1 John 5:5
"Who is He that overcome the world, but he that believe that Jesus is the Son of God?"

Dear friends in Christ... Another praise report...

While I still have the original cancer, it has not spread. The cancers I wasn't aware of are gone or shrinking.

Praise His Holy name, NOW AND FOREVER! Thanks again for all your prayers. May you all have a  HAPPY and Holy Christmas.

Richard

JESUS IS STILL ON THE THRONE

BELIEVER?

As we take a short break from new scripture revelations, new to us, may we take a time for an exam.

  As we have spent a good deal of time reading and, hopefully ABSORBING God's Word. ABSORBING means  REALLY believing.  How do we know if we really believe? We are true believers when we put in to practice  what we proclaim to believe.

For example, if our Lord spoke to you to trust in Him for your every need, have you totally placed your TRUST in Him to keep His promise.  If we hold on to even a shadow of doubt by not resting in peace concerning the issue then there is No faith.  The Word of God was read by you and intellectually "believed" by you and you still do not act on the truth then that is NOT FAITH.  It is intellectual assent.

Hello Bloggers,

I have a prayer request of You all. Yesterday Carmelita's brother Cy and his wife Rita experienced a bad fall which resulted in Cy breaking his right shoulder and Rita fractured a rib.
Please join us in the prayer of faith for a miracle healing for both Cy and Rita.

Richard

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is the day our LORD created for us. New blog on the way. 

Richard

Hello prayer partners...this is Richard,

I have been a little weak from chemo but Praise God I am getting better.
I will update you all soon. I am praying for you, please keep praying for me.
Richard

THIS IS THE DAY

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for My son, the evidence of things not seen. You do not yet see, nor will you see fully while you are on this earth, but faith cooperating with Spiritual Power actually calls into being that for which you hope. Men speak of dreams come true. But you know them as answered prayers; manifestations of Spirit Force in the Unseen. So trust boundlessly.

Yes! Remember always - that out of darkness I am leading you to My light, My son. Out of unrest to rest, out of disorder to order. Out of faults and failure to perfection. Upon this very day My perfect plan is being fulfilled through all I set forth within. In the days that follow speaks not of when, but see it all as of this moment. Your eyes will soon behold more then are able to absorb. So trust Me wholly. Fear nothing. Hope ever. Look ever up to Me and I will be your sure aid. I and My Father are one. So He who made the ordered, beautiful world out of chaos, and set the stars on their courses, and made each planet to know it’s season, can He not bring out of your little chaos peace and order. And He and I are one, and you are Mine. Your affairs are Mine. It is My Divine task to order My affairs - therefore yours will be ordered by Me!"

PRAISE REPORT

PLEASE ACCRPT MY APOLOGY FOR NOT CONTACTING YOU SOONER. THIS COMPUTER HAS BEEN GIVING ME AGIDA (ITALIAN FOR ULCERS).  I AM UNABLE TO SEND E-MAILS UNTIL THIS GETS REPAIRED, HOWEVER I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT MY ONCOLOGIST REPORTED TO ME TODAY AHAT THE NEW CHEMO THERAPY IS WORKING AND THAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE OVER THE PAST  FOUR WEEKS. THAT DESERVES A BIG HALLELUJAH!!!    AMEN?

COMPUTER TROUBLES

PLEASE BE PATIENT, THIS COMPUTER IS ACTING WIERD. MUCH TROUBLE MAKING COMMUNICATION WITH REGULAR FOLLOWERS.

HEALING

Jesus, our Lord and our God suffered on the cross of Calvary for our sins,  our offenses, our    negligences, our failure to love one another as He loves us. We need to remember that His sacrifice is not only for our spiritual healing but for our every physical need as well.  When on earth, He never refused physical healing to anyone.

We need to approach Him with confidence and ask, ask, ask, always with thanksgiving in our hearts. All followers of Christ have faith, we must learn to exercise that faith. Thin k of the wicked judge who gave in to the widow woman because of her persistence.  God LOVES YOU.  WITH GREAT REVERENCE APPROACH HIM ALSO AS YOUR TRUE FRIEND.

GREAT PEACE

^{Hebrews 10:23-25} Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

     

John 16:4-33

 ⁴ I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first because I was with you.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

 ⁵ "Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' ⁶ Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. ⁷ But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. ⁸ When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹ in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; ¹⁰ in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; ¹¹ and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. ¹² "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. ¹³ But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. ¹⁴ He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. ¹⁵ All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. ¹⁶ "In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."

The Disciples' Grief Will Turn to Joy

 ¹⁷ Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?" ¹⁸ They kept asking, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying." ¹⁹ Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? ²⁰ I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. ²¹ A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. ²² So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. ²³ In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. ²⁴ Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. ²⁵ "Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. ²⁶ In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. ²⁷ No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. ²⁸ I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father." ²⁹ Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. ³⁰ Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."  ³¹ "You believe at last!" Jesus answered. ³² "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.  ³³ "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
EVERY WORD THAT JESUS TAUGHT US IS GOD THE FATHER SPEAKING TO US THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT.  LISTEN TO HIM CAREFULLY AND REMAIN IN  PER
FECT FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD OUR FATHER. STUDY HIS WORD DAILY.

SALVATION

The ten commandments cannot save us, but they are a good check on how we are doing in our relationship with God our Father.  The purpose of those blessed words is to measure our love for God and to remind us of who Father is. HE IS GOD AND HE CREATED US TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP   WITH HIM.

RICHARD'S CANCER REPORT 8/7/2012

My oncologist says the new chemo is working.and is very pleased with the results

GREAT NEWS

Dear Ones.  Yesterday was a remarkably blessed day of healing and miracles.  As you know I am being treated for metastatic colon cancer, there are issues that point out my progress.

This is not a cancer update, that will come next Thursday, but it is related.

The first thing was a real concern about a black spot on My left big toe.  With diabetes this is highly important marker.  It turned out that the spot is NOT gangrene.   Whew a genuine sigh of relief and and gratitude to the LORD JESUS.

This next one is an actual MIRACLE. The next appointment was with my Eye Doctor. He was treating me for a serious eye infection that also showed basal cell carcinoma  which is cancer.  Well now listen to this. when he examined me yesterday he declared that the infection is healed and told me to see him in a year.  I asked about the cancerous lower eye lid, he replied it isn't there and I didn't do it.  THIS IS A GENUINE MIRACLE THAT IS VERIFIABLE  Will you join me in shouting a resounding HALLELUJAH!!!!

PAIN

Have you ever wondered about why we still suffer even after Jesus took upon Himself the the pain of sin in the whole world?  I know that God does not give us pain, but He allows it for a number of reasons.  The foremost reason is to bring us closer to HIMSELF.  Some times when we drift away from the basics of Jesus teachings by worldly distractions, we are very moved to call upon our Lord. When I personally have pain I find that my faith is stronger. "OH LORD MY GOD, I CALLED UPON THEE AND YOU HEALED ME"  PS 30:2

JOY

If you are over 50 years of age you will love this.


>>>"Here for you now is a Senior version of Jesus Loves Me":
>>>
>>>JESUS LOVES ME
>>>
>>>Jesus loves me, this I know,
>>>Though my hair is white as snow
>>>Though my sight is growing dim,
>>>Still He bids me trust in Him.
>>>(CHORUS)
>>>YES, JESUS LOVES  ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
>>>YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
>>>
>>>Though my steps are oh, so slow,
>>>With my hand in His I'll go
>>>On through life, let come what may,
>>>He'll be there to lead the way.
>>>(CHORUS)
>>>
>>>When the nights are dark and  long,
>>>In my heart He puts a song..
>>>Telling me in words so clear,
>>>"Have no fear, for I am near."
>>>(CHORUS)
>>>
>>>When my  work on earth is done,
>>>And life's victories have been won.
>>>He  will take me home above,
>>>Then I'll understand His love.
>>>(CHORUS)
>>>
>>>I love Jesus, does He know?
>>>Have I ever told Him so?
>>>Jesus loves to hear me say,
>>>That I love Him every day.
>>>(CHORUS)
>>>

MORE

One of the comments on Hallelujah was so enlightening I am sending it to you as more on hallelujah. This is wonderful.....

