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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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About Baptism
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Nov 21, 2009 6:15 pm
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Matthew 28:18-20
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." KJB
After the decision to receive Christ into our hearts we are told that we need to be baptized, so what is baptism and why do we need to be baptized? This, our text for today, tells us what we as born again Christians need to do, for these are every believers marching orders from our Supreme Commander, Jesus Christ. The decision to receive Christ is completely voluntary and it is impossible to keep that baptism a secret. Our Savior has given us a way to make our decision to receive Him, public knowledge, because He says about that, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32-33) KJB. Notice one thing about this, it is a command that we confess Him before men because if we keep our salvation secret He will not honor our receiving Him as Lord and Savior, we are to speak aloud to others that He is our Lord and Savior. Baptism, as I have said in the past, does not have any redeeming value whatsoever, it simply shows the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Some seem to think that it is a part of the salvation story, but it isn't. We speak aloud the Lord Jesus as our Savior because it is a command, but identify ourselves as being His with this baptism and because of it, we are automatically made a part of the local church.
Trusting Christ as Savior brings one into the family of God which makes us brothers and sisters, making one family. As a family needs a home, which is the first great command that our God gave to us, we all need to be part of a church family. There is no such thing as a lone ranger Christian, who does not need other believers in their lives. We join the local church so that we can grow in our faith along with others and that they can help us get through the rough times in our lives.
So, what is the meaning of Baptism and of what importance is it? The writers of the New Testament wrote in the Greek language which later on was translated into English. It is true that the Greek language, along with the Hebrew language, cannot be fully appreciated by translating it into English, but that does not mean that our Bibles are no less the actual word of God, because no matter what language God's word is translated into, He is able to keep it pure and above reproach no matter what man does. If we do not believe that He is able to keep His word pure then we have a problem believing it and will not make His Word a part of our lives, or hide it in our hearts that we might not sin against Him. The word "baptize" is what is called a transliteration, or direct copy from the original language. The word is from the Greek word "bap-tid-zo". The Translators made an English word our of the Greek word and it literally means to plunge, to immerse, to place under completely. As the Holy Spirit "baptizes" us by coming in and covering us by the blood of the Lamb, we are baptized the same way, by complete immersion in water to picture the death, burial and resurrection, which is the Gospel. We are placed into the Gospel making it the instrument which saves us, covering our sins by His blood which was shed completely on the cross.
We read about our salvation, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved...For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2:8-9) KJB. These two verses tell us how we are saved, first by acknowledging Jesus and calling on His name and by His grace, not of works or rather the good things we do. The good works come after salvation or because of our salvation and not before, or for our salvation. (Ephesians 2:10) KJB.
We are told also by Paul in Ephesians this: "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1 ) KJB. In other words, we receive the forgiveness of sin through the blood of Christ or rather, as were the Hebrew people covered by blood, placed on the door posts of their homes, we are saved from the wrath of God by applying our Lord's blood upon us, not literally but figuratively. Leviticus chapter twelve tells us about the Hebrews being saved from the wrath of God by placing the blood of the Lamb upon their door posts, so that when the time came and the angel of death comes, they would be passed over or saved from God's wrath upon the Egyptian people.
Our text is one of the key verses which tells us that baptism is important. He tells us three things in our text, first: Go and tell others about the gospel so that they can ask Him to save them, next, we are told to baptize them, and last we are told to teach them again, and that is to teach them the doctrines of the Bible. In other words, tell them enough to get them saved, then baptize them and then teach them the rest of the doctrines of God. It is as simple as that but we go forth, telling others about the Gospel so that they can get saved then stop there.
This is a problem, because if we do not complete the command, they will soon fall by the wayside, saved but not growing in grace. Unless we teach them the truths of the Bible, someone else will teach them false doctrine. So let us complete our Lord's command, by seeing that they are Baptized and that they are taught the rest of the doctrines in the Bible.
Are you saved, have you been Baptized? NO? then is it time that you do so?
By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word, Grand Junction, Co.
Used with permission
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Being Troubled
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Nov 21, 2009 6:07 pm
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2 Corinthians 4-10
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." KJB
Paul in our text for today lets us know that no matter what our problems are, there is nothing that can happen to these earthen vessels that will have everlasting consequences, even death. He tells us that "...we have this treasure in earthen vessels..." now so "...that the excellency of the power may be of God...". No matter what happens, His power will see us through it. Paul gives us several instances of troubles and then the attitude we need to have because of God's power.
