Do not rush thru this!
Heb 8:1-2
Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
NKJV
The Book of Hebrews is a declaration of the Supremacy of Christ in all things.
He is better than the Prophets, Angels, Moses, Joshua, Aaron, and much more is identified in the letter.
In our context He is demonstrating the Supremacy of the Priesthood of Christ over the Aaronic Priesthood. There is much that I could say about the far exceeding greatness of His priesthood (you can get that info. thru the Hebrews sermon series available on our website), but I want to glory in one stated in our verse above.
The Writer(believed to be Paul) goes back to his main point in this section on the Supremacy of the Priesthood of Christ and He tells them that they(Believers in Palestine) now have a Great High Priest who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the Heavens. What Priest had they ever known from Aaron's seed that could sit down in the Heavenly Sanctuary and specifically at the Right Hand of the Throne! If a sinful priest had tried to do that they would have been killed on the spot. They couldn't even go into the Holiest of All in the tabernacle on earth without offering blood for their ownselves and even then they had to hope the sacrifice would be acceptable and they would not die in the presence of God. But This Priest, after the order of Melchizedek, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins sat down forever at the right hand of God.
Which priest, which Mediator, would you choose? One who has to offer sins for himself, one who has to offer sacrifices over and over again, one whose work was never done, or one whose work is finished and is approved of Jehovah to sit at His right hand. I choose that Priest! Everytime...with Joy...I choose Jesus by the Grace of God. (Which was His exhortation and point) BUT WAIT! There's more.
I asked the question who in the world have you ever known who could sit down at the right hand of the throne of Majesty in the heavens? Nobody, right? Nobody but Jesus! Look again. The New Testament says that you and I are sitting at the right hand of the throne of God in Christ.
Eph 2:4-7 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, NKJV
Eph 1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ," NKJV
Col 3:1-4 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Listen, We are in Him, and He is where? Seated at the right hand of the Throne of God.
That's where we are seated and accepted by God thru Him. Hard to believe?
Check this out...
Rev. 1:4 To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. NKJV
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, NKJV
The scripture declares that you and I are priests. We are allowed access to God to offer sacrifices (Heb. 13:15; I Peter 2:5)
However, we are not only priests (which is amazing in itself) we are called a Royal Priesthood, we are said to be Kings and Priests. We are Kings and Priests because we sit at the Right hand of the throne of the Majesty on High in the King of Kings. This is the Truth! This is what makes Grace so Amazing and the Gospel so Glorious!
But that's not all...Right now this is our Position and we abide their by faith...But one day faith will become sight and Position will become Practice. Here it is described.
Rev 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. NKJV
One day we shall sit with the Master in the Heavens at the Right hand of God, to the praise of the glory of His grace, with the greatest Joy any world has ever known, and we shall sing a new song, Worthy! Worthy! Worthy! is the Lamb that was Slain who has redeemed us out of every kindred, tongue, and nation. Amen and Amen.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
God is in control
Luke 22:7-12
Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed.8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat."
9 So they said to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare?"
10 And He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters.11 Then you shall say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"'12 Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready." NKJV
I was listening to a message yesterday and was really blessed by the glimpse of Sovereignty revealed in this passage.
In this passage Jesus sends Peter and John ahead to prepare for the Passover Meal; (what would become known as "The Last Supper" Jesus would share with His disciples.)
He tells Peter and John that when they come to the city a man will meet them carrying a pitcher of water. He then tells them to Follow him into the house, find the master of the house, tell him "The Teacher" asks for the Guest room, and there prepare the supper.
Additional Note: Why didn't Jesus just tell Peter and John where the house was since he already knew? Perhaps because Judas Iscariot was with them and this would have enabled him to betray Jesus, and the Soldiers/Chief Priests would have sought to arrest Him before the appointed time. Therefore Jesus knowing this ordained that things should be done in this way though it may have been confusing to Peter and John.
So, Jesus sends Peter and John to do something and He is absolutely in control of everything. He knows who they need to run into, where they need to go, and why it needs to happen in this specific way.
The lesson in this passage is that when God asks you to do something, when God sends you on a mission, or when God sends you thru something; He may not tell you why He's doing what He's doing, but you can be absolutely sure that He is working all things according to the good pleasure of His will, according to His Father's perfect timing, and out in your future he knows every person you need to meet and every resource you need provided.
O that God would reveal to each of us that He is just as in control of our lives today and how they relate to His plans and purposes as He was in the lives of Peter and John.
Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed.8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat."
9 So they said to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare?"
10 And He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters.11 Then you shall say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"'12 Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready." NKJV
I was listening to a message yesterday and was really blessed by the glimpse of Sovereignty revealed in this passage.
In this passage Jesus sends Peter and John ahead to prepare for the Passover Meal; (what would become known as "The Last Supper" Jesus would share with His disciples.)
