Friday, December 17, 2010
HOW GOD DEALS WITH HIS CHURCH
Newsletter 224 December 19, 2010
Revelation 2:1-3:22 King James Version
For lack of space, I am not giving cross-references and am noting only portions of the letters to the churches known by various qualities noted in their individual headings. Please read the entire letter, if you will.
Some feel that these letters represent the total church during certain eras starting with its inception through to Christ’s return. Others, liken these descriptions of the church in reference to local congregations. Either way, they give us God’s guidance under these various conditions.
EPHESUS, THE LOVELESS CHURCH (Rev. 2:1-10)
2: 3-5 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write;
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
SMYRNA, THE PERSECUTED CHURCH (Rev. 2:8-11)
2: 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
PERGAMOS, THE COMPROMISING CHURCH (Rev. 2:12-17)
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
THYATIRA, THE CORRUPT CHURCH (Rev. 2:18-29)
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
REVELATION 3:
SARDUS, THE DEAD CHURCH (Rev. 3:1-6)
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
PHILADELPHIA, THE FAITHFUL CHURCH (Rev. 3:7-13)
7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
LAODICEA, THE LUKE WARM CHURCH (Rev. 3:14-22)
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
One or more of these characteristics can be found in nearly any large gathering of the church at any time. That is the heart message of the parable of the tares. (Matthew 13:24-30) Christ warned that this would be so and that he would remove them at the “harvest time“ when he comes to judge. Then, they will be removed without destroying the good with the evil.
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
DECEMBER
19th. Sunday – Nehemiah 12, Revelation 15, Psalm 145:1-7
20th. Monday – Nehemiah 13, Revelation 16:1-11, Psalm 145:8-13
21st. Tuesday – Esther 1, 2, Revelation 16:12-21, Psalm 145:14-21
22nd. Wednesday-- Esther 3, 4, 5, Revelation 17, Proverbs 31:1-9
23rd. Thursday - Esther 6, 7, 8, Revelation 18:1-11, Psalm 146
24th. Friday – Esther 9, 10, Revelation 18:12-24, Psalm 147:1-11
25th. Saturday-- Zephaniah 1, 2, 3, Revelation 19:1-9, Psalm 147:12-20
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 728 titles)
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
Luke 2:1-11
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
__________
Thursday, December 9, 2010
UNTO THE SEVEN CHURCHES,WRITE
Newsletter 223 December 12,2010
Revelation 1:12-20 (King James Version)
I realize I am seeking an excuse, but I had a bad fall yesterday leaving me with aches and pains and not thinking very clearly. Thanks to the managers and staff at Walmark and the 911 fleet and crew, we are up and going, if not very attractive. Phyllis has no marks at all, but let me just suggest, “Never try to drill a hole in a cement curb with your nose.” With the loss of blood and scrapes and cuts, I know who will come out the winner.
Our thoughts today introduce God‘s messages to the seven churches, each one has a message for the churches today which happen to have similar characteristics. My Bible has captions for each church indicating the leading reason for that church being addressed. I will refer to those, in a later study.
The text opens with John being addressed in a vision while he was in the prison colony on the Isle of Patmos.
GOD IS SPEAKING TO HIM
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; (Exodus 25:37, Exodus 37:23, Zechariah 4:2, Revelation 1:20, Revelation 2:1)
Each of the seven churches is represented by a golden candlestick. Each church has received the same precious “golden” message from God through his Spirit. That message has been trusted to it that it may be shared to the world. The whole purpose of a candlestick is to hold aloft the light of the candle. We did not use candles, but I vividly remember that our country home was lighted by lamps, and that they were carried from room to room to light the way. If the path led outdoors, a lantern was used, but they provided light just as the small lamps did in Jesus day. God had provided for lamps in the Tabernacle, and in the Temple, and now the same is true of the church. It is through the church that his light is spread to the world. Since the church is made up of individual Christians, this is also a major work of Christians. “Ye are the light of the world,” “but, on a candlestick; and that it giveth light all that are in the house,” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify, Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, Matthew 5:15, and Matthew 5:16)
THE RISEN LORD IS THE HEART OF EVERY CHURCH
13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. (Revelation 2:1, Ezekiel 1:20, Daniel 7:13, Daniel 10:16, Revelation 14:14, Daniel 10:5, Revelation 15:6)
I have a video take in which the artist has graphically presented this scene. Christ has passed along the message to us, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; (Daniel 7:9, Daniel 10:6, Revelation 2:18, Revelation 19:17)
This is a glimpse of what our risen Lord is like.
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. (Ezekiel 1:7, Daniel 10:6, Revelation 2:18, Ezekiel 1:24, Ezekiel 43:2, Revelation 14:2, Revelation 19:6)
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. (Revelation 1:29, Revelation 2:1, Revelation 3:1, Isaiah 49:2, Hebrews 4:12, Revelation 2:12, Revelation 2:16, Revelation 19:15, Matthew 17:2, Revelation 10:1, Judges 5:31)
His instructions are still valid today. We are not here to tell beautiful stories and tales of past days. We are here to pass along the truth of the resurrected Christ, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: (Daniel 8:17, Daniel 10:9, Daniel 10:15, Daniel 8:18, Daniel 10:10, Daniel 10:12, Matthew 14:27, Matthew 17:7, Isaiah 41:4, Isaiah 44:6, Revelation 3:8, Revelation 22:13)
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Luke 24:5, Revelation 4:9, Romans 6:9, Revelation 2:8, Revelation 10:6, Revelation 15:7, Job 38:17, Matthew 11:23, Matthew 16:19, Revelation 19:1, Revelation 20:1)
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; (Revelation 1:11, Hebrews 1:12-16, Revelation 4:1)
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. (Revelation 11:25, Revelation 1:16, Revelation 2:1, Revelation 3:1, Exodus 25:37, Exodus 37:23, Zechariah 4:2, Revelation 1:12, Revelation 2:1, Revelation 1:4, Revelation 1:11, Matthew 5:14)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
DECEMBER
12th. Sunday – Ezra 10, Revelation 9:12-21, Psalm 141
13th. Monday – Nehemiah 1, 2, Revelation 10, Psalm 142
14th. Tuesday – Nehemiah 3, 4, Revelation 11, Proverbs 30:11-23
15h. Wednesday-- Nehemiah 5, 6, Revelation 12, Psalm 143
16th. Thursday - Nehemiah 7, Revelation 13, Psalm 144:1-8
17th. Friday – Nehemiah 8, 9, Revelation 14:1-8, Psalm 144:9-15
18th. Saturday-- Nehemiah 10, 11, Revelation 14:9-20, Proverbs 30:24-33
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 727 titles)
GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in tne midst of the paradise of God.”
Revelation 2:7
__________
Heckuva Engineer...
An engineer was crossing a road one day when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess."
He bent over, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket.
The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one week."
