GOD as existing in the tabernacle and only extending to the borders of their land. This is why Jonah felt that he could flee from GOD and resist His instructions to go to Nineveh.

 

Many tribes were coming against their brother tribes in an age-old quest for supremacy over the wealth of the land. We see this attitude acted out many times with one example in Genesis. When Abram consulted with Lot as to which parcel of land he would choose to take–Lot responded by asking for the richest parcel.

 

Mankind has greed as a central trait.  This does not come from the Father, but from the deceiver. It is not necessary to have the best of everything to be an effective worker in Christ. Why?  We have all of needs met in Him. If you are concerned about provision in any area, trusting that GOD will see to you will bring the food to your table, the clothes to your back, and the money into your purse.

 

Jesus stated in Matthew 6:25-34 GNB, “This is why I tell you do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn’t life worth more than food? And isn’t the body worth more than clothes? Look at the birds; they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren’t you worth more than birds? Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it? and why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow; they do not work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all of his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers. It is GOD who clothes the wild grass–grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, burned up in the oven. Won’t he be all the more sure to clothe you? What little faith you have.

 

So do not start worrying: Where will  my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?(These are the things that pagans are always concerned about)

 

Your Father in Heaven knows that you need all these things. Instead, be concerned about everything else with the Kingdom of GOD and what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.”

 

Isn’t GOD our Jehovah Jireh? He extends to the heavens and to the whole earth. he sees all that we need and he provides according to his riches in glory. GOD is not limited by the things of this world. He cannot be limited by His own creation.

 

Psalm 83 is a plea for help in a time when mankind did not have the Savior as we do. GOD saw to their needs and sent them a deliverer. He has done the same for you.

 

GOD’s Blessings, Charlene

 

Copyrights for Good News Bible; Thomas Nelson Inc. Publishers

American Bible Society 1976

 

PSALM 83

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 83

Psalm 83[a]

    A song. A Psalm of Asaph.

 1 O God, do not remain silent;
   do not turn a deaf ear,
   do not stand aloof, O God.
2 See how your enemies growl,
   how your foes rear their heads.
3 With cunning they conspire against your people;
   they plot against those you cherish.
4 “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation,
   so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.”

 5 With one mind they plot together;
   they form an alliance against you—
6 the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites,
   of Moab and the Hagrites,
7 Byblos, Ammon and Amalek,
   Philistia, with the people of Tyre.
8 Even Assyria has joined them
   to reinforce Lot’s descendants.[b]

 9 Do to them as you did to Midian,
   as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,
10 who perished at Endor
   and became like dung on the ground.
11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb,
   all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12 who said, “Let us take possession
   of the pasturelands of God.”

 13 Make them like tumbleweed, my God,
   like chaff before the wind.
14 As fire consumes the forest
   or a flame sets the mountains ablaze,
15 so pursue them with your tempest
   and terrify them with your storm.
16 Cover their faces with shame, LORD,
   so that they will seek your name.

 17 May they ever be ashamed and dismayed;
   may they perish in disgrace.
18 Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD—
   that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 83:1 In Hebrew texts 83:1-18 is numbered 83:2-19.
  2. Psalm 83:8 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

Scripture Taken from the New International Version; Bible Gateway: www.biblegateway.com

08/27/11

Psalm 145 A Psalm Of David

Psalm 145
New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 145[a]
A psalm of praise. Of David.
1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation commends your works to another;
they tell of your mighty acts.
5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.[b]
6 They tell of the power of your awesome works—
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.

9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All your works praise you, LORD;
your faithful people extol you.
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.

The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises
and faithful in all he does.[c]
14 The LORD upholds all who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all he does.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.

Footnotes:
a.Psalm 145:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the verses of which (including verse 13b) begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
b.Psalm 145:5 Dead Sea Scrolls and Syriac (see also Septuagint); Masoretic Text On the glorious splendor of your majesty / and on your wonderful works I will meditate
c.Psalm 145:13 One manuscript of the Masoretic Text, Dead Sea Scrolls and Syriac (see also Septuagint); most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text do not have the last two lines of verse 13.

08/19/11

1 Samuel 2 — The Prayer of Hannah

1 Samuel 2

New International Version (NIV)

1 Samuel 2

Hannah’s Prayer

 1Then Hannah prayed and said:

   “My heart rejoices in the LORD;
   in the LORD my horn[a] is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
   for I delight in your deliverance.