1-50 of 605

Brother Richard I thought you might enjoy this Hymn Story: Preparing us for eternity, when all nations will praise God together, the word "Hallelujah" provides a similar expression of praise in all languages. "Hallelujah, Wat a Savior" uses the word to tie the cross with the triumph of the risen and reigning Lord. The first four verses tell the crucifixion story, that Jesus, the "spotless Lamb of God," stood condemned in our place. He took on our sins for us, the "guilty, vile and helpless." Completing each short stanza, we cry out with overwhelming praise "Hallelujah, what a Savior!" In the last public meeting before his untimely death, Philip Bliss the hymn's composer conducted a service at the Michigan State Prison for 800 inmates. Many of them wept in true repentance as he spoke of Jesus' redeeming death and sang the verses of "Hallelujah, What a Savior!" Hallelujah, What a Savior Man of Sorrows! what a name For the Son of God, Who came Ruined sinners to reclaim. Hallelujah on HALLELUJAH!!!

HALLELUJAH!!!

Did you know that in every language on this planet the word HALLELUJAH MEANS THE SAME THING?? IT MEANS PRAISE THE LORD,  SOO, IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE SHOUT A RESOUNDING HALLELUJAH!!!!

WANT PEACE?

WANT PEACE

Have you ever been faced with a situation where someone has done you serious harm? Did you experience an initial desire to strike back? The natural reaction might include a deep resentment that can lead to a long lasting grudge that could very well harm yourself. Harboring grudges is always destructive to the well being of the one who is not willing to forgive.

On several occasions during my adult years I have faced such trying times. Before I met and embraced my Savior these occasions caused me to suffer from my dwelling on those hurts. After I received Jesus, the Holy Spirit gave me a defense against my own weakness to repay evil with evil. I first noticed that God had truly entered my life and gave me a spirit of forgiveness that was genuine. My reaction to these attacks was to show genuine love for my “enemies” by treating them with kindness and respect. In the greatest test in my life those “enemies” are now my dear friends. I did nothing more than to treat them with respect and a friendly attitude. I take no credit for this because that was not my nature, it was a gift of grace from God through the Holy Spirit.

Later as I studied the Word, I discovered a passage of scripture that goes like this; “ If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:20-21

When we live for Christ we sometimes will be “attacked” by some who simply do not understand our good intentions, then they “attack” us in many ways because of our Faith. We must rejoice in that type of suffering for it is foretold by Jesus that this would happen. When Jesus said the we must take up our CROSS and follow Him, He wasn’t
referring to sickness and disease but rather the suffering that we would suffer for following Him.

May we then be glad when we are taken to task for doing good and LOVE OUR ENEMIES. In this way we are obeying Jesus. In this way some will be led to follow Jesus by our love them and sharing Jesus by example.

Just this past week I had a casual conversation  with two dedicated, genuine  Cristians
who I know are loving people and are good witnesses for our Lord Jesus.   Yet what came from their mouths   was "shocking"  to me in a very real sense.  They both spoke of several issues in their lives that led to grudges. Wow, what a waste of God's good grace.  Grudges are a great impediment to our enjoying good health of mind, spirit and body.  Resentments physically harm the non forgiving person.  Some even develop  mental stress that is proven to a a precursor to many illnesses and diseases the can even kill a person. Do we want that? I am sure you are thinking a resounding NO!  The CURE for all of this is FORGIVENESS.  Do not just work on it.  Your are in the possession; God's GRACE. We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us.

Our Father, "and forgive us our sins as we forgive others."  This prayer is asking God to NOT FORGIVE US IF WE ARE UNFORGIVING.  BE CAREFUL, DO NOT IGNORE AND WASTE GOD'S GRACIOUS GIFT OF FAITH.  F O R G I V E AND BE TRULY HAPPY AND HEALTHY OF MIND, SPIRIT, AND BODY. LET US FORGIVE AND BE HAPPY.

I HAD A DREAM

blog for 8/6/12

I HAD A DREAM

Last night I had a vivid dream that really gave me a powerful message.  It went like this: I was visiting a convict on death row who was about to be executed.  He was totally convinced that he was no good and did not value life.  He had no hope.  When I left him he was LOST.  When I left the prison I was very upset that I had not told him about how much God loves him and that HE will forgive him if he calls on Jesus. When I awoke I was relieved that it was a dream and not real.

To me, and I am sure to you, that we must not let a single opportunity to transmit the love of GOD to everyone that they can be saved by calling on the name of Jesus.  It is never too late for the sinner to accept the gift of everlasting life in the presence of our Father GOD, even at the last moment of one's life.  We need to remember the good thief at calvary who asked Jesus for forgiveness.

OH HOW GOD LOVES US

Before you SLOWLY read the following passage of the scripture, get some Kleenex tissues.

Isaiah 53:1-9

New King James Version (NKJV)

53 Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
² For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
³ He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

⁴ Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

⁷ He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
⁸ He was taken from prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
⁹ And they^[a] made His grave with the wicked—
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.

How can we can not be moved  to honor and love our Father in Heaven when He suffered so, while watching His only begotten Son being tortured and slain to pay for the sins of the entire world? Jesus bore the sins of the whole world to free us from our transgressions against GOD and men.  Such love is THE ULTIMATE LOVE THAT OUR FATHER WANTS US TO EMULATE IN OUR LIVES. LOVING HIM AND OUR NEIGHBOR AS HE LOVES US.

PURPOSE

TO ALL OF OUR NEW PARTAKERS OF THIS BLOG.

I think is time to share with you the reason for this blog site.  Our purpose for this ministry is to bring people to a true intimacy with God our Father.  So I am re-posting a former blog to give an idea of what this ministry is all about.

Intimacy with God

May we take this time to review the lessons that we have studied so far.

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father , and I too will love him and show myself to him". John 14:21.

Wow, the formula for intimacy with our Creator is in the above passage. The absolute joy of knowing God is available to all who will listen to His Word and follow the Word, Jesus. To follow Him is to accept His teachings, not intellectually, but in our inner being, and doing all that He has taught us.

As a child we received many rules from our parents and in many cases we refused to obey them. Those "rules" were teachings that were intended to keep us from harming ourselves. Yet because we wanted to do our "thing" we often ignored the love of our parents. I know of many people of my generation (including myself) who have paid a price for that disobedience. To love our parents is to obey them.

To obey our Father's will for us as taught by Jesus is to love Him. It is the ONLY way to LOVE Him. " If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching, My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (John 14:23)

We MUST read, meditate and internalize Jesus' words. It is important to do so if we want to know our Father. When we KNOW HIM we do His will and a peace that surpasses all understanding fills us to overflowing. Then and only then are we able to bear much fruit for the Kingdom. "If a man remains in Me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing". (John 15:5)

Meditate on His teachings and receive that great joy and you will lead many to a wonderfully rewarding intimacy with GOD.

What

WHAT

A question has risen:  I have no training as to what  I say say to a person that is willing to listen.  Is there a study course about one on one evangelizing.

Yes, there some online.  

Evangelizing, one on one starts by gaining confidence of the person you are addressing ,then when they seem to enjoy speaking with you, you simply begin telling them of some of your testimony. If they are “tuned” in to what you are disclosing, you can begin guiding them to the Gospel of John vs 3:16. Then you can   lead them to chapter 1 vs 1 through 14. Encourage them to read and study the entire Gospel.  If possible, always carry with you a copy of the Good News Bible which you must give to them.  The Gospel of John Will bring them to Father God through the teachings of Jesus our Savior.

Keep in mind, no one can save anyone.  It is our job to plant the seeds and the Holy Spirit will bring them to believe in Jesus for everlasting life.

Also, never forget, This MUST always be done with tender care.  Beating someone over head with a bible is not good evangelizing.

Richard

HOW?

HOW?

A question is asked about the previous blog. “How can I take the message to ALL Nations”.

