We Have Come Into This House
(written by Bruce Ballinger)
Verse 1:
We have come into this house
and gathered in His name to worship Him.
We have come into this house
and gathered in His name to worship Him.
We have come into this house
and gathered in His name
*to worship Christ the Lord.
Worship Him,
Christ the Lord.
Verse 2:
So forget about yourself,
and concentrate on Him, and worship Him.
So forget about yourself,
and concentrate on Him, and worship Him.
So forget about yourself,
and concentrate on Him,
and worship Christ the Lord.
Worship Him,
Christ the Lord.
Verse 3:
Let us lift up holy hands,
and magnify His name, and worship Him.
Let us lift up holy hands,
and magnify His name, and worship Him.
Let us lift up holy hands,
and magnify His name,
and worship Christ the Lord.
Worship Him,
Christ the Lord.
Do you have those mornings when you just can’t stop praising God? Have you noticed how wonderful you feel when you are singing praises to Our Lord? What a miracle. What Joy.
As Jesus was entering Jerusalem, the people were shouting, praising God, and irritating the Pharisees. Luke 19 gives us the account of this exciting event. The Bible says that “with a loud voice” the people shouted, “blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38)
In every crowd there seems to be some who feel they should calm everyone down. The Bible tells us King David's wife despised him in her heart when he worshiped the Lord by dancing with all his might! 2 Samuel 6:16.
I, for one will never give the rocks cause to cry out in praise. I will forever praise Our Lord.
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Another Miracle of Christ
Another Miracle of Christ
Matthew 27 (New King James Version)
50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.
51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split,
52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;
53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
This account of the risen saints is given only in the Gospel according to Matthew. The same Matthew who followed Jesus without question when asked (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14).
Can you imagine meeting a friend or loved one whom you know was dead and buried walking down the street to greet you? The scripture says “bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;” so this feels like a special message for the church of Christ, another time when Our Lord was giving evidence of His divine power to His followers!
Other miraculous events such as the tearing of the veil in the temple, the earthquake and the darkening of the sun gave non-followers as well as the saints opportunity to witness his majesty; but these risen saints went into the holy city and their very presence bore witness to the body of Christ to the awesome power of the Son of God.
This is an account of only one of the miracles of Holy Week which inspires me to spend even more time in the study of The Word. I hope that this week inspires you to have a closer walk with our Lord.
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Matthew 27 (New King James Version)
50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.
51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split,
52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;
53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
This account of the risen saints is given only in the Gospel according to Matthew. The same Matthew who followed Jesus without question when asked (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14).
Can you imagine meeting a friend or loved one whom you know was dead and buried walking down the street to greet you? The scripture says “bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;” so this feels like a special message for the church of Christ, another time when Our Lord was giving evidence of His divine power to His followers!
Other miraculous events such as the tearing of the veil in the temple, the earthquake and the darkening of the sun gave non-followers as well as the saints opportunity to witness his majesty; but these risen saints went into the holy city and their very presence bore witness to the body of Christ to the awesome power of the Son of God.
This is an account of only one of the miracles of Holy Week which inspires me to spend even more time in the study of The Word. I hope that this week inspires you to have a closer walk with our Lord.
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Lost Son and Other Stubborn Folk
The Lost Son and Other Stubborn Folk
The parable of the Lost Son is found only in the Gospel of Luke. This is another reason to be thankful for the contributions of the physician.
Luke 15:11-32 (New International Version)
The Parable of the Lost Son
11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons.
12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.
14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.
15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.
16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.'
20So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[a]'
22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.
24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
This parable is often used to demonstrate God’s infinite capacity for forgiveness and the joy of the Father when one of the lost is redeemed. When combined with verses 25-32 it demonstrates our need to refrain from jealousy when another receives a blessing.
I am a mother and a grandmother. I read this parable and my heart goes out to this father and the agony he must have felt when his youngest son was lost to him. I think about the pain we cause the compassionate Jesus with our wayward ways.
I have a grandchild who asked “please just pray that I make good decisions” and I wonder at the consternation of the Holy Spirit when her heart is touched with a divine truth and she chooses to ignore.
I have had many opportunities in my own life to thank God for “gentle reprimands” when he has graciously shown me the error of my ways in a gentle way rather than the slap I probably deserved.
I continuously thank God for His Word and a desire to "Study to show myself approved".
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
The parable of the Lost Son is found only in the Gospel of Luke. This is another reason to be thankful for the contributions of the physician.
Luke 15:11-32 (New International Version)
The Parable of the Lost Son
11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons.
12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.
14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.
15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.
16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.'
20So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[a]'
22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.
24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
This parable is often used to demonstrate God’s infinite capacity for forgiveness and the joy of the Father when one of the lost is redeemed. When combined with verses 25-32 it demonstrates our need to refrain from jealousy when another receives a blessing.
I am a mother and a grandmother. I read this parable and my heart goes out to this father and the agony he must have felt when his youngest son was lost to him. I think about the pain we cause the compassionate Jesus with our wayward ways.
I have a grandchild who asked “please just pray that I make good decisions” and I wonder at the consternation of the Holy Spirit when her heart is touched with a divine truth and she chooses to ignore.
I have had many opportunities in my own life to thank God for “gentle reprimands” when he has graciously shown me the error of my ways in a gentle way rather than the slap I probably deserved.
I continuously thank God for His Word and a desire to "Study to show myself approved".
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
James, The Brother of Jesus
26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:26-27 (New International Version)
James the Brother of Jesus
Birth: After Jesus (6 BC). Death: 61 AD
Looking for information about the author of the Book of James was another of my WOW moments. WOW because of the controversy over his identity.
Scripture describes James as the brother of our Lord. (Matthew 13:55 (King James Version) 55 is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? 56 Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.
and Mark 6:3 (New International Version)
"Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! 3 Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James
We are told that Jesus' brothers did not believe in Him. John 7 (New International Version)
Jesus Goes to the Feast of Tabernacles
1After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life.
2But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, 3Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. 4No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world."
5For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
From this, and from references in early Christian writers, it is inferred that James was not a disciple of the Lord until after the Resurrection; but after the resurrection they are mentioned among the group at prayer before Pentecost (Acts 1:14). Paul mentions that the risen Jesus appeared personally to James, which may explain the change in heart (1 Cor. 15:7).
It seems that James quickly took the lead of the Church in Jerusalem, officiating at the Council of Jerusalem. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul mentions James along with John son of Zebedee, and Peter as the Pillars of the Church. Galatians 2:9
9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
James was well enough known that in the New Testament epistle carrying his name, he refers to himself simply as "James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (James 1:1). To further evidence that James was well known, Jude (the youngest of Jesus' brothers) simply identifies himself as James' brother, and a servant of the Lord in his letter (Jude 1).
In 61 AD James was executed at the instigation of the high priest Ananus. In the following centuries legends developed surrounding James, none of which are very reliable, but included the possibility that he was known as "James the Just" due to his amazing (Jewish) piety.
There is so much more to say about James and his epistle. There is so much more to study in the Word.
May God Forever Be a Blessing In Your Life!!!
27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:26-27 (New International Version)
James the Brother of Jesus
Birth: After Jesus (6 BC). Death: 61 AD
Looking for information about the author of the Book of James was another of my WOW moments. WOW because of the controversy over his identity.
Scripture describes James as the brother of our Lord. (Matthew 13:55 (King James Version) 55 is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? 56 Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.
and Mark 6:3 (New International Version)
"Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! 3 Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James
We are told that Jesus' brothers did not believe in Him. John 7 (New International Version)
Jesus Goes to the Feast of Tabernacles
1After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life.
2But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, 3Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. 4No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world."
5For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
From this, and from references in early Christian writers, it is inferred that James was not a disciple of the Lord until after the Resurrection; but after the resurrection they are mentioned among the group at prayer before Pentecost (Acts 1:14). Paul mentions that the risen Jesus appeared personally to James, which may explain the change in heart (1 Cor. 15:7).
It seems that James quickly took the lead of the Church in Jerusalem, officiating at the Council of Jerusalem. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul mentions James along with John son of Zebedee, and Peter as the Pillars of the Church. Galatians 2:9
9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
James was well enough known that in the New Testament epistle carrying his name, he refers to himself simply as "James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (James 1:1). To further evidence that James was well known, Jude (the youngest of Jesus' brothers) simply identifies himself as James' brother, and a servant of the Lord in his letter (Jude 1).
In 61 AD James was executed at the instigation of the high priest Ananus. In the following centuries legends developed surrounding James, none of which are very reliable, but included the possibility that he was known as "James the Just" due to his amazing (Jewish) piety.