 2 “There is no one holy like the LORD;
   there is no one besides you;
   there is no Rock like our God.

 3 “Do not keep talking so proudly
   or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the LORD is a God who knows,
   and by him deeds are weighed.

 4 “The bows of the warriors are broken,
   but those who stumbled are armed with strength.
5 Those who were full hire themselves out for food,
   but those who were hungry are hungry no more.
She who was barren has borne seven children,
   but she who has had many sons pines away.

 6 “The LORD brings death and makes alive;
   he brings down to the grave and raises up.
7 The LORD sends poverty and wealth;
   he humbles and he exalts.
8 He raises the poor from the dust
   and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes
   and has them inherit a throne of honor.

   “For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s;
   on them he has set the world.
9 He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,
   but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.

   “It is not by strength that one prevails;
 10 those who oppose the LORD will be broken.
The Most High will thunder from heaven;
   the LORD will judge the ends of the earth.

   “He will give strength to his king
   and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

 11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy ministered before the LORD under Eli the priest.

GOD PROVIDES

I Samuel 1 & 2 feature the story of a barren woman, Hannah, who receives a son from the Lord because of her diligent prayer, humbleness, and sacrifice.

Hannah had lived for many years in the shadow of her husband Elkanah’s first wife, who had borne many sons. It was important in this time in Israel’s history for a woman to produce children to bless her home, as it has been important for all time.  Hannah was barren, therefore she was subject to the teasings of her sister, and while Elkanah worked in the temple as a priest, Hannah prayed to ask GOD for a son. She covenated with GOD that if he would grant her desire for a son that she would give him to the temple priests to raise in the House of The LORD.

In due time, GOD gave Hannah a son whom she named Samuel, and when she had weaned him, she presented him to Eli, the Head Priest,as a gift before GOD, to live his life in the temple and to serve GOD all of his days.

My concentration today is on 2 Samuel 2:1-11. This is called ‘Hannah’s Prayer’ much like we find the ‘Song of Mary’ in the Book of Matthew. In this prayer, Hannah teaches us about the fruit of longsuffering and how diligence in petitioning the LORD will bear Godly fruit.  She speaks of overcoming her enemies through God’s intervention, and how those who seem to prosper will be brought to accountability in Him. She acknowledges the Sovereignty of the LORD GOD, and how he who owns all things will be the one to raise up and to put down.

In our everyday lives, we are bombarded by many plots and ploys of Satan to bring us down and to destroy our dedicated work in Christ. If we can just take the advice and example of Hannah, who GOD truly blessed, we will stay the course through many trials, and emerge victorious on the other side. We can only be defeated by our own inability to lean and depend on Jesus. 

Scripture is for edifying the body of Christ, and fellowship and community are there to shore us up and to support us through the hard times. Time is running out, and if we do not gain an understanding of the Holy Trinity, we will be lost.

                                                                                                                Charlene

07/28/11

Spirit of Truth

 

The Dangers of Compromise

John 16:13  NIV 

 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

What is being led by God’s Spirit?  It is a state of awareness in which we are constantly approaching The Throne of Grace with questions and trusting  God for answers. Jesus came to earth to sacrifice His life so that we could have a direct line to Heaven to help and strengthen us. In a modern world that is becoming more unstable every day we have more reason than ever to approach God’s Spirit for comfort and guidance.

Recently, I was watching Fox News when the story about Campus Crusade For Christ was aired.  We have to ask as a Christian community, “Is this name change a sell-out or is it a true means to win others to Christ?  How many decades have gone by with the name Campus Crusade For Christ representing an organization whose focus is on winning young souls for Christ. Whether on campus or around the world–the name has represented the spirit of those who were a part of it, laborers in God’s Vineyard.

How sad it is to see Christians back down from a full out effort to proclaim Christ as LORD of this world. The world is plunging headlong into apostasy and change of every imaginable kind. This is not the time of compromise, especially to a name such as “Cru’. This name has no relationship in the mind of the masses to the wonderful work that Campus Crusade For Christ has done. To remove Christ from the name will set a precedent that cannot be reversed.

Today’s Christians are usually either fanatical or complacent. True Christians are neither one of these. True Christians keep a steady pace with a goal in mind. They do not waver to the right nor to the left, their faith is strong and their guide is The Word of GOD.  John 1:1. What has been in the past still has validity. We cannot compromise our faith.