Good question. We all can help to tell the good news to every person on earth by supporting those who are called to the mission field by prayer and just as important, supporting Them financially to the best of our means. While we at the same time can be touching all who come into our lives by sharing with them the GOOD NEWS of the gospel.  However, this MUST be done with Love, and gentleness lest we turn them off.
The Good News is just that, it is literally Life Saving.  Remember the HOLY SPIRIT is a Gentile man    Get it? Gentleman.

Love you ALL, Richard

MOVING ON

Matthew 28:18-20

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

The words of God spoken in the Gospel were spoken to the DISCIPLES and not only to the apostles but to all who are FOLLOWING His teachings. If you have been following the Word of God through my blogs and reading His teachings then you must be by now be a disciple. Followers of Jesus' teachings who are truly seeking an intimate relationship with Father God are obligated to share His Word to as many people as we can.  No need to become a foreign missionary just tell others about the Love of God.  While we are not able to Baptize with water we can help the lost to receive the Holy Spirits'  Baptism which comes from the desire to know and receive the Love of God.

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CONTACT INFO

I have received a few questions that I would be glad to answer. If you requested answers on this blog, you need to tell me who you are and how to reach you by e-mail.  MY ADDRESS is:
silanskassrrichard@gmail.com

MAJOR PRAISE REPORT

Last Thursday I received my 1st new chemo regimen.  Wonderfully, I have not experienced a single side effect that I was warned would cause me a great deal of pain and discomfort.  Those effects were supposed to commence immediately. I believe that my total healing is taking place.

And they overcame him ( The devil), by the blood of the Lamb (JESUS) and the word of their testimony Rev. 12:11

CANCER REPORT ON RICHARD

Last week I had a Pet Scan.
Today, I received a report on the results.
1.No spread
2.The chemo isn’t working anymore
3.We start Tommorow with a new regimen that should that is expected to resume reduction of the tumors.
4 This is not unexpected and is a normal course of treatment.
5.   Outlook is very positive.
   6. This is the progression of my healing. HALLELUJAH!!!
 7.   THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR PRAYERS. KNOW THAT GOD HEARS YOUR PRAYERS AND IS ANSWERING THEM.

WITH DEEP GRATITUDE TO OUR LORD AND TO YOU FOR THIS ONGOING MIRACLE OF HEALING.

CAREFUL !

2 Corinthians 4
New International Version (NIV)
Present Weakness and Resurrection Life
4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.


Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort THE WORD OF GOD.2Cor.4 1:-2 (above)

Paul condemns those who twist God’s Word.
Preachers, teachers, and anyone else who talks about Jesus Christ must remember that they stand in God’s presence--He hears every word.  Many Christian ministers and leaders twist Scripture in their attempt to motivate audiences.  Others take Scripture out of context to promote their own views. When you tell people about Christ be careful not to distort the message to please  your audience. Proclaim the truth of God’s Word. If what you say in any way changes the  Word just to please the listener,  That's not good and is the seed that causes friction and division in the Church. Jesus taught, preached, the TRUTH and many were offended, because Satan clouded the minds of non-believers.
 The Apostles preached and practiced the truth and died for being faithful to GOD'S WORD.

LEST WE FORGET

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas "; still another, "I follow Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? 14 I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

While we are enjoying the benefits of forgiving and showing love to our enemies, we must not forget to love our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Too many our our brethren are at odds overs points of individual doctrines.  It is taught to us By Jesus to stop giving our allegiance to divided “churches” and remember that the Gospel must be preached.  Not the gospel of some denomination , but the Doctrine of Jesus and His Gospel.  Let us remember to make peace with our “divided” brethren and when needed to forgive and embrace them.

Remember what Jesus said,  "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas "; still another, "I follow Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? 14 I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

TRUE REST

July 9, 2012 blog

Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you.  Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear and the burden I give is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

What comfort to know that if we sincerely seek to know Him we will find peace.  Jesus did not say that you will not have burdens, but He is there to help you carry the load.  Following Jesus is work.  Some seem to be comfortable fighting their desires toward sinful lifestyles.  Some have trouble continuing on the path of getting closer to HIm.  Whatever your burdens, He is there with you if only you will turn them over to Him.  He is there with you and accepting His burden makes your “yoke” light because He is helping you to shoulder the load.

What is the gift that goes with following His Word?

It is the knowledge that Jesus is right there withYOU and He is giving you strength and grace to continue with HIS ever presence with you.  When we follow HIM closely He turns our burdens into a SONG OF PRAISE.

STAY CLOSE TO JESUS AND BEGIN TO ENJOY YOUR LIFE.  Love your neighbor and worst enemy and you will find REST.

STILL PROUD?

God speaks to us in Isaiah 66

“Heaven and earth are my throne.  Earth is my footstool.
Could you build me a temple as good as that?
  Could you build me such a resting place?
My hands have made both heaven and earth;
they and everything in them are mine.

I the Lord have spoken.

I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts,
  Who TREMBLE at my word.” Is:66:i1-2

What a meal to devour. To me it means to fall prostrate before our God, worshiping Him, realizing His person. He loves us and wants us to actually  believe in Him by accepting His position, and power and Omnipresence, and His   omniscience.

He created ALL things. He is everywhere. He knows ALL.  He is Lord of ALL.

Honor HIM who made us  by changing every bit of our lives that do not reflect our belief in HIM. That is all that He wants from us. Love GOD with all of our being and love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

HELP FOR US

Mark 12:28-44
The Greatest Commandment
12:28-34pp -- Mt 22:34-40
 28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"  29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." 32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

This scripture gives us a pattern in beginning our daily visit with Father. 

BELIEVE?

What is the biblical definition of faith?

The shield of faith described by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesian Christians is of paramount importance because it is the grace “with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). This is not an uncertain promise. Rather, it is divine assurance that faith equips us to escape the very extremities of evil. But what is faith?
First, the Bible defines faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Thus, in biblical vernacular, faith is a channel of living trust—an assurance—that stretches from man to God. In other words, it is the object of faith that renders faith faithful.
Furthermore, faith is the assurance that God’s promises will never fail, even if sometimes we do not experience their fulfillment in our mortal existence. Hebrews 11 underscores the fact that we trust God to fulfill his promises for the future (the unseen) based on what he has already fulfilled in the past. Thus, our faith is not blind, but based squarely on God’s proven faithfulness.
Finally, the faith that serves to protect us in spiritual warfare is not to be confused with mere knowledge. Millions worldwide believe in the trustworthiness of Billy Graham. They have heard him proclaim the good news on television and yet do not believe that his message corresponds to reality. Thus, they have the knowledge that it takes to be saved but do not have saving faith. Others hear the message, agree that it corresponds to reality, but due to the hardness of their hearts do not bow. Rather, like the demons, they continue to live in fearful anticipation of the judgment to come (James 2:19). Some, however, have what Scripture describes as genuine justifying faith—a faith that not only knows about the gospel and agrees that its content corresponds to reality, but a faith by which they are transformed.

It may be productive to review all that we read, studied, the Word  as to our FAITH.  Are we not sure of  God's promises?  Still leaning on ourselves to heal ourselves?  GOD ALONE CAN SAVE. HE GIVES US THE GRACE TO ACCEPT THE GIFT OF SAVING SAITH . HE EXPECTS US, "DEMANDS" US. TO BELIEVE THAT WHICH HE HAS REVEALED THROUGH HIS WORD. BELIEVING IS ACTING ON HIS WORD.

THIS IS THE DAY

Thank you for studying with us.

As we are coming to know God we must aim to KNOW HIM. There is no other way to know Him except to spend quality time with Him. We really must reach the point where we are having a daily INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.  This requires talking with Him, one on one regularly.  How?, set aside a time everyday to isolate ourselves from all distractions and enjoy a time with Father in solitude.