The first one: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;..." Now, the Greek words used here for "troubled" and "distressed" is, "thlibo" which means, to crowd (literally or figuratively): and "stenochoreo" (sten-okh-o-reh'-o); to hem in closely, i.e. (figuratively) cramp. In other words, when life boxes us in, we are not crowed or hemmed in, but rather we are free. How many times have you and I felt this way, that everything seems to be closing in around us and we are feeling pressed down? I know that I have, many times. But we do not need to worry about it because, this life we live now in Christ, is very freeing.
The next thing we read: "...we are perplexed, but not in despair...", the Greek words "aporeo" (ap-or-eh'-o); to not have no way out, i.e. be at a loss (mentally): (stand in) doubt, and "exaporeomai" (ex-ap-or-eh'-om-ahee); to be utterly at a loss, i.e. despondent. Which, in its literal sense, means: when we seem to have doubts or a way out, we are not utterly at a loss because the Word of God tells us that we have a way out of it, through His word. When we pray for help we will receive that help in some form or another. Maybe directly, or indirectly through someone, or something else but we will have our prayers answered. God's Word provides all the answers that we need for the problems that we have.
The next one is: "...Persecuted, but not forsaken;.." Greek words, "dioko" to follow or pursue and "egkataleipo" left behind. All we have to do is pick up the paper and see that we are being persecuted, even here in the United States. God said that He will not leave us nor would He forsake us, that is a promise that He will keep no matter what happens to us. When it seems that He is not close, it is us who moves away from Him and not the on other way around, but all we need to do, is ask and He will be there for us again, and again, and again, because while yet in these bodies, here on this earth, we will have persecution but we are not forsaken, that is His promise to us, His children.
The next thing we read: "...cast down, but not destroyed;.." How many times has it seemed that you have been thrown aside for some reason or another? Greek words: "kataballo" to be thrown down, and "apollumi" to be destroyed, to die, to perish. But through His word, we are told that no matter what happens to this body we are in, even if it is cast down and dies, we will not suffer death, because these shells, these bodies are not what is saved, but rather it is the soul which is saved, nothing more and nothing less. The only time that these bodies will not suffer death, is when the rapture comes and we are taken home, given our glorified bodies at that time. AMEN. There are many Scriptures which confirm this and I have spoken of them many times.
We finally read in our text for today this: "...Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." KJB (vs. 10). Even though all these things happen to us while yet in the body, we have one thing that the world does not have, "...that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." Jesus is with us no matter what happens to these fragile bodies, so no matter what happens to us physically, we will not have to worry in the least, because of the fact, Jesus is with us, living His life through us. He will make sure that nothing happens to the real us, our souls. So, no matter what happens to the shells of these, our souls, we will not be harmed. So why should we worry whether someone comes against us, even the killing of these bodies, because they cannot touch the real us. I know the fragile-ness of this body of mine and I know that at some time I will not be able to breath anymore and I will finally be with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We do not know that times nor the seasons that these bodies will no longer function, it is for God the Father to know that day, but until that time we are told to be about the Lord's business. His business is to reach the lost for His Son's names sake, so that they can have the choice whether to receive Him or reject Him. It does not matter whether or not they have heard of Jesus, because each and every person that has ever lived or will be born, had, has or will have a God consciousness within them. In other words, they each will seek some form of god that they might worship, even themselves. It is our job, as Paul did, to teach them about the "unknown god" so that they can have that choice. (Acts 17:23) KJB.
So, as you can see, no matter what happens to these bodies, those of us who have been saved, carry about, within us, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will always be with us, so we cannot run from Him no matter how far we go, or what we do. Because once saved, always saved.
By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word, Grand Junction, Co.
Used with permission
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Dividing Line
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Nov 19, 2009 12:11 pm
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John 1:12-13
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." KJB
The dividing line between God and man is a great gulf. As our Father, God is continually looking out for us and is expending vast amounts of energy to do it. Now, there are two types of force that He uses, one being negative and one being positive, and we have the control over what type He uses for us. I find in the book of Proverbs we see many references to the differences in this energy or force. We read this one: "Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly." (Proverbs 3:34) KJB. And then in the New Testament we find this: "But he giveth mare grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." And again: "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. 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." (1 Peter 5:5) KJB. Notice in all three of this verses we look at the difference in energy that our Father expends towards those He loves, and those who are against Him, and all who are not saved are naturally against Him whether they think so or not, for Jesus tells us: "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." (Matthew 12:30) KJB.