The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket.
The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I'll stay with you and do ANYTHING you want."
Again the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket.
Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess, that I'll stay with you for a week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?"
The engineer said, "Look I'm an engineer.
I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog, now that's cool."
Revelation 1:12-20 (King James Version)
I realize I am seeking an excuse, but I had a bad fall yesterday leaving me with aches and pains and not thinking very clearly. Thanks to the managers and staff at Walmark and the 911 fleet and crew, we are up and going, if not very attractive. Phyllis has no marks at all, but let me just suggest, “Never try to drill a hole in a cement curb with your nose.” With the loss of blood and scrapes and cuts, I know who will come out the winner.
Our thoughts today introduce God‘s messages to the seven churches, each one has a message for the churches today which happen to have similar characteristics. My Bible has captions for each church indicating the leading reason for that church being addressed. I will refer to those, in a later study.
The text opens with John being addressed in a vision while he was in the prison colony on the Isle of Patmos.
GOD IS SPEAKING TO HIM
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; (Exodus 25:37, Exodus 37:23, Zechariah 4:2, Revelation 1:20, Revelation 2:1)
Each of the seven churches is represented by a golden candlestick. Each church has received the same precious “golden” message from God through his Spirit. That message has been trusted to it that it may be shared to the world. The whole purpose of a candlestick is to hold aloft the light of the candle. We did not use candles, but I vividly remember that our country home was lighted by lamps, and that they were carried from room to room to light the way. If the path led outdoors, a lantern was used, but they provided light just as the small lamps did in Jesus day. God had provided for lamps in the Tabernacle, and in the Temple, and now the same is true of the church. It is through the church that his light is spread to the world. Since the church is made up of individual Christians, this is also a major work of Christians. “Ye are the light of the world,” “but, on a candlestick; and that it giveth light all that are in the house,” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify, Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, Matthew 5:15, and Matthew 5:16)
THE RISEN LORD IS THE HEART OF EVERY CHURCH
13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. (Revelation 2:1, Ezekiel 1:20, Daniel 7:13, Daniel 10:16, Revelation 14:14, Daniel 10:5, Revelation 15:6)
I have a video take in which the artist has graphically presented this scene. Christ has passed along the message to us, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; (Daniel 7:9, Daniel 10:6, Revelation 2:18, Revelation 19:17)
This is a glimpse of what our risen Lord is like.
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. (Ezekiel 1:7, Daniel 10:6, Revelation 2:18, Ezekiel 1:24, Ezekiel 43:2, Revelation 14:2, Revelation 19:6)
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. (Revelation 1:29, Revelation 2:1, Revelation 3:1, Isaiah 49:2, Hebrews 4:12, Revelation 2:12, Revelation 2:16, Revelation 19:15, Matthew 17:2, Revelation 10:1, Judges 5:31)
His instructions are still valid today. We are not here to tell beautiful stories and tales of past days. We are here to pass along the truth of the resurrected Christ, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: (Daniel 8:17, Daniel 10:9, Daniel 10:15, Daniel 8:18, Daniel 10:10, Daniel 10:12, Matthew 14:27, Matthew 17:7, Isaiah 41:4, Isaiah 44:6, Revelation 3:8, Revelation 22:13)
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Luke 24:5, Revelation 4:9, Romans 6:9, Revelation 2:8, Revelation 10:6, Revelation 15:7, Job 38:17, Matthew 11:23, Matthew 16:19, Revelation 19:1, Revelation 20:1)
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; (Revelation 1:11, Hebrews 1:12-16, Revelation 4:1)
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. (Revelation 11:25, Revelation 1:16, Revelation 2:1, Revelation 3:1, Exodus 25:37, Exodus 37:23, Zechariah 4:2, Revelation 1:12, Revelation 2:1, Revelation 1:4, Revelation 1:11, Matthew 5:14)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
DECEMBER
12th. Sunday – Ezra 10, Revelation 9:12-21, Psalm 141
13th. Monday – Nehemiah 1, 2, Revelation 10, Psalm 142
14th. Tuesday – Nehemiah 3, 4, Revelation 11, Proverbs 30:11-23
15h. Wednesday-- Nehemiah 5, 6, Revelation 12, Psalm 143
16th. Thursday - Nehemiah 7, Revelation 13, Psalm 144:1-8
17th. Friday – Nehemiah 8, 9, Revelation 14:1-8, Psalm 144:9-15
18th. Saturday-- Nehemiah 10, 11, Revelation 14:9-20, Proverbs 30:24-33
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 727 titles)
GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in tne midst of the paradise of God.”
Revelation 2:7
__________
Heckuva Engineer...
An engineer was crossing a road one day when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess."
He bent over, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket.
The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one week."
The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket.
The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I'll stay with you and do ANYTHING you want."
Again the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket.
Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess, that I'll stay with you for a week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?"
The engineer said, "Look I'm an engineer.
I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog, now that's cool."
Thursday, November 25, 2010
PRAYER ACCOMPLISHES MUCH
Newsletter 221 November 28, 2010
James 5:13-20 (King James Version)
Three verses from 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 17, and 18 come to mind instantly, as to the importance of prayer in the life of every Christian. Verse sixteen says “Rejoice evermore.” I am not a talented person, but I like to include the verse of a hymn or a chorus in my private prayers. A chorus from my own childhood contains the words, “bubbling over, my heart’s full and bubbling over.” Let’s let our hearts bubble over with joy in the knowledge that He came to save us.
The next verse says “Pray without ceasing.“ Clearly God does not mean that we are to stay in our inner closet with the door closed and pray day and night. What he wants is an attitude of prayer always. Bring our thanks, our needs, our all to Him. He wants us to know that he is always available. We will get no annoying machine telling us to “push button 2” or “3.” When we first say “Father,” he will be there and he is listening. Why? because he cares! He knows, but he wants us to fellowship with him. He wants to be our friend. At the heart of the Facebook, yes, we have it too, is that everyone is seeking a friend.
The final verse, says, “In everything give thanks.” Teaching a child to say “thanks” is not easy, but it is good manners. I recall after many years in Africa, being shocked at how few American children ever said thanks for anything. We had grown accustomed to having every group of school children we might encounter saying “morra oom, or “tante.“ Pardon my spelling but absence and age aside, they were all greeting, “Good morning uncle, or good morning auntie.” They would even drop their own conversations to do this. Can we not interrupt our own things long enough to say thank you to our Lord. His gift is priceless.
PRAY FOR THE SICKLY
Notice two things about this verse. It says, “if you are sick, pray”, and not “pray for the sick,” though that is also important, and he is also telling the sick person to sing psalms. This guarantees a positive attitude. A positive attitude is important to healing. Once we have a positive attitude, then we can call on others to join us in prayer
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. (James 5:19, Psalm 50:15, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Colossians 3:16)
REJOICE WITH THE STRONGER
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: (Acts 11:30, Matthew 6:13, Matthew 16:18)
Many sicknesses are the result of sin in the life of the patient, even in the body of the church. Not all. Mind, but for a few examples, syphilis, aids, alcohol abuse, being just a few. That is why it reads, “sick among you,” and “if he hath committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” A big part of healing, is removing the cause.