He tells Peter and John that when they come to the city a man will meet them carrying a pitcher of water. He then tells them to Follow him into the house, find the master of the house, tell him "The Teacher" asks for the Guest room, and there prepare the supper.
Additional Note: Why didn't Jesus just tell Peter and John where the house was since he already knew? Perhaps because Judas Iscariot was with them and this would have enabled him to betray Jesus, and the Soldiers/Chief Priests would have sought to arrest Him before the appointed time. Therefore Jesus knowing this ordained that things should be done in this way though it may have been confusing to Peter and John.
So, Jesus sends Peter and John to do something and He is absolutely in control of everything. He knows who they need to run into, where they need to go, and why it needs to happen in this specific way.
The lesson in this passage is that when God asks you to do something, when God sends you on a mission, or when God sends you thru something; He may not tell you why He's doing what He's doing, but you can be absolutely sure that He is working all things according to the good pleasure of His will, according to His Father's perfect timing, and out in your future he knows every person you need to meet and every resource you need provided.
O that God would reveal to each of us that He is just as in control of our lives today and how they relate to His plans and purposes as He was in the lives of Peter and John.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Why was Jesus Baptized?
As we are studying thru the Gospel of Mark on Sunday morning we have come to the Baptism of Jesus. This is a very important event in the life and ministry of Jesus and there are many significant aspects of this account. But one of the most difficult questions to answer is: "Why did Jesus need to be baptized?" If John's baptism was a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins (Mk. 1:4) and Jesus had no sin (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 1 Peter 3:18) then why did He have to be baptized.
Matt 3:13-15 (provides us with a little further insight.)
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?"15 But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him. " NKJV
Jesus said His baptism was necessary "to fulfill all righteousness"; to do everything that was right according to God and His Word.
Here are the answers that I would give you and I certainly welcome any other answers or insights that you may have.
1. John's Baptism was a commandment from God and Jesus as a man was to live in perfect obedience to God's law and though he had no sin of his own He was in absolute obedience to God's law.
2. I believe the baptism of Jesus is symbolic of His work on the cross. In being baptized he is identifying with the sinners for whom He will die. He is not baptized for his own sins, He will not die for His own sins, but for the sinners with whom he has come to identify with. He will then rise from the depths of the dead and bring salvation to all who believe. I believe this work of salvation is symbolized in Jesus Baptism.
3. There is one other thought or answer that is given and that is that Jesus was baptized because He had to fulfill the legal requirements for entering into the priesthood. For further explanation
of this answer please click on the link below.
www.carm.org/questions/why-was-jesus-baptized
Matt 3:13-15 (provides us with a little further insight.)
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?"15 But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him. " NKJV
Jesus said His baptism was necessary "to fulfill all righteousness"; to do everything that was right according to God and His Word.
Here are the answers that I would give you and I certainly welcome any other answers or insights that you may have.
1. John's Baptism was a commandment from God and Jesus as a man was to live in perfect obedience to God's law and though he had no sin of his own He was in absolute obedience to God's law.
2. I believe the baptism of Jesus is symbolic of His work on the cross. In being baptized he is identifying with the sinners for whom He will die. He is not baptized for his own sins, He will not die for His own sins, but for the sinners with whom he has come to identify with. He will then rise from the depths of the dead and bring salvation to all who believe. I believe this work of salvation is symbolized in Jesus Baptism.
3. There is one other thought or answer that is given and that is that Jesus was baptized because He had to fulfill the legal requirements for entering into the priesthood. For further explanation
of this answer please click on the link below.
www.carm.org/questions/why-was-jesus-baptized
How to pray when you're tired
Have any of you discovered the obstacle of fatigue in your prayer life? For example, It's 10:00 p.m., the day is over, the kids are in bed, the house is clean, and you sense a need to spend 1/2 hour in communion with the Father before you go to bed. However, the spirit is willing, but the flesh indeed is weak. You are so tired all you want to do is go to sleep and even if you did try to pray your mind wanders or you drift off while you're praying. This also applies to our morning prayers as well. To those of you who do not get enough sleep at night, or you are not a morning person, drowsiness and fatigue, hinder your prayer life and bring a burden of guilt because of the deficiency in your prayer life. I can identify with all of these feelings and more. I want to share with you just a few simple things that I have learned to do to overcome the obstacle of fatigue in prayer.
1. Walk and pray- One of the best things to do when you know you are tired or distracted in your prayer time is to have a prayer walk. You can either go outside or simply pace back in forth in your room, but remaining active will keep you alert and enable you to spend that much needed time in prayer.
2. Sing and pray- This is a really helpful tool for me. Singing is helpful in several ways.
Singing renews our mind to the Glory of God and His Grace. These truths excite our inner man and this joy of the Lord is Strength in which we need for prayer.
