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I noticed while going through all the discussion groups listed, that BC does not have a library of recommended reading material which, along with God's word "the Bible" might be of benefit to other believers. If I have missed something, please let me know.
If you have suggestions of Christian materials which might benefit another person on this site, please let us know the name of the book/publication, the author/publisher, and where this might be obtained.
Bibles come in numerous translations but are all the Word of God. What Bible do you use, and why is it meaningful to you?
In setting up this site, I would like to let everyone know that they would please stay to the topic intended for the use of others who may be in need of information.
God Bless all who respond, and thank you.
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Faith Hope and Charity
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Sep 15, 2009 3:50 pm
417 Views
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1 Corinthians 13:13
"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." KJB
There are three doctrines in the Bible which stand out above all the others and those are the doctrines of faith, hope and charity (love), and all the other doctrines are built on the foundation of these three, especially charity/love. When Paul penned this one single verse he placed in it what the whole of Scriptures is all about. We read from the Apostle John that it is love which holds the world together, it is the glue which we cannot do without and will never fail. So let us talk about each and everyone of them and see what we have.
The first one which "abideth" is the doctrine of faith. So, what is faith and why is it so important? We learn that the Greek word "pistis" (pis'-tis) and means literally "persuasion" but in reality, it concerns our belief in God, without seeing Him, we still believe that He exists. Paul actually defines it for us in the same book to the church at Cornith and he said: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) KJB. Now, the word which is translated as "substance" in this verse literally means "essence of". In other words, "...faith is the "essence" of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." If we did not have the skin, which if taken off would weigh in at about 16 lds, and is rather thin but it is our skin which holds all things in. It is the same thing with faith, it is the thing which holds everything together. Even though I have never seen nor have I touched our Lord and Savior, but I still believe that He is and that He exists even today. Jesus is the "essence" of my hope, because if He does not exist, then what hope do I have? Throughout the whole eleventh chapter of Hebrews, which has been called the faith chapter of the Bible, we find the definition of "pistis" in action, or rather faith demonstrated. Abram had no clue where God was sending him, yet he went anyway. Also notice something about this eleventh chapter of Hebrews, and that is this: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6) KJB. God demonstrated His love for us when He gave His only begotten Son on the cross of Calvary and Jesus demonstrated His love in that He went to that cross.
The next one is, as I said, HOPE: This one is actually closely related to the first one we looked at, FAITH. The Greek word which is used in this one verse is the word "elpis" and can be translated as faith as easily as it is translated here as hope. I want you to notice something, about this word, usually when the small prefix "el" is added to the Greek word, it usually has something to do with God. Therefore, if we take that into account we cannot help but see God as our hope. But the word here means and is from a primary elpo (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence. Now, do not quote me on the small prefix "el" here but I find it interesting to note that when we are speaking of God's attributes and the words used seems to have the small "el", "al" or "ah" attached to them. I am not a Greek scholar because the only Greek or Hebrew I know is from my Strongs Exhaustive Concordance but when I read the definitions I cannot help but see God's hand in all of the Hebrew language. Our hope of eternal life is sure, at least for those who are born-again. We stand on this earth with great anticipation of His soon return and anyone who does not look at that with some sort of pleasure then I do not know what I can say to them. Sure there are our loved ones who might not be saved. If you have spoken to them about Christ, then it is no longer on your shoulders, even though we hate to see them perish of be separated from us for all eternity. For death is nothing more than a separation: and is the soul being separated from the body, for it is the soul which is saved. But also we someone dies they go to one of two places, unbelievers to an eternity separated from God in hell, believers, separated from the body to be instantly in the presence of God in heaven. I "hope" that my relatives will come to the saving knowledge of Christ.
The last one is the word "charity": The Greek word used here, one of three which is translated as love, is "agape". This reminds me of the time when Jesus was questioning Peter about his love for Him. Jesus used two out of the three forms, "agape" and "phileo". Agape is the strongest from which is used and it is used as a mother for her child, or a father for His son. This form of love is used by Jesus throughout the Bible. Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, and Peter answered twice that he did, but the Lord in using the agape form of love got a very mediocre answer from Peter and it took "phileo" that Peter was finally grasping what Jesus was saying to Him. Read the account for yourself and you will see what Jesus was trying to get Peter to recognize, we read: "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon , son of Jonas, lovest (agape) thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (phileo) thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon , son of Jonas, lovest (agape) thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (phileo) thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon , son of Jonas, lovest (phileo) thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest (phileo) thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love (phileo) thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." (John 21:15-17) KJB. One of our biggest cities is named after this word, "phileo" and it is Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love.
Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him in the strongest form possible and yet Peter answered Him as though Jesus was just a friend which tell me that Peter could not understand the depth of the Lord's love for him. I cannot explain it better than Matthew Henry did so here is what Matthew Henry said:
"John 21:15-19
Christ's discourse with Peter as written by Matthew Henry.
We have here Christ's discourse with Peter after dinner, so much of it as relates to himself, in which, I. He examines his love to him, and gives him a charge concerning his flock, v. 15-17. Observe,
1. When Christ entered into this discourse with Peter. — It was after they had dined: they had all eaten, and were filled, and, it is probable, were entertained with such edifying discourse as our Lord Jesus used to make his table-talk. Christ foresaw that what he had to say to Peter would give him some uneasiness, and therefore would not say it till they had dined, because he would not spoil his dinner.