“I want to, but I can’s find the time.”    Well, this is declaring that you prefer other things over God.  No matter what your state of life there is always some things that we like to do like a favorite TV show, going to a movie, spending time on the phone, meeting with friends, neighbors, reading, etc.  There is somethings that we find time for always. There is NO EXCUSE for failure to have that one on one relationship with God daily.  If we do things that we find time to do for pleasure,  OR“necessity”we are declaring  that    everything in our lives is preferable to talking to our creator.

Jesus reminded the rich young man that to love God with all our being is still a COMMAND.  Not giving that one on one daily “sit down” with Father is a direct failure to LOVE HIM.

Let us work now to TRULY love God by having a period of time daily to have a genuine “chat” with.  THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO KNOW HIM AND LOVE HIM.

PLEASE ACCEPT  HIS  COMMAND TO LOVE HIM BY PLACING ALL THINGS IN HIS HANDS, TALK TO HIM IN PRAYER, PRAYER THAT IS CONVERSATIONAL, NOT READ OR ROTE, HE WILL  COMMUNICATE WITH YOU AND GIVE YOU WONDERFUL PEACE AND JOY.

GOD LOVES YOU AND HE WANTS YOUR LOVE.

Father and Son

Today's study really will require work. In our efforts to know God we need to spend quality time in the  Word of God.  This means to dedicate a portion of each day studying and dwelling on the scriptures. Please take all the time you need SLOWLY absorbing the Word so that the love of God for You becomes part of you and in that way we come perfection through His Word.  Please read only as much as you can fully comprehend that message for your day.  No hurry. Rejoice!!!

This item is available on TheBible.net at: http://www.TheBible.net/modules.php?name=Read&cat=6&itemid=267

TheBible.net :: God, Christ & the Holy Spirit

Why Did Jesus Come To Earth?
By Jody L. Apple

Introduction

A popular song contains the following lyrics: “Why did my Savior come to earth, and to the humble go? Why did He choose a lowly birth? Because He loved me so.” The second verse continues: “Why did He drink the bitter cup, of sorrow, pain and woe? Why on the cross be lifted up? Because He loved me so?” (song by J.G. Dailey)

Though we are to sing songs that reflect scriptural truths (cf. I Cor 14:15), and even though this song does that, it would be untrue to contend that this, or any other, song teaches all that we really need to know about its subject matter.

Why did Jesus come to this world? Why was He born as He was? Because He loved us? Certainly this is true. Why did he endure the suffering and affliction, and finally, death upon the cross? Because he loved us? Again, this is most definitely the case.

But, as we have already indicated, this is certainly an incomplete explanation. By examining the scriptures in greater detail we can learn much more concerning the divine reasons that lie behind Jesus' entrance into this world, and ultimately - his death, in human form. Perhaps no better place to begin our examination exists than the second chapter of Hebrews. By concentrating our efforts here we will note how the inspired author repeatedly provides us with key truths about the incarnation and death of Christ, among them the following:


Reasons Why Jesus Came To Die

(1) Christ came to be like man because God was “mindful” of h/Him (Heb 2:5ff).

Genesis provides a divine account of creation. God, through Christ (Jn 1:1ff; Col 1:13ff; Heb 1:1ff), created all that exists through the power of his word (Gen 1:3; Ps 33:6-9). He created it all for a purpose (Rev 4:11; Is 46:10), and that purpose centers around the capstone of God's creation, mankind.

God’s mindfulness of man exists for at least two reasons. First, Genesis 1:26ff teaches that the God created man in “our” image (“in the image of God” - vs 27, an obvious reference to the Godhead—Father, Son and Spirit), and that man was given dominion over the rest of creation. It is to this positioning of mankind in God's creation that prompts the Hebrew writer, as did the Psalmist before him (Ps 8:4ff), to ask “what is man?”

Second, though neither the Hebrew writer nor the Psalmist completely answers the question in the immediate context of its asking, more of an answer can be found in the general context of the creation account in Genesis. The continuing account of the creation in Genesis two tells us that God “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Gen 2:7). Though part of the answer to the question “what is man” is that man was made in God’s image, the “soulness” of man provides additional insight to God's mindfulness of man (cf. Eccl 12: 7; 1 Thess 5:23).

Man as soul, though not eternal as is God, is nonetheless immortal. Man has a beginning (God has none), but man's existence is never ending (Mt 25:46). It is because man is a soul created in the image of God and will continue to exist forever that God is so mindful of him. Of the totality of God’s creation, nothing other than man is depicted as having the potential to exist into eternity. Thus, both the creation of man in the image of God and the soulness of man indicate reasons for God’s mindfulness of man.


(2) Christ came to be like man because in so doing he completed the subjection of all things to himself started by Adam/mankind in Genesis (Gen 1:26ff; Heb 2:8ff).

Mankind was created a “little lower than the angels” (Heb 2:7), but he was set over God's creation (cf Gen 1:26ff mentioned above) to subject it (creation) to himself. Here the Hebrew writer shifts from alluding to mankind generally to one man specifically, that is Jesus (Heb 2:9). The allusion to mankind being created in God's image, and thus God's concern for him, is connected with the incarnation of Christ.

There exists a connection between the incarnation of Christ and the subjection of creation to mankind. Christ, in coming to save mankind (God's ultimate purpose - 2 Pet 3:9; 1 Tim 2:3-4; Mt 1:21; 18:11; Lk 19:10), also came to demonstrate his power and subjugation of all things to himself (cf. 1 Cor 15: 24ff). This provides not only a reason for the miraculous events in his life (i.e., triumphing over the physical world, e.g. Mt 8:1ff; Jn 20:30-31), but also why He came to battle the enemies of this world (Satan, the god of this world [2 Cor 4:4] - Heb 2:14;1 Jn 3:8; worldly powers - Eph 1:21; 6:12; and sin - Gal 1:4; 4:3; et. al. ).

Christ's overcoming of the world (Jn 16:33ff) was accomplished because He was not of this world (Jn 17:14ff). As a result, we are to abstain from worldly things (1 Jn 2:15ff) and keep ourselves unspotted from the world (James 1:27). We are able to do so because He that is in us (Christ) is greater than he that is in the world (1 Jn 4:4; cf. 5:4). All of this is related to the completion of Christ's work of subjugation which started in Adam.


(3) Christ came to be a man so that he could die (Heb 2:9ff).

This is one of the main focal points of Hebrews. Hebrew Christians, familiar with the old testament scheme of forgiveness, understood the necessity of animal sacrifices (cf. Lev 16-17). The Hebrew writer argues convincingly that animal sacrifices, though able to “sanctify to the purifying of the flesh” (9:13), could only do so incompletely (9:9-14; 10:1ff). What really made the offering of sacrifices complete, and thus those who relied upon it perfect, was the sacrifice of the Son of God (Heb 10:10).

But, in order to die, Jesus had to be capable of dying. God is eternal (1 Tim 1:17; Ps 10:16), and so is Christ (Jn 1:1ff; 8:58; Gen 1:1ff). How could the eternal Christ die? Death only applies to this physical world. The answer is obvious.

In order to die a physical death, Jesus had to become part of this physical world. This He did by becoming man (Jn 1:14; Col 1:19; 2:9). As a man, Jesus could die, and thus “taste death for every man” (Heb 2:9).


(4) Christ came to be like man so that he could suffer as a man (Heb 2:10ff).

Though Jesus came in the likeness of man to die, He also came to suffer, and to provide an example for us in doing so (cf. 1 Pet 2:21ff). The Hebrew writer elsewhere argues that Christ demonstrated obedience through his suffering (5:8-9), an element (i.e. obedience) synonymous with righteousness (cf. Rom 5:18-19; Lk 1:6). The suffering that Christ endured was more than just that of the cross.

Christ endured persecution and suffering throughout His life. He was tempted by Satan (Mt 4:1ff; Lk 4:1ff, esp 13). He was called the devil (Mt 12:24; Jn 10:20). He was accused of teaching contrary to the law (Jn 9:29). His life was in physical jeopardy (Mt 21:46; Lk 22:2; Jn 5:18; 7:1). He constantly encountered challenges from religious leaders (Mt 12:10ff; 15:1ff; 21:23ff). All of these things (and more) indicate that Jesus suffered in numerous ways in addition to the physical sufferings involved in His death by crucifixion.