There is so much more to say about James and his epistle. There is so much more to study in the Word.
May God Forever Be a Blessing In Your Life!!!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Easter
We are fast approaching our most holy celebration, the celebration of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For it is not Christmas that defines us as Christians, the birth of Christ is historical fact, it is our belief that He loved us enough to suffer the death of crucifixion for us and that He rose from the dead.
We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon the subject of the resurrection and return of Christ at their face and full value.
Of the Resurrection, we believe that Christ rose bodily “The third day according to the Scripture” 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4;
that He ascended “to the right hand of the throne of God” and that He alone is our “merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God” Hebrews 8:1;
and “that this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven,” bodily, personally, and visibly Acts 1:11;
that the ‘dead in Christ shall rise first” 1 Thessalonians 4:16; ‘
that the living saints “shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump” 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 ;
“that the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David” Luke 1:32;
and that “Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until He hath put all enemies under His feet” Revelation 20:1-4. .
There is so much promise in our beliefs.
There is so much hope in our beliefs.
How wonderful to serve a God who has the capacity for so much love.
May God Forever Be a Blessing In Your Life!!!
We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon the subject of the resurrection and return of Christ at their face and full value.
Of the Resurrection, we believe that Christ rose bodily “The third day according to the Scripture” 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4;
that He ascended “to the right hand of the throne of God” and that He alone is our “merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God” Hebrews 8:1;
and “that this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven,” bodily, personally, and visibly Acts 1:11;
that the ‘dead in Christ shall rise first” 1 Thessalonians 4:16; ‘
that the living saints “shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump” 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 ;
“that the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David” Luke 1:32;
and that “Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until He hath put all enemies under His feet” Revelation 20:1-4. .
There is so much promise in our beliefs.
There is so much hope in our beliefs.
How wonderful to serve a God who has the capacity for so much love.
May God Forever Be a Blessing In Your Life!!!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Putting Together This Blog
I love to read. I am the kind of person who will read labels if nothing else with words is around. This means that I have read many good books and very, very many not so good.
I had a father who cultivated a love of history. He truly believed that we should have a sense of the triumphs and failures of the past so that we could have some sense of the future. His problem was to get a kid interested enough to read history. His solution was to encourage me to find novels about the period under study so that the time came alive for me.
It worked.
I was able to memorize the boring (and quickly forgotten) dates and generals and battles required to “pass” history exams. But I never forgot the feel of living in times past through the images of the characters in those books.
This style of study has transferred itself to my study of the Word. When I wake in the morning. I often turn on the computer and read sermons, websites, encyclopedia entries and blogs on subjects of interest and I have a special love of books written about biblical times or biblical subjects.
While this provides lots of opportunities for learning and growth it also leaves room for exposure to false teachings and down right heresies.
Matthew 7:15-20 (New International Version)
A Tree and Its Fruit
15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Very Simply I pray a lot. This is one of the perks of this ministry. I must pray a lot for guidance. Second, I claim no special knowledge or gift. My job, as I see it, is to offer a simple message for consideration.
I always hope that the message of the day will be uplifting and I probably avoid controversial subjects for fear of sanction. I always try to check out the Word on any subject presented and have trashed blogs I felt were interesting that had no basis in the bible. I give the reference for articles from which I pull extensive parts so that the reader can check them out.
I pray a lot.
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
I had a father who cultivated a love of history. He truly believed that we should have a sense of the triumphs and failures of the past so that we could have some sense of the future. His problem was to get a kid interested enough to read history. His solution was to encourage me to find novels about the period under study so that the time came alive for me.
It worked.
I was able to memorize the boring (and quickly forgotten) dates and generals and battles required to “pass” history exams. But I never forgot the feel of living in times past through the images of the characters in those books.
This style of study has transferred itself to my study of the Word. When I wake in the morning. I often turn on the computer and read sermons, websites, encyclopedia entries and blogs on subjects of interest and I have a special love of books written about biblical times or biblical subjects.
While this provides lots of opportunities for learning and growth it also leaves room for exposure to false teachings and down right heresies.
Matthew 7:15-20 (New International Version)
A Tree and Its Fruit
15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Very Simply I pray a lot. This is one of the perks of this ministry. I must pray a lot for guidance. Second, I claim no special knowledge or gift. My job, as I see it, is to offer a simple message for consideration.
I always hope that the message of the day will be uplifting and I probably avoid controversial subjects for fear of sanction. I always try to check out the Word on any subject presented and have trashed blogs I felt were interesting that had no basis in the bible. I give the reference for articles from which I pull extensive parts so that the reader can check them out.
I pray a lot.
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Missions and Gifts
A missionary is a member of a religious group sent into an area to carry on ministries of the Word, such as evangelism and literacy, or ministries of service, such as education, social justice, health care and economic development. The word "mission" originates from 1598 when the Jesuits sent members abroad, derived from the Latin missionem (nom. missio), meaning "act of sending" or mittere, meaning "to send". Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
When I think of missions I also think of ‘gifts” because, for many of us, our “mission” is to share those “gifts of the Holy Spirit” and ways we can use whatever gifts we are given to carry on ministries of the Word.
Many believers have received more than one spiritual gift. Because there is such a variety of gifts, the number of possible combinations is great. Each multi-gifted Christian has received a combination of spiritual abilities that is perfectly suited to his or her God-given ministry. But every believer has received at least one gift.
We have a member with a mission to nursing homes and prisons. She visits a group of nursing homes on a daily basis bringing comfort to many who seem to have been forgotten by the world. She is also a member of our prison ministry providing a service that has grown from two or three to more than a hundred . Matthew 25:40.
We have a member who uses her gift of hospitality to serve the church 1 Peter 4:9-10 . When we have out of town visitors, events at the church or need to travel, we know that she will provide comfort and welcome with a song in her heart.
We have members with the gift of service Rom. 12:7 who work hours every week to provide food to the hungry in our community.
We have members with the gift of Faith (1 Cor. 12:9) who are committed to pray for the fulfillment of the missions of the church.
Our Pastor truly has the gift of teaching.Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28-29; Eph. 4:11. She is able to clearly explain and effectively apply the truths of God's Word so that others will learn. This requires the capacity to accurately interpret Scripture, engage in necessary research, and organize the results in a way that is easily communicated. This is a gift she shares with undisguised joy.
We have members with the gift of giving (Rom. 12:8) who quietly support the missions of the Church at home and abroad.
We have a clear understanding that not everyone can have an assignment of missionary work abroad. For many of us our mission field is across the street or down the road, or even in our home office, but this in no way diminishes the importance of the mission.
11 It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.Ephesians 4:11-16 (New International Version)
Every Christian has at least one Spiritual Gift ( 1 Peter 4:10 ) No Christian has all the gifts ( 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 )
We have an obligation to know and use our gifts in order to be effective, contributing members of the body of Christ.
Accept the challenge of finding your gift and your mission.
May God Forever Be a Blessing In Your Life!!!
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
When I think of missions I also think of ‘gifts” because, for many of us, our “mission” is to share those “gifts of the Holy Spirit” and ways we can use whatever gifts we are given to carry on ministries of the Word.
Many believers have received more than one spiritual gift. Because there is such a variety of gifts, the number of possible combinations is great. Each multi-gifted Christian has received a combination of spiritual abilities that is perfectly suited to his or her God-given ministry. But every believer has received at least one gift.
We have a member with a mission to nursing homes and prisons. She visits a group of nursing homes on a daily basis bringing comfort to many who seem to have been forgotten by the world. She is also a member of our prison ministry providing a service that has grown from two or three to more than a hundred . Matthew 25:40.
We have a member who uses her gift of hospitality to serve the church 1 Peter 4:9-10 . When we have out of town visitors, events at the church or need to travel, we know that she will provide comfort and welcome with a song in her heart.
We have members with the gift of service Rom. 12:7 who work hours every week to provide food to the hungry in our community.
We have members with the gift of Faith (1 Cor. 12:9) who are committed to pray for the fulfillment of the missions of the church.
Our Pastor truly has the gift of teaching.Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28-29; Eph. 4:11. She is able to clearly explain and effectively apply the truths of God's Word so that others will learn. This requires the capacity to accurately interpret Scripture, engage in necessary research, and organize the results in a way that is easily communicated. This is a gift she shares with undisguised joy.
We have members with the gift of giving (Rom. 12:8) who quietly support the missions of the Church at home and abroad.
We have a clear understanding that not everyone can have an assignment of missionary work abroad. For many of us our mission field is across the street or down the road, or even in our home office, but this in no way diminishes the importance of the mission.