Peter was conscious to himself that he had incurred his Master's displeasure, and could expect no other than to be upbraided with his treachery and ingratitude. "Was this thy kindness to thy friend? Did not I tell thee what a coward thou wouldest prove?" Nay, he might justly expect to be struck out of the roll of the disciples, and to be expelled the sacred college. Twice, if not thrice, he had seen his Master since his resurrection, and he said not a word to him of it. We may suppose Peter full of doubts upon what terms he stood with his Master; sometimes hoping the best, because he had received favour from him in common with the rest; yet not without some fears, lest the chiding would come at last that would pay for all. But now, at length, his Master put him out of his pain, said what he had to say to him, and confirmed him in his place as an apostle. He did not tell him of his fault hastily, but deferred it for some time; did not tell him of it unseasonably, to disturb the company at dinner, but when they had dined together, in token of reconciliation, then discoursed he with him about it, not as with a criminal, but as with a friend. Peter had reproached himself for it, and therefore Christ did not reproach him for it, nor tell him of it directly, but only by a tacit intimation; and, being satisfied in his sincerity, the offence was not only forgiven, but forgotten; and Christ let him know that he was as dear to him as ever. Herein he has given us an encouraging instance of his tenderness towards penitents, and has taught us, in like manner, to restore such as are fallen with a spirit of meekness.
2. What was the discourse itself. Here was the same question three times asked, the same answer three times returned, and the same reply three times given, with very little variation, and yet no vain repetition. The same thing was repeated by our Saviour, in speaking it, the more to affect Peter, and the other disciples that were present; it is repeated by the evangelist, in writing it, the more to affect us, and all that read it.
(1.) Three times Christ asks Peter whether he loves him or no. The first time the question is, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? Observe,
[1.] How he calls him: Simon, son of Jonas. He speaks to him by name, the more to affect him, as Luke 22:31. Simon, Simon. He does not call him Cephas, nor Peter, the name he had given him (for he had lost the credit of his strength and stability, which those names signified), but his original name, Simon. Yet he gives him no hard language, does not call him out of his name, though he deserved it; but as he had called him when he pronounced him blessed, Simon Bar-jona, Matt 16:17. He calls him son of Jonas (or John or Johanan), to remind him of his extraction, how mean it was, and unworthy the honour to which he was advanced.
[2.] How he catechises him: Lovest thou me more than these?
First, Lovest thou me? If we would try whether we are Christ's disciples indeed, this must be the enquiry, Do we love him? But there was a special reason why Christ put in now to Peter.
1. His fall had given occasion to doubt of his love: "Peter, I have cause to suspect thy love; for if thou hadst loved me thou wouldst not have been ashamed and afraid to own me in my sufferings. How canst thou say thou lovest me, when thy heart was not with me?" Note, We must not reckon it an affront to have our sincerity questioned, when we ourselves have done that which makes it questionable; after a shaking fall, we must take heed of settling too soon, lest we settle upon a wrong bottom. The question is affecting; he does not ask, "Dost thou fear me? Dost thou honour me? Dost thou admire me?" but, "Dost thou love me? Give but proof of this, and the affront shall be passed by, and no more said of it."
Peter had professed himself a penitent, witness his tears, and his return to the society of the disciples; he was now upon his probation as a penitent; but the question is not, "Simon, how much hast thou wept? how often hast thou fasted, and afflicted thy soul?" but, Dost thou love me? It is this that will make the other expressions of repentance acceptable. The great thing Christ eyes in penitents is their eyeing him in their repentance. Much is forgiven her, not because she wept much, but because she loved much.
2. His function would give occasion for the exercise of his love. Before Christ would commit his sheep to his care, he asked him, Lovest thou me? Christ has such a tender regard to his flock that he will not trust it with any but those that love him, and therefore will love all that are his for his sake. Those that do not truly love Christ will never truly love the souls of men, or will naturally care for their state as they should; nor will that minister love his work that does not love his Master. Nothing but the love of Christ will constrain ministers to go cheerfully through the difficulties and discouragements they meet with in their work, 2 Cor 5:13-14. But this love will make their work easy, and them in good earnest in it.
Secondly, Lovest thou me more than these? pleion touton.
1. "Lovest thou me more than thou lovest these, more than thou lovest these persons?" Dost thou love me more than thou dost James or John, thy intimate friends, or Andrew, thy own brother and companion: Those do not love Christ aright that do not love him better than the best friend they have in the world, and make it to appear whenever they stand in comparison or in competition. Or, "more than thou lovest these things, these boats and nets-more than all the pleasure of fishing, which some make a recreation of-more than the gain of fishing, which others make a calling of." Those only love Christ indeed that love him better than all the delights of sense and all the profits of this world. "Lovest thou me more than thou lovest these occupations thou art now employed in? If so, leave them, to employ thyself wholly in feeding my flock." So Dr. Whitby.
2. "Lovest thou me more than these love me, more than any of the rest of the disciples love me?" And then the question is intended to upbraid him with his vain-glorious boast, Though all men should deny thee, yet will not I. "Art thou still of the same mind?" Or, to intimate to him that he had now more reason to love him than any of them had, for more had been forgiven to him than to any of them, as much as his sin in denying Christ was greater than theirs in forsaking him. Tell me therefore which of them will love him most? Luke 7:42. Note, We should all study to excel in our love to Christ. It is no breach of the peace to strive which shall love Christ best; nor any breach of good manners to go before others in this love.
Thirdly, The second and third time that Christ put this question,
1. He left out the comparison more than these, because Peter, in his answer, modestly left it out, not willing to compare himself with his brethren, much less to prefer himself before them. Though we cannot say, We love Christ more than others do, yet we shall be accepted if we can say, We love him indeed.
2. In the last he altered the word, as it is in the original. In the first two enquiries, the original word is Agapas me - Dost thou retain a kindness for me? In answer to which Peter uses another word, more emphatic, Philo se - I love thee dearly. In putting the question the last time, Christ uses that word: And dost thou indeed love me dearly?