By doing so Jesus provided hope for us. He told us that we would be persecuted (Mt 5:10-12; 10:24-25), a promise mentioned many times in the new testament writings: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim 3:12), and “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you...” (1 Pet 4:12).

Peter informs us that suffering was part of the reason we were called to be Christians (1 Pet 2:21, cf. 2 Thess 2:14). In so doing we follow in the footsteps and example of Jesus as he lived and suffered in bodily form on this earth.


(5) Christ came to be like man so that He could sanctify man (Heb 2:11ff).

In order for man to be sanctified, that is set apart or made holy, Christ had to be like mankind. The Hebrew writer said that the one sanctifying (Christ) and those sanctified (obedient believers) are “all of one.” This simply means that a unique relationship exists between Christ and man that allows for such sanctification to occur. This unique relationship occurred only because Christ became like man.

When Christ died upon the cross in bodily form he provided the avenue of sanctification for mankind (cf Heb 10:10). The process by which this occurs is as follows: (a) Christ was sanctified of God (Jn 10:36); (b) Christ sanctified himself (Jn 17:19); (c) those obedient to Christ’s will (truth) are said to be sanctified by the truth (Jn 17:17, 19; Acts 20:32, esp 2 Th 2:13); and (d) we are thus said to be sanctified in Christ (1 Cor 1:2, 30; 6:11).

All of this was made possible because of the death of Christ.


(6) Christ came to be like man so that man could be in fellowship with Him and the heavenly Father (Heb 2:11-12).

Hebrews 2:11 says that Christ was not ashamed to call mankind “brethren.” Scripture uses the term “brother” (or brethren) in several senses: (a) all men are brothers in the sense that all are flesh and blood (Heb 2:11); (b) men are brothers in the sense of sharing a common ancestral/genealogical background (e.g., Ananias and Paul - Acts 9:17; Stephen and his persecutors - Acts 7:2); (c) men are brothers in the sense of having the same parents [cf. Peter and Andrew (Mt. 4:18; 10:2; Lk 6:14; Jn 1:40; 6:8); James and John (Mt 4:21; 10:2; 17:1; Mk 1:19; 3:17; 5:37; 10:35, 41; Lk 5:10; Acts 12:2)]; and (d) men and women are brothers and sisters when they are obedient to the will of God, thus becoming God’s children (Mt 12:46-50; Mk 3:35; Lk 8:21; Gal 4:1ff; 1 Jn 3:1ff).

The first mention of “brethren” in this context (Heb 2:11) is most likely a reference to the physical relation Christ and man shared because they both existed in bodily form. The latter reference, however, demonstrates the use of “brethren” as it applies to those doing God’s will.When we are obedient to the will of God we are God’s children, and thus in fellowship with Him. John wrote saying that the fellowship Christians had with each other was more than fellowship among men, it was fellowship with God the Father and Jesus Christ (1 Jn 1:1ff).


(7) Christ came to be like man so that we might understand God and worship Him (Heb 2:12).

In this respect Christ is an intricate part of the worship of God’s people. This passage alludes to His being praised in the midst of the church, but other passages speak of the communion (i.e., fellowship) that we have with Christ as we partake of the Lord’s supper (cf. 1 Cor 10:16ff). This is only a small part of the joint participation that we have with God and Christ (cf 1 Jn 1:1ff, point 6), all of which is due to the incarnation of Christ.


(8) Christ came to be like man so that he could die and provide mankind a way of escape from death (Heb 2:9ff).

This is very much related to our third point above. The development of that facet of our discussion was rather broad based. Christ's subjugation of all things, as a continuation of the dominion of creation initially given to mankind in Adam, includes subjugation of death and the power of death. It was as a result of the sin of Eve and Adam that the sentence of death came upon them, and ultimately all mankind (cf. Gen 2:17; 3:1ff; Rom 5:12ff).

But Jesus did not provide a way to escape death and its grasp simply by coming as a man and enduring death Himself. The death of Christ upon the cross certainly confirmed that he really did come in bodily form (cf Col 1-2; 1 Jn 1:1ff; 2 Jn 7), but it was something in addition to his death that destroyed the power of death.

That additional element, of course, is the resurrection of Christ. Paul argued vigorously in 1 Corinthians 15 of the possibility of resurrection generally, and the necessity of Christ's resurrection specifically. If physical resurrection was impossible, and Christ's did not occur, our preaching and our faith is vain. Those who claimed to be witnesses of the resurrection are liars. Those who have already died believing in the resurrection, and thus the “certainty” of their own, are without hope. We are still in our sins, and we are all most miserable (cf. 1 Cor 15:13-19).

Contrary to this position Paul affirms that Christ has not only risen, His resurrection is the guarantee (“the first fruits”) of our own resurrection (15:20). He then declares how it is this occurred, and in so doing, confirms the exclusive relationship that exists between the man Jesus Christ and mankind generally. Paul states: “For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” (1 Cor 15:21-22)

What does this mean? Simply that it was in order for Christ to die and resurrect from the grave because Adam died. Death was introduced by a man (Adam), and resurrection was introduced by a man (Christ, the second/last Adam -1 Cor 15:45ff; Rom 5:12ff). Death came because of Adam—due to sin, but life came because of Christ—due to His sacrifice for sin.

There is now, therefore, no longer any strength in death. It is “swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor 15:54) because Jesus Christ rose from the grave and conquered it. This could only have been accomplished because Christ came to this world and lived and died as a man.


(9) Christ came to be like man so that He could become the perfect sacrifice. (Heb 2:17)

This facet of the necessity of Christ’s death is tied to the second and third points made above. Jesus’ death and suffering and His existence as a perfect sacrifice are all related.

The old covenant taught that a connection existed between the offering of animal sacrifices and atonement (cf. Lev 16-17). More specifically, that covenant emphasized it was because of the shed blood of those sacrificial animals atonement occurred (cf. Lev 16:14-16, 18-19, 30, 32-34). The focal point of old testament sacrifices and the forgiveness they procured was blood.

The Hebrew writer concurs with that premise, not just because it has old testament application, but because it has new covenant application as well. Without shedding blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Heb 9:22). Part of the difference between the covenants is their respective sacrifices: the old one required the death of animals, but the new one required the death of Christ. In fact, the old covenant animal sacrifices pre-figured the new covenant sacrifice of Christ (Heb 5-10).

Why the sacrifice of Christ? Because the blood of Christ was the ultimate atoning factor necessary for the forgiveness of sins (cf. Eph 1:7; Col 1:14). While the old covenant stressed the importance of animal sacrifices, the new covenant is just as emphatic in declaring the necessity of the blood of Christ (cf Mt 26:26-28; Rom 3:25; 5:9; 1 Cor 10:16; 11:25-27; Eph 2:13; Col 1:20; Heb 13:12, 20; 12:24; 1 Pet 1:2, 19).

Christ’s death, specifically His blood shed in death, thus provided the perfect sacrifice for man. (Note the interrelation of death, blood and atonement in Rom 5:9-11).


(10) Christ came to be like man so that He could be the perfect High Priest. (Heb 2:17)

Jesus occupies a unique position in God’s plan to save mankind. For example, among other singularities, He is the only mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5); He is the Holy one of God (Lk 4:34); He is the only Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 8:6); He is the only begotten of God (Jn 3:16); He is our only master (Mt 23:8, 10); He is our one means to righteousness (Rom 5:17); He is the singular seed of the promise made to Abraham (Gal 3:16); and He is the only one in whom all things in heaven and earth are gathered together (Eph 1:10).

But, as it relates to our discussion of Christ’s incarnation and death, He is unique in that he alone functioned as both sacrifice (#9) and the one who offered the sacrifice (cf Heb 10:10, 14; 13:12).