11 It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.Ephesians 4:11-16 (New International Version)
Every Christian has at least one Spiritual Gift ( 1 Peter 4:10 ) No Christian has all the gifts ( 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 )
We have an obligation to know and use our gifts in order to be effective, contributing members of the body of Christ.
Accept the challenge of finding your gift and your mission.
May God Forever Be a Blessing In Your Life!!!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
the beloved physician
Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."
I love the gospels of St. Luke. In my younger days I read Dear and Glorious Physician at least four times. I loved reading about this man who, despite never having the privilege of walking with Christ, was willing to dedicate his life to learning and spreading the word about our Lord. I loved reading the words of this man who wrote about our God with such loving attention.
What an example he is for all of us. He is the only Gentile writer in the New Testament. We must remember that, when Luke was learning about Christ, assisting Paul and others, writing and teaching on his own, he was an outsider. In Luke’s time it was the Jews who were the keepers of the truths about Christ. Yet this Gentile is credited with giving us the single largest contribution to the New Testament.
His written gospel is the longest book in the NT and, when we add his second volume, the Acts of the Apostles, we have over one-quarter of the NT.
The Apostle, Luke
In Christian tradition, Luke is the author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. He was a companion of the Apostle Paul, and the most literary of the New Testament writers. No history is given about his early life, we know him only from his writings and references about him in the letters of the Apostle Paul.
Tradition based on Gospel references has regarded him as a physician and a Gentile. (Colossians 4:14 "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.")
He was a coworker of Paul and probably accompanied him on several missionary journeys.2 Timothy 4:11 "Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry."
(Luke was a close friend and companion of Paul on his travels.)
Philemon 1:24 "Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow labourers."
Luke wrote at a time when the new Church was being persecuted as a bunch of seditionists. His accounts focus on the Spiritual Jesus, The Everlasting God.
Luke traces the linage of Jesus back not to Abraham, the foreparent of Jews (as Matthew does), but to Adam, the foreparent of all humans, acknowledging all of us as being inheritors of the promise.
http://www.victorshepherd.on.ca/Sermons/Luke.htm
Each of the gospels is an important and beautiful piece of the tapestry of understanding left for us. Wrap yourself in this blanket of Our Lord.
May God Be a Blessing In Your Life!!!
I love the gospels of St. Luke. In my younger days I read Dear and Glorious Physician at least four times. I loved reading about this man who, despite never having the privilege of walking with Christ, was willing to dedicate his life to learning and spreading the word about our Lord. I loved reading the words of this man who wrote about our God with such loving attention.
What an example he is for all of us. He is the only Gentile writer in the New Testament. We must remember that, when Luke was learning about Christ, assisting Paul and others, writing and teaching on his own, he was an outsider. In Luke’s time it was the Jews who were the keepers of the truths about Christ. Yet this Gentile is credited with giving us the single largest contribution to the New Testament.
His written gospel is the longest book in the NT and, when we add his second volume, the Acts of the Apostles, we have over one-quarter of the NT.
The Apostle, Luke
In Christian tradition, Luke is the author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. He was a companion of the Apostle Paul, and the most literary of the New Testament writers. No history is given about his early life, we know him only from his writings and references about him in the letters of the Apostle Paul.
Tradition based on Gospel references has regarded him as a physician and a Gentile. (Colossians 4:14 "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.")
He was a coworker of Paul and probably accompanied him on several missionary journeys.2 Timothy 4:11 "Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry."
(Luke was a close friend and companion of Paul on his travels.)
Philemon 1:24 "Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow labourers."
Luke wrote at a time when the new Church was being persecuted as a bunch of seditionists. His accounts focus on the Spiritual Jesus, The Everlasting God.
Luke traces the linage of Jesus back not to Abraham, the foreparent of Jews (as Matthew does), but to Adam, the foreparent of all humans, acknowledging all of us as being inheritors of the promise.
http://www.victorshepherd.on.ca/Sermons/Luke.htm
Each of the gospels is an important and beautiful piece of the tapestry of understanding left for us. Wrap yourself in this blanket of Our Lord.
May God Be a Blessing In Your Life!!!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Praising God, Again
Praising God, Again
I woke this morning, again, singing and praising God. After a while I paused to question my sanity. This is the morning after a very trying weekend, a long, trying weekend, yet I am truly in my heart praising God. Then I stopped to work on today’s message.
The message that came to me was on the subject of giving. After a second quick sanity check, I proceed.
Below is an excerpt on the spiritual aspect of giving, written by Mary Fairchild (see http://christianity.about.com/od/whatdoesthebiblesay/i/churchgiving_2.htm:
When my husband and I were looking for a good church, we observed that some churches seemed to always be asking for money and this concerned us. So when we found our current church home, one thing that really impressed us was that the church did not receive a formal offering during the service. The church does have offering boxes in the building, but members are not ever pressured to give. The only time money, tithing or giving are mentioned is when our pastor happens to be teaching through a section of Scripture that deals with these issues.
But please don't misunderstand! We love to give, because we have learned that we get blessed when we give to God. And although most of our giving goes to the church, we don't give to a church. We don't give to the pastor. We give our offerings to God alone. In fact, the Bible teaches us to give, for our own good and for our own blessing, from a cheerful heart.
But don't just take my word as proof that God wants us to give. Let's look at what the Bible says about giving.
First and foremost, God wants us to give because it shows that we recognize he is truly the Lord of our lives.
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)
Everything we own, everything we have comes from God. So when we give, we simply offer him a very small portion of all the abundance he has already given to us. Giving is an expression of our thankfulness and praise to God! It comes from a heart of worship. For everything we give already belongs to him!
Background
God instructed Old Testament believers to give a tithe, or a tenth, because this 10% represented the first, or most important portion of all that they had. The New Testament does not suggest a certain percentage for giving, but simply says for each to give "in keeping with his income."
Believers should give according to their income.
1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. (NIV)
Note that the offering was set aside on the first day of the week. When we are willing to offer the first portion of our wealth back to him, then God knows he has our hearts. He knows—and we also know—that we are submitted completely in trust and obedience to our Lord and Savior.
We are blessed when we give.
Acts 20:35
... remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (NIV)
God wants us to give because he knows how blessed we will be as we give generously to him and to others. Giving is a kingdom principle; giving brings even more blessing to the giver than to the recipient.
When we give freely to God, we receive freely from God.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (NIV)
Proverbs 11:24
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. (NIV)
God promises that we will be blessed over and above that which we give and also according to the measure that we use to give. But if we hold back from giving with a stingy heart, we hinder God from blessing our lives.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NIV)
Bet you have heard that one before. It always sounded to me like something said to find the lint in the bottom of my pocket.
What amazes me now is how clearly God has placed in my heart the fact that my giving in no way should depend on anyone else. I don’t give to impress anyone. I don’t hold back in my giving because of someone else‘s supposed abuse or neglect.
I give very much in line with Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
I put my pennies in an envelope on my first day of the week then bring it to church during regular service times.
Now, back to my singing and praising.
I have been cooking for a couple for the past week because she had to have a fourth surgery on her shoulder. I had enough food to offer without real sacrifice, I am perfectly able to cook, I have electricity and everything else I need and more. I am alive.
I have every reason to sing and praise God.
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
I woke this morning, again, singing and praising God. After a while I paused to question my sanity. This is the morning after a very trying weekend, a long, trying weekend, yet I am truly in my heart praising God. Then I stopped to work on today’s message.
The message that came to me was on the subject of giving. After a second quick sanity check, I proceed.
Below is an excerpt on the spiritual aspect of giving, written by Mary Fairchild (see http://christianity.about.com/od/whatdoesthebiblesay/i/churchgiving_2.htm:
When my husband and I were looking for a good church, we observed that some churches seemed to always be asking for money and this concerned us. So when we found our current church home, one thing that really impressed us was that the church did not receive a formal offering during the service. The church does have offering boxes in the building, but members are not ever pressured to give. The only time money, tithing or giving are mentioned is when our pastor happens to be teaching through a section of Scripture that deals with these issues.
But please don't misunderstand! We love to give, because we have learned that we get blessed when we give to God. And although most of our giving goes to the church, we don't give to a church. We don't give to the pastor. We give our offerings to God alone. In fact, the Bible teaches us to give, for our own good and for our own blessing, from a cheerful heart.
But don't just take my word as proof that God wants us to give. Let's look at what the Bible says about giving.
First and foremost, God wants us to give because it shows that we recognize he is truly the Lord of our lives.