(2.) Three times Peter returns the same answer to Christ: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.
Observe,
[1.] Peter does not pretend to love Christ more than the rest of the disciples did. He is now ashamed of that rash word of his, Though all men deny thee, yet will not I; and he had reason to be ashamed of it.
Note, Though we must aim to be better than others, yet we must, in lowliness of mind, esteem others
better than ourselves; for we know more evil of ourselves than we do of any of our brethren.
[2.] Yet he professes again and again that he loves Christ: "Yea, Lord, surely I love thee; I were unworthy to live if I did not." He had a high esteem and value for him, a grateful sense of his kindness, and was entirely devoted to his honour and interest; his desire was towards him, as one he was undone without; and his delight in him, as one he should be unspeakably happy in. This amounts to a profession of repentance for his sin, for it grieves us to have affronted one we love; and to a promise of adherence to him for the future Lord, I love thee, and will never leave thee. Christ prayed that his faith might not fail (Luke 22:32), and, because his faith did not fail, his love did not; for faith will work by love.
Peter had forfeited his claim of relation to Christ. He was now to be re-admitted, upon his repentance.
Christ puts his trial upon this issue: Dost thou love me? And Peter joins issue upon it: Lord, I love thee.
Note, Those who can truly say, through grace, that they love Jesus Christ, may take the comfort of their interest in him, notwithstanding their daily infirmities.
[3.] He appeals to Christ himself for the proof of it: Thou knowest that I love thee; and the third time yet more emphatically: Thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee. He does not vouch his fellow-disciples to witness for him-they might be deceived in him; nor does he think his own word might be taken-the credit of that was destroyed already; but he calls Christ himself to witness, First, Peter was sure that Christ knew all things, and particularly that he knew the heart, and was a discerner of the thoughts and intents of it, John 16:30. Secondly, Peter was satisfied of this, that Christ, who knew all things, knew the sincerity of his love to him, and would be ready to attest it in his favour. It is a terror to a hypocrite to think that Christ knows all things; for the divine omniscience will be a witness against him. But it is a comfort to a sincere Christian that he has that to appeal to: My witness is in heaven, my record is on high. Christ knows us better than we know ourselves. Though we know not our own uprightness, he knows it.
[4.] He was grieved when Christ asked him the third time, Lovest thou me? v. 17. First, Because it put him in mind of his threefold denial of Christ, and was plainly designed to do so; and when he thought thereon he wept.
(from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.)"
What about you, do you have faith, is your hope only in Jesus Christ, and do you love Him more than anyone else? These questions, only you can answer.
By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word, Grand Junction, Co.
Used with permission
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Checking Words Spoken
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Sep 12, 2009 6:45 am
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Acts 17:11
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." KJB
I have noticed over the course of just a few short years that the taking of Bibles to service is not being done and it disturbs me because of the lack of reading and studying His word. Our text for today tells us literally what each and every one of us should do when someone tells us a word which is supposed to have come from the Bible. Now, how can someone know that what is being said is God's word or the word of man if there is a lack of opening our Bibles to find out for ourselves. This church at Berea is the best example of what each and every individual should do along the lines of checking on people supposedly preaching and teaching of God's Word. It seems that the church at Thessalonica was doing what I see our churches are doing today, not searching the scriptures to see "...whether those things were so." I have called this the Berean attitude since I first noticed this among our church goers. Why is it important that we do this?
The first reason is the most important reason, to see whether the Word of God is being changed. Why is this important? Remember what Satan said to Eve in the Garden of Eden? Did he not say to Eve, "Yea, hath God said?" Why did he do this? The first reason is to make Eve doubt what God had told them to do. Adam and Eve had only one rule that they had to keep in this wonderful garden which God created for them because He did not need it. They were told this: "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:17) KJB. God told them not to eat of it, right? YES! Because when they did they would "...surely die." Now, we know that it was not physical death but rather the death of their souls and that death has been passed down from generation to generation even unto today. That is why Jesus said that it is very important to be born-again, because that is the rebirth of the soul. Now, what Satan said on that day was to make Eve doubt what God had told them not to do. But Eve not only got the answer correct but she added a little to the word of God to make her seem like she knew it all, or so it seems. Eve said: "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden , God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die." (Genesis 3:2-3) KJB. Notice what the change is, "...neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die." God had said that the eating of the fruit would cause this death but Eve added the touching of the fruit to His word which would cause the same death. But, God never said that they could not touch it. Now, scriptures does not tell us whether or not it was Eve who changed it or whether it was Adam but it was changed and that is not the problem, it is Satan's trying to cause Eve to doubt it, which is the problem. When we start changing the Word of God, we are in trouble with God. John, in the book of Revelation tells us this: "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:18-19) KJB. Now, some seem to think that this applies only to the book of Revelation but that is not correct. John was writing about an Old Testament law of God, for we read: "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." (Deuteronomy 4:2) KJB. So, what John is quoting is meant to apply for "ALL" of God's word. However, some seem to think that it only applies to what God said and not to what the writers had to said, which is up and above what God said, therefore does not apply to this law. Wrong, Jesus said, even the tittles which were applied to what is written, which apply to God's commandment against adding to or taking away from His word.
The next reason for taking Scriptures which someone is quoting back to the Word of God, our Bible, is that we cannot learn the truth. Why is it vital that we learn the word of God? David answered it the best when He said: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." (Psalm 119:11) KJB. David loved to hide the word of God, or rather memorize it, so that he would not become a sinner against God. He knew that he already was a sinner and strived to learn the Word of God to make sure that he would not be caught up in temptation. Even though he failed miserably with his next door neighbor when he saw her taking a bath from his few up above her on his roof top. You see, even though the whole of Psalm 119 is about David's love for God's word, he failed when he succumbed to temptation. He loved to learn God's statues, God's laws and God's commandments, as should we. We need to learn them not because we earn our salvation by keeping them but rather when we learn His Word we learn more about Him and what He desires of us and for our lives.