Does this mean that we do not seek ways to bring other converts into the Kingdom? No, this is still Jesus’ goal through the Great Commission.  It is by consistency and sticking to what is truth that others are led to Christ. It is standing and having done all to still stand.  Cru?  What does that mean to you?

Charlene

07/12/11

Psalm 16 Expounded

DAVID, the shepherd boy and future King who became one of the most memorable and influential people in history, penned this Psalm as a testimony of his continued trust in GOD. Even though David was as human as you or I , he had the ability through God’s Spirit to see His mistakes and to correct them with God’s help.

Reliance on Christ is what will get you through the hard times–when it seems as if everything you put your hands to is foiled or deflected.

David lived through some of the most challenging circumstances a person could face, but because of his faith he was able to overcome and to be a living example of humility and obedience. Check out his story in the Books of First and Second Samuel and  first Kings 1 and 2. King David is still a Christian model for us all.

Hebrews 1: 1& 2  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.”

Faith is what holds you steady and trusting that what GOD says He will do He will perform. Have patience and wait upon the LORD. Jesus intercedes for you and will heal your wounds.     God’s Blessings, Charlene

07/5/11

Psalm 91 — A Song of Deliverance

 
 Psalm 91 is the favorite Psalm of many people. It is a Psalm of Comfort, a Psalm of Joy, and a Psalm of Deliverance. It speaks to us about trusting and resting in the shadow of God’s wings. We are assured that disease will not defeat us and those we love, and that the plotting of evildoers will be foiled.
Also, the most important lesson to learn is that you cannot logic all that God is and represents.
 
Trust is the key to understanding this Song from the Scriptures. Trust will allow you to relax in Christ, knowing that he has your interests and your welfare covered. Jesus’  blood covers all circumstances.   Charlene
 
 
 

PSALM 91

 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
   will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
   my God, in whom I trust.”

 3 Surely he will save you
   from the fowler’s snare
   and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
   and under his wings you will find refuge;
   his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
   nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
   nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
   ten thousand at your right hand,
   but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
   and see the punishment of the wicked.

 9 If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”
   and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
   no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
   to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
   you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

 14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
   I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
   I will be with him in trouble,
   I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
   and show him my salvation.”

 

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 91:1 Hebrew Shaddai
  2. Psalm 91:14 That is, probably the king
New International Version (NIV)

 

06/30/11

Zephaniah 1

Reposted december 29, 2011

Zephaniah 1

New International Version (NIV)

 

The Book of Zephaniah is a truly prophetic book that speaks of God’s jealousy and anger against the nation of Judah and over Jerusalem. He speaks of His wrath against those who would destroy His people and steal their inheritance. We will be studying this prophetic book together to explore its truths and apply them to our own day and time.  Charlene

 

Zephaniah 1

 1 The word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, during the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah: Judgment on the Whole Earth in the Day of the LORD

 2 “I will sweep away everything
   from the face of the earth,”
            declares the LORD.
3 “I will sweep away both man and beast;
   I will sweep away the birds in the sky
   and the fish in the sea—
   and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble.”[a]

 

   “When I destroy all mankind
   on the face of the earth,”
            declares the LORD,
4 “I will stretch out my hand against Judah
   and against all who live in Jerusalem.
I will destroy every remnant of Baal worship in this place,
   the very names of the idolatrous priests—
5 those who bow down on the roofs
   to worship the starry host,
those who bow down and swear by the LORD
   and who also swear by Molek,[b]
6 those who turn back from following the LORD
   and neither seek the LORD nor inquire of him.”

 7 Be silent before the Sovereign LORD,
   for the day of the LORD is near.
The LORD has prepared a sacrifice;
   he has consecrated those he has invited.

 8 “On the day of the LORD’s sacrifice
   I will punish the officials
   and the king’s sons
and all those clad
   in foreign clothes.
9 On that day I will punish
   all who avoid stepping on the threshold,[c]
who fill the temple of their gods
   with violence and deceit.

 10 “On that day,”
   declares the LORD,
“a cry will go up from the Fish Gate,
   wailing from the New Quarter,
   and a loud crash from the hills.
11 Wail, you who live in the market district[d];
   all your merchants will be wiped out,
   all who trade with[e] silver will be destroyed.
12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps
   and punish those who are complacent,
   who are like wine left on its dregs,
who think, ‘The LORD will do nothing,
   either good or bad.’
13 Their wealth will be plundered,
   their houses demolished.
Though they build houses,
   they will not live in them;
though they plant vineyards,
   they will not drink the wine.”