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)
Everything we own, everything we have comes from God. So when we give, we simply offer him a very small portion of all the abundance he has already given to us. Giving is an expression of our thankfulness and praise to God! It comes from a heart of worship. For everything we give already belongs to him!
Background
God instructed Old Testament believers to give a tithe, or a tenth, because this 10% represented the first, or most important portion of all that they had. The New Testament does not suggest a certain percentage for giving, but simply says for each to give "in keeping with his income."
Believers should give according to their income.
1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. (NIV)
Note that the offering was set aside on the first day of the week. When we are willing to offer the first portion of our wealth back to him, then God knows he has our hearts. He knows—and we also know—that we are submitted completely in trust and obedience to our Lord and Savior.
We are blessed when we give.
Acts 20:35
... remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (NIV)
God wants us to give because he knows how blessed we will be as we give generously to him and to others. Giving is a kingdom principle; giving brings even more blessing to the giver than to the recipient.
When we give freely to God, we receive freely from God.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (NIV)
Proverbs 11:24
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. (NIV)
God promises that we will be blessed over and above that which we give and also according to the measure that we use to give. But if we hold back from giving with a stingy heart, we hinder God from blessing our lives.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NIV)
Bet you have heard that one before. It always sounded to me like something said to find the lint in the bottom of my pocket.
What amazes me now is how clearly God has placed in my heart the fact that my giving in no way should depend on anyone else. I don’t give to impress anyone. I don’t hold back in my giving because of someone else‘s supposed abuse or neglect.
I give very much in line with Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
I put my pennies in an envelope on my first day of the week then bring it to church during regular service times.
Now, back to my singing and praising.
I have been cooking for a couple for the past week because she had to have a fourth surgery on her shoulder. I had enough food to offer without real sacrifice, I am perfectly able to cook, I have electricity and everything else I need and more. I am alive.
I have every reason to sing and praise God.
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Waiting Patiently on the Lord
NO BLOG TODAY!!!
Today is a day of prayer and contemplation. Today is a day when I am being told to keep still. Every attempt at research has led to confusion and, since I know that my God is not the author of confusion, I will leave this work for a day when He is in it.
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isa. 40:31).
My God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Today is a day of prayer and contemplation. Today is a day when I am being told to keep still. Every attempt at research has led to confusion and, since I know that my God is not the author of confusion, I will leave this work for a day when He is in it.
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isa. 40:31).
My God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Praises to God
Praises to God
From Psalms 113
113:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the
LORD's name [is] to be praised.
113:4 The LORD [is] high above all nations, [and] his glory above the heavens.
113:5 Who [is] like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,
113:6 Who humbleth [himself] to behold [the things that are] in heaven, and in
the earth!
I want to praise Him
I want to praise His name
I want to praise Him
I want to praise His name
I want to praise Him
I want to praise His name
I want to praise His Holy Name
From Psalms 30
30:2 O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
30:3 O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
30:4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness…
30:8 I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.
30:11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
30:12 To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
From Psalms 40
40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.
40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
40:4 Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
40:5 Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.
40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart.
Do you have a reason to praise God today? Are you so caught up in your own stuff that you can't see your blessings?
I watched a program yesterday that gave an easy way out of depressed thoughts called “Killing the ANTS in your life” (Angry, Negative Thoughts)
It goes like this: For every negative thought ask yourself these four questions.
1. Is this really true?
2. Is this absolutely true?
3. How would it make me feel if it were absolutely true?
4. Is this the way I want to feel?
Then state the opposite of the negative thought and ask the same four questions.
We often box ourselves in with exaggerated negative thoughts such as “Nobody cares”, everybody thinks....., (s)he always....
Put your negative thoughts to the test, but first of all put God in the equation.
Now, do you have a reason to praise God today?
May God be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
From Psalms 113
113:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the
LORD's name [is] to be praised.
113:4 The LORD [is] high above all nations, [and] his glory above the heavens.
113:5 Who [is] like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,
113:6 Who humbleth [himself] to behold [the things that are] in heaven, and in
the earth!
I want to praise Him
I want to praise His name
I want to praise Him
I want to praise His name
I want to praise Him
I want to praise His name
I want to praise His Holy Name
From Psalms 30
30:2 O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
30:3 O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
30:4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness…
30:8 I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.
30:11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
30:12 To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
From Psalms 40
40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.
40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
40:4 Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
40:5 Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.
40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart.
Do you have a reason to praise God today? Are you so caught up in your own stuff that you can't see your blessings?
I watched a program yesterday that gave an easy way out of depressed thoughts called “Killing the ANTS in your life” (Angry, Negative Thoughts)
It goes like this: For every negative thought ask yourself these four questions.
1. Is this really true?
2. Is this absolutely true?
3. How would it make me feel if it were absolutely true?
4. Is this the way I want to feel?
Then state the opposite of the negative thought and ask the same four questions.
We often box ourselves in with exaggerated negative thoughts such as “Nobody cares”, everybody thinks....., (s)he always....
Put your negative thoughts to the test, but first of all put God in the equation.
Now, do you have a reason to praise God today?
May God be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
Psalm 100 (NIV)
A psalm. For giving thanks.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
I just want to thank You Lord.
Such a simple song, but it is among my very favorites. This is the song I find myself singing most often when I am working around the house, riding in my car and other times. I seem to always be able to find something for which to thank God.
I am thankful for my church family, I am thankful for my extended family, I am thankful for my health and creature comforts.
High on my list of thank You’s is for a desire to study His Word.
The interesting thing about thanking God is how wonderful it feels to praise His name. I have a much better appreciation of the joy of the psalmists when I raise praise to God.
How wonderful to have a kinship with David, one who so wondrously praised and thanked God.
Psalm 145 (NIV)
A psalm of praise. Of David.
1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made. [c]
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
I just want to thank You Lord.
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Psalm 100 (NIV)
A psalm. For giving thanks.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
I just want to thank You Lord.
Such a simple song, but it is among my very favorites. This is the song I find myself singing most often when I am working around the house, riding in my car and other times. I seem to always be able to find something for which to thank God.
I am thankful for my church family, I am thankful for my extended family, I am thankful for my health and creature comforts.
High on my list of thank You’s is for a desire to study His Word.
The interesting thing about thanking God is how wonderful it feels to praise His name. I have a much better appreciation of the joy of the psalmists when I raise praise to God.
How wonderful to have a kinship with David, one who so wondrously praised and thanked God.
Psalm 145 (NIV)
A psalm of praise. Of David.
1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made. [c]
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
I just want to thank You Lord.
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Community of God
The Community of God
This quarter we are studying about community, a subject close to the heart of this church.
Our studies will range from the extreme prejudice and disobedience of Jonah, who felt a people so unworthy he sought to deny them an opportunity to experience the mercy of God; to the admonishing of Jude to:
20“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And on some have mercy, who are in doubt;
23 and some save, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh….”
When I read the Jude scriptures I felt “WOW”!!
What a standard to strive for.
-building up ourselves on our most holy faith.
-keeping ourselves in the love of God
-looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (Not fault finding and looking for the worst in others)
-having mercy on those who are in doubt (remembering when we were not saved and had many, many questions about The Way)
-taking responsibility to save some, through the example of our lives, “snatching them out of the fire”
-having mercy with fear for those who appear entrenched in darkness, loving them though we fear for their salvation and continuing to provide a light on the hill through the testimony of our lives.
It is difficult to admit, and sometimes even to see, our own shortcomings. I think this is especially true when we feel we have a calling on our lives for God. It is sometimes difficult to have patience with those who “just don’t get it“. How could anyone not want to be saved?
Yet there are such lessons in humility in these two of the shorter books of the bible. Here we have such opportunities to live the Word, if we only incorporate these lessons into our daily lives.
May God Forever be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
This quarter we are studying about community, a subject close to the heart of this church.
Our studies will range from the extreme prejudice and disobedience of Jonah, who felt a people so unworthy he sought to deny them an opportunity to experience the mercy of God; to the admonishing of Jude to:
20“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And on some have mercy, who are in doubt;
23 and some save, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh….”
When I read the Jude scriptures I felt “WOW”!!
What a standard to strive for.
-building up ourselves on our most holy faith.
-keeping ourselves in the love of God
-looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (Not fault finding and looking for the worst in others)
-having mercy on those who are in doubt (remembering when we were not saved and had many, many questions about The Way)
-taking responsibility to save some, through the example of our lives, “snatching them out of the fire”
-having mercy with fear for those who appear entrenched in darkness, loving them though we fear for their salvation and continuing to provide a light on the hill through the testimony of our lives.