Now, the type of energy or force God expends on us depends on our attitude towards Him. Either we live for Him or we live for ourselves, that is our choice. There is a Scripture that I cannot help but think about here and it says: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD , choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15) KJB. The answer that the people of God gave that day is this: "God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed: And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD ; for he is our God." (Joshua 24:16-1 KJB. But, time and again they turned their backs on the Lord and served other gods because they refused to obey Him in all things. Over and over again, the Lord had to bring them down, using negative energy against them, and it was their choice. We seem to think that we are so far advanced but in reality we, His creation, turn our backs on the Father in order to serve ourselves, rather than the living God.
Now, when we apply the word of God into our lives, we learn what it means to be Christians. James chapter 1 and verses 22-25 promises God's blessings on those who obey His Word. For we read: (Just for your knowledge, promises are always in this form, if we do something, He promises to do something for us) So as you read James, look for what we have to do in order to receive His promises! "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:22-25) KJB.
Now, the question of the day is this: Will you trust God's Word and become a doer of the word, rather than a hearer only, will you yield self to your Father which is in heaven? For further information, read Matthew chapters 8-14 and then Memorize Romans 12:1-2. If we submit to His authority and to His word, we give to Him our selves for He requires nothing less from each and every person who has received Him as Father, for John 1:12 SAYS: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
YOUR CHOICE!
By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor, (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word, Grand Junction,Co.
Used with permission
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Elijah Teaches Us Contentment
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Nov 17, 2009 12:51 pm
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1 KINGS 17:13,14
And Elijah said unto her, Fear Not; go and do as thou hast said; but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD GOD of Israel, the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. KJB
In looking at this, we see the food that was left in the Widow's home and that it was only enough for one meal. Human nature would have preferred to be able to count sacks of meal and barrels of oil. How about a spacious storeroom filled with provisions. There are people that have this and can say, I have goods enough to carry me through the years of famine. I will eat, drink and be merry. All trust is in that store house of provisions.
Our Father fed the children of Israel day by day in the wilderness. He will also provide us with enough strength each day to meet the needs and demands for that day. Deut. 33:25 reads, As thy days, so shall thy strength be.... KJB Every believer that lives like this, will constantly be reminded of their blessed dependence on their FATHERS LOVE.
Let me tell you, the temptation to self-sufficiency will work ruin to every one of us. If our Father were to give us a choice between seeing our provisions and storing them up and not seeing them and leaving him to deal them out to us, I believe almost every one would rather have that great storeroom of food.
It is far better to trust the LORD. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. KJB When we learn to trust our Father, we can be free from all care just as the birds have neither storehouse or barn.
Everyone of us can be entirely destitute, our pantry bare, our money gone and all our means of livelihood gone BUT our Father has ample resources. He has a supply for our needs and He will deliver it ON TIME, EVERY TIME. We must all learn to totally TRUST HIM!!!!
In Hebrews 13:5 we read, ...Be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, I Will Never Leave Thee, Nor Forsake Thee. KJB The word content means: {CONTENT, n. Rest or quietness of the mind in the present condition; satisfaction which holds the mind in peace, restraining complaint, opposition, or further desire, and often implying a moderate degree of happiness.}
You as an individual might be scrapping the bottom of the barrel and the cruse of oil might be at its end but there will be more in that barrel and cruse tomorrow when you put your trust in HIM. Anxiety will do you NO GOOD; BUT the Prayer of Faith will. Matthew 6;8 Be not ye therefore like unto them for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. KJB
We have learned from the beginning of our married life to live a life like this. A little testimony here concerning the cruse of oil and barrel of meal in our lives. We were at a point were there was no income, a little meat left, a hand full of potatoes, some ketchup, to eat. My wife made a little pot of stew for us to eat. Each day for 30 days, as she would pull that pot of stew out of the refrigerator for our evening meal, there was enough for the meal plus some left over. We have seen our Father do this time and again in our lives. The fear of tomorrow is not there for us. We have learned to be content in all things.