That being so, it is the Lord who shall forgive and heal.
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. (James 1:6, 1 Corinthians 1:21, James 5:20, John 6:39, 2 Corinthians 4:14)
PRAY FOR THE WEAK IN FAITH
Since the primary work of the church is the salvation of souls, and the church is described in terms of a human body, prayer for others in the body is essential. If we get a cancer anywhere in our body, removing it is urgent. In time it invades and destroys all.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (Matthew 3:6, Mark 1:5, Acts 19:18, Hebrews 12:13, 1 Peter 2:24, Genesis 18:23-32, John 9:31)
PRAY FOR GREATER FAITH
Elijah was an ordinary an, ordinary man whom God called to serve him s a prophet. Our equivalent might be an elder chosen to shepherd the flock, the church.
17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. (Acts 14:15, 1 Kings 17:1, 1 Kings 18:1, Luke 4:25)
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. (1 Kings 18:42, 1 Kings 18:45)
PRAY FOR THE WAYWARD
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; (Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1, John 3:14)
REJOICE IN THIS PROMISE
20 Let him know, that he which conveteth the sinner from the error of his shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (Romans 11:14, 1 Corinthians 1:21, James 1:21, Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
NOVEMBER
28th. Sunday – Joel 1, 2, 3, 2 Peter 1, Proverbs 29:1-9
29th. Monday – Habakkuk 1, 2, 3, 2 Peter 2, Psalm 135:13-21
30th. Tuesday – Obadiah, 2 Peter 3, Psalm 136:1-12
DECEMBER
1st. Wednesday-- Daniel 1, 2, Revelation 1, Psalm 136:13-26
2nd. Thursday - Daniel 3, 4, Revelation 2:1-17, Proverbs 29:10-18
3rd. Friday – Daniel 5, 6, Revelation 2:18-29, Psalm 137
4th. Saturday-- Daniel 7, 8, Revelation 3:1-10, Psalm 138
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 725 titles)
GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Revelation 2:10b
__________
No Such Thing As A Free Lunch...
The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch.
At the head of the table was a large pile of apples.
The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray:
"Take only ONE. God is watching."
Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies.
Little Johnny wrote a note, "Take all you want. God is watching the apples."
James 5:13-20 (King James Version)
Three verses from 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 17, and 18 come to mind instantly, as to the importance of prayer in the life of every Christian. Verse sixteen says “Rejoice evermore.” I am not a talented person, but I like to include the verse of a hymn or a chorus in my private prayers. A chorus from my own childhood contains the words, “bubbling over, my heart’s full and bubbling over.” Let’s let our hearts bubble over with joy in the knowledge that He came to save us.
The next verse says “Pray without ceasing.“ Clearly God does not mean that we are to stay in our inner closet with the door closed and pray day and night. What he wants is an attitude of prayer always. Bring our thanks, our needs, our all to Him. He wants us to know that he is always available. We will get no annoying machine telling us to “push button 2” or “3.” When we first say “Father,” he will be there and he is listening. Why? because he cares! He knows, but he wants us to fellowship with him. He wants to be our friend. At the heart of the Facebook, yes, we have it too, is that everyone is seeking a friend.
The final verse, says, “In everything give thanks.” Teaching a child to say “thanks” is not easy, but it is good manners. I recall after many years in Africa, being shocked at how few American children ever said thanks for anything. We had grown accustomed to having every group of school children we might encounter saying “morra oom, or “tante.“ Pardon my spelling but absence and age aside, they were all greeting, “Good morning uncle, or good morning auntie.” They would even drop their own conversations to do this. Can we not interrupt our own things long enough to say thank you to our Lord. His gift is priceless.
PRAY FOR THE SICKLY
Notice two things about this verse. It says, “if you are sick, pray”, and not “pray for the sick,” though that is also important, and he is also telling the sick person to sing psalms. This guarantees a positive attitude. A positive attitude is important to healing. Once we have a positive attitude, then we can call on others to join us in prayer
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. (James 5:19, Psalm 50:15, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Colossians 3:16)
REJOICE WITH THE STRONGER
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: (Acts 11:30, Matthew 6:13, Matthew 16:18)
Many sicknesses are the result of sin in the life of the patient, even in the body of the church. Not all. Mind, but for a few examples, syphilis, aids, alcohol abuse, being just a few. That is why it reads, “sick among you,” and “if he hath committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” A big part of healing, is removing the cause.
That being so, it is the Lord who shall forgive and heal.
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. (James 1:6, 1 Corinthians 1:21, James 5:20, John 6:39, 2 Corinthians 4:14)
PRAY FOR THE WEAK IN FAITH
Since the primary work of the church is the salvation of souls, and the church is described in terms of a human body, prayer for others in the body is essential. If we get a cancer anywhere in our body, removing it is urgent. In time it invades and destroys all.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (Matthew 3:6, Mark 1:5, Acts 19:18, Hebrews 12:13, 1 Peter 2:24, Genesis 18:23-32, John 9:31)
PRAY FOR GREATER FAITH
Elijah was an ordinary an, ordinary man whom God called to serve him s a prophet. Our equivalent might be an elder chosen to shepherd the flock, the church.
17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. (Acts 14:15, 1 Kings 17:1, 1 Kings 18:1, Luke 4:25)
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. (1 Kings 18:42, 1 Kings 18:45)
PRAY FOR THE WAYWARD
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; (Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1, John 3:14)
REJOICE IN THIS PROMISE
20 Let him know, that he which conveteth the sinner from the error of his shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (Romans 11:14, 1 Corinthians 1:21, James 1:21, Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
NOVEMBER
28th. Sunday – Joel 1, 2, 3, 2 Peter 1, Proverbs 29:1-9
29th. Monday – Habakkuk 1, 2, 3, 2 Peter 2, Psalm 135:13-21
30th. Tuesday – Obadiah, 2 Peter 3, Psalm 136:1-12
DECEMBER
1st. Wednesday-- Daniel 1, 2, Revelation 1, Psalm 136:13-26
2nd. Thursday - Daniel 3, 4, Revelation 2:1-17, Proverbs 29:10-18
3rd. Friday – Daniel 5, 6, Revelation 2:18-29, Psalm 137
4th. Saturday-- Daniel 7, 8, Revelation 3:1-10, Psalm 138
_________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 725 titles)
GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought
__________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Revelation 2:10b
__________
No Such Thing As A Free Lunch...
The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch.
At the head of the table was a large pile of apples.
The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray:
"Take only ONE. God is watching."
Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies.
Little Johnny wrote a note, "Take all you want. God is watching the apples."
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
THE SIN OF FAVORITISM
Newsletter 220 November 21, 2010
James 2:1-13 (King James Version)
FAVORITISM EXISTS AMONG ALL
LIKE FAVORS LIKE
I remember as a small boy, that my mother ordered two hundred baby chicks from a hatchery every spring. Though the order was for a sexed lot, that is they were all supposed to be female, and of the same breed and color. There would be a few males among them, that was accepted, but if there was even one of another color, we knew that it would be pecked to death by the others unless it was protected. Even among day old chicks, like favors like.
This is often true among children at play. The child that is thinner, or more plump, or in any other way different, is often singled out for exclusion. I remember that being five years younger than my brother there was a time that I was the odd one out. When we both became adults, that was no longer true.
In South Africa, one of the first things we noticed in the African churches, was that there was a similar reaction among the Christians. Tribal origin, culture and language, education, wealth, clothing, and even a lowly brief case, made all the difference. Teachers and ministers carried brief cases. Church leaders wore suits and sat in the front seats. Men sat to one side and women to the other, and age and level of education made all the difference. Children often sat on the cold concrete floor or perhaps on a blanket.
The people soon noted that I sat with my wife and that I treated everyone the same; ministers, elders, other members. Probably, what we did, was more important than what we said. As missionaries, we were made examples, whether we knew it or not at the time, but the important point is that this is the way all Christians are to be toward one another and toward others who happen to be nonbelievers..
ALL PERSONS ARE EQUALLY SPECIAL IN GOD’S SIGHT
1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. (James 1:16, Hebrews 12:2. Acts 7:2, 1 Corinthians 2:8, Acts 10:34, James 2:9)
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; (Luke 23:11, James 2:3)
James makes mention of gold rings. They sometimes wore rings on all but the middle finger, though they were not always gold. I recently read that there was even the practice of hiring rings and garments for special occasions as we might hire a tuxedo or graduation robe. I have always had to hire for all such occasions. I don’t have such clothing, though I do reserve my best, “gently used” garments. to meet with my Lord at His Table on His day. He is after all, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords and He deserves our best. All praise to him, he provided, and it is also he who will provide the wedding garments for the marriage feast of Christ and his bride, the church.
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: (Luke 23:11)
The “gay” clothing is in reference to the color and detail, as for example, the special garments worn by Aaron (Exodus 39) in his official position as the High Priest. God does not bless opulent show in any form for the sake of attaining special privileges. God blessed the priesthood as a set apart people, but Jesus did not. He, the Son of God, dressed appropriately. All Christians are called apart and called in the Bible, “saints.”
Physical clothing, homes and cars do not make the man.
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (Luke 18:6, John 7:24)
FAITH IS NOT ACQUIRED WITH WEALTH
The poorest of the poor, can have great faith, and the wealthiest man can be a Spiritual pauper. He just does not realize it.
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren. Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (James 1:16, Job 34:19, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Luke 12:21, Revelation 2:9, Matthew 5:3, Matthew 25:34, James 1:32)
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? (Acts 8:3, Acts 16:19)
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (Acts 11:26, 1 Peter 4:16)
8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: (Matthew 7:12, Leviticus 19:18)
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. (Acts 10:34, James 2:1
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 3:2, 2 Peter 1:10, Jude 24)
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. (Exodus 20:14, Deuteronomy 5:16, Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17)
12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.(James 1:25)
13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. (Proverbs 21:13, Matthew 5:7, Matthew 13:32-35,Luke 6:37)
_________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
NOVEMBER
21st. Sunday – Ezekiel 37, 38, James 4, Psalm 130
22nd. Monday – Ezekiel 39 – 40:1-31, James 5 , Psalm 131
23rd. Tuesday – Ezekiel 40:32- 41:1-26, 1 Peter 1, Psalm 132
24 th. Wednesday-- Ezekiel 42, 43, 1 Peter 2, Proverbs 28:15-38
25 th. Thursday - Ezekiel 44, 45, 1 Peter 3, Psalm 133
26 th. Friday – Ezekiel 46, 47, 1 Peter 4, Psalm 134
27th. Saturday-- Ezekiel 48, 1 Peter 5, Psalm 135:1-12
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 724 titles)
GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 13:2 (King James Version)
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
____________
I Wonder...
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are going dead?
Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
James 2:1-13 (King James Version)
FAVORITISM EXISTS AMONG ALL
LIKE FAVORS LIKE
I remember as a small boy, that my mother ordered two hundred baby chicks from a hatchery every spring. Though the order was for a sexed lot, that is they were all supposed to be female, and of the same breed and color. There would be a few males among them, that was accepted, but if there was even one of another color, we knew that it would be pecked to death by the others unless it was protected. Even among day old chicks, like favors like.
This is often true among children at play. The child that is thinner, or more plump, or in any other way different, is often singled out for exclusion. I remember that being five years younger than my brother there was a time that I was the odd one out. When we both became adults, that was no longer true.
In South Africa, one of the first things we noticed in the African churches, was that there was a similar reaction among the Christians. Tribal origin, culture and language, education, wealth, clothing, and even a lowly brief case, made all the difference. Teachers and ministers carried brief cases. Church leaders wore suits and sat in the front seats. Men sat to one side and women to the other, and age and level of education made all the difference. Children often sat on the cold concrete floor or perhaps on a blanket.
The people soon noted that I sat with my wife and that I treated everyone the same; ministers, elders, other members. Probably, what we did, was more important than what we said. As missionaries, we were made examples, whether we knew it or not at the time, but the important point is that this is the way all Christians are to be toward one another and toward others who happen to be nonbelievers..
ALL PERSONS ARE EQUALLY SPECIAL IN GOD’S SIGHT
1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. (James 1:16, Hebrews 12:2. Acts 7:2, 1 Corinthians 2:8, Acts 10:34, James 2:9)
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; (Luke 23:11, James 2:3)
James makes mention of gold rings. They sometimes wore rings on all but the middle finger, though they were not always gold. I recently read that there was even the practice of hiring rings and garments for special occasions as we might hire a tuxedo or graduation robe. I have always had to hire for all such occasions. I don’t have such clothing, though I do reserve my best, “gently used” garments. to meet with my Lord at His Table on His day. He is after all, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords and He deserves our best. All praise to him, he provided, and it is also he who will provide the wedding garments for the marriage feast of Christ and his bride, the church.
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: (Luke 23:11)
The “gay” clothing is in reference to the color and detail, as for example, the special garments worn by Aaron (Exodus 39) in his official position as the High Priest. God does not bless opulent show in any form for the sake of attaining special privileges. God blessed the priesthood as a set apart people, but Jesus did not. He, the Son of God, dressed appropriately. All Christians are called apart and called in the Bible, “saints.”
Physical clothing, homes and cars do not make the man.