It is difficult to admit, and sometimes even to see, our own shortcomings. I think this is especially true when we feel we have a calling on our lives for God. It is sometimes difficult to have patience with those who “just don’t get it“. How could anyone not want to be saved?
Yet there are such lessons in humility in these two of the shorter books of the bible. Here we have such opportunities to live the Word, if we only incorporate these lessons into our daily lives.
May God Forever be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS
James 2 (New King James Version)
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.
24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD
Excerpts from a 1997 sermon
by Most Rev. Dr. Robert M. Bowman
Is there anybody here who doesn’t know how to swim? Living here in Florida, with the ocean and the river, and every other house with a swimming pool, we’d think it pretty unusual not to know how to swim. But there are millions of people who don’t. Many of them have never been near enough water to even try.
Pretend you’re one of those people. The most water you’ve ever been in was in a bathtub. Now you decide you want to learn to swim, but the only pool available is ten feet deep everywhere; there is no shallow end. I think you’d be a little reluctant to just dive in.
I could tell you that the water would support you, that you would float. I could show you in an encyclopedia that the density of the human body is ever so slightly less than that of water. I could explain Bernoulli’s laws and Pascal’s laws, and Archimedes’ principle, so that you would become intellectually convinced that your body would float.
... Now are you going to jump in? Probably not. You believe me when I tell you that you can float. But you’re not ready to act on it yet.
You can tell me that you have absolute faith in what I have told you. You can quote back to me all the scientific details. You can study books on swimming, and quote them back to me word for word, chapter and verse. You can tell me how much you love swimming. But until you get wet, it doesn’t mean a thing. Faith without works is dead.
Finding this sermon gave me one more reason to be grateful that God has planted me in a church that is rich in works, a church with a serious commitment to the Great Commission. In addition to the “On-Going Ministries” listed below, we have individual members with very intensive ministries. There is truly a focus on faith and works here.
On-going Ministries
*Community Prayer
Every Monday at 6pm
*Bible Study
Every Monday at 6:30 pm
*Sunday School Preparatory
Monday 7:30pm
*N/A Meeting-Every Tuesday 7pm
*Sisterhood - Second Thursday at 6:30pm
*Two By Two - First Wednesday at 6:30pm
*Food Bank Distribution-Friday 4:00-5:30pm
*Bible Explosion for Youth - Friday at 6:30pm
*Commodity Distribution-every other month (call
941.799.0445 for schedule)[starting 2/6/10 at 9am]
Please feel free to come and explore with us the glory of a ministry of faith and works.
God is truly alive in this church.
May God be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
James 2 (New King James Version)
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.
24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD
Excerpts from a 1997 sermon
by Most Rev. Dr. Robert M. Bowman
Is there anybody here who doesn’t know how to swim? Living here in Florida, with the ocean and the river, and every other house with a swimming pool, we’d think it pretty unusual not to know how to swim. But there are millions of people who don’t. Many of them have never been near enough water to even try.
Pretend you’re one of those people. The most water you’ve ever been in was in a bathtub. Now you decide you want to learn to swim, but the only pool available is ten feet deep everywhere; there is no shallow end. I think you’d be a little reluctant to just dive in.
I could tell you that the water would support you, that you would float. I could show you in an encyclopedia that the density of the human body is ever so slightly less than that of water. I could explain Bernoulli’s laws and Pascal’s laws, and Archimedes’ principle, so that you would become intellectually convinced that your body would float.
... Now are you going to jump in? Probably not. You believe me when I tell you that you can float. But you’re not ready to act on it yet.
You can tell me that you have absolute faith in what I have told you. You can quote back to me all the scientific details. You can study books on swimming, and quote them back to me word for word, chapter and verse. You can tell me how much you love swimming. But until you get wet, it doesn’t mean a thing. Faith without works is dead.
Finding this sermon gave me one more reason to be grateful that God has planted me in a church that is rich in works, a church with a serious commitment to the Great Commission. In addition to the “On-Going Ministries” listed below, we have individual members with very intensive ministries. There is truly a focus on faith and works here.
On-going Ministries
*Community Prayer
Every Monday at 6pm
*Bible Study
Every Monday at 6:30 pm
*Sunday School Preparatory
Monday 7:30pm
*N/A Meeting-Every Tuesday 7pm
*Sisterhood - Second Thursday at 6:30pm
*Two By Two - First Wednesday at 6:30pm
*Food Bank Distribution-Friday 4:00-5:30pm
*Bible Explosion for Youth - Friday at 6:30pm
*Commodity Distribution-every other month (call
941.799.0445 for schedule)[starting 2/6/10 at 9am]
Please feel free to come and explore with us the glory of a ministry of faith and works.
God is truly alive in this church.
May God be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
"Sons of Thunder"/John the Beloved
"Sons of Thunder"/John the Beloved
The son of Zebedee and Salome, John was born in Galilee, probably between A.D. 10 and 15. His father was a fisherman, a trade which John was plying when he met and joined Jesus (Mark 5:37). His mother joined the women who served the followers of Jesus (Mark 15:40-41; 16:1). His brother James also followed Jesus. Jesus nicknamed both brothers Boanerges, meaning in Aramaic "sons of thunder" (Mark 3:17), a reference to their rather fiery attitude to Jesus.
John and James, together with Peter, are presented throughout the Gospels as the most closely associated with Jesus of all his followers.
In the lists of the Apostles John has the second place (Acts 1:13), the third (Mark 3:17), and the fourth (Matthew 10:3; Luke 6:14), yet always after James with the exception of a few passages (Luke 8:51; 9:28 in the Greek text; Acts 1:13).
From James being placed first, the conclusion is drawn that John was the younger of the two brothers. In any case John had a prominent position in the Apostolic body.
Peter, James, and he were the only witnesses of the raising of Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:37), of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1), and of the Agony in Gethsemani (Matthew 26:37). Only he and Peter were sent into the city to make the preparation for the Last Supper (Luke 22:8). At the Supper itself his place was next to Christ on Whose breast he leaned (John 13:23, 25). According to the general interpretation John was also that "other disciple" who with Peter followed Christ after the arrest into the palace of the high-priest (John 18:15).
John alone remained near his beloved Master at the foot of the Cross on Calvary with the Mother of Jesus and the pious women, and took the desolate Mother into his care as the last legacy of Christ (John 19:25-27). After the Resurrection John with Peter was the first of the disciples to hasten to the grave and he was the first to believe that Christ had truly risen (John 20:2-10).
After the death of Jesus, John is presented as one of the leaders of the Jerusalemite followers of Jesus. In the Acts, John testifies to Jesus with Peter and James.
He goes to Samaria with Peter to confirm new converts (Acts 8:14, 25). When Paul is converted, he submits his orthodoxy to John, Peter, and James (Galatians 2:1-10).
Tradition relates that John was banished to the Greek island of Patmos during the persecution initiated by the Roman emperor Domitian (reigned A.D. 81-96). Here, it is said, John wrote the Book of Revelation. The Fourth Gospel apparently was composed sometime between A.D. 85 and 95.
It is not known how John ended his life. Some traditions claim that he was martyred. Others claim he died at a ripe old age. Tradition from the 2d century claimed that John died and was buried at Ephesus and his tomb became a site of pilgrimage. John's Gospel, unlike the other three, presents a well-developed theological point of view, on a level with the letters of St. Paul.
Because of the depth of his Gospel, John is usually thought of as the eagle of theology, soaring in high regions that other writers did not enter.
http://www.answers.com/topic/john-saint
John's own Gospel refers to him as the disciple whom Jesus loved (see John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2). What a special designation!
http://www.adoremusbooks.com/stjohnapostleandevangelist.aspx?ctt_id=796477&ctt_adnw=Google&ctt_kw=saint%20john%20the%20evangelist&ctt_ch=ps&ctt_entity=tc&gclid=CKf8l4zOpqACFZNL2godflsrZw
.http://www.answers.com/topic/john-the-apostle
May God be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
The son of Zebedee and Salome, John was born in Galilee, probably between A.D. 10 and 15. His father was a fisherman, a trade which John was plying when he met and joined Jesus (Mark 5:37). His mother joined the women who served the followers of Jesus (Mark 15:40-41; 16:1). His brother James also followed Jesus. Jesus nicknamed both brothers Boanerges, meaning in Aramaic "sons of thunder" (Mark 3:17), a reference to their rather fiery attitude to Jesus.
John and James, together with Peter, are presented throughout the Gospels as the most closely associated with Jesus of all his followers.
In the lists of the Apostles John has the second place (Acts 1:13), the third (Mark 3:17), and the fourth (Matthew 10:3; Luke 6:14), yet always after James with the exception of a few passages (Luke 8:51; 9:28 in the Greek text; Acts 1:13).