How about you? Do you trust Him in all areas or do you do everything you can to see to it that your storehouse is filled for a long time. All of us need to ....HAVE FAITH IN GOD. Mark 11:22
Pastor Lyle Shaner (retired by health but still serving my LORD)
Used with permission
(Pastor Lyle sends devotional lessons when Pastor Terry is unable.)
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Losing Versus Finding
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Nov 16, 2009 12:07 pm
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Matthew 10:37-39
"He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." KJB
This is one of the "hard truths" of our Lord and Savior because of the fact that we cannot see Him but we can see our family. But, when we stop a minute and think about it, what He is saying is vitally important. If we love our fathers and mothers more than we love Him then we would forsake Him for them at the coming of hard times, times in which we need to make a choice, the Lord or our family. Jesus is saying that following Him in faith will be the hardest thing that we will ever do and if we do not love Him more than our own families, then when something comes against our family we will side with them over Him. If we do not love Him more than family then we will stop following Him when our families are in trouble and that is not what our Creator would have us to do because our families cannot save us from hell but He can, therein lies the difference. If we love mom or dad, or son or daughter more than we love Him, then as He said, we "...are not worthy..." of Him.
We need to drop everything and follow Him above all else and in our text Jesus said "...he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." He says, if we are not willing to have the trials and tribulations of this world come against us, we are not worthy to follow Him, it is as simple as that. We need to surrender all to the Lord if we want to have Him as Lord and savior of our lives, and even our loves. Our spouses and even our children need to understand that we love the Lord more than them and vice versa, they are to love the Lore more than us. This is vitally important for one reason and one reason only, if we love Jesus more than our families then we will continue to follow Him no matter what happens within our families.
We learn from Paul this: "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." (Romans 8:2 KJB. In other words, our comfort comes from God, more so than from our family. Earthly comfort is temporary but heavenly comfort is eternal in nature. Therefore, we know, "....that all things work together for good to them that love God...", and this means that no matter what happens it will be used for good by God.
Paul, the greatest evangelists of all time, said: "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung , that I may win Christ," (Philippians 3: KJB. Paul was a well educated man and in the book of Romans alone, he quoted Scripture no less than 57 times and eluded to it many more, therefore He knew the Old Testament very well. That is what actually helped Him to become a Pharisee, because in order to be a Pharisee, the test is the memorization of whole books from the Old Testament and the ability to quote from it at a moments notice, and Paul did many times. And for Him to say, that he counted "...all things loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus..." is something. Paul could have had anything that he wanted out of life, but he chose Jesus Christ above it all. Some Bible scholars seem to think that Paul was a married man, but he left his family for the sake of Christ. The questions is, are we willing to do the same thing?
Also in our text for today we read: "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." Many Christians have been martyred for the cause of Christ throughout the centuries since He went to the cross and died for man. At last count, it was in the neighborhood of over 50 million. Many of these happened during what has been called the dark ages, a time when the word of God was kept from the masses so that the few might have control over them. Even though, the Emperor Constantine forced Christianity onto the pagan peoples of the Roman Empire, he still retained many of the things of the pagan world, hence the Roman Catholic (which means universal) Church was born, this was around 313 AD. From that time till today, the Roman Catholic Church killed true born again Christians because they refused to follow the Pope rather than Christ. This is what Jesus is saying, are you willing to give up your life for His names sake? If not, then you are not worthy to be His follower. If we love our own lives more than we love Him then we will die the death as sinners, but if we lose our lives for His sake then we will have eternal life, it is as simple as that.
What about you, are you willing to forsake your family in order to follow Him as did Paul? If not, then you are not worthy to be called the child of God, because you would take care of family business above that of Godly business. Jesus Himself said, "...wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49b) KJB. This He said at the age of twelve when Joseph and Mary left Him there in Jerusalem for a few days after a time of the Passover. They did not understand what He was saying. Jesus did not completely surrender to the Father until He turned 30 years of age, some 18 years after this instance in Jerusalem. Jesus stayed there in Jerusalem to do the Fathers business, even at the age of twelve, He knew His purpose in life. I did not come to the Lord until I was 38 years of age, and did not surrender totally until a few years later. Now, I would leave family and friends to do His business if He called me to do so. The question remains, what are you willing to give up for Him?