So, if you do not take what people say back to the word of God, then you are failing to see whether they said is true of not. The next thing is that you will not learn. We learn by at least two means, reading it ourselves, or hearing it from others. But when we do both we learn better and are able to "hide" it in our hearts so that we do not sin against God.
Are you taking your Bible to church with you, do you open it when there is any reading, teaching or preaching being done and do you take notes so that you can take it back to God's word after words? If not, then isn't it about time that you do?
By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word, Grand Junction,Co.
Used with permission
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Where was God on September 11?
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Sep 11, 2009 10:14 am
450 Views
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"Where was God on September 11?"
Answer: On September 11, 2001, God was exactly where He always is – in Heaven in total control of everything that happens in the universe. Why, then, would a good and loving God allow such a tragedy to happen? This is a more difficult question to answer. First, we must remember, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). It is impossible for finite human beings to understand the ways of an infinite God (Romans 11:33-35). Second, we must realize that God is not responsible for the wicked acts of evil men. The Bible tells us that humanity is desperately wicked and sinful (Romans 3:10-18, 23). God allows human beings to commit sin for His own reasons and to fulfill His own purposes. Sometimes we think we understand why God is doing something, only to find out later that it was for a different purpose than we originally thought.
God looks at things from an eternal perspective. We look at things from an earthly perspective. Why did God put man on earth, knowing that Adam and Eve would sin and therefore bring evil, death, and suffering on all mankind? Why didn’t He just create us all and leave us in Heaven where we would be perfect and without suffering? It must be remembered that the purpose for all creation and all creatures is to glorify God. God is glorified when His nature and attributes are on display. If there were no sin, God would have no opportunity to display His justice and wrath as He punishes sin. Nor would He have the opportunity to show His grace, His mercy, and His love to undeserving creatures. The ultimate display of God’s grace was at the Cross where Jesus died for our sins. Here was unselfishness and obedience displayed in His Son who knew no sin but was “made sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This was all to the “praise of His g lory” (Ephesians 1:14).
When thinking of September 11, we tend to forget the thousands of miracles that occurred on that day. Hundreds of people were able to flee the buildings just in the nick of time. A small handful of firemen and one civilian survived in a tiny space in a stairwell as the one of the towers collapsed around them. The passengers on Flight 93 defeating the terrorists was a miracle in and of itself. Yes, September 11 was a terrible day. Sin reared its ugly head and caused great devastation. However, God is still in control. His sovereignty is never to be doubted. Could God have prevented what happened on September 11? Of course He could, but He chose to allow the events to unfold exactly as they did. He prevented that day from being as bad as it could have been. Since September 11, how many lives have been changed for the better? How many people have placed their faith in Christ for salvation as a result of what happened? The words of Romans 8:28 should always be in our minds when w e think of 9-11, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose.”
(Sent via e-mail to me this morning from gotquestions)
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Gods Mind Christs Mind
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Sep 10, 2009 2:26 pm
398 Views
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2 Timothy 1
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." KJB
The humanistic individual most often would scoff at the mind which is in the Christian, the true born-again Christian, who can understand the many things in the Word of God which can only be discerned because of the fact of God with dwelling within them. We read in fact of those who are not born-again, that "...the god of this world hath blinded the minds [or thoughts] of them which believe not...." (2 Corinthians 4:4) KJB. Therefore, without accepting Christ as our savior, and the fact that He dwells within us, there is no way that we can understand the deep spiritual truths which God has for us within the pages of our Bible. I have heard and been witness of this fact over and over again about people not being able to understand the Word of God until they accept Christ as their Lord. When I was in Vietnam, because I did not have a Book of Mormon, and the Bible was readily available within camp, I read it no less than three times, all the way through, but I did not understand it completely until April the 14th of 1988, when I asked Jesus to come into my life and save me in that "infamous" prayer of Salvation. After that, every time that I read the same words that I had read in Vietnam, I was able to understand what He was trying to tell me over nineteen years earlier.
Therefore, by the miracle, and it is a miracle, of the new-birth which is received by faith in Christ, the true Christian, is "...transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). Also, we learn the fact that "...we have the mind of Christ..." at the instant of salvation. (1 Corinthians 2:16) KJB.
Therefore, the potential for the born-again believer, the Christ- honoring Christian, having received Christ's mind, and if the Christian is submissive to God's commandment for us then "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth no to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15), the Christians mind can only be limited by the desire to learn more about their Savior. When we think about it, the first thing, in which Jesus tells us to do is that "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God...with all thy mind" (Matthew 22:37) which is a small portion of God's first commandment to man. the second thing in which we learn, is that the true Christian should "Neither by ye of doubtful mind....O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken" (Luke 12:29; 24:25) KJB. Therefore, the Christian should also "...put on... humbleness of mind" (Colossians 3:12) KJB, and seek to discipline his mind-that is "...gird up the loins of your mind, be sober..." (1 Peter 1:13) KJB.