 14 The great day of the LORD is near—
   near and coming quickly.
The cry on the day of the LORD is bitter;
   the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry.
15 That day will be a day of wrath—
   a day of distress and anguish,
      a day of trouble and ruin,
   a day of darkness and gloom,
      a day of clouds and blackness—
 16 a day of trumpet and battle cry
against the fortified cities
   and against the corner towers.

 17 “I will bring such distress on all people
   that they will grope about like those who are blind,
   because they have sinned against the LORD.
Their blood will be poured out like dust
   and their entrails like dung.
18 Neither their silver nor their gold
   will be able to save them
   on the day of the LORD’s wrath.”

   In the fire of his jealousy
   the whole earth will be consumed,
for he will make a sudden end
   of all who live on the earth.

Footnotes:
  1. Zephaniah 1:3 The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain.
  2. Zephaniah 1:5 Hebrew Malkam
  3. Zephaniah 1:9 See 1 Samuel 5:5.
  4. Zephaniah 1:11 Or the Mortar

 

An Introduction to the Book of Zephaniah

 

I. TITLE:

A. Hebrew: In Hebrew the book is titled hynpx meaning “Yahweh hides” perhaps reflecting the terror of the days of Manasseh when Zephaniah was born, or meaning “Watchman for the Lord,” or even “Zaphon [a Canaanite deity] is Yahweh”1
This was a common name in the Hebrew Scriptures (cf. a Levite, 1 Chron 6:36-38; a second priest under the high priest 2 Ki 25:18-21; cf. Jer 52:24–27; the father of Josiah–a returning exile, Zech 6:10, 14)

B. Greek: In Greek the book is titled SOFONIAS, a transliteration of the prophet’s name in Hebrew

II. AUTHOR:

A. The author, Zephaniah, traces his ancestry back four generations; this is unique among the prophets:2 1:1

1. Son of Cushi

2. Son of Gedaliah

3. Son of Amariah

4. Son of Hezekiah, (possibly the famous Judean king [c. 716-687 B.C.])

B. The author places himself during the reign of Josiah, son of Amon, king of Judah (c. 641-609 B.C.)

III. DATE: between 641 and 612 B.C. (possibly 641 and 621 B.C.)

A. The superscription places the prophet during the time of king Josiah of Judah (c. 641-609 B.C.) 1:1

B. The prophecy anticipated, but preceded the fall of Nineveh in 612 B.C. (Zeph 2:13-15)

C. Many would date the book prior to Josiah’s reforms (622-621 B.C.) which dealt with much of the nation’s idolatry (cf. 2 Ki 22–23) since there are implications of idolatry in Zephaniah’s Judah (cf. 1:4-6, 11-12; 3:1-4)3

D. Conclusion: The book was written some time between 641 and 612 B.C. and possibly between 641 and 622 B.C.
There may have been some overlap with Jeremiah since he began to prophecy in 627 B.C. Zephaniah would have been the first prophet to Judah in the 60 years since Isaiah (Nahum was about Assyria)

 

 

IV. AUDIENCE: To the people of Judah and the nations around her

V. HISTORICAL SETTING:4

A. Manasseh’s and Amon’s reigns were dark times in Judah’s history:

1. Manasseh rebuilt the high places that his father, Hezekiah, tore down

2. Manasseh was eclectic making altars to Ashtoreth (Canaanite), Chemosh (Moabite), Milcom (Ammonite), and Baal (Canaanite)

3. Manasseh restored child sacrifice (2 Ki 21) even sacrificing two of his own sons in the Valley of Hinnom

4. Worship of the heavens (stars, sun, moon, astral bodies) was common

5. Amon was named after an Egyptian god unlike most kings who were named after Yahweh

B. Manasseh paid tribute to Esarhaddon to keep Assyria from invading Judah

C. Josiah brought about the final spiritual revival for Judah when during the eighteenth year of his rule in 622 B.C. (2 Ki 22-23)

D. The Assyrian Empire Fell

1. The Assyrian power rose with Ashurnasirpal II (884-859 B.C.) and Shalmaneser II (859-824 B.C.)

2. Tiglath-pileser III (Pul in the Scriptures) began a group of conquerors who took Syria and Palestine including Shalmaneser V (727-722 B.C. who began the deportation of Samaria), Sargon II (722-705 B.C. who completed the deportation of Samaria), Sennacherib (704-581 B.C. who attacked king of Judah, Hezekiah [Josiah’s father]), and Esarhaddon (681-669 B.C. who led campaigns against Egypt)