From James being placed first, the conclusion is drawn that John was the younger of the two brothers. In any case John had a prominent position in the Apostolic body.
Peter, James, and he were the only witnesses of the raising of Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:37), of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1), and of the Agony in Gethsemani (Matthew 26:37). Only he and Peter were sent into the city to make the preparation for the Last Supper (Luke 22:8). At the Supper itself his place was next to Christ on Whose breast he leaned (John 13:23, 25). According to the general interpretation John was also that "other disciple" who with Peter followed Christ after the arrest into the palace of the high-priest (John 18:15).
John alone remained near his beloved Master at the foot of the Cross on Calvary with the Mother of Jesus and the pious women, and took the desolate Mother into his care as the last legacy of Christ (John 19:25-27). After the Resurrection John with Peter was the first of the disciples to hasten to the grave and he was the first to believe that Christ had truly risen (John 20:2-10).
After the death of Jesus, John is presented as one of the leaders of the Jerusalemite followers of Jesus. In the Acts, John testifies to Jesus with Peter and James.
He goes to Samaria with Peter to confirm new converts (Acts 8:14, 25). When Paul is converted, he submits his orthodoxy to John, Peter, and James (Galatians 2:1-10).
Tradition relates that John was banished to the Greek island of Patmos during the persecution initiated by the Roman emperor Domitian (reigned A.D. 81-96). Here, it is said, John wrote the Book of Revelation. The Fourth Gospel apparently was composed sometime between A.D. 85 and 95.
It is not known how John ended his life. Some traditions claim that he was martyred. Others claim he died at a ripe old age. Tradition from the 2d century claimed that John died and was buried at Ephesus and his tomb became a site of pilgrimage. John's Gospel, unlike the other three, presents a well-developed theological point of view, on a level with the letters of St. Paul.
Because of the depth of his Gospel, John is usually thought of as the eagle of theology, soaring in high regions that other writers did not enter.
http://www.answers.com/topic/john-saint
John's own Gospel refers to him as the disciple whom Jesus loved (see John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2). What a special designation!
http://www.adoremusbooks.com/stjohnapostleandevangelist.aspx?ctt_id=796477&ctt_adnw=Google&ctt_kw=saint%20john%20the%20evangelist&ctt_ch=ps&ctt_entity=tc&gclid=CKf8l4zOpqACFZNL2godflsrZw
.http://www.answers.com/topic/john-the-apostle
May God be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
I know God cares.
Sometimes, when Christians are having a hard time, they feel guilty. Guilty because so much around us seems to imply that, if our faith is strong, if we stay in the word, we will prosper.
I’ve even heard ministers hint that a lack of prosperity or a feeling of depression is proof of a poverty stricken spiritual life.
I wonder what effect this has on people who are struggling when many around them do, indeed, seem to be doing just fine. I wonder how many withdraw into themselves because they feel ashamed to be having a hard time emotionally, spiritually, physically or financially.
I wonder, prayerfully, how can we effectively reach out to our brothers and sisters who are suffering the double burden of having a hard time and being buried in a sense of guilt?
Today, I personally found great solace in Chapter 4 of 2 Corinthians.
I realize that Paul was writing to the Corinthians to encourage them in the face of persecution for His name’s sake, but the words were balm to my spirit today.
As I took comfort in the entirety of the chapter, I found special peace in verse 16:“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”
I have a special prayer that was sent to me some time ago by a friend. I have shared it with many and would like to share it now.
May today be all you need it to be.
May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams and conquer all your fears.
May God manifest Himself today in ways you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer and your prayers be answered.
I pray that faith enters a new height for you;
I pray that your territory is enlarged.
I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God.
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
As I share this special prayer with you, I am comforted by the knowledge that God has been faithful to provide in my life. That knowledge strengthens my soul.
"He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled," John 11:33.
John 11:35. "Jesus wept"
I know God cares.
May God be a blessing in your life!!!
I’ve even heard ministers hint that a lack of prosperity or a feeling of depression is proof of a poverty stricken spiritual life.
I wonder what effect this has on people who are struggling when many around them do, indeed, seem to be doing just fine. I wonder how many withdraw into themselves because they feel ashamed to be having a hard time emotionally, spiritually, physically or financially.
I wonder, prayerfully, how can we effectively reach out to our brothers and sisters who are suffering the double burden of having a hard time and being buried in a sense of guilt?
Today, I personally found great solace in Chapter 4 of 2 Corinthians.
I realize that Paul was writing to the Corinthians to encourage them in the face of persecution for His name’s sake, but the words were balm to my spirit today.
As I took comfort in the entirety of the chapter, I found special peace in verse 16:“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”
I have a special prayer that was sent to me some time ago by a friend. I have shared it with many and would like to share it now.
May today be all you need it to be.
May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams and conquer all your fears.
May God manifest Himself today in ways you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer and your prayers be answered.
I pray that faith enters a new height for you;
I pray that your territory is enlarged.
I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God.
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
As I share this special prayer with you, I am comforted by the knowledge that God has been faithful to provide in my life. That knowledge strengthens my soul.
"He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled," John 11:33.
John 11:35. "Jesus wept"
I know God cares.
May God be a blessing in your life!!!
Friday, March 5, 2010
“Truth in advertising?”
“Truth in advertising?”
I just watched four commercials for auto insurance, each of which promised lower rates than the others. How can this be?
Is there no “truth in advertising? How is this allowed?
The truth is that advertisers have no more obligation to truth than does Satan. Both are dedicated to convincing us to think their way and buy into their program.
As with advertising, it is in our best interest to do our own research to discern the truth concerning our spiritual life. Yet, some of us will study insurance comparisons more diligently than the bible.
For the Christian, discernment comes from a frequent look imto The Word.
2 Timothy 2:15 (New American Standard Bible), "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of truth."
We can’t be lazy and expect our Pastor to be the only one obligated to study the Word. We are mandated by the Word to be responsible for our own emersion in the gospel.
Acts 17:11 (New International Version), "These were more noble minded than those in Thessalonica for they received the Word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so."
Joshua 1:8 (New International Version)
8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
It is my desire to “prosper and be successful” in my walk with God.
May God be a blessing in your life!!!
I just watched four commercials for auto insurance, each of which promised lower rates than the others. How can this be?
Is there no “truth in advertising? How is this allowed?
The truth is that advertisers have no more obligation to truth than does Satan. Both are dedicated to convincing us to think their way and buy into their program.
As with advertising, it is in our best interest to do our own research to discern the truth concerning our spiritual life. Yet, some of us will study insurance comparisons more diligently than the bible.
For the Christian, discernment comes from a frequent look imto The Word.
2 Timothy 2:15 (New American Standard Bible), "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of truth."
We can’t be lazy and expect our Pastor to be the only one obligated to study the Word. We are mandated by the Word to be responsible for our own emersion in the gospel.
Acts 17:11 (New International Version), "These were more noble minded than those in Thessalonica for they received the Word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so."
Joshua 1:8 (New International Version)
8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
It is my desire to “prosper and be successful” in my walk with God.
May God be a blessing in your life!!!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Amen
Amen
“Let the Church say Amen” is not just a song, it is often an integral part of the service and, in the emotion of an exciting sermon, it is heard often. What does it mean when we say “Amen”?
Do we understand that when we say “Amen” we are saying that we agree with what is being said. Are we careful about our agreements?
Synonyms: truly, "fair dinkum"
Related ideas: truth, prayer, agreement
Greek References: αμην Amen translated by Luke as αληθος aleethos, truly (Mark 9:1, Luke 9:27).
Definition: Amen is an exclamation expressing agreement with a statement. At the end of a prayer it expresses the genuineness of the petition.
So be it: said or sung at the end of a prayer or hymn to affirm its content
expressing strong agreement: used to express strong agreement
"amen to that"
affirmation in prayer: an indication, at the end of a prayer or hymn, that the person praying or singing affirms its content
Scripture chain:
Doxology and Benediction (praise and blessing)
Psa 41:13 "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting and to everlasting! Amen and amen"
Mtt 6:13 "Yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever, Amen."
Rev 22:20-21 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen"
Rom 11:36, 15:33 [typical doxology and benediction]
Solemn pronouncement
Neh 5:13 Neh 8:6 "All the people answered, Amen, Amen, with the lifting up of their hands"
Rom 1:25, 9:1-5 [typical solemn affirmations]
Psa 72:19; 89:52 [Endings to books of Psalms]
Thanksgiving
1Co 14:15-16 "...say the Amen at your giving of thanks..."