In fact, one could be in a religious church for all their lives, but until that time in which they ask Jesus Christ to come and save them, they cannot understand anything God has to say to them in His word which He preserved for all the generations down through the centuries, even though man has attempted, via Satan (even though they do not believe it) who is the "father of all liars" since God cast him out of His presence in heaven making him the "god of this world" until such time as he will be "...cast into the lake of fire..." for all eternity, those words for the first words out of his mouth were to Eve, "Yea hath God said...". (Psalms 12:6-7; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:10, 14-15 and Genesis 3:1 respectfully) KJB. Along with what Peter said in First Peter, we learn that the "mature thinking" Christian (one who is solid in what they believe, based on the word of God only), should "...in understanding be men..." (1 Corinthians 14:20) KJB. In other words, we cannot be mature Christians until we can learn to obey Him in total faith, not wavering. Sure, we all will have doubts from time to time but the difference between the "babe in Christ" which is fed solely on the milk of the word, and the true "mature" person of God, is the amount in which they place their faith in the Word of God which can save even the worst sinner.
That potential, which is found in Christians, is solely in the great truth which tells us that in Christ "...are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3) KJB. Therefore it is important that we learn how to bring "...into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). It is certain that we should not allow our minds to dwell on the things of this world, for they are vain, without substance and the vain imaginations of those "...professing themselves to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:22), and in the "...wisdom of this world..." which will always "...come to naught..." (1 Corinthians 2:6) we learn that God is the only true wisdom which we can rely on without fail, for His word will never perish from this earth until all be fulfilled.
I want you to understand this, if you get nothing else from this devotional, God did not give this sound mind unto the world, but to those who are truly born-again, therefore, take comfort in those words and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart.
By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word, Grand Junction,Co.
Used with permission
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Born Again
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Sep 9, 2009 5:09 pm
425 Views
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John 3:3
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." KJB
It seems that when you speak to someone about being "born again" they immediately take an attitude which seems to give them a reason to be snide or even down playing the importance of the Lord's command that we must "...be born again...". So what does being born again actually mean?
This very vital doctrine which our Lord and Savior said to Nicodemus that night has been applicable to all ages since He spoke it: for it is the doctrine which changes a person from being lost and way to hell and redeeming their souls by regenerating those souls from death, hence the term "born again". This very vital truth is not only in the New Testament but also in the Old Testament, for we read: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10) KJB. Carefully look at the phrase "...renew a right spirit...", because when we learn what the Hebrew says there we cannot help but get the sense of taking something old or dead and renewing or re-birthing it. The Hebrew words which make up this phrase are "chadash (make new) kuwn (to be erect) ruwach (spiritual breath)" or literally "make new and make my spirit to stand perpendicular" or rather "regenerate my soul and make me live."
This vital doctrine is better emphasized in the New Testament. The words that our Lord Savior Jesus said to Nicodemus that night, need not be changed or "spiritually" over worked. He said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Now, how more clear can anyone make that? But, there are those who try to change what Jesus said, which only takes away from the importance of this very vital doctrine. If you are not "born again" or "regenerated/saved" you cannot even see the Kingdom of God. I would say that is very clear. Our Bible says through Paul to one of his preacher boys or converts: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;" (Titus 3:5-6) KJB. And then again by Peter we read: "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:23) KJB. So as you can see, it is not only a doctrine which is spoken of by Jesus but also by key people within the New Testament.
But, I want you to notice something, this "rebirth" can only be found within the pages of our Bible. Sure there are other religions which speak about being born again, but not in the context of what the Bible says as being born again. It only comes through the eternal Word of God, and we learn that Jesus is the Word through the apostle John for we read: "In the beginning was the Word , and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1, 14) KJB. Now, John continues this idea about the Word of God in his book of Revelation which the Lord Himself spoke to him. We read this: "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God." (Revelations 19:11-13) KJB. Now, no one can say that John's description here in none other than Jesus Christ Himself, coming to war against the anti-Christ. So, we learn that this Word, the one who came in the flesh and dwelt among us is none other than Jesus. So to get back to what He said to Nicodemus that night is very important.
To be raised and made erect via this "spiritual" rebirth is the most vital thing any person can do in the world. For this eternal life, which Jesus speaks about over and over again, cannot happen unless the soul, which is what is made alive, happens in the persons life time, the physical lifetime. No one knows the time of their death, unless they kill themselves and even that is not guaranteed. We do not have the promise of one more day, or for that matter the next breath we take, which is a gift from God. When Jesus rose from the dead the third day after His death, set in motion what we have today, the ability to become the children of God via our rebirth via the Holy Spirit coming in and making us new from the soul out. This being "born again" and given the right to be a child of God is truly a miracle, but it would never have happened if Jesus had not gone to the cross on that day. He gave Himself a ransom for us on that cross and made it possible that we too can be born again. Paul tells us: "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ...Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 4:6; 5:17-21) KJB.
Therefore, being "born again" means that each individual can choose either to have life eternal with Jesus Christ in heaven or have a physical life and then die and inherit hell and all that it means for all eternity. For me, there can be only one choice, and that is Jesus and life eternal with Him. Sure you can "choose" to wait until a better day, but are you sure you will have that "better day"? NO, I did not think so! So what is stopping you from coming to the Lord but your own self pride and your desire to have things your way? Remember, no one is guaranteed another day or even another breath, so accept Him now and live for Him for the rest of your eternal life. Your living in the flesh is not life, really, but when you are born again, that physical life might be rough but you can know the end of the story. Death is not the end of the story, only the beginning.
By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word, Grand Junction, Co.
Used with permission
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Be of Good Courage
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Sep 8, 2009 2:13 pm
433 Views
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Joshua 1:9
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy GOD is with thee withersoever thou goest.” KJB
Our strength is not our own. We are the LORD'S and it is His strength we can enjoy life to it's fullest. One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” I am weak without the strength of the LORD living within me. No matter what trials or tribulation that we go through the strength of the LORD is always there to see us through it. Moses said this about the LORD'S strength: “The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my GOD, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.” (Exodus 15:2) KJB In 2 Samuel we read these timeless truths: “God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.” (2 Samuel 22:33, 36) KJB He is not only my strength but He is also the gentleness which makes me great, so says Samuel the Prophet and Judge of the Lord. Are there not a lot of troubles and tribulations in this world which we need to endure less we are cast down and trodden under foot? If it was not for the Lord's strength I do not know were I would be this day. I know I would not be sitting here writing about His strength. I most likely would not be married as I have now been for over 37 years. I would have thrown in the towel a long time ago but it is His strength which has seen me through the rough times of life. There is not one person in this world that does not have hard times. It matters who is in your corner giving you sound living advice. It is in Him that I am strong and outside His love I have not one ounce of strength.