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (Luke 18:6, John 7:24)
FAITH IS NOT ACQUIRED WITH WEALTH
The poorest of the poor, can have great faith, and the wealthiest man can be a Spiritual pauper. He just does not realize it.
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren. Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (James 1:16, Job 34:19, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Luke 12:21, Revelation 2:9, Matthew 5:3, Matthew 25:34, James 1:32)
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? (Acts 8:3, Acts 16:19)
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (Acts 11:26, 1 Peter 4:16)
8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: (Matthew 7:12, Leviticus 19:18)
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. (Acts 10:34, James 2:1
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 3:2, 2 Peter 1:10, Jude 24)
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. (Exodus 20:14, Deuteronomy 5:16, Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17)
12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.(James 1:25)
13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. (Proverbs 21:13, Matthew 5:7, Matthew 13:32-35,Luke 6:37)
_________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
NOVEMBER
21st. Sunday – Ezekiel 37, 38, James 4, Psalm 130
22nd. Monday – Ezekiel 39 – 40:1-31, James 5 , Psalm 131
23rd. Tuesday – Ezekiel 40:32- 41:1-26, 1 Peter 1, Psalm 132
24 th. Wednesday-- Ezekiel 42, 43, 1 Peter 2, Proverbs 28:15-38
25 th. Thursday - Ezekiel 44, 45, 1 Peter 3, Psalm 133
26 th. Friday – Ezekiel 46, 47, 1 Peter 4, Psalm 134
27th. Saturday-- Ezekiel 48, 1 Peter 5, Psalm 135:1-12
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 724 titles)
GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”
Ctrl/click to follow these links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 13:2 (King James Version)
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
____________
I Wonder...
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are going dead?
Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
Thursday, November 11, 2010
BY FAITH WE KNOW HIM
Newsletter 219 November14,2010
Hebrews 11:1-6 (King James Version)
FAITH DEFINED
There are several words which have a different meaning among Bible believers. The word ‘faith’ is one of them. Many people add, Revelation 22:18, the thought, if perhaps not the actual word, “only” making it “faith only” or “faith alone.“ James, in the second chapter of his book has much to say about “faith“ and “works.“ In James 2:14, he makes it clear that faith without works can not save. In James 2:17 he clearly points out that faith alone, or faith only, will not save one. This is repeated in James 2:23, and James 2:26.
Neither is one saved by works alone. Salvation requires faith and works. On the day that the church began, Pentecost in Jerusalem, (Acts 2:37) they believed. Peter answered them (Acts 2:38) “repent and be baptized.” Faith is the necessary basis for repentance, and baptism the transition to a lifetime dedicated to the Lord and expressed through works. (James 2:22, James 2:26.)
The Bible’s own definition of “faith” is:
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 3:14, Hebrews 3:6, Romans 8:24, 2 Corinthians 4:18, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 7:27)
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. (Hebrews 1:1, Hebrews 11:4, Hebrews 11:39)
FAITH IS GOOD
Without it, good works are only rewarded by being seen of men. They can not save even one person. Salvation can not be bought either with wealth or works.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (John 1:3, Hebrews 1:2, Psalm 33:6, Hebrews 6:5, 2 Peter 3:5, Romans 4:17, Genesis 1:)
OLD COVENANT MEN OF FAITH
The Bible gives many examples of faith. These men did not have any promise of salvation, but they did believe in God and act in obedience to Him Their salvation was and still is a gift from God through His Son..
4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. (Hebrews 11:4, Genesis 4:4, Matthew 23:35, 1 John 3:12, Hebrews 11:2, Hebrews 5:1, Genesis 4:8-10, Hebrews 12:24)
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (Genesis 5:21-24, Luke 2:26, John 8:51, Hebrews 2:9,
NOAH - (Hebrews 11:7, Genesis 6:13-22, Hebrews 8:5, Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 5:7, 1 Peter 3:20, Genesis 6:9, Ezekiel 14:14, Ezekiel 14:20, Romans 4:13, Romans 9:30)
ABRAHAM - (Hebrews 11:8, Genesis 12:1-4, Acts 7:2-4)
ISAAC - (Hebrews 11:20, Genesis 27:27-29, Genesis 27:39)
JACOB - (Hebrews 11:21, Genesis 48:1-5, Genesis 48:16, Genesis 49:20, Genesis 47:21, 1 Kings 1:47)
JOSEPH - (Hebrews 11:22, Genesis 50:24, Exodus 13:19)
MOSES - (Hebrews 11:23, Exodus 1:16, Exodus 1:22)
THROUGH OUR FAITH WE TOO CAN PLEASE GOD
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 7:19, 1 Corinthians 13:13)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
NOVEMBER
14 th. Sunday – Ezekiel 23, Hebrews 11:23-40, Psalm 125
15 th. Monday – Ezekiel 24, 25, 26, Hebrews 12:1-11, Psalm 126
16th. Tuesday – Ezekiel 27, 28, Hebrews 12:12-29, Proverbs 27:21-27
17 th. Wednesday-- Ezekiel 29, 30, Hebrews 13, Psalm 127
18 th. Thursday - Ezekiel 31, 32, James 1, Psalm 128
19 th. Friday – Ezekiel 33, 34, James 2, Psalm 129
20th. Saturday-- Ezekiel 35, 36, James 3, Proverbs 28:1-14
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 714 titles)
GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”
Ctrl/click to follow links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 4 published books & more to come
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought for any money.
____________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 5:9 (King James Version)
“And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”
____________
NOT HOW YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED
The crusty old managing partner finally passed away, but his firm kept receiving calls asking to speak with him. "I'm sorry, he's dead," was the standard answer. Finally, the receptionist who fielded the calls began to realize it was always the same voice, so she asked who it was and why he kept calling. The reply: "I used to be one of his junior associates, and I just like to hear you say it."
SEARCHES, (8 books in all)
AMAZON
On the Amazon page under Books type in the categories below.
(Search the exact letters and spaces without the numbers)
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Books by P J Mills (1)
Books by PJ Mills (5)
Hebrews 11:1-6 (King James Version)
FAITH DEFINED
There are several words which have a different meaning among Bible believers. The word ‘faith’ is one of them. Many people add, Revelation 22:18, the thought, if perhaps not the actual word, “only” making it “faith only” or “faith alone.“ James, in the second chapter of his book has much to say about “faith“ and “works.“ In James 2:14, he makes it clear that faith without works can not save. In James 2:17 he clearly points out that faith alone, or faith only, will not save one. This is repeated in James 2:23, and James 2:26.
Neither is one saved by works alone. Salvation requires faith and works. On the day that the church began, Pentecost in Jerusalem, (Acts 2:37) they believed. Peter answered them (Acts 2:38) “repent and be baptized.” Faith is the necessary basis for repentance, and baptism the transition to a lifetime dedicated to the Lord and expressed through works. (James 2:22, James 2:26.)