I believe when we sing and praise the Lord in faith that the armies of heaven are released and God's presence comes to us and we are renewed for the battle. This is illustrated throughout the O.T. (II Chr. 20) and The N.T. (Acts 16)
Lastly, when we sing we create adrenaline and our bodies begin to break through the wall of fatigue and we produce the energy needed physically to pray fervently.
*Sometimes I have to take a prayer drive to do this.
3. Write your prayers- Sometimes the only way for me to press thru distractions and fatigue is to pray verbally with passion and fervency. However, my circumstances do not always allow me to do that. You may be in an office environment, perhaps someone is asleep in the other room, whatever it may be. Therefore, I encourage you to write your prayers. You can be as fervent as you want and it will help you to stay focused as you pray.
4. Prayer Partner- There are times when you need to call someone to meet you for prayer because you simply will not pray unless you have this form of accountability. Do not feel guilty for having to do this. I can't explain our weakness but sometimes just having someone there praying with you is all you need to be devoted to prayer. Eccl. 4:9-10 "Two are better than one, for it the one shall fall the other shall lift him up"
These are just some of the tools I have learned to battle the enemy of fatigue and the weakness of the flesh.
If you find these suggestions helpful or if you have some methods that you have found useful in being devoted to prayer, please share those in the comment section.
Pray On!
1. Walk and pray- One of the best things to do when you know you are tired or distracted in your prayer time is to have a prayer walk. You can either go outside or simply pace back in forth in your room, but remaining active will keep you alert and enable you to spend that much needed time in prayer.
2. Sing and pray- This is a really helpful tool for me. Singing is helpful in several ways.
Singing renews our mind to the Glory of God and His Grace. These truths excite our inner man and this joy of the Lord is Strength in which we need for prayer.
I believe when we sing and praise the Lord in faith that the armies of heaven are released and God's presence comes to us and we are renewed for the battle. This is illustrated throughout the O.T. (II Chr. 20) and The N.T. (Acts 16)
Lastly, when we sing we create adrenaline and our bodies begin to break through the wall of fatigue and we produce the energy needed physically to pray fervently.
*Sometimes I have to take a prayer drive to do this.
3. Write your prayers- Sometimes the only way for me to press thru distractions and fatigue is to pray verbally with passion and fervency. However, my circumstances do not always allow me to do that. You may be in an office environment, perhaps someone is asleep in the other room, whatever it may be. Therefore, I encourage you to write your prayers. You can be as fervent as you want and it will help you to stay focused as you pray.
4. Prayer Partner- There are times when you need to call someone to meet you for prayer because you simply will not pray unless you have this form of accountability. Do not feel guilty for having to do this. I can't explain our weakness but sometimes just having someone there praying with you is all you need to be devoted to prayer. Eccl. 4:9-10 "Two are better than one, for it the one shall fall the other shall lift him up"
These are just some of the tools I have learned to battle the enemy of fatigue and the weakness of the flesh.
If you find these suggestions helpful or if you have some methods that you have found useful in being devoted to prayer, please share those in the comment section.
Pray On!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Is my life to be Pitied?
The Apostle Paul writes in I Cor. 15:19 "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable"
If you are familiar with this text then you know that I Cor. 15 is hailed by many as the greatest discourse on the doctrine of "The Resurrection" in all of scripture.
In the text above Paul is saying that if the resurrection of Christ did not happen, and in this life your only hope is Christ, then you are to be pitied.
Hang in here with me...
Why would I be pitied? Why would you be pitied? Why does Paul draw the conclusion that if there is no resurrection then Christians are to be most pitied?
Don't Miss This!
"Because in this life they had lost everything!"
Matt 10:39 "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."
Paul was saying, If there was no resurrection it would be of unspeakable consequence that we would still be in our sins, we would not be reunited with loved ones, and most of all we would not be with our God and Savior.
But there is an added misery to the Christian if there is no resurrection in that he not only would miss eternal life, but he wasted this one as well. (Read I Cor. 15:30-32 for additional note)
My question to you today is: Would this be true of many Christians today?
If there were no resurrection (speaking hypothetically as did Paul), would most "Christians" lives today be described as... "to be pitied" because they lost their lives for the sake of Christ and the gospel? Would they be considered by many the "most pitiable" because they were not lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (2 tim. 3:2); they did not love the world and the things of the world (I Jn 2:15); they laid down their lives and took up the cross daily(Mt. 16:24); they loved the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength,(Mt. 22:37); and were stedfast, unmoveable always abounding in the work of the Lord? (I Cor. 15:58)
Or
Would most "Christians" lives be described as "not too bad". Hypothetically, If it didn't work out in the end, they didn't miss out on anything, they pretty much lived like everyone else. Nothing lost.
If this is true, I believe this is an indictment against Christianity.