David makes no bones about who is his strength, for he wrote many Psalms about the Lord's strength. “Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;” (1 Chronicles 16:11-12) KJB In one of the Psalms he wrote this: “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord, who spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of thy salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worth to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” (Psalm 18:1-3) KJB We can say the same thing but do we? There are many Christians out there that let the world become a snare and a trap so they fall by the wayside, never to serve the Lord again. WHY? Because they tried to live a Christian life in their own strength and failed miserably. They do not allow the LORD'S strength to dwell in them because they are to stubborn and proud to think that they are not strong! After all, isn't it terrible that the world learn that we are weak? It is in my weakness that I am the strongest because it is then that I take on HIS Strength and will continue on.
WHO IS YOUR STRENGTH?
Dr. Terry Cleaveland
from my filed devotionals by Dr. Terry (2/20/0 Pastor Lyle
Please continue to pray fro Dr. Cleveland.
Used with permission
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All Diligence
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Sep 7, 2009 5:41 pm
466 Views
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2 Peter 1:5
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.” KJB
What does it mean to be diligent? Noah Websters Dictionary defines it this way: “Characterized by steady, earnest, energetic application and effort.” Then Peter lists seven other attributes which are virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity which are all vital additions to Faith. Giving diligence might not be considered as important but Peter puts it first in his list of characteristics of the Christian. The essentialness of diligence is the ground floor of these seven characteristics and needs to be the first before the rest can be built on top of it. Without being diligent or a steady desire to know more about the LORD, which is the second attribute, we cannot have the rest. How many of us actually study or even read the WORD OF GOD every day? The seven attributes do not come simply by wishing or praying that they will come to us, we need to be diligent in learning more about HIM. We cannot obtain it through the process of osmosis by simply holding onto the BIBLE, We Need To OPEN It and Study It. Get it off the shelf, dust it off and open it up.
Peter also tells us in the 10th verse, “...give diligence to make your calling and election sure...” and then in the third chapter he says this, “...be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless...” (3:14). I want you to understand that the same Greek word is also translated, 'Study, Labor, and Endeavor.' Remember that Paul tells us to: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth...” (2 Timothy 2:15) KJB Then Paul beseeches us to always be “...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace...” (Ephesians 4:3) KJB, and we are also tole to “...labor therefore to enter into that rest...” (Hebrews 4:11 KJB
There are many other exhortations in which Christian diligence is urged in light of other Christian virtues. There is one verse, one key verse, which diligence itself is one key foundational truth and is commanded of us as a duty: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the LORD...” (Romans 12:11) KJB The word “business” is the same as “Diligence”. In other words the Christian is commanded to be diligent in diligence.
Christian salvation is obtained by grace through faith but to learn what we need to be in Christ requires “Diligence” in study. Can we not give all diligence to learning about the one who died for us in one of the most cruel ways there is to die? Jesus Christ did it willingly, he could have brought many legions of Angels to destroy those who even tried to kill HIM, but did HE? NO!
He died a sinless death so that we as sinners can come to HIM through Faith in Salvation. Remember, be diligent in your faith towards HIM and your life will be better even though you might go through the valleys of life, even though you might desire to be on the mountain-tops all the time. Be diligent in all your life's choices,choosing to follow the LORD instead of following the world.
Dr. Terry Cleaveland
Used with permission
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All Things Work Together
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Sep 7, 2009 7:03 am
392 Views
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Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” KJB
This one verse has comforted me on numerous occasions because I was in a predicament that I did not know how I would possibly get out of and it even made me doubt the LORD and HIS ability to make everything that happens in my life change; changing the bad parts to good and the good parts made better. My Friends, this cannot happen unless we are so sold out to GOD that HE can mean nothing but good for our cause. Does GOD make the righteous to suffer, NO but he does allow it in order to teach or to make a witness of one suffering, when this person is healed. It is amazing how Jesus tells one man, “...go and tell no one...” and then turn right around and allow it with someone else. “And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go they way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.” (Matthew 8:4 KJ “And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, LORD, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.” (Matthew 8:2-4 KJ The story of Jesus healing this one lone leper is great because of what the Lord tells him to do afterward. FIRST: “...See thou tell no man...” SECOND: “...but go they way...” THIRD: “...shew thyself to the priest...” FOURTH: “...and offer the gift that Moses commanded...” REASON: “...for a testimony unto them.” The healing was not to be shown to the common people but rather to the religious leaders, the Sanhedrin, the Pharisees and the High Priest. He was to tell these but not the general population, WHY? Because it was a witness to them that Jesus had the power to even heal leprosy, which at that time was not curable, were as today it is very curable, and because of our antibiotics.
My friends, even if your life seems to be going down, the LORD will take that which was meant for evil and make it into good for HIS names sake. God can make the worst scenario into the best soul winning session in the world but you need to be ready always having the ability to tell what the LORD did for you. In other words our testimony. Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that lies within you. Without Jesus there is no hope whatsoever.
By Dr. Terry Cleaveland
Used with permission
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Perseverance in Prayer
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Sep 6, 2009 10:08 am
405 Views
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Jesus intends to create a praying people.