The Bible’s own definition of “faith” is:
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 3:14, Hebrews 3:6, Romans 8:24, 2 Corinthians 4:18, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 7:27)
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. (Hebrews 1:1, Hebrews 11:4, Hebrews 11:39)
FAITH IS GOOD
Without it, good works are only rewarded by being seen of men. They can not save even one person. Salvation can not be bought either with wealth or works.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (John 1:3, Hebrews 1:2, Psalm 33:6, Hebrews 6:5, 2 Peter 3:5, Romans 4:17, Genesis 1:)
OLD COVENANT MEN OF FAITH
The Bible gives many examples of faith. These men did not have any promise of salvation, but they did believe in God and act in obedience to Him Their salvation was and still is a gift from God through His Son..
4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. (Hebrews 11:4, Genesis 4:4, Matthew 23:35, 1 John 3:12, Hebrews 11:2, Hebrews 5:1, Genesis 4:8-10, Hebrews 12:24)
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (Genesis 5:21-24, Luke 2:26, John 8:51, Hebrews 2:9,
NOAH - (Hebrews 11:7, Genesis 6:13-22, Hebrews 8:5, Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 5:7, 1 Peter 3:20, Genesis 6:9, Ezekiel 14:14, Ezekiel 14:20, Romans 4:13, Romans 9:30)
ABRAHAM - (Hebrews 11:8, Genesis 12:1-4, Acts 7:2-4)
ISAAC - (Hebrews 11:20, Genesis 27:27-29, Genesis 27:39)
JACOB - (Hebrews 11:21, Genesis 48:1-5, Genesis 48:16, Genesis 49:20, Genesis 47:21, 1 Kings 1:47)
JOSEPH - (Hebrews 11:22, Genesis 50:24, Exodus 13:19)
MOSES - (Hebrews 11:23, Exodus 1:16, Exodus 1:22)
THROUGH OUR FAITH WE TOO CAN PLEASE GOD
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 7:19, 1 Corinthians 13:13)
__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
NOVEMBER
14 th. Sunday – Ezekiel 23, Hebrews 11:23-40, Psalm 125
15 th. Monday – Ezekiel 24, 25, 26, Hebrews 12:1-11, Psalm 126
16th. Tuesday – Ezekiel 27, 28, Hebrews 12:12-29, Proverbs 27:21-27
17 th. Wednesday-- Ezekiel 29, 30, Hebrews 13, Psalm 127
18 th. Thursday - Ezekiel 31, 32, James 1, Psalm 128
19 th. Friday – Ezekiel 33, 34, James 2, Psalm 129
20th. Saturday-- Ezekiel 35, 36, James 3, Proverbs 28:1-14
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 714 titles)
GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”
Ctrl/click to follow links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 4 published books & more to come
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought for any money.
____________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 5:9 (King James Version)
“And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”
____________
NOT HOW YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED
The crusty old managing partner finally passed away, but his firm kept receiving calls asking to speak with him. "I'm sorry, he's dead," was the standard answer. Finally, the receptionist who fielded the calls began to realize it was always the same voice, so she asked who it was and why he kept calling. The reply: "I used to be one of his junior associates, and I just like to hear you say it."
SEARCHES, (8 books in all)
AMAZON
On the Amazon page under Books type in the categories below.
(Search the exact letters and spaces without the numbers)
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Saturday, October 30, 2010
LOVE ME? - KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS!
Newsletter 217 October 31, 2010
1 John 5:1-12 (King James Version)
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN?
Ask yourself if you are a Christian and looking forward to Christ’s return. How did you answer yourself? Did you answer, “I hope so, or I think so?”
God does not want us to think so. He wants us to know so. And, it is not a matter of how many good deeds you have done, or how much money you have given to charitable works. Salvation is not for sale. At the close of his sermon on the mount Jesus made this clear, (Matthew 7:21-23) words, calling him Lord, emphasized by using the title twice, will not save us. It takes action, “doeth the will of my Father”. Wonderful works, are not sufficient! What is the motivation for the works? In another place Jesus said, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” If he is our Lord, then we are his servants, on both sides this is motivated by a mutual love,
Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, (Acts 5:1-10) clearly show this failure. Their motivation was jealousy of Barnabas, and the desire for the admiration of the church. They were looking for a bargain at half price. God offers no “sales.”
Aside from God, only we know our own motivations. If our reason is wrong, then so are we.
1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. (1 John 2:22, 1 John 4:2, 1 John 4:15, John 1:3, John 3:3, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 5:4, 1 John 5:18, John 8:4)
We know God loves us. That is why our Lord came, lived, died, and rose from the grave. (John 3:16) says it all “Go so loved the world”. But, do we love Him? Only we can answer that question. We answer it by obeying his commandments.
(Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16).
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. (1 John 2:5, 1 John 3:14)
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (John 14:15, 2 John 6, 1 John 2:3, Matthew 11:30, Matthew 23:4)
YOU HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (John 1:13, John 3:3, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 5:1, 1 John 5:18, 1 John 2:13, 1 John 4:4)
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 4:15, 1 John 5:1)
6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. (John 19:34, Matthew 3:16-, John 15:26, John 16:13-15)
THREE WITNESSES STAND FOR YOU
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (Matthew 18:16)
8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Here are two sets of “three in one”. Whole studies have been written on these two verses alone, and still we can not understand . That is because there is much that we will only understand when we are with the Lord in Heaven itself. But, let us think only on that part which is of earth, verse 8. We are conceived and grow Spiritually though the Spirit, we are born of water, because of the shed blood of our Savior Jesus who was also baptized in Jordan. We do this because our Lord and Savior so instructed. That much we can and do understand. We grow Spiritually because He is our comforter and guide through the word.
9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. (John 5:34, John 5:37, John 8:18, Matthew 3:17, John 5:32, John 5:37)
10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (Romans 8:16, Galatians 4:6, Revelation 12:17, John 3:18, John 3:33, 1 John 1:10)
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (John 3:36, 1 John 1:2, 1 John 2:25, 1 John 4:9, 1 John 5:13, 1 John 5:20)
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (John 3:12, John 3:36)
_________
Book page www.xlibris.com/Dilemma .html
Author page: www.xlibris.com/PJMills.html
_________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
OCTOBER
31st. Sunday – Song of Solomon 7, 6, Jude, Proverbs 26:11-20
NOVEMBER
1 st. Monday – Lamentations 1, 2, Hebrews 1, Psalm 119:137-144
2 nd. Tuesday – Lamentations 3, Hebrews 2, Psalm 119:145-152
3 rd. Wednesday – Lamentations 4, 5, Hebrews 3, Psalm 119:153-160
4 th. Thursday -- Ezekiel 1, 2, 3, Hebrews 4, Proverbs 26:21-28
5 th. Friday - Ezekiel 4, 5, 6, Hebrews 5, Psalm 119:161-168
6 th. Saturday – Ezekiel 7, 8, Hebrews 6, Psalm 19:169-176
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 712 titles)
GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”
Ctrl/click to follow links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 4 published books & more to come
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought for any money.