A comparison and contrast of Christ’s sacrifice with those of old testament animal sacrifices yields many interesting points. Of special interest in our present discussion is this simple point: the animal sacrifices of old paralleled, and thus prefigured, Christ’s in that both involved death and blood, and both were innocent of sin. Unlike the sacrifice of Christ, however, the animals were offered unwillingly. Jesus willingly offered himself as the only sacrifice that could really provide for the forgiveness of sins (Jn 10:17-18; Mt 26:26ff; Acts 2:38ff).

Because the high priests offered sacrifices under the law of Moses, and because Christ offers Himself in order to establish the new covenant (cf Heb 5:1ff), Christ is referred to as a high priest after Melchizedek’s order (Heb 7:1ff, 17). Christ did not establish himself as high priest, but God the Father, who referred to Christ as “Son” and “begotten,” called Christ a priest like Melchizedek (Heb 5:6).

Thus, Christ was perfectly suited to be both the offerer and the sacrifice that cleanses us from sin.


(11) Christ came to be like man so that He could save man (Heb 2:9ff).

God’s ultimate purpose involves the salvation of mankind through Christ. God doesn’t want anyone to perish (2 Pet 3:9); He wants all to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:3-4). In order to accomplish His will God sent His Son - “the grace of God that brings salvation” (Titus 2:11) - so that all the world could know of God’s will.

It is not surprising, then, to learn that the will of Christ was the same as that of the heavenly Father. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Mt 18:11; Lk 19:10). He came to do the will of His Father (Jn 4:34; 5:19; 6:38).

While on earth Jesus had the power to forgive sins (Mt 9:5-6). But His purpose was not fully realized by forgiving sins only while He lived here. According to God’s plan, Jesus came to this earth to make things ready for the establishment of God’s kingdom (Is 2:1-4; Mic 4;1-2; Dan 2:44), the church which Jesus promised to build (cf Mt 3:1; 4:17; 16:18-19; Col 1:13). Jesus shed His blood for this church (Mt 26:26ff; Acts 20:28), and by that shed blood He would institute a new covenant (Heb 7:22; 8:6-13; 9:15ff) and provide for the remission of sins beyond His life on this earth (cf Mt 26:26ff; Acts 2:38; Heb 7:25; 8:12; 9:14).

The church which Jesus died for was, and is, a body of saved people (Acts 2:47; Eph 5:23). It is God’s ultimate earthly culmination to provide for the salvation of mankind (Eph 1:10; Eph 3:8ff). By obedience to the message of God and Christ, commonly styled the gospel, souls are simultaneously saved (Acts 2:38-42; 11:14; Rom 1:5; 16:25; James 1:22; 1 Pet 1:22) and added to the church, the body of Christ (Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 12:13; Gal 3:26-28).

All of our discussion to this point indicates the extent to which Christ was willing to go to save man. Paul told the Philippians that Christ, though equal to God, became a servant in the likeness of man, and obediently humbled himself, even to the point of His death on the cross (Phil 2:5-8). In similar fashion, Paul told the Corinthians that Christ, though rich, became poor, so that they might be made rich (2 Cor 8:9ff). Christ did everything that He did so that we might have the hope of salvation (cf 1 Tim 4:10; Jn 1:12; 20:30-31; Gal 3:24ff).


(12) Christ came to be like man so that He could succor (aid) man (Heb 2:9ff).

Finally, Christ came to this world to be a man so that he could help us in a way that only He can. The Hebrew writer affirms this in the passage cited here (Heb 2:19), as well as in Hebrews 5:14-16. Christ is a high priest that has been put to the test. He is not one who can’t be touched by our weaknesses. Because he was tempted like we are tempted, and because he endured and overcame that temptation without sin (cf James 1:12ff), He is able to sustain us when we are in need. His willingness to suffer and die for man indicates how much He was willing to be like us so that He could help us. His life and example provide for us a declaration of the true nature of God (Jn 1:18) and His love for us.


Conclusion

As we conclude our discussion of why Christ came and died for us, consider that all of these things were done because it was proper for Christ to do so. The Hebrew writer states that it “behooved” Christ to be made like his brethren (Heb 2:17 - KJV). One translation renders this passage as “in all things he had to be made like His brethren.” (NKJ). The term translated as “behooved” or “had” is the word opheilo. It appears thirty-six times in the new testament, and is usually rendered as some form of owe, debt, duty, or ought. Only here does it appear as “behooved” (KJV). The term has to do with indebtedness, and a sense of duty and obligation.

It appears again in Hebrews with regard to the necessity of Christ’s death in 5:3 where the text reads “and by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.” In this passage opheilo is translated as ought (KJV). In another translation this verse appears as “Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.” (NKJ). Here opheilo is rendered as oughtand required.

The significance of these passages seems simple enough. Jesus had to die. He was required to do so. There is a sense of oughtness about his death and what it accomplished that could not have been obtained in any other way. Only through the life and death of Christ could the salvation of man be procured. There was never any other way. From the beginning of time, and even before that, Jesus was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Is 53:7; Jn 1:29, 36; Acts 8:32; 1 Pet 1:19; Rev 5:6, 12; 7:14; 13:8).

These few reasons for the incarnation and death of Christ are only those gleaned by one fallible writer from one portion of one chapter of one inspired book in God's word. How much more might we appreciate the love of God and Christ by fully investigating all of His word to know even more about why our Savior came to this earth!

---

ADAM AND EVE

Adam and Eve

⁴ This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.

⁵ Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth^[a] and no plant had yet sprung up, for the Lord God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground, ⁶ but streams^[b] came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground. ⁷ Then the Lord God formed a man^[c] from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

GOD, who is all above all, created you and me to be with Him to share His creation for all eternity.  He wants us to enjoy all that He made and to worship Him by accepting His love.  So many do not appreciate who GOD is.  This is hard for me to understand. Even without a Bible and teachers, HE is visible in His creation.  Some have seen Him in creation and before the Word was made manifest they worshiped GOD through objects of His creation.  Today, we have the WORD being preached in so many ways, it is impossible to justify our failure to embrace our GOD.  May we, who are blessed by the knowledge of the WORD, lead all in our lives to see God, and to receive and "hug" Him by living for HIM,  and to His GLORY.

THINK ABOUT IT

Taking a few moments to consider that which we have been studying, how Awesome is our God, The main thing I have been reminded of is, ALL That we can see and imagine is the handiwork of GOD.

 In our daily walk on this earth, we need only look at everything we can see, hear, detect with our senses, is the creation of incredible complexity of the tiniest to the largest of what we see and sense is created by GOD.  I constantly wonder how some folks are blind to HIS presence in EVERYTHING.  The evolving things that we can detect is created by GOD.   The complexity of HIS CREATION  is mind boggling and can only lead us KNOW HOW AWESOME AND POWERFUL IS OUR GOD.

Praise God that modern science is coming to the TRUTH.  There is no problem with wondering and questioning creation because the end result of genuinely seeking TRUTH finding GOD.  More and more scientists are declaring that all of CREATION started with a power that ALWAYS WAS.

KNOWING FATHER

In our search for intimacy with God we need to KNOW GOD. As we are studying the Word we find that to know our Father we need to know the Son.  Our Lord has revealed himself in and through Jesus.  To know our Father is to know His only begotten Son Jesus.  In our study of the first words of Genesis, we are seeing the POWER of GOD, His loving creation and His relating to us HIS Awesomeness.  We can only grow in adoration of our DAD by listening to His teachings as He has revealed Himself through His creation.  His desire for the way He wants to be worshiped is revealed through His teachings concerning that which He expects of us through His teachings by JESUS. JESUS AND THE FATHER ARE ONE.  TO REALLY KNOW THE FATHER IS TO KNOW HIS SON.

"IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD AND TH WORD WAS GOD.
THE SAME WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD.
ALL THINGS WERE MADE BY HIM; AND WITHOUT HIM WAS NOT ANYTHING MADE THAT WAS MADE." John 1:1-3
 "And the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld Glory, as the only of the Father full of grace and truth."John1:14.