Remember this, the true cost of following Jesus is loving Him more than anyone and dying to self that we might find the life that God has for us. He wants our all, and if we are not willing to give it all, then we are not worthy to be called His friends or disciples. Read Luke 14: 27-33 in order to find out more on this subject.
By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word, Grand Junction, Co.
Used with permission
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Give Ear Oh My People
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Nov 15, 2009 7:47 pm
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Psalm 78:1
"Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth." KJB
In the Psalms we find many things that can point us to the Lord, not only who He is, but what He wants from us and what He wants us to do for Him. We can find comfort in the Psalms, we can find help from the Psalms but most of all we can find the Lord in the Psalms. The Psalmists who wrote them, especially David, knew the Lord as no other did. David has been called a man of God more than once in our Bible, but most important He was called a friend of God. In Psalm 78 the Psalmist, "Mas'-chil of A'-saph" (vs 1), let's us know through this prayer what we, His children, need to do and there are several things he tells us here in this one Psalm.
The first thing we learn: "I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us." (Psalm 78:2-3) KJB. We learn that "parables" were important to the Jewish people and that these parables were passed from generation to generation. And the first thing we ask ourselves, is why? In the parables of our Lord, we learn Spiritual things, so it would come stand to reason that this is what is being taught from generation to generation, from father to son, to son, etc. During this time there was most likely few who had the privilege of learning how to read so, by passing on spiritual knowledge through parables, they were learning about God.
The next thing we learn: "We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done." (Psalm 78:4) KJB. Notice that it says, "We will not hide them from their children...", this confirms that they passed these parables on to their children. They told them to their children for three reasons, first was for "...shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD..." and the next reason was to show to them, "...his strength..." and the last reason is to show them "...his wonderful works that he hath done". So, they are to learn to praise their God for His strength, and His wonderful works that He has done. If we could learn this one thing from this Psalmist it is to pass to our children what the Lord has done for us, so that they to might give to Him the praises and honor due to Him.
Now, the next thing we learn: "For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God." (Psalm 78:5- KJB. They were to learn to pass down the Law of God which was commanded of their fathers through Moses. They were to pass them down for a couple of reasons. The first reason, "That the generation to come might know them..." and this was to be passed from generation to generation, as verse 6 is telling us. The next reason "That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:" If we could only tell our children about what the Lord did for us and to learn about His commandments and learn to love Him as we do then we have done what we are commanded to do, to pass on the knowledge of God to our children. It seems that the generations before were "...a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God."
Unfortunately, that is even true today, man has not changed much in the many generations since the psalmist wrote this psalm. But there will come a time when that will change, and each knee shall bow and confess that He is God over everything and will worship Him. That time is fast approaching, so let us tells our children the things of God so that they to might be all they can be for Him who saved the souls of even the rebellious people during the psalmists day.
What about you, do you teach your children about the things of God? NO!, why not?
By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word, Grand Junction, Co.
Used with permission
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Ye Are My Friends
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Nov 13, 2009 7:34 pm
51 Views
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John 15:14-15
"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you." KJB
When we take verse 13 and add it to our text for today we cannot help but think that being a friend of our Lord is the best place to be. With friendship comes responsibility, to love them no matter what. If we get angry at our friends and not forgive them, then we need to look at that friendship to see if it is true or not. You see, true friendship will forgive above all things. If there is no forgiveness, there is no friendship, just acquaintance. When Jesus said, "Ye are my friends..." there was and is forgiveness in that friendship. However, with friendship there comes a few things, so let us look at our text and see what those things are.
The first thing we see, and Jesus said it, that friendships comes with our doing what He asked of us. But you say, true friendship will not put requirements on it! Well, lets see what the word "friends" means in the Greek. It is one of the words which is also translated as "love" but not in the familiar sense that "agape" is, it is the word "philos" (fee'-los); which means properly, dear, i.e. a friend. In other words, Jesus is saying, if you do what I command you to do, and that is to love each other as I have loved you and died for you, then you are a friend, a dear one. (verse 17). Jesus commands us to love one another that is the first requirement of true friendship. Then Paul tells us almost the same thing when he said: "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law...Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." (Romans 13:8, 10) KJB. And Paul tells us later in the book of Romans that true friendship with Christ is eternal because salvation is eternal, therefore, friendship with Him is eternal, AMEN. (Romans 8:34-39) KJB. Then James tells us this: "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." (James 2:23) KJB. So, because we believe that Jesus came, died, was buried, and rose again the third day, we are also called the Friend of God.