____________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”
Hebrews 4:14
____________
Tee Time at Ten...\
A man and his wife walked into a dentist's office. The man said to the dentist, "Doc, I'm in a hurry. I have two buddies sitting out in my car waiting for us to go play golf, so forget about the anesthetic and just pull the tooth and be done with it. We have a 10:00 AM tee time at the best golf course in town and its 9:30 already. I don't have time to wait for the anesthetic to work!"
The dentist thought to himself, my goodness, this is surely a very brave man asking to have his tooth pulled without using anything to kill the pain. So the dentist asked him, "Which tooth is it, sir?"
The man turned to his wife and said:
"Open your mouth, honey, and show him."
1 John 5:1-12 (King James Version)
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN?
Ask yourself if you are a Christian and looking forward to Christ’s return. How did you answer yourself? Did you answer, “I hope so, or I think so?”
God does not want us to think so. He wants us to know so. And, it is not a matter of how many good deeds you have done, or how much money you have given to charitable works. Salvation is not for sale. At the close of his sermon on the mount Jesus made this clear, (Matthew 7:21-23) words, calling him Lord, emphasized by using the title twice, will not save us. It takes action, “doeth the will of my Father”. Wonderful works, are not sufficient! What is the motivation for the works? In another place Jesus said, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” If he is our Lord, then we are his servants, on both sides this is motivated by a mutual love,
Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, (Acts 5:1-10) clearly show this failure. Their motivation was jealousy of Barnabas, and the desire for the admiration of the church. They were looking for a bargain at half price. God offers no “sales.”
Aside from God, only we know our own motivations. If our reason is wrong, then so are we.
1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. (1 John 2:22, 1 John 4:2, 1 John 4:15, John 1:3, John 3:3, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 5:4, 1 John 5:18, John 8:4)
We know God loves us. That is why our Lord came, lived, died, and rose from the grave. (John 3:16) says it all “Go so loved the world”. But, do we love Him? Only we can answer that question. We answer it by obeying his commandments.
(Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16).
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. (1 John 2:5, 1 John 3:14)
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (John 14:15, 2 John 6, 1 John 2:3, Matthew 11:30, Matthew 23:4)
YOU HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (John 1:13, John 3:3, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 5:1, 1 John 5:18, 1 John 2:13, 1 John 4:4)
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 4:15, 1 John 5:1)
6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. (John 19:34, Matthew 3:16-, John 15:26, John 16:13-15)
THREE WITNESSES STAND FOR YOU
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (Matthew 18:16)
8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Here are two sets of “three in one”. Whole studies have been written on these two verses alone, and still we can not understand . That is because there is much that we will only understand when we are with the Lord in Heaven itself. But, let us think only on that part which is of earth, verse 8. We are conceived and grow Spiritually though the Spirit, we are born of water, because of the shed blood of our Savior Jesus who was also baptized in Jordan. We do this because our Lord and Savior so instructed. That much we can and do understand. We grow Spiritually because He is our comforter and guide through the word.
9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. (John 5:34, John 5:37, John 8:18, Matthew 3:17, John 5:32, John 5:37)
10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (Romans 8:16, Galatians 4:6, Revelation 12:17, John 3:18, John 3:33, 1 John 1:10)
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (John 3:36, 1 John 1:2, 1 John 2:25, 1 John 4:9, 1 John 5:13, 1 John 5:20)
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (John 3:12, John 3:36)
_________
Book page www.xlibris.com/Dilemma .html
Author page: www.xlibris.com/PJMills.html
_________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
OCTOBER
31st. Sunday – Song of Solomon 7, 6, Jude, Proverbs 26:11-20
NOVEMBER
1 st. Monday – Lamentations 1, 2, Hebrews 1, Psalm 119:137-144
2 nd. Tuesday – Lamentations 3, Hebrews 2, Psalm 119:145-152
3 rd. Wednesday – Lamentations 4, 5, Hebrews 3, Psalm 119:153-160
4 th. Thursday -- Ezekiel 1, 2, 3, Hebrews 4, Proverbs 26:21-28
5 th. Friday - Ezekiel 4, 5, 6, Hebrews 5, Psalm 119:161-168
6 th. Saturday – Ezekiel 7, 8, Hebrews 6, Psalm 19:169-176
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 712 titles)
GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”
Ctrl/click to follow links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 4 published books & more to come
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought for any money.
____________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”
Hebrews 4:14
____________
Tee Time at Ten...\
A man and his wife walked into a dentist's office. The man said to the dentist, "Doc, I'm in a hurry. I have two buddies sitting out in my car waiting for us to go play golf, so forget about the anesthetic and just pull the tooth and be done with it. We have a 10:00 AM tee time at the best golf course in town and its 9:30 already. I don't have time to wait for the anesthetic to work!"
The dentist thought to himself, my goodness, this is surely a very brave man asking to have his tooth pulled without using anything to kill the pain. So the dentist asked him, "Which tooth is it, sir?"
The man turned to his wife and said:
"Open your mouth, honey, and show him."
Friday, October 22, 2010
NOT JUST YET!
Newsletter 216 October 24, 2010
I try to be cautious of the adjoining vehicles in the flow of heavy traffic almost to the extent that I am too near the curb on the other side of my car. In fact in rain, and on a curve I once more than brushed the curb. I actually hit it, ruining the wheel, the tire and even the hub. No one else was involved, but I had to call for help and was a little late to church that day. .