Jesus and the Father are ONE. KNOW JESUS AND YOU KNOW OUR FATHER THE SON of God is called the Word, seems to be, that as our words explain our minds to others, so was the Son of God sent in order to reveal his Father's mind to the world. What the evangelist says of Christ proves that he is God. He asserts, His existence in the beginning; His coexistence with the Father. The Word was with God. All things were made by him, and not as an instrument. Without him was not any thing made that was made, from the highest angel to the meanest worm. This shows how well qualified he was for the work of our redemption and salvation. The light of reason, as well as the life of sense, is derived from him, and depends upon him. This eternal Word, this true Light shines, but the darkness comprehends it not. Let us pray without ceasing, that our eyes may be opened to behold this Light, that we may walk in it; and thus be made wise unto salvation, by faith in Jesus Christ.

Commentary on John 1:6-14

FATHER'S DAY

May we all on this day give honor and glory to our FATHER in heaven as we honor our earthly Dad's.  We do this in true gratitude for our families and opportunity to lead them to our GOD, our heavenly FATHER who empowers us to live holy lives.   Thank you FATHER.

AWESOME

As we study these words of wisdom we need to take as much time as necessary to come to an understanding of GOD.  Getting to really   know  Him takes a dedication to our creator and savior. The most satisfying experience of this life is to KNOW GOD.  As we launch into our study let us do so in a prayerful mode. We must take the time as we read these comments to concentrate on the content.  A quick once over will accomplish nothing.  Go at your pace that allows you to absorb, and enjoy our expanding knowledge of GOD.


Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
<< Introduction to Genesis | Genesis 1 | Genesis 2 >>
(Read all of Genesis 1)
Related Commentaries
Genesis 1
    •    Matthew Henry’s Commentary
    •    Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Related Books
Genesis 1
Encountering the Book of Genesis
By Bill T. Arnold
Genesis (Mastering the Old Testament)
By Lloyd J. Ogilvie
Life Lessons: Book of Genesis
By Max Lucado
Chapter Contents
God creates heaven and earth. (1,2) The creation of light. (3-5) God separates the earth from the waters, and makes it fruitful. (6-13) God forms the sun, moon, and stars. (14-19) Animals created. (20-25) Man created in the image of God. (26-28) Food appointed. (29,30) The work of creation ended and approved. (31)
Commentary on Genesis 1:1,2

(Read Genesis 1:1,2)
The first verse of the Bible gives us a satisfying and useful account of the origin of the earth and the heavens. The faith of humble Christians understands this better than the fancy of the most learned men. From what we see of heaven and earth, we learn the power of the great Creator. And let our make and place as men, remind us of our duty as Christians, always to keep heaven in our eye, and the earth under our feet. The Son of God, one with the Father, was with him when he made the world; nay, we are often told that the world was made by him, and nothing was made without him. Oh, what high thoughts should there be in our minds, of that great God whom we worship, and of that great Mediator in whose name we pray! And here, at the beginning of the sacred volume, we read of that Divine Spirit, whose work upon the heart of man is so often mentioned in other parts of the Bible. Observe, that at first there was nothing desirable to be seen, for the world was without form, and void; it was confusion, and emptiness. In like manner the work of grace in the soul is a new creation: and in a graceless soul, one that is not born again, there is disorder, confusion, and every evil work: it is empty of all good, for it is without God; it is dark, it is darkness itself: this is our condition by nature, till Almighty grace works a change in us.
Commentary on Genesis 1:3-5
(Read Genesis 1:3-5)
God said, Let there be light; he willed it, and at once there was light. Oh, the power of the word of God! And in the new creation, the first thing that is wrought in the soul is light: the blessed Spirit works upon the will and affections by enlightening the understanding. Those who by sin were darkness, by grace become light in the Lord. Darkness would have been always upon fallen man, if the Son of God had not come and given us understanding, 1 John 5:20. The light which God willed, he approved of. God divided the light from the darkness; for what fellowship has light with darkness? In heaven there is perfect light, and no darkness at all; in hell, utter darkness, and no gleam of light. The day and the night are the Lord's; let us use both to his honour, by working for him every day, and resting in him every night, meditating in his law both day and night.
Commentary on Genesis 1:6-13
(Read Genesis 1:6-13)
The earth was emptiness, but by a word spoken, it became full of God's riches, and his they are still. Though the use of them is allowed to man, they are from God, and to his service and honour they must be used. The earth, at his command, brings forth grass, herbs, and fruits. God must have the glory of all the benefit we receive from the produce of the earth. If we have, through grace, an interest in Him who is the Fountain, we may rejoice in him when the streams of temporal mercies are dried up.
Commentary on Genesis 1:14-19

(Read Genesis 1:14-19)
In the fourth day's work, the creation of the sun, moon, and stars is accounted for. All these are the works of God. The stars are spoken of as they appear to our eyes, without telling their number, nature, place, size, or motions; for the Scriptures were written, not to gratify curiosity, or make us astronomers, but to lead us to God, and make us saints. The lights of heaven are made to serve him; they do it faithfully, and shine in their season without fail. We are set as lights in this world to serve God; but do we in like manner answer the end of our creation? We do not: our light does not shine before God, as his lights shine before us. We burn our Master's candles, but do not mind our Master's work.
Commentary on Genesis 1:20-25
(Read Genesis 1:20-25)
God commanded the fish and fowl to be produced. This command he himself executed. Insects, which are more numerous than the birds and beasts, and as curious, seem to have been part of this day's work. The Creator's wisdom and power are to be admired as much in an ant as in an elephant. The power of God's providence preserves all things, and fruitfulness is the effect of his blessing.
Commentary on Genesis 1:26-28
(Read Genesis 1:26-28)
Man was made last of all the creatures: this was both an honour and a favour to him. Yet man was made the same day that the beasts were; his body was made of the same earth with theirs; and while he is in the body, he inhabits the same earth with them. God forbid that by indulging the body, and the desires of it, we should make ourselves like the beasts that perish! Man was to be a creature different from all that had been hitherto made. Flesh and spirit, heaven and earth, must be put together in him. God said, "Let us make man." Man, when he was made, was to glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Into that great name we are baptized, for to that great name we owe our being. It is the soul of man that especially bears God's image. Man was made upright, Ecclesiastes 7:29. His understanding saw Divine things clearly and truly; there were no errors or mistakes in his knowledge; his will consented at once, and in all things, to the will of God. His affections were all regular, and he had no bad appetites or passions. His thoughts were easily brought and fixed to the best subjects. Thus holy, thus happy, were our first parents in having the image of God upon them. But how is this image of God upon man defaced! May the Lord renew it upon our souls by his grace!
Commentary on Genesis 1:29,30
(Read Genesis 1:29,30)
Herbs and fruits must be man's food, including corn, and all the products of the earth. Let God's people cast their care upon him, and not be troubled about what they shall eat, and what they shall drink. He that feeds his birds will not starve his babes.
Commentary on Genesis 1:31

GOD

blog for 06/12/12

GOD

We are taught by Jesus that in order to please God we must KNOW HIM.  We were  we were given specific, detailed teachings that brings us to KNOW GOD.

The Old Testament tells us of God’s creation and His design for ALL of His creation, from the visible Universe to mankind.

The New Testament tells us of His LOVE for His creation and teaches through Jesus Words and example, and the Disciples that He anointed to deliver the GOOD NEWS of salvation.

God does not leave us in the dark to simply wonder about His Person, He has given us specific instructions as to how He wants us to enjoy Him and His creation.

Many times, in the past, I have purchased items that require assembly, and more often than not, my attempts at putting those things together failed. Only when all my efforts fell short , I was“forced” to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS given with the product by the creator of that product. And much to my delight, when instructions were followed the construction happened with great success.

One would assume that reading the instructions would be a natural way to make future projects successful. Wrong!! After many failures I still insisted on doing it my way rather than reading the instructions.

If we do not KNOW GOD, it is our fault.  He has provided infinite numbers of evidences of Who He Is, How He wants us to have an intimate relationship with Him, and to EXPERIENCE HIS PRESENCE  in our lives.  Ignore the INSTRUCTIONS and suffer failure to KNOW HIM.  Read and FOLLOW His INSTRUCTIONS AND ENJOY peace and joy that He offers us.