The next thing we read in our text for today is that Jesus tells us that when we are His friends, we are no longer His servant because He says: "Henceforth I call you not servants..." and because of this He continues to explain what true friendship means, for we continue to read: "...for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth..." and the reason that they are not servants but rather friends, is because "...for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you." In other words, friendship does not hold back in telling others of things but rather tells them everything as Jesus told them everything they needed. He received of the Father and He passed it down to them, so, they are no longer servants but rather friends. Do you hold back things from your friends because you do not want to hurt them? If you hold things back from them and they find it out from someone else, they will be hurt even more! If you are a true friend, share what you think with those you call friend. The same thing goes with the Father, after all, you cannot hide anything from Him anyway, so if you tell Him your relationship with Him will become closer, that I know. Tell Him everything you feel, even the anger, and you will be comforted.
The reason that we are not saved by works is because if we work for it, then it is because we believe we owe a debt but when we are saved by grace, then it is a free gift, something that we do not need to work for, because we cannot pay the sin debt. Jesus paid that debt, just believe Him for who He is, and receive the friendship that comes with that belief, becoming the Friend of God as Abraham did. We are to serve one another but it is because true friends help one another and we do not serve because we have to but because we want to and for no other reason. Loving each other is a commandment but should never become a burden, no matter what happens, let me repeat that, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS.
Becoming a Friend of God, should be the desire of every person in the world, but they do not want to commit themselves to Him, because most believe that God only wants to control them. That is not true! He desires to have fellowship with His creation, therefore He sent His Son to pay the payment for man's sins, so that He could have that fellowship, the same fellowship that He had with Adam and Eve before the fall. They gave up that fellowship for one reason and one reason only, temptation: temptation to break the only commandment that God their creator gave them. Jesus desires to have fellowship with each and everyone of us, not as servants, but as friends.
By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word, Grand Junction, Co.
Used with permission
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The Honor of Honest Work
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Nov 13, 2009 11:15 am
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Mark 1:11
"And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son , in whom I am well pleased." KJB
Not one person can not say that Christ is our best example in all things that we do, at least and be honest saying it. When He moved among His Disciples He also ministered and He did this as Jesus of Nazareth. His time here was very short indeed, a little under 33 years but the time He spent ministering was only three years. The Scriptures tell us that during His formative years and all through His youth and even early manhood, He worked diligently at the same trade as His earthly father did, and that was as a carpenter and builder. He became well known in Nazareth as "the carpenter", and during that time, He was skilled, honest, reliable, and probably very fair in His dealings. (Mark 6:3) KJB.
We do not read much about His dealings with people during those times of being a carpenter but His Father, heavenly Father, said of Him "...I am well pleased." This was said before He started His earthly ministry, before He was lead of the Spirit in the wilderness to be tested of Satan for 40 days and 40 nights. (Mark 1:13) KJB. We do not read anything about Joseph, His earthly father, at this time, therefore, it is possible that he was not even in the picture. Jesus had several siblings and it was His duty to help them out. This time cannot be dismissed because we read little about His years from the age of twelve where He said to Joseph and Mary after they found Him in the temple speaking to those that were in the temple, He said: "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49) KJB. You have to remember, He was twelve, and yet we read this of Him: "And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." (Luke 2:46-4 KJB.
It was after His time in the wilderness that His time here on earth became very public and He was constantly found ministering to others, healing, teaching about heaven and hell, and also driving demons out of those who were possessed. He did this because He came to not only "...seek and to save that which was lost..." (Luke 19:10) KJB. but to be an example to us in what we do here while in service to Him and others. We read over and over again that we are to be servants as He served us and gave Himself for us, for He is our example. He served unto death, can we do any less? We read from Paul this: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another...Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Galatians 5:13; Colossians 3:24) KJB. Sometimes it takes great strength to serve those who do not want to be served but that is what we do, because He did, even though the killed Him for He said on that cross, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." We are not only to be about His business while here but also to serve not only our brothers and sisters in Christ, but also to serve Him for when we do it unto the least of God's creatures, we do it unto Him.