Paul in encouraging the church at Thessalonica, that they would be under persecution, but to keep their eyes on the Lord and know that he is returning, and that he will reward the faithful far beyond their loss, went a bit too far perhaps. They, apparently, started to expect his return at any moment, thus the second letter. Here, his emphasis is “not just yet!” That is probably true today as well. Don’t neglect to pay your rent and utility bills. If he does come today, you won’t need the money in any case, and if he doesn’t come, you will be prepared for tomorrow.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-15
1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (2 Timothy 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, Mark 13:27, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 1 Corinthians 14:32, 1 John 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:17, 2 Corinthians 1:8, 1 Corinthians 7:26)
There are things that still need come to be
MANY SHALL FALL AWAY FIRST
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (Ephesians 5:6, 1 Thessalonians 4:1, Daniel 7:5, Daniel 8:25, Daniel 11:36, 2 Thessalonians 2:8)
It would appear that the falling away is a fact already, on a world basis, if not locally, but the “man of sin,” the son of perdition,” remains to be identified at the time of writing. He will be a world leader:
ANTICHRISTIAN AN LEADER SHALL EMERGE
He will be one:
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (1 Corinthians 8:5, Isaiah 14:14, Ezekiel 28:2)
This calls to mind the day of Daniel, a loyal servant of the king, but who prayed openly to God and refused to worship him or his image. Daniel did what we should do, even to go into the den of the lions. That has not yet come upon the world as a while, but it can be expected, before he returns.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (1 Thessalonians 3:4)
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. (2 Thessalonians 2:7)
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (Revelation 17:5, Revelation 17:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:6)
THE EVIL WILL BE REVEALED, WHEN CHRIST COMES
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: (Daniel 7:5, Daniel 8:35, Daniel 11:36, 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Revelation 13:5, Revelation 11:4, Revelation 2:16, Revelation 19:151 Timothy 6:14, 2 Timothy 1:10, 2 Timothy 4:8, Titus 2:13)
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (Matthew 4:10, Matthew 24:24, John 4:48)
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Thessalonians 2:12-13)
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (1 Kings 22:22, Romans 1:28, 1 Thessalonians 2:3, 2 Timothy 4:4)
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (Romans 2:8, Romans 1:32, 1 Corinthians 13:6)
LET ALL WHO BELIEVE GIVE THANKS, CHRIST IS COMING
He will not delay, when the time comes. When we are told that we can not buy or sell, without the image of the man of sin , then we an expect him at any moment. He will not permit his bride, the church, to be destroyed totally, tried and purified, but not totally decimated.. (Revelation 13:16-18)
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: (2 Timothy 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 1:4, Ephesians 1:4-, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 1 Thessalonians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 1 Peter 1:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, 1 Peter 1:2)
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:5)
DON’T DESERT THE TRADITIONS OF THE PHILADELPHIA CHURCH
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (1 Corinthians 16:13, 1 Corinthians 11:2, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:2)
PHYLLIS' LATEST BOOK
Book page www.xlibris.com/Dilemma .html
Author page: www.xlibris.com/PJMills.html
_________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
OCTOBER
24th. Sunday – Ecclesiastes 1, 2, 3, 1 John 2:1-14, 2, Psalm 119:89-96 25th. Monday – Ecclesiastes 4, 5, 6, 1 John 2:15-29, Psalm 119:97-104
26th. Tuesday – Ecclesiastes 7, 6, 9, 1 John 3, Psalm 119:105-112
27th. Wednesday – Ecclesiastes 10, 11, 12, 1 John 4, Proverbs 26:1-10
28th. Thursday -- Song of Solomon 1, 2, 1 John 5, Psalm 119:113-120
29th. Friday - Song of Solomon 3, 4, 2 John, Psalm 119:121-128
30th.. Saturday – Song of Solomon 5, 6, 3 John, Psalm 119:129- 136
__________
OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS
(With links to 711 titles)
GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”
Ctrl/click to follow links
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 8 published books & more to come
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought for any money.
____________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
____________
"I've had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn't it."
-Groucho Marx
I try to be cautious of the adjoining vehicles in the flow of heavy traffic almost to the extent that I am too near the curb on the other side of my car. In fact in rain, and on a curve I once more than brushed the curb. I actually hit it, ruining the wheel, the tire and even the hub. No one else was involved, but I had to call for help and was a little late to church that day. .
Paul in encouraging the church at Thessalonica, that they would be under persecution, but to keep their eyes on the Lord and know that he is returning, and that he will reward the faithful far beyond their loss, went a bit too far perhaps. They, apparently, started to expect his return at any moment, thus the second letter. Here, his emphasis is “not just yet!” That is probably true today as well. Don’t neglect to pay your rent and utility bills. If he does come today, you won’t need the money in any case, and if he doesn’t come, you will be prepared for tomorrow.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-15
1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (2 Timothy 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, Mark 13:27, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 1 Corinthians 14:32, 1 John 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:17, 2 Corinthians 1:8, 1 Corinthians 7:26)
There are things that still need come to be
MANY SHALL FALL AWAY FIRST
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (Ephesians 5:6, 1 Thessalonians 4:1, Daniel 7:5, Daniel 8:25, Daniel 11:36, 2 Thessalonians 2:8)
It would appear that the falling away is a fact already, on a world basis, if not locally, but the “man of sin,” the son of perdition,” remains to be identified at the time of writing. He will be a world leader:
ANTICHRISTIAN AN LEADER SHALL EMERGE
He will be one:
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (1 Corinthians 8:5, Isaiah 14:14, Ezekiel 28:2)
This calls to mind the day of Daniel, a loyal servant of the king, but who prayed openly to God and refused to worship him or his image. Daniel did what we should do, even to go into the den of the lions. That has not yet come upon the world as a while, but it can be expected, before he returns.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (1 Thessalonians 3:4)
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. (2 Thessalonians 2:7)
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (Revelation 17:5, Revelation 17:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:6)
THE EVIL WILL BE REVEALED, WHEN CHRIST COMES
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: (Daniel 7:5, Daniel 8:35, Daniel 11:36, 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Revelation 13:5, Revelation 11:4, Revelation 2:16, Revelation 19:151 Timothy 6:14, 2 Timothy 1:10, 2 Timothy 4:8, Titus 2:13)
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (Matthew 4:10, Matthew 24:24, John 4:48)
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Thessalonians 2:12-13)
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (1 Kings 22:22, Romans 1:28, 1 Thessalonians 2:3, 2 Timothy 4:4)
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (Romans 2:8, Romans 1:32, 1 Corinthians 13:6)
LET ALL WHO BELIEVE GIVE THANKS, CHRIST IS COMING
He will not delay, when the time comes. When we are told that we can not buy or sell, without the image of the man of sin , then we an expect him at any moment. He will not permit his bride, the church, to be destroyed totally, tried and purified, but not totally decimated.. (Revelation 13:16-18)
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: (2 Timothy 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 1:4, Ephesians 1:4-, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 1 Thessalonians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 1 Peter 1:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, 1 Peter 1:2)
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:5)
DON’T DESERT THE TRADITIONS OF THE PHILADELPHIA CHURCH
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (1 Corinthians 16:13, 1 Corinthians 11:2, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:2)
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RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
OCTOBER
24th. Sunday – Ecclesiastes 1, 2, 3, 1 John 2:1-14, 2, Psalm 119:89-96 25th. Monday – Ecclesiastes 4, 5, 6, 1 John 2:15-29, Psalm 119:97-104
26th. Tuesday – Ecclesiastes 7, 6, 9, 1 John 3, Psalm 119:105-112
27th. Wednesday – Ecclesiastes 10, 11, 12, 1 John 4, Proverbs 26:1-10
28th. Thursday -- Song of Solomon 1, 2, 1 John 5, Psalm 119:113-120
29th. Friday - Song of Solomon 3, 4, 2 John, Psalm 119:121-128
30th.. Saturday – Song of Solomon 5, 6, 3 John, Psalm 119:129- 136
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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
“Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
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