Paul expresses that the natural conclusion for a Christian is that they were to be most pitied because of the Heavenly minded, God Centered, Christ centered, Gospel centered, self-sacrificing, others serving, life that they would live.
Consider: If there were no resurrection, would my life be pitied? What about yours?
In conclusion, Paul goes on to say, "But now Christ is risen", and we know there is a resurrection, and there is forgiveness for sins, and the hope of reunion, and glorified bodies, and the eternal presence of the Lord!
But what about our lives here? What about our window of preparation for eternity?
Luke 12:16-21
"The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.17 And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?'18 So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.19 And I will say to my soul,"Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."'20 But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?'
21 "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
NKJV
May we all live in the light of the resurrection and the eternal and be found rich toward God on that Day.
If you are familiar with this text then you know that I Cor. 15 is hailed by many as the greatest discourse on the doctrine of "The Resurrection" in all of scripture.
In the text above Paul is saying that if the resurrection of Christ did not happen, and in this life your only hope is Christ, then you are to be pitied.
Hang in here with me...
Why would I be pitied? Why would you be pitied? Why does Paul draw the conclusion that if there is no resurrection then Christians are to be most pitied?
Don't Miss This!
"Because in this life they had lost everything!"
Matt 10:39 "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."
Paul was saying, If there was no resurrection it would be of unspeakable consequence that we would still be in our sins, we would not be reunited with loved ones, and most of all we would not be with our God and Savior.
But there is an added misery to the Christian if there is no resurrection in that he not only would miss eternal life, but he wasted this one as well. (Read I Cor. 15:30-32 for additional note)
My question to you today is: Would this be true of many Christians today?
If there were no resurrection (speaking hypothetically as did Paul), would most "Christians" lives today be described as... "to be pitied" because they lost their lives for the sake of Christ and the gospel? Would they be considered by many the "most pitiable" because they were not lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (2 tim. 3:2); they did not love the world and the things of the world (I Jn 2:15); they laid down their lives and took up the cross daily(Mt. 16:24); they loved the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength,(Mt. 22:37); and were stedfast, unmoveable always abounding in the work of the Lord? (I Cor. 15:58)
Or
Would most "Christians" lives be described as "not too bad". Hypothetically, If it didn't work out in the end, they didn't miss out on anything, they pretty much lived like everyone else. Nothing lost.
If this is true, I believe this is an indictment against Christianity.
Paul expresses that the natural conclusion for a Christian is that they were to be most pitied because of the Heavenly minded, God Centered, Christ centered, Gospel centered, self-sacrificing, others serving, life that they would live.
Consider: If there were no resurrection, would my life be pitied? What about yours?
In conclusion, Paul goes on to say, "But now Christ is risen", and we know there is a resurrection, and there is forgiveness for sins, and the hope of reunion, and glorified bodies, and the eternal presence of the Lord!
But what about our lives here? What about our window of preparation for eternity?
Luke 12:16-21
"The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.17 And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?'18 So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.19 And I will say to my soul,"Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."'20 But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?'
21 "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
NKJV
May we all live in the light of the resurrection and the eternal and be found rich toward God on that Day.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Seeing People
How will you see the people you come in contact with today, tomorrow, or next week? How do you currently view the people who you are in contact with at work, at the ball field, at church, closest friends and family members? Thru what lens do you view them?
*Please slow down and contemplate the question and answer which I set before you today, as it is one of staggering reality and essential to our Biblical worldview.
The following is a quote taken from a message on the life of C.S. Lewis.
May God open our eyes to properly see people.
"Finally, Lewis’s conception of our final and eternal Joy in the presence of God, and what an unspeakable wonder that will be, enables him to stand in God-exalting awe of what it means to be human. He has helped me rise above my petty complaints and see people—at least from time to time—as the staggering wonders that they are in the image of God.
"It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. . . . There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilization—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors." 51
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Hold Fast to the Word of God
This message was preached by John Piper during prayer week at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
It appears that John Piper reads the entire book of Philippians as his text, but he was actually quoting the entire book from memory.
He went on to a preach a message entitled: "Holding Fast the Word of life"
Here are some concluding statements he made that I pray will simply motivate you to spend more time in God's word and that in doing so you will shine as lights in the world.
"God has brought you here today so that he could tell you through my voice: I have an invitation for you. I have a gift for you. I give you my very word. It give it to you. Take it in 2010. Take it and hold fast to it. It is your life. Your light.
Hold Fast the Word
Hold fast to it for the sake of faith. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17).
Hold fast to it for the sake of your joy. “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).
Hold fast to it for the sake of your freedom. “If you abide in my word . . . and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32).
Hold fast to it for the sake of your holiness. “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).
Hold fast to it for the sake of the Holy Spirit. “Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith” (Galatians 3:5)?