Comment: In the Bible, "Amen" is almost always the last word of a solemn statement such as a benediction or doxology. Jesus however would often use it at the beginning of a solemn statement by saying "Verily" or "Truly". This is actually the word "Amen".
http://members.net-tech.com.au/sggram/f659.htm
It was interesting to look up the word “Amen” in the dictionary. It was much more interesting to look up the word in the Bible. I’ve included some scriptures which touched me and invite you to do your own search.
Isaiah 65:16
"That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes."
Both these words that are translated truth are the Hebrew word [amen]. Thus it is declaring by the God of Amen, Jehovah God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). In this context this word is expressing God's faithfulness. That He alone is the Amen, the God of truth. Indeed, the Lord is the very essence of truth. So by comparing scripture with scripture and allowing it to be it's own dictionary and interpreter, we can come to sound conclusions about what words really mean in scripture. Amen is thereby defined as truth. And not only in the Old Testament, this understanding of the word continues to be made manifest in the New Testament.
Revelation 3:14
"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;"
Christ "is" the Truth both in person and in Spirit, so that He fulfills God's faithfulness to His people. i.e., whatever the Lord declares surely will come to pass.
John 8:51
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death."
The word translated 'verily' is that very same Hebrew word [amen], and it means that what is now being said is most assuredly, truth. Christ is saying, "Of a truth (truthfully) I say unto you." He is making a statement of "absolute" certainty. And Christ used "amen" to introduce statements as being sure on a number of occasions. What does amen mean
John 13:38
"Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice."
Again, the word translated "verily" is the Hebrew word [amen]. Verily or [amen] thus means truthfully or truly. God is emphasizing here the absolute truth that there is no possibility that Peter would not deny Him three times. Amen, Amen, it was going to occur.
Deuteronomy 27:14-15
"And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,
Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen."
Deuteronomy 27:20-23
"Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen."
When you say Amen, it really should be considered a solemn oath of agreement before God, which should never be uttered lightly.
May God always be a blessing in your life!!!
“Let the Church say Amen” is not just a song, it is often an integral part of the service and, in the emotion of an exciting sermon, it is heard often. What does it mean when we say “Amen”?
Do we understand that when we say “Amen” we are saying that we agree with what is being said. Are we careful about our agreements?
Synonyms: truly, "fair dinkum"
Related ideas: truth, prayer, agreement
Greek References: αμην Amen translated by Luke as αληθος aleethos, truly (Mark 9:1, Luke 9:27).
Definition: Amen is an exclamation expressing agreement with a statement. At the end of a prayer it expresses the genuineness of the petition.
So be it: said or sung at the end of a prayer or hymn to affirm its content
expressing strong agreement: used to express strong agreement
"amen to that"
affirmation in prayer: an indication, at the end of a prayer or hymn, that the person praying or singing affirms its content
Scripture chain:
Doxology and Benediction (praise and blessing)
Psa 41:13 "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting and to everlasting! Amen and amen"
Mtt 6:13 "Yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever, Amen."
Rev 22:20-21 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen"
Rom 11:36, 15:33 [typical doxology and benediction]
Solemn pronouncement
Neh 5:13 Neh 8:6 "All the people answered, Amen, Amen, with the lifting up of their hands"
Rom 1:25, 9:1-5 [typical solemn affirmations]
Psa 72:19; 89:52 [Endings to books of Psalms]
Thanksgiving
1Co 14:15-16 "...say the Amen at your giving of thanks..."
Comment: In the Bible, "Amen" is almost always the last word of a solemn statement such as a benediction or doxology. Jesus however would often use it at the beginning of a solemn statement by saying "Verily" or "Truly". This is actually the word "Amen".
http://members.net-tech.com.au/sggram/f659.htm
It was interesting to look up the word “Amen” in the dictionary. It was much more interesting to look up the word in the Bible. I’ve included some scriptures which touched me and invite you to do your own search.
Isaiah 65:16
"That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes."
Both these words that are translated truth are the Hebrew word [amen]. Thus it is declaring by the God of Amen, Jehovah God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). In this context this word is expressing God's faithfulness. That He alone is the Amen, the God of truth. Indeed, the Lord is the very essence of truth. So by comparing scripture with scripture and allowing it to be it's own dictionary and interpreter, we can come to sound conclusions about what words really mean in scripture. Amen is thereby defined as truth. And not only in the Old Testament, this understanding of the word continues to be made manifest in the New Testament.
Revelation 3:14
"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;"
Christ "is" the Truth both in person and in Spirit, so that He fulfills God's faithfulness to His people. i.e., whatever the Lord declares surely will come to pass.
John 8:51
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death."
The word translated 'verily' is that very same Hebrew word [amen], and it means that what is now being said is most assuredly, truth. Christ is saying, "Of a truth (truthfully) I say unto you." He is making a statement of "absolute" certainty. And Christ used "amen" to introduce statements as being sure on a number of occasions. What does amen mean
John 13:38
"Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice."
Again, the word translated "verily" is the Hebrew word [amen]. Verily or [amen] thus means truthfully or truly. God is emphasizing here the absolute truth that there is no possibility that Peter would not deny Him three times. Amen, Amen, it was going to occur.
Deuteronomy 27:14-15
"And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,
Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen."
Deuteronomy 27:20-23
"Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen."
When you say Amen, it really should be considered a solemn oath of agreement before God, which should never be uttered lightly.
May God always be a blessing in your life!!!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Apostle Peter
Peter
Rock.
"And Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." - Matt. 16:16-18.
Simon Bar-Jonah was the brother of Andrew and son of Jonah. He was also known as Simeon. Simon was originally a fisherman of Bethsaida, on the western coast of the Sea of Galilee. He and his brother, Andrew, were the first disciples called by Jesus. (Matt. 4: 18-22; Mark 1: 16-20; Luke 5: 1-11; John 1: 40-42).
Simon was one of the twelve disciples and one of the inner circle. He was one of the three disciples present on several important occasions such as the transfiguration(Matt. 17: 1). Peter was one of those with Jesus on the night he was arrested Matt. 26: 37; and at the raising of the daughter of the synagogue official (Mark 5: 37).
Most are familiar with his confession of the Lord’s Messiahship and Godhead in Matt. 16: 13-19 and words then addressed to him, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will b uild my church,”
Peter was an outspoken follower of Our Lord but was also the first to deny Him after His arrest Matt. 26: 33-35, 58, 69-75.
It was Peter who stepped forth with the eleven on the day when they were all filled with the Holy Spirit in the upper room and addressed the crown that thought they were drunk.
After Jesus' ascension Peter preached on Pentecost and healed in the Temple.
Peter was called by God to reach out to the Gentiles. This started in a vision that is described in the Book of Acts (Acts 10).
Peter saw a vision in which a sheet full of animals descended from heaven, which made him realize that people of every nation who fear God and do what is right are acceptable to God, He received the gentile Cornelius as a Christian and was instrumental in persuading the Jerusalem council to receive gentiles into the church without circumcision.
It is interesting to note that the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch, one of the places where the Word was given to Jews and Gentiles alike.
The gospels of Peter are fuller within the context of scriptures which amplify understanding. Some of these scriptures are included here.
I am very grateful for the ministry of Peter, the apostle who opened the Way for me, a Gentile.
May God always be a blessing in your life!!
Rock.
"And Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." - Matt. 16:16-18.
Simon Bar-Jonah was the brother of Andrew and son of Jonah. He was also known as Simeon. Simon was originally a fisherman of Bethsaida, on the western coast of the Sea of Galilee. He and his brother, Andrew, were the first disciples called by Jesus. (Matt. 4: 18-22; Mark 1: 16-20; Luke 5: 1-11; John 1: 40-42).
Simon was one of the twelve disciples and one of the inner circle. He was one of the three disciples present on several important occasions such as the transfiguration(Matt. 17: 1). Peter was one of those with Jesus on the night he was arrested Matt. 26: 37; and at the raising of the daughter of the synagogue official (Mark 5: 37).
Most are familiar with his confession of the Lord’s Messiahship and Godhead in Matt. 16: 13-19 and words then addressed to him, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will b uild my church,”
Peter was an outspoken follower of Our Lord but was also the first to deny Him after His arrest Matt. 26: 33-35, 58, 69-75.
It was Peter who stepped forth with the eleven on the day when they were all filled with the Holy Spirit in the upper room and addressed the crown that thought they were drunk.
After Jesus' ascension Peter preached on Pentecost and healed in the Temple.
Peter was called by God to reach out to the Gentiles. This started in a vision that is described in the Book of Acts (Acts 10).