We are told two things to do while here. We read: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24) KJB. We are all given gifts and these gifts were given to us that we might use them for the Lord and we read from Paul again and He said: "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness." (Romans 12:6- KJB. If we use our gifts for the Lord, we are to do it "...heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men...for ye serve the Lord Christ."
There were great and sometimes hard demands on the Lord to heal the sick, to feed the hungry, to hearten the downtrodden, to help those who were in sorrow, to rescue and save the lost and to teach those around Him the truth. If He is our example, then should we do less? The answer to that should be a hardy NO! Over and over again, Jesus let us know that "My father works...and I work." for the work He did was always the Fathers will, and nothing more and nothing less. Every bit of His work on this earth was heavy work, because carpenters did not have the equipment we do today, His work was hard work, for He was constantly in danger, the work that He did here as also honest work. Not once did He do anything to displease the Father, even to the point of keeping the laws.
All of what Christ did leaves us with a very profound perception, for it elevates any task that we do which has been entrusted to us by the Father, to a very lofty level indeed. This means that any work that we do here is done with love, with humility in cooperation with Christ. There is no such thing as a job to little or to important to do because when we do it as unto the Lord, it is for Him that we labor. Our first duty though is to reach the lost for Christ and the rest is as unto Him. This means that any job, no matter how small or menial, can be a great or supreme service for Him as we do our jobs while here. It is a noble, joint adventure as we do all things as unto the Lord, doing them all with love and worship to the Father. Some seem to think that we can only worship in the house of God but that is not true, for if we do all things, even our earthly jobs, as unto the Lord, then we are giving the honor and glory unto Him who saved our wretched souls.
How we view our work can bring honor and glory to Him, or it can be a negative reflection on what He did for us, it is our choice. We can be joyful, or we can be miserable, it is our choice. A person might simply sweep the streets and yet while doing it, can sing in His soul with joy. A mother might care for small children, or even tough teenagers and yet see it as a badge of honor and a very high calling. A doctor, as an intern, might bathe the open wounds of a leper, but do so with a sparkle in their eyes, because they do it as unto the Lord. Can you see the difference? We can go to our jobs and be miserable or we can go and be a blessing to those we serve or minister to, our choice. Also a layperson can labor at the most menial of jobs and yet bring to that job, dignity of work which is well done and the give the gift of love to those to whom He labors for, because he or she does it as unto the Lord.
Remember this: "Before you cry in your distress, always bless the Lord first for His faithfulness to you in life. Then your simple tasks, done faithfully with Him each day, become lovely mosaics, laid down in the humble pavement of your private walk with Him." (What Makes Life Worth Living, by W. Phillip Keller, page 23). I do not think that I can add anything to that, because when I read it, I could not help but say, AMEN.
So, any work that we do, if it is honest work, and all work that is done for Christ and as unto Him, should always be honest work. DO ALL THINGS AS UNTO THE LORD AND YOU SHALL NEVER FAIL, NO MATTER WHAT 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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Knowing God
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Nov 11, 2009 12:15 pm
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Titus 1:16
"They profess that they know God ; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and
disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." KJB
I know, we struggle each and everyday with truly knowing our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. But the only way that we can actually know Him, at least firsthand, is to give the control over your life to Him to run. Let's face it, we do a lousy job at taking the control over our lives, we need to admit it before we can actually give Him the control. We also have to realize at the same time it is the most challenging choice, because that is what it is, that we have to do or ever make. This, giving the control of our lives over to God, is a positive move on our parts but there are two reasons that we have a hard time doing it. When we give control of our lives over to the Holy Spirit, we give it to one who is more powerful than we, ourselves, will ever be, but He needs to be Lord of all or He is Lord of nothing.
Humans are very reluctant to give our lives, our love over to even God, because, let's face it, the old cliche, we like to be kings over our own castles. Especially in America, because it is our right to be free from oppression; we insist on forcing our "rights", to make our own decisions, even though those actions will be totally destructive in nature. WE want to do it, and nothing is going to stop us. Our feelings of exerting our "rights" seems to fall even in the realm of religious actions. WE are certain, no, we "KNOW" that we hold sovereign reign over our own lives, our careers or even our personal conduct towards others, even that is towards God Himself, who is our heavenly Father, even our friend.