Hold fast to it for the sake of life. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
Hold fast to it for the sake of strength and stability and fruitfulness. Your delight will be “in the law of the Lord, and on his law you will meditate day and night. You will be like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that you do you will prosper” (Psalms 1:2–3).
Give Yourself to the Word
God has a gift for you in 2010. An infinitely valuable gift—his word. Receive it. Hold it fast. Give yourself to it. Amen. "
To listen listen, read, or watch the entire message click on the following link:
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByTitle/4465_Holding_Fast_the_Word_of_Life_in_2010/
It appears that John Piper reads the entire book of Philippians as his text, but he was actually quoting the entire book from memory.
He went on to a preach a message entitled: "Holding Fast the Word of life"
Here are some concluding statements he made that I pray will simply motivate you to spend more time in God's word and that in doing so you will shine as lights in the world.
"God has brought you here today so that he could tell you through my voice: I have an invitation for you. I have a gift for you. I give you my very word. It give it to you. Take it in 2010. Take it and hold fast to it. It is your life. Your light.
Hold Fast the Word
Hold fast to it for the sake of faith. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17).
Hold fast to it for the sake of your joy. “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).
Hold fast to it for the sake of your freedom. “If you abide in my word . . . and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32).
Hold fast to it for the sake of your holiness. “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).
Hold fast to it for the sake of the Holy Spirit. “Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith” (Galatians 3:5)?
Hold fast to it for the sake of life. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
Hold fast to it for the sake of strength and stability and fruitfulness. Your delight will be “in the law of the Lord, and on his law you will meditate day and night. You will be like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that you do you will prosper” (Psalms 1:2–3).
Give Yourself to the Word
God has a gift for you in 2010. An infinitely valuable gift—his word. Receive it. Hold it fast. Give yourself to it. Amen. "
To listen listen, read, or watch the entire message click on the following link:
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByTitle/4465_Holding_Fast_the_Word_of_Life_in_2010/
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Pursuing God
Do you ever have those moments where the Spirit of God makes God so real to you that you feel like you are before His throne? You feel that you are in His very presence; that you are fellowshipping with Him in your Spirit; you feel as though you could reach out and touch Him. His presence overwhelms you, Faith is erupting, you feel as though as you are praying the answers are being confirmed, one burden after another being transferred from your Spirit into God's hands and the peace of God that passes understanding is feeling your heart and mind! These are those times when I feel like Peter on the mount of transfiguration and I want to say "Lord, it is good for us to be here, can we just stay here." I hope you can identify with what I am talking about.
Let me ask you another question. Do you ever have times like that and you say, "O, why don't I do this more often! This is so sweet, this is what it's all about, this is knowing God, O God I taste you and I want more!"
My burden this morning is that I/we settle way too often for a form of Christianity that does not experience the Living Christ.
I want to call you to a renewed Pursuit of the presence of God and to experience the goal of the Gospel. As John Piper puts it, "GOD is the Gospel"
1. Pursuing God's Presence
http://fbclakebutler.com/content.cfm?id=213&content_id=71
2. Pursuing God with Passion.
http://fbclakebutler.com/content.cfm?id=213&content_id=72
Let me ask you another question. Do you ever have times like that and you say, "O, why don't I do this more often! This is so sweet, this is what it's all about, this is knowing God, O God I taste you and I want more!"
My burden this morning is that I/we settle way too often for a form of Christianity that does not experience the Living Christ.
I want to call you to a renewed Pursuit of the presence of God and to experience the goal of the Gospel. As John Piper puts it, "GOD is the Gospel"
- The Lord Jesus prayed and described salvation like this in John 17:3 "This is eternal life, that they may KNOW YOU, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent"
- The Apostle John wrote in I John 1:4 "Truly our fellowship is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ." Can you and I emphatically say this?
- The Apostle Paul wrote in Phil. 3:8 "I count all things as loss for excellency of KNOWING CHRIST!"
- Peter writes concerning the Gospel in I Peter 3:18 "Christ also suffered once for sin, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us TO GOD" ...That we might know GOD...Intimately, as He did.
GOD is the Gospel!
I want to share with you a message that communicates the Title of my blog and the prayer of my heart for myself and for all those who name the name of Christ. I preached this message in 2008 as I was reading, "The pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer. I pray you will listen to it and that God will stir in you a desire to Pursue Him like never before.1. Pursuing God's Presence
http://fbclakebutler.com/content.cfm?id=213&content_id=71
2. Pursuing God with Passion.
http://fbclakebutler.com/content.cfm?id=213&content_id=72
Friday, February 5, 2010
FBC Haiti Relief Project
FBC Lake Butler will be participating in Buckets of Hope ministry offered thru the Fl. Baptist Convention.
Convention Announcement:
Buckets of Hope Offer Opportunity for Every Florida Baptist
(If you want to contribute a “Bucket of Hope,” you may bring it to our association center for distribution.)