Peter saw a vision in which a sheet full of animals descended from heaven, which made him realize that people of every nation who fear God and do what is right are acceptable to God, He received the gentile Cornelius as a Christian and was instrumental in persuading the Jerusalem council to receive gentiles into the church without circumcision.
It is interesting to note that the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch, one of the places where the Word was given to Jews and Gentiles alike.
The gospels of Peter are fuller within the context of scriptures which amplify understanding. Some of these scriptures are included here.
I am very grateful for the ministry of Peter, the apostle who opened the Way for me, a Gentile.
May God always be a blessing in your life!!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Miracles of Jonah
Our pastor often talks about the excitement of the study of a particular scripture. Last night I was caught up in that excitement as we studied two of the chapters in the Book of Jonah.
As it happened, I was in the midst of trying to avoid trying to “save” someone from their own decisions so the verses about the dilemma and actions of the sailors hit home for me. I was also excited by her description of Jonah as the “first recorded foreign missionary” since work with missions is a large part of my assigned work in our church. But, there are many other important points in the book of Jonah.
We are a church dedicated to the Great Commission. What happens when God gives us an assignment we don’t like?
Do we judge who is worthy of the love of God?
How do we save people when they bring disaster upon themselves?
Do we accept the power of God to bring forth miracles?
How many miracles do we find in the Book of Jonah?
Jonah (New International Version)
Jonah 1
Jonah Flees From the LORD
1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai:
2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me."
3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
4 Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up.
5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.
But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.
6 The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish."
7 Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.
8 So they asked him, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?"
9 He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land."
10 This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.)
11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, "What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?"
12 "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you."
13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before.
14 Then they cried to the LORD, "O LORD, please do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O LORD, have done as you pleased."
15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm.
16 At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him.
17 But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.
Jonah 3
Jonah Goes to Nineveh
1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time:
2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you."
3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days.
4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned."
5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.
7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh:
"By the decree of the king and his nobles:
Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink.
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.
9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish."
10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.
As an aside, this is one of the scriptures done very well by Veggi-Tales so you can get the kids involved in the discussion.
May God always be a blessing in your life.
As it happened, I was in the midst of trying to avoid trying to “save” someone from their own decisions so the verses about the dilemma and actions of the sailors hit home for me. I was also excited by her description of Jonah as the “first recorded foreign missionary” since work with missions is a large part of my assigned work in our church. But, there are many other important points in the book of Jonah.
We are a church dedicated to the Great Commission. What happens when God gives us an assignment we don’t like?
Do we judge who is worthy of the love of God?
How do we save people when they bring disaster upon themselves?
Do we accept the power of God to bring forth miracles?
How many miracles do we find in the Book of Jonah?
Jonah (New International Version)
Jonah 1
Jonah Flees From the LORD
1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai:
2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me."
3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
4 Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up.
5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.
But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.
6 The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish."
7 Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.
8 So they asked him, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?"
9 He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land."
10 This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.)
11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, "What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?"
12 "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you."
13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before.
14 Then they cried to the LORD, "O LORD, please do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O LORD, have done as you pleased."
15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm.
16 At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him.
17 But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.
Jonah 3
Jonah Goes to Nineveh
1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time:
2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you."
3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days.
4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned."
5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.
7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh:
"By the decree of the king and his nobles:
Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink.
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.
9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish."
10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.
As an aside, this is one of the scriptures done very well by Veggi-Tales so you can get the kids involved in the discussion.
May God always be a blessing in your life.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Many facets of the Apostle Paul
Epistles are the apostolic letters of The Bible. The New Testament has twenty-one epistles which have been divided into two classes: Paul's epistles, totaling fourteen, and the general epistles, three by John, two by Peter, and one each by James and Jude. The epistles provide approximately 38% of the New Testament.
A study of the New Testament exposes us in great part to the influence of the Apostle Paul. As we study the writings of a disciple who is credited with writing fourteen of the twenty-one epistles of the New Testament we do well to have some understanding of the man.
The following is an excerpt from a writing on the apostle Paul which can be found in it's entirety at: http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/paul.html
Paul
Meaning: Small.
Paul, the apostle, was born about the same time as our Lord. His circumcision-name was Saul, and probably the name Paul was also given to him in infancy "for use in the Gentile world," as “Saul” would be his Hebrew home-name
HIS RELATIVES - His father was of the strictest sect of the Jews, a Pharisee, of the tribe of Benjamin, of pure and unmixed Jewish blood (Acts 23:6; Phil. 3:5).
We read of his sister and his sister's son (Acts 23:16), and of other relatives (Rom. 16:7, 11,12). There is no indication that Paul was ever married.
HIS EDUCATION AND CAREER - It was decided that… he should go to college and become a rabbi, that is, a minister, a teacher, and a lawyer all in one."
According to Jewish custom, however, he learned a trade before entering on the more direct preparation for the sacred profession. The trade he acquired was the making of tents from goats' hair cloth, a trade which was one of the commonest in Tarsus.
Saul was sent, when about thirteen years of age probably, to the great Jewish school of sacred learning at Jerusalem as a student of the law. Here he became a pupil of the celebrated rabbi Gamaliel, and here he spent many years in an elaborate study of the Scriptures and of the many questions concerning them with which the rabbis exercised themselves.
For some two years after Pentecost, Christianity was quietly spreading its influence in Jerusalem, and this led to much excitement among the Jews and much disputation in their synagogues. Persecution arose against Stephen and the followers of Christ generally, in which Saul of Tarsus took a prominent part. He was at this time probably a member of the great Sanhedrin, and became the active leader in the furious persecution by which the rulers then sought to exterminate Christianity.
He obtained from the chief priest letters authorizing him to proceed to Damascus on his persecuting career. This was a long journey and he steadily went onward, “breathing out threatenings and slaughter.”
When he had reached the last stage of his journey, and was within sight of Damascus, suddenly at mid-day a brilliant light shone round them, and Saul was laid prostrate in terror on the ground, a voice sounding in his ears, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" The risen Savior was there, clothed in the vesture of his glorified humanity. In answer to the anxious inquiry of the stricken persecutor, “Who art thou, Lord?” he said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest” (Acts 9:5; 22:8; 26:15). This was the moment of his conversion.
Paul of Tarsus, also called Paul the Apostle, the Apostle Paul, or Saint Paul, was a Jew who called himself the "Apostle to the Gentiles". Together with Simon Peter and James the Just, he is among the most notable of early Christian missionaries.
Thirteen epistles in the New Testament are attributed to Paul. According to the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Paul's influence on Christian thinking arguably has been more significant than any other New Testament author.
http://www.keyway.ca/htm2003/20030627.htm
http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/paul.html
Enjoy your study of the works of the apostle Paul, a man personally converted by Our Lord, a Jew, a scholar, a Roman citizen, a tent maker.
May God forever be a blessing in your life!!!
A study of the New Testament exposes us in great part to the influence of the Apostle Paul. As we study the writings of a disciple who is credited with writing fourteen of the twenty-one epistles of the New Testament we do well to have some understanding of the man.
The following is an excerpt from a writing on the apostle Paul which can be found in it's entirety at: http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/paul.html
Paul
Meaning: Small.
Paul, the apostle, was born about the same time as our Lord. His circumcision-name was Saul, and probably the name Paul was also given to him in infancy "for use in the Gentile world," as “Saul” would be his Hebrew home-name
HIS RELATIVES - His father was of the strictest sect of the Jews, a Pharisee, of the tribe of Benjamin, of pure and unmixed Jewish blood (Acts 23:6; Phil. 3:5).
We read of his sister and his sister's son (Acts 23:16), and of other relatives (Rom. 16:7, 11,12). There is no indication that Paul was ever married.
HIS EDUCATION AND CAREER - It was decided that… he should go to college and become a rabbi, that is, a minister, a teacher, and a lawyer all in one."
According to Jewish custom, however, he learned a trade before entering on the more direct preparation for the sacred profession. The trade he acquired was the making of tents from goats' hair cloth, a trade which was one of the commonest in Tarsus.
Saul was sent, when about thirteen years of age probably, to the great Jewish school of sacred learning at Jerusalem as a student of the law. Here he became a pupil of the celebrated rabbi Gamaliel, and here he spent many years in an elaborate study of the Scriptures and of the many questions concerning them with which the rabbis exercised themselves.
For some two years after Pentecost, Christianity was quietly spreading its influence in Jerusalem, and this led to much excitement among the Jews and much disputation in their synagogues. Persecution arose against Stephen and the followers of Christ generally, in which Saul of Tarsus took a