We are told in James this: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4) KJB. Now, this one verse does not give leeway to hold Lord over our own selves but rather to "Submit...therefore to God..." and why is it that we "submit" to God? Because He gives us the power to "Resist the devil..." and when we do, "...he will flee from..." us. When we are tempted, we can resist: when we have doubts, which are from the devil, we can resist those doubts. After all, it is one of Satan's most effective tools, to make us doubt, because he is constantly saying, "Yea, hath God said..." (Genesis 3:1) KJB.
Now, there are two actual or main reasons or misunderstandings that will underlie our rigid failure or resentment to give control over our lives to God or for that matter to anyone. The first reason or misunderstanding is, to think we can get along fine on our own. We can do it, for we are an entity unto ourselves. Unfortunately, this is a dreadful idea or rather delusion on our part for it is abundantly evident by the terrible direction in which people all over the world are following. We cannot help but see the inhumanity or violence of one man against another. We see the exploitation of the rich to take from the poor, the terrible crimes committed against each other, specifically against the innocent victims. There is also the terrible prejudice of one race against another, of one religion against another religion. I have mentioned the rich but the ruthlessness of those who are rich against the poor can not be left out. Or the many social evils all over the world. All of this should be a warning, we cannot hold complete control over our lives and not stand by and watch all this terrible stuff happen. There is one thing very apparent, men and women the world over, cannot get along with each other, it is as simple as that. If there is land that someone wants, there will be this evil, if there is something that is coveted, there will be this evil, and if there is but one dollar, ruble, or Euro, there will be this evil. We seem, to say, "Why is this happening, if God is a God of love, then why is there such evil in this world?" Because all men and women, the world over, wants the control over their own lives and therefore, because they desire something they are not supposed to have, will not submit to God. Adam and Eve had the complete control over their lives, and God gave to them only one commandment, to not eat of the fruit of the tree which was in the midst of the garden, but what is it that they did? They desired it, they took it, and they ate it, disobeying God. What happened? They lost the fellowship with their Creator and sin came into the world and that is the reason we are in such a miserable condition now, SIN.
The second reason, which is a serious misunderstanding, is about God Himself. All through the tragic history of man, we have sought after God, hence the many different belief systems the world over. We have made gods, making gods of wood, stone or some other material, making false gods to worship. Adam and Eve knew the True God and yet only a few generations later, man sought after other gods to worship, why? Because they did not want to submit to the True God, seeking other gods who would not control them, gods fashioned from their own minds. The Greeks had many gods, the Romans had many gods. God chose one people, the Jews, to tell the world about the ONE TRUE GOD, but they failed miserably, keeping this True God to themselves, and not sharing Him with other peoples or nationality's. There have been literally many deceptive deities which have been formed from mans imaginations. So, it is easy to realize that this dilemma is upon us, because we do not want to give up the control over our lives to the living and personal God of Creation. People are very prejudiced against the phony evil piety of gods and are against any form of religion and this is what adds to our burden of life itself.
So, as you can see, because of man's desire to "run" their own lives, we fail to give the complete and utter control over to God and the best way is to totally ignore the fact that there is a God. But, the truth is, the joyous good news about the one and only True God, is, in fact, the exact opposite of what we believe. Jesus said something that is taken out of context in many "religions" of today, He said: "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:36) KJB. If we submit to the urging of the Holy Spirit, within those who are saved, and submit to God in all things, this is what we shall have, total freedom. We say we are free here in the United States, right? But are we truly free? NO, because true freedom is only found in one thing, or one person, Jesus Christ. If you do this, then the inner person, the real you, will be satisfied and His precious presence in the our lives is of the Holy Spirit, for He is our Comforter and Guide in all things.
Are you truly FREE? NO! If not, submit to God totally and be free for ever more, for all eternity. I am not saying that you will not have problems, but what I am saying is, when the problems come, and they will, you will be given the power, the peace within your souls to get through them.
By Dr. Terry Cleaveland, Pastor (retired), Preacher, Teacher of God's Holy Word, Grand Junction, Co.
Used with permission
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Letter from Jesus about Christmas
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Nov 9, 2009 8:07 pm
82 Views
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On occassion, I receive e-mail which are too good and carry such a good message that they are worth sharing with as many as possible. The following is one of these received today.
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. . . although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. Not just during Christmas time, but all through the year. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the president complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sends out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family? Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions and words that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
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