Scripture tells us the why, the how and what of prayer.
Jesus intends to create a praying people so let’s consider-
1. Why are we are to pray?
God called His people to pray to Him all through the Bible.
“When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.” (Genesis 18:33)
This verse does not say, “The Lord went his way when Abraham had finished speaking to Him.”
It says, “When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham”
In other words, Abraham did not quit here, God did.
The verse suggests that God initiated this whole conversation with Abraham and led him along all through it, and when he had responded in fullness as God desired, God stopped the conversation and went His way.
So Abraham was not asking God to do something for him; it was God who prayed in Abraham and set the limits of the conversation.
This agrees fully with what we read in the New Testament about prayer.
In Romans Paul says, “We do not know what we ought to pray for” (Romans 8:26).
Do you know what to pray for about yourself or anyone else?
No, you do not.
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness...the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.” (Romans 8:26-27).
In talking about prayer, we are walking at the edge of mystery, but through the fog, certain things are clear from this account of Abraham's prayer.
Prayer makes possible, first of all, the joy of partnership.
Did you ever see a little boy come into the house and say to his mother, “I'm going to help Daddy!”?
He is filled with pride about it, and he goes out and passes up nails and holds the boards and pounds his fingers.
Daddy could have done the job better by himself, but he loves to have his son help him.
The son loves it, too as there is a sense of partnership in the son helping the father.
This is what prayer does.
Through prayer, God never moves entirely on His own.
He loves to bring us close to Him and have us help pound the nails.
If we pound our fingers a little bit, He is there to soothe us.
(b. Prayer also enables us to appropriate the character of God.
Abraham is never more like God than at the moment he is praying for Sodom.
His prayer did not save the city, and it was never intended to do so, but it did make Abraham manifest in his own life the mercy and the compassion of God.
This is why God asks us to pray, that we might take upon ourselves something of His own character.
(c. A third reason for prayer is a focus on the power of God on an individual place or person.
Although Abraham had never mentioned Lot by name, God remembered Abraham and saved Lot (Genesis 19:29).
I don't know why prayer makes such a difference, but I know it does.
You can plan a program,
think through all the details,
set up all the committees,
get all the things you need,
instruct everybody, and rehearse it, and at the final presentation it may fall totally flat.
However if you involve others in the ministry of praying about a people helping program, though the preparations may be similar, the difference in the presentation is that it comes with power, with impact, and with full strength, and people’s lives are changed.
Why are the reasons we are to pray?
a. Prayer provides a sense of partnership.
b. Prayer also enables us to appropriate the
character of God.
c. Prayer focuses the power of God on an individual, a place or a person.
(Prayer) Father, we see that prayer is not a means by which we dictate to You or summon You to do what our will is, but rather it is the means by which we put our shoulder to the wheel to which Your shoulder is put and we are enlisted in a partnership with You in Your great endeavors on earth.
Jesus intends to create a praying people so let’s consider-
2. How are we to pray?
We might think that the Son of God would not need to pray but we can see from the gospels that he sets the example for us.
It was after Jesus had given his disciples a living pattern for prayer in the Lord’s Prayer that He gave them another lesson to teach them that prayer should be offered out of a real thirst and desire for God.
Jesus illustrated a thirst and desire for God by a parable known as the parable of the “importune friend” or ‘the friend who asks for urgently or repeatedly’.
He said, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’
“Then the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.” (Luke 11:5-.
In another parable Jesus taught that people ought always to pray and not to give up.
He said, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!’”
The Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
(Luke 18:1-
We learn from these two parables that there is a great difference between mere repetition of words in prayer and importunity or asking for urgently or repeatedly asking God in prayer.
The prophet Isaiah said, “You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth” (Isaiah 62:6-7).
Jesus, in both parables, praises importunity or repeated asking and firmness of purpose, as if he wants to impress his word on our minds; “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:8
The parable of the “importunate friend” teaches us important lessons of the faith, which works by love.
The man went at midnight to ask bread for another.
Pleading for another person is a very admirable act because it stimulates in us the power of faith and urges to effective prayer.
The prayer of intercession or praying for God to help others is the best form of prayer for earnestly calling to God in the name of the living Christ to do his work at the throne of God.
In the parable of the importunate widow, Christ teaches us that perseverance in prayer is among the things, which God demands of us, and God cannot ignore the petitions of his own people.
If the pleading of the widow overcame the unwillingness of the judge, how much more effective will be the prayers of God’s chosen people to their heavenly Father, whose mercy is great.
These are keys to how we should pray.
Jesus intends to create a praying people so let’s consider
3. What are we to pray for?
One very important need we have and what we should pray for is forgiveness.
A prayer of forgiveness is something we all seek at some point in life.
Forgiveness is a valuable gift that is neither easily obtained, nor easily given.
Forgiveness is essential for life:
• it frees us from past wrongs and
• gives us hope for the future.
It is for forgiveness sake that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for mankind.
A. The prayer of forgiveness is possible through Jesus Christ.
The prayer of forgiveness is a prayer that is what we seek God to work into us.
Though we may directly hurt each other, all of our shortcomings ultimately hurt God.
You may wonder how this is possible. How can our shortcomings hurt the omnipotent Creator of the universe?
Does God even care?
In Genesis 6, we find that God Himself actually grieved over all the wrongs that man had inflicted upon each other: “The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.” (Genesis 6:5-6)
All knowing, God grieves even at the mere thought of evil.
So, ultimate forgiveness must also come from God.
However, because of His justice, forgiveness cannot be freely given.
To God every wrong must be accounted for in order for Him to be a just judge.
Jesus Christ died on the cross at Calvary in our place so that our sins may be forgiven.
His suffering paid for our transgressions.