In future blogs we will look at the instructions with intention of following them.

Faith

"For by Grace are we saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is a gift of God lest any man should boast." Eph 2:8-9. 

Since we are saved and delivered from sin by the Grace of Almighty God, we need to dwell on that gift of everlasting LIFE.  God loves us so much that He wants us to be one with Him through Jesus His only begotten Son.  The measure of our faith is a GIFT.  We must avoid judging the holiness of one another by our experience and perception of faith.  When we see that one of our brethren seems to be weak in faith, we need to hold them up to our Lord to increase their faith, and not judge them as to where our Lord has brought them in their walk with Jesus.  Since we are saved by the pure GIFT of faith in Christ we need to give thanks for our brothers and sisters in the Lord and lift them up rather than judge them as to their relationship with GOD.  As our Lord gives us all good things, we should give good things to our brethren, always. Offer love, peace, joy and hope in Christ our Savior, and our joy will overflow.

Prayer for June

May we pray together:
God of healing mercy, in Jesus your Son you stretch out your hand in compassion, restoring the sinner, healing the sick, and lifting up those bowed down. Embrace us now in your loving care, particularly those afflicted with cancer, for whom this intention is offered. May the Spirit of Jesus bring us all health in soul and body, that with joy and thanksgiving we may praise you for your goodness, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!

LOVE FOR THE DAY IS NEAR

Love, for the Day Is Near
 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:8-14

When we are with the Church in felllowship, it is SO important to examine our conscience as to the our relationship with our neighbor that are less than loving God is Offended. Things happen between people that are not always loving. When we do or think things  about our neighbor we MUST repent.  Otherwise our corporate worship of God is False and becomes a mockery. 

 As we read from 1John, “If someone says ‘I love God’ but hates his neighbor or sister, that person is a LIAR, for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love GOD whom we cannot see? And He has given this command. Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.” 1John1:4:20

Fellowship

Church? What is it?  For one thing it is NOT A building!!!When we say that we go to church we need to say that we are on our way to worship GOD with our brothers and sisters in Christ  at St. so and so in (Clermont) (Groveland) (Winter Garden etc.)  We designate the location of the building where we will meet WITH the church and fellowship and worship our Lord. The use of Church as a location rather than the place where we worship with fellow saints and seek to learn His perfect will for our individual  and corporate lives.

Some time we designate the place with PRIDE, a deadly sin. We sometimes fall into the sin of pride, when  the number of fellow Saints with whom we meet  becomes a "measure  of our Holiness ?", because so many are there each Sunday or our music is "anointed" etc .

The big question is how many souls are reached for Christ? How many are living lives meet unto repentance? How much Spiritual growth is evident each day and week that exhibits the reflection of Jesus in our daily lives

Church must not be construed as a denomination. Denominations simply define our local fellow saints as subscribing to certain doctrines as rules to follow in our quest to know God. The rules when BASED ON SOLID SCRIPTURE EVIDENCE HELP THE ADHERENTS TO LEAD HOLY LIVES as defined by Jesus.

I write these words with prayer, that the words be received in the spirit in which it is written, not to criticize but only to examine ourselves, give some thought to our own growth in Christ.

GIVE THANKS TODAY?

It is very important to give thanks, consistently, to our Lord. All things that God gives us is worthy of Praise, Honor, Glory.  Giving thanks to HIM in our lives is a powerful recognition of Who He is. a powerful testimony that tells the world of how much He loves each of us every moment of our lives.

"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done.
Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises. Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds.
Exult in His Holy Name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the Lord and His strength; continually seek Him.
Remember the wonders He has performed, His Miracles, and the rulings He has given."  Psalm 105:1-5

Cancer Report 05/30/2012

Cancer Update 05/30/2012

It’s 7 pm and just returned from Oncologist office.  The tests show that the colon cancer is stable. Prostate cancer stable.  I thank Jesus the He has His hands on this situation.

14 days repeat complete blood count to monitor my immune levels then  new ct scan scheduled for July 28 to get a visual reading on the colon cancer results. 

Looking good.  Continual prayer required.  Huge thanks to you all for your prayers, love, and concern.

Richard

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Today we celebrate the birth of the Church (the body of Christ--You, me, all believers in Christ). This is one of the most joyous and certainly, important celebrations of the Church.
On the day of Pentecost as the 120 were praying in the upper room as commanded by Jesus, "Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.  Then,what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.  And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability."Acts 2:2-4.

From that day forward the disciples were transformed into powerful witnesses of the Gospel and the Gospel is now preached and practiced throughout the World.  No Pentecost, no Church.  No Holy Spirit living within us, no power or conviction.  You and I, together with all believers are the Church and are empowered by God to bring the Good News to the World.

PLEASE read the 2nd Chapter of Acts to understand the Holy and Glorious gift of Pentecost and the awesome responsibility we all have to be HIS Witnesses to the World.

May we truly and joyfully celebrate this Day that the Lord has made.

Worshipping in the Temple of GOD.

We are saved by the Grace of God through the Blood of Jesus.  Well, what is so important about  following the teachings of Jesus concerning how we are to live out our salvation? ETERNAL REWARDS and JOY unspeakable. Look at Psalm 15.  "Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your Holy Hill?
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.
Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts.
Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever."

The joys and benefits of a life lived in companionship with God.  We enjoy these benefits Now and Eternally.

A DAILY SUPPLICATION

The following prayer from Psalms is a great way to start each day.  As we pray this prayer we need to stop at each line and meditate on what we are saying.  Rote prayer may have a role in our relationship with God, but He obviously wants us to communicate with him from our own heart.  Peace.

"Teach me your ways, O Lord that I may live according to your truth!

Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.

With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God

I will give glory to your name forever for your love for me is very great.

You have rescued me from the depths of death" Psalm 86:11-13

Yes, God has rescued us from eternal death through the precious blood of His dearly beloved Son Jesus.

FEELING BETTER

TODAY MAY 23, 2012 My wife, Son and I are doing MUCH better.  The Dr. said that this is a form of virus and that it needs to run it's course.  The symptoms, while highly unusual,  are not serious and will subside in a short time..  They already are.

I don't like using this blog to complain about health issues of my family, however, since we (you and I) are brother and sister through the blood of Christ we need to support one another in prayer.  Thank you so very much for your encouraging comments.

One week from today I will receive my Cancer update to determine how well the treatment is doing.  I am looking forward to sharing with you a bright and joyful report.

May we continue in the Word and apply the teachings of our Father, given to us by Jesus.  Jesus promised to never leave us nor forsake us.  So, when we read His Word, we are hearing Him DIRECTLY! May we take every Word with faith and confidence.  Continuing to love God with all our body, mind soul and strength. continuing to share the TRUTH and LIVING the Truth. 

God is So Good.

REFINING LIKE GOLD

Our Lord Jesus and Father God sometimes allow adversity in our lives to help us grow in trust in Him.
This past 7 days have been an opportunity to place our TOTAL trust in the Lord.  Last Wednesday our son Vince started with a horrendous dry cough that was relentless and strength draining along with disabling muscle weakness.  Starting 2 days later My Wife started with the same symptoms followed by me on Saturday.

This has been a horrible experience for each of us.  All too weak to seek medical help.  In my nearly 2 years of battling Cancer I have never had such pain and weakness.  Tomorrow I travel to our Doctor for diagnosis and Hopefully successful treatment.  This has all the markings of Virus infection with no known cure.  The body has to overcome this.

Through it all we have never once questioned why?  However our Lord has revealed to my that my Faith in Him is genuine and that He has His Loving Arms around us all and is bringing us to healing.  This also has given us a renewed respect for "simple" virus attacks and Allergy attacks.

In unity we say THANK YOU JESUS for never leaving us nor forsaking us.  We can feel His presence and know that what is happening is for our GOOD and will bear much fruit.

Thank your for your prayers.  Jesus love you, He really does, and cares for your EVERY need.