Every Baptist can have a hands-on, life changing affect upon the people of Haiti by participating in a Southern Baptists “Buckets of Hope” ministry.
The “Bucket of Hope” consists of a plastic five-gallon bucket packed with selected foodstuffs. For approximately $30 an individual Baptist can purchase the materials and assemble a “Bucket of Hope.” In addition, Baptists are requested to include a $10 cash contribution, placed in an envelope and attached to the lid of the bucket, to offset the cost of transporting the relief buckets to Haiti.
Project deadline: By March 15, 2010, the “Buckets of Hope” must be completed and delivered to your local Baptist association collection point. Florida disaster relief volunteers will facilitate the pick-up and transport of the local “Buckets of Hope” to Hialeah, Florida, for placement in cargo containers for immediate shipment to the island nation. After delivery to a Hialeah warehouse, before loading in cargo containers, all the buckets will be labeled indicating the “Bucket of Hope” is a gift of Christian love and support from Southern Baptists.
If there is anyone who is interested in leading our efforts toward the March 15, deadline please contact me, as soon as possible, so we can begin to inform our congregation.
I want to thank our congregation for the $2,788.00 that was given last weekend and encourage you to continue to participate thru various ministries offered thru our church and convention.
Convention Announcement:
Buckets of Hope Offer Opportunity for Every Florida Baptist
(If you want to contribute a “Bucket of Hope,” you may bring it to our association center for distribution.)
Every Baptist can have a hands-on, life changing affect upon the people of Haiti by participating in a Southern Baptists “Buckets of Hope” ministry.
The “Bucket of Hope” consists of a plastic five-gallon bucket packed with selected foodstuffs. For approximately $30 an individual Baptist can purchase the materials and assemble a “Bucket of Hope.” In addition, Baptists are requested to include a $10 cash contribution, placed in an envelope and attached to the lid of the bucket, to offset the cost of transporting the relief buckets to Haiti.
Project deadline: By March 15, 2010, the “Buckets of Hope” must be completed and delivered to your local Baptist association collection point. Florida disaster relief volunteers will facilitate the pick-up and transport of the local “Buckets of Hope” to Hialeah, Florida, for placement in cargo containers for immediate shipment to the island nation. After delivery to a Hialeah warehouse, before loading in cargo containers, all the buckets will be labeled indicating the “Bucket of Hope” is a gift of Christian love and support from Southern Baptists.
If there is anyone who is interested in leading our efforts toward the March 15, deadline please contact me, as soon as possible, so we can begin to inform our congregation.
I want to thank our congregation for the $2,788.00 that was given last weekend and encourage you to continue to participate thru various ministries offered thru our church and convention.
For more info. you can visit the FBConvention website listed in the "links" bar.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Within The Veil
The Joy of my heart this morning comes from the fact that I am seated within the veil and I am invited to live within the veil today.
Many of you may know there were 3 chambers in the O.T. Tabernacle in the wilderness. The Outer Court, The Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. The Presence of God dwelt between the Cherubim over the mercy seat on the Ark of the covenant which was within the veil in the Holy of Holies. Only one man, the high priest, was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies (The Presence of God) and he was only permitted to do this once a year to make an atonement for his own sins and the sins of the people. The people of God were not allowed, and were not invited, to come into the presence of God.
However, the Book of Hebrews tells us that thru Jesus, our Great High Priest, The Minister of the New Covenant we are not invited to enter the Holy of Holies (The presence of God) in the tabernacle on earth, but that we are invited, yea, encouraged to enter into the Holy of Holies in Heaven thru Him.
*Honestly, how many of you woke up this morning believing this to be your privilege?
**How many of you know that today you and I as children of God are invited to not only come but to dwell in the Holy of Holies, The Presence of God, thru faith in Jesus name.
The Hebrew writer says in Heb. 6:19 "This hope which we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil"
This hope is our anchor that keeps us from drifting?
Where will you live today? Where will you dwell? I choose to live within the veil!
Please meditate on these verses and live within the veil today.
Heb. 10:19-22 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Heb. 7:19 "for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God."
Heb 6:19-20 "This confidence is like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain of heaven into God's inner sanctuary. *(This is our Privilege) Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the line of Melchizedek.
Rom. 5:1-2 "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God..." (This verse is loaded!)
Bless the LORD, O My Soul and all that is within me! Bless His Holy Name!
Many of you may know there were 3 chambers in the O.T. Tabernacle in the wilderness. The Outer Court, The Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. The Presence of God dwelt between the Cherubim over the mercy seat on the Ark of the covenant which was within the veil in the Holy of Holies. Only one man, the high priest, was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies (The Presence of God) and he was only permitted to do this once a year to make an atonement for his own sins and the sins of the people. The people of God were not allowed, and were not invited, to come into the presence of God.