3. Esarhaddon’s son, Ashurbanipal (669-631) ruled much of the upper Egyptian city of Thebes, but his decline and that of Assyria’s soon followed

4. Nineveh, the capital, was destroyed in 612 B.C.

VI. MAJOR THEME–THE DAY OF THE LORD:

The Day of the Lord is a major theme in Zephaniah occurring 23 times in this short book (as well as in Obadiah, Joel, and Ezekiel). It describes a time when Yahweh will come to His people and necessarily destroy evil as a means to delivering them. While Zephaniah and Joel obviously had “local” aspects in view of this coming Day of Yahweh’s presence among them (with the judgment of Assyria and Babylon), those judgments/deliverances only mirrored, or foreshadowed, the ultimate deliverance (and thus necessary judgment) which would come in the eschaton.

VII. PURPOSE:

A. To proclaim judgment on the entire world

B. To proclaim the Day of the Lord as a time when Yahweh will come to judge the wicked (including the wicked of Judah) and deliver His own5

C. To proclaim judgment on the nations which surrounded Judah (Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Assyria, Ethiopians/Egyptians

D. To proclaim hope for the remnant of Judah

E. To expose the unfaithfulness of Judah’s rulers

F. To encourage Judah to accept correction by hearing of the judgment on her neighbors

G. To expose Judah’s unwillingness to accept correction from Yahweh

H. To describe the ultimate changes which Yahweh will bring about as the nations become worshippers of Him and He becomes Judah’s King/Defender

 


 Credit: David Malick

Our Source: Bible.org

06/21/11

Book of Philemon

Philemon 1 (New International

 Version) 

Philemon 1

 

The Book of Philemon is a book unexplored by some, and overlooked by others. What is the difference?

To be unexplored means to be aware of  The Book of Philemon but unwilling to invest time and patience into reading and understanding it.  To be overlooked means sifting through the Books of the Bible and disregarding this small treasure just because it is so small. Or is it?

Great insights can be gained from few words. The Book of Philemon gives us a glimpse into the mind of Paul, but especially into his nurturing personality. Paul’s personality is like that of the mother hen who gathers her baby chicks underneath her wings. He is a teacher, philosopher, and a mighty preacher of GOD–but Paul is also a loving parent. His bold approach toward those he has mentored, counseled, and guided is to feel free to call back favors, thus ensuring that the right actions will come forth. Paul is a force to be reckoned with, and his strong leadership skills are what GOD has put to use in Paul to lead his church in the right direction. Paul is fighting here for his new convert to be received back into the arms of his former master. He values those who have already come to Christ, and he also values those who are new and fresh in GOD’s Spirit.

We can take Paul’s example as we minister to GOD’s people. We need to be holy bold to call people to accountability in the faith. Without their cooperation, the new converts will not get fed or encouraged in GOD’s Kingdom.  Charlene

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

   To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:

 3 Grace and peace to you[a] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving and Prayer

 4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. Paul’s Plea for Onesimus 8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[b] who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

 17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

 22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Footnotes:
  1. Philemon 1:3 The Greek is plural; also in verses 22 and 25; elsewhere in this letter “you” is singular.
  2. Philemon 1:10 Onesimus means useful.

 

 

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

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

05/16/11

Book Of Jude

 

Our lives are dependent on many things. It takes a brush with death to help us to see how much we are all dependent on God to show His love, His support, and His tender mercy.

By the grace of God I sit writing this today. I thank Him for His deliverance not just for myself, but for those around me.

Charlene

 Jude 1 (New International Version)

 

Jude 1

 1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,

   To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for[a] Jesus Christ:

 2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

The Sin and Doom of Ungodly People

 3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about[b] long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

 5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord[c] at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

 8 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”[d] 10 Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.

 11 Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.

 12 These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. 13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.

 14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”[e] 16 These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

A Call to Persevere

 17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.[f]

Doxology

 24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

 

 

Footnotes:
  1. Jude 1:1 Or by; or in
  2. Jude 1:4 Or individuals who were marked out for condemnation
  3. Jude 1:5 Some early manuscripts Jesus
  4. Jude 1:9 Jude is alluding to the Jewish Testament of Moses (approximately the first century A.D.).
  5. Jude 1:15 From the Jewish First Book of Enoch (approximately the first century B.C.)
  6. Jude 1:23 The Greek manuscripts of these verses vary at several points.

New International Version (NIV)

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