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:2
In His love, God knew that our conscience needed to be freed from guilt and condemnation.
He knew that forgiveness of sins was our greatest need.
In the ultimate act of love, God not only suffered the pain of our wrongs, but also paid for their consequences of our wrongs in order that we may have forgiveness offered to us when we sin.
All we need to do is to accept His free gift of forgiveness.
How do we to accept God’s free gift of forgiveness?
We need to ask God for forgiveness.
Perhaps you are looking for a prayer of forgiveness to soothe some torment to your soul.
Maybe you are struggling with trying to forgive another person for deeply hurting you.
For all who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, forgiveness has been freely given.
If we acknowledge our wrongs and ask for forgiveness, God will forgive us - no questions asked: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
If we reject Jesus, in essence, we reject God’s gift of forgiveness.
We are in fact saying that we do not wish to be reconciled with God then ‘we claim we have not sinned and we make God out to be a liar and God’s word has no place in our lives. (based on 1John 1:10).
Though it is our free choice to not accept forgiveness from God, we will ultimately be accountable for all the sins we have committed at the end of this life.
It is God’s deep desire to be reconciled with you. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).
If you desire to be truly forgiven, consider what Jesus said and sincerely accept Him as your Lord and Savior.
You will be forgiven and God will begin a transforming work in your life.
Receiving God’s new life in Christ through the prayer of forgiveness gives us a new hope and a new beginning!
All our sins are wiped away by God as God says through Scripture in Hebrews 8:12: “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
If you understand that you are a sinner, and you believe that Jesus Christ came as the one and only Redeemer of sin, then you understand the prayer of forgiveness.
The question is – are you ready to put the prayer of forgiveness into action by receiving God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ?
If so, believe in Christ, trust in Him, repent of your sins—ask Him to forgive you for
• being indifferent or ignoring Him
• rebelling against God’s will and ways
• and for simply living life your way
Next give your life back to God—commit the rest of your life to Him as Lord.
Here is a suggested prayer: “Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey you, and to do your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray.”
Conclusion:
Through prayer we learn the purpose of God might move slowly, but God has an appointed time in which to answer, according to his wisdom.
He might delay his answers to prayer because he wishes to rouse in us expectancy and strengthen hope.
The prayers of Jesus’ followers and the purposes of God will not fail.
(Used with permission)
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Mans Greatness
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Sep 4, 2009 3:23 pm
393 Views
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Matthew 23:12
'And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." KJB
This doctrine that Jesus is speaking of here in our text for today is found frequently throughout the Bible, so the importance should not be lost on the Christian. This doctrine is actual the doctrine of one being humble. Humility is defined as not being proud or haughty, nor is being humble pretentious or unassuming. The greatest example that we can follow is by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
For we read: "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9) KJB. Jesus did not have to come to the earth and have no place to lay His head down, but He did, why? Paul, in writing to the church at Philippi gave us the answer to that all important question, for he said: "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:" (Philippians 2:8-9) KJB. Jesus came to humble Himself before man so that we could have the example to live our lives by, however, He was found in the fashion of man in order that no one say He does not understand. He understands better than anyone else what He had to do on the cross of Calvary, for you and for me. If He would not have humbled Himself and went to the cross, shedding His blood that we might live, we would not have the choice we have now, either to accept His free gift of salvation, for He paid the sin debt for all mankind, or we can reject what He did and go to a lifeless hell for all eternity. God the Father gave Him, Jesus Christ, the name which is above all other names, because He humbled Himself, became flesh, lived a perfect life, and then died for us, still humbling Himself. He did not have to, He could have called many angels to fight His battle for Him but He didn't, He completed the task that the Father had for Him to do, because the last words He said is this, "It is finished." We know that He completed the plan of redeeming man which was set forth before the foundation of the world was laid down.
The very words of our text were spoken by Jesus about a group of Scribes and Pharisees, who were very religious and very proud of it. Their pride was such that they were not only lifted to a higher status than what was actually given them, that Jesus called them hypocrites over and over again in the Scriptures. But Jesus said to these religious people this: "...ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity" (verse 2. It would behoove us to learn from these people who lifted themselves to a higher plane than what was given them by God. They forgot, easily that the Proverbs said, "When pride cometh , then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom...Pride goeth before destruction , and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud." (Proverbs 11:2; 16:18-19) KJB. Pride, in and of itself is not bad, but when we take pride to the point where we are always pointing fingers back to ourselves speaking of the things we have done, then pride is not only bad but very damaging to our witness. Remember, we are always being judged for not only who we are in Christ but also for the sake of Christ Himself!
Read the story of the wife of Zebedee and what she asked the Lord. "Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand , and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand , and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:20-2 KJB This woman wanted her two sons to be placed in the position of importance, one on the left and one on the right, but Jesus tells her "...but to sit on my right hand , and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father." But then He continues to teach her what it means to be humble because He tells her this: "...but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Notice Jesus said that if someone wants to be great, he or she needs to humble themselves and become as a minister or even a servant and then He speaks about Himself and what He came to do, not to be ministered to, but rather to be a minister and He says that He would "...give His life as a ransom for many." Folks that is what it means to humble yourself! To become as a servant to all those who would follow you.
Remember, Paul could even testify that he was "...serving the Lord with all humility of mind..."(Acts 20:19) KJB. And then there was Peter, the same one who said things that later he wanted to take back, but He even said: "Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: For God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:5-6) KJB. Therefore, if you want to be great in the eyes of God, humble yourself here, while in the flesh, and serve others as you would have them serve you. If you cannot serve others, then your pride is getting in the way, for even Jesus washed the feet of His disciples.
Remember, "pride cometh before destruction", what say ye to that?
By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word.
Used with permission
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