However, the Book of Hebrews tells us that thru Jesus, our Great High Priest, The Minister of the New Covenant we are not invited to enter the Holy of Holies (The presence of God) in the tabernacle on earth, but that we are invited, yea, encouraged to enter into the Holy of Holies in Heaven thru Him.
*Honestly, how many of you woke up this morning believing this to be your privilege?
**How many of you know that today you and I as children of God are invited to not only come but to dwell in the Holy of Holies, The Presence of God, thru faith in Jesus name.
The Hebrew writer says in Heb. 6:19 "This hope which we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil"
This hope is our anchor that keeps us from drifting?
Where will you live today? Where will you dwell? I choose to live within the veil!
Please meditate on these verses and live within the veil today.
Heb. 10:19-22 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Heb. 7:19 "for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God."
Heb 6:19-20 "This confidence is like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain of heaven into God's inner sanctuary. *(This is our Privilege) Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the line of Melchizedek.
Rom. 5:1-2 "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God..." (This verse is loaded!)
Eph. 3:12 "in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him"
Eph. 1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love..."
Today, if you are a born again believer, the scripture declares that you have been justified (Declared Righteous by God), by faith (In the fact that Christ was born under the law, that he might fulfill the law perfectly on our behalf, becoming a curse for us to redeem us from the curse of the law [Gal. 3:10-13], becoming our sin, absorbing the full wrath of God against our sins, and then rising from the dead and making atonement for our sins, that we should be Holy and without blame before Him.) you now have access within the veil, wherein you stand and REJOICE in the hope of the Glory of God.
Bless the LORD, O My Soul and all that is within me! Bless His Holy Name!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Sharing/Accountability
Okay, last post before I have to lock-in for sermon prep.
I want to know what everybody is studying, listening to, and reading.
Here are 3 reasons why I ask this:
1. For Accountability purposes.
I want to occasionaly prompt you to examine your time and progress in God's word. A young pastor shared with me recently the greatest advice I ever gave him. He said I told him years ago, "You're going to have to learn to love reading". I give you this same counsel.
Ref: I Tim. 4:13-16; I Peter 2:1-2; Mt. 4:4
2. For Sharing purposes.
I would like to know the books, messages, and passages you are reading that are challenging, encouraging, and ministering to you. I would like to make these messages, books, and links available to others that they may grow thereby.
3. For Joy purposes:
3rd John v. 4 "I have no great joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
It will so fulfill my joy to hear from all of you about your progress in the faith!
I can't wait to hear all the wonderful things God is doing in the life of His Children and my Friends.
Books: Spiritual Depression by D. Martyn Lloyd Jones; Finally Alive by John Piper; The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges. *All are exceptional
Audio/Video: A Plethera of podcasts, on-line sermons, and DVD's. (Technology has greatly enhanced our ability to have the word of God piped in anywhere, anytime. Shame on us if we don't make ourselves available to it.)
Sermon series:
Sun. A.M. - The Gospel of Mark.
Sun.- Open Study
P.M.- The Book of Hebrews.
I want to know what everybody is studying, listening to, and reading.
Here are 3 reasons why I ask this:
1. For Accountability purposes.
I want to occasionaly prompt you to examine your time and progress in God's word. A young pastor shared with me recently the greatest advice I ever gave him. He said I told him years ago, "You're going to have to learn to love reading". I give you this same counsel.
Ref: I Tim. 4:13-16; I Peter 2:1-2; Mt. 4:4
2. For Sharing purposes.
I would like to know the books, messages, and passages you are reading that are challenging, encouraging, and ministering to you. I would like to make these messages, books, and links available to others that they may grow thereby.
3. For Joy purposes:
3rd John v. 4 "I have no great joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
It will so fulfill my joy to hear from all of you about your progress in the faith!
I can't wait to hear all the wonderful things God is doing in the life of His Children and my Friends.
- Here are the areas I am reading and studying right now?
Books: Spiritual Depression by D. Martyn Lloyd Jones; Finally Alive by John Piper; The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges. *All are exceptional
Audio/Video: A Plethera of podcasts, on-line sermons, and DVD's. (Technology has greatly enhanced our ability to have the word of God piped in anywhere, anytime. Shame on us if we don't make ourselves available to it.)
Sermon series:
Sun. A.M. - The Gospel of Mark.
Sun.- Open Study
P.M.- The Book of Hebrews.
Anyone up for a Bible Study?
How about Hebrews 6:4-6? "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame."
Many of you may be familiar with this passage, but have you ever studied it for yourself.
This is one of the most intriguing passages in all of scripture. Those who hold to the belief that a true believer may ultimately fall away (i.e. Lose their salvation), use this as one of their main proof texts. How would you respond?
After you've taken time to study I would love to hear a brief summary of your interpretation of the text. Or if you are not sure and would like to ask questions, submit them as well.
I recently studied this and preached it to our body...I will go ahead and post the link.
I fielded Questions from the floor at the close of the message. You may be interested in hearing that as well.
"Moving Forward or Falling Away?"
http://fbclakebutler.com/content.cfm?id=213&content_id=65
*For those of you who disagree with my interpretation, I will provide you with resources that help support your view. Unless your view is "losing your salvation"...don't think I can give you anything to support that.
Many of you may be familiar with this passage, but have you ever studied it for yourself.
This is one of the most intriguing passages in all of scripture. Those who hold to the belief that a true believer may ultimately fall away (i.e. Lose their salvation), use this as one of their main proof texts. How would you respond?
After you've taken time to study I would love to hear a brief summary of your interpretation of the text. Or if you are not sure and would like to ask questions, submit them as well.
I recently studied this and preached it to our body...I will go ahead and post the link.
I fielded Questions from the floor at the close of the message. You may be interested in hearing that as well.
"Moving Forward or Falling Away?"
http://fbclakebutler.com/content.cfm?id=213&content_id=65
*For those of you who disagree with my interpretation, I will provide you with resources that help support your view. Unless your view is "losing your salvation"...don't think I can give you anything to support that.
Encouragement
2 Cor. 1:24 "Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm"
This verse expresses my heart for those of you who will take the time to appropriate these sermons into your life. I do not wish to lord over your faith or put pressure on you be asking you to listen to this, listen to that, but I passionately desire just to "work with you for your Joy (In God)" that you may stand firm in the faith.
These are just a few messages that have served as a source of encouragement for those in our church who have been facing difficult battles, and the message by Piper I listened to last week and found to be a a cornerstone of faith as it pertains to suffering.
Please take a moment to e-mail me or comment if you were encouraged by these messages so others will be encouraged and I will know in what way I can best be a helper of your joy.
1. Title: "What to do when you have Trouble?" Ps. 37:1-4
Speaker: Jason Johns
http://fbclakebutler.com/content.cfm?id=213&content_id=24
2. Title: "New Hope for a New Year" Ps. 42
Speaker: Jason Johns
http://fbclakebutler.com/content.cfm?id=213&content_id=50
3. Title: "The Prison of Confusion"
Speaker: Jason Johns
http://fbclakebutler.com/content.cfm?id=213&content_id=32
4. Title: "Subjected in Hope"
Speaker: John Piper (Preached at the Village Church)
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/MediaPlayer/4446/Audio/
5. Title: "Patient in Tribulation"
Speaker: Jason Johns
http://fbclakebutler.com/content.cfm?id=213&content_id=54
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Sermons that have changed my life!
I listed below the links to 4 of the most impacting messages I have listened to over the past few years. Note: There are many, many more, but these have greatly shaped my view of The Gospel, Prayer, The Family, and The Christian Life.
1. John Piper: "Be Devoted to Prayer
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/MediaPlayer/118/Audio/
2. Paul Washer: "The Gospel...Mt. 7"
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=74091412491
3. Voddie Baucham: "The Centrality of the Home"
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=5209234630
4. Frances Chan: "Lukewarm and Loving it"
http://go2.wordpress.com/?id=725X1342&site=bestwebsermons.wordpress.com&url=http%3A%2F%2F268generation.com%2Fvideoplayer%2Fplayer.php%3Fvideoid%3Dp073%26quality%3Dhi
Monday, February 1, 2010
Why start a blog?
I have waited a long time for this day! I regret that it has taken me this long to get started, but I am ready to serve the Lord and His body thru the information provided on this blog site. It is my desire to make available to you the truths of God's Word which I am learning thru my daily devotions, various books I am reading, the preachers and sermons I regularly listen to, and any other means by which I am receiving spiritual nourishment. It is my desire and prayer that you will utilize these resources for your own spiritual growth. I am making available to you wells from which I drink fuly and seek to pour out into others. I invite you to avail yourself to my online library at Shelfari.com. I have listed many of the books that I have read, ones I consider favorites or must-reads, and the books that I am currently reading. You will find some of the classic books of the Christian faith, as well as, current authors whom God is using in our generation. Please pray that God will grant me favor and time so that I will be fruitful in every good work (Col. 1:10). I encourage your response, comments, and questions. Use this as an outlet to ask questions concerning the scripture or possibly a sermon that was preached. I look forward to sharing God's word with you and contributing some way in your spiritual growth to the glory of God!
P.S.
For a more detailed explanation of why I believe it is important for a Pastor to blog; click on the link below.
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1156_6_reasons_pastors_should_blog/
P.S.
For a more detailed explanation of why I believe it is important for a Pastor to blog; click on the link below.
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1156_6_reasons_pastors_should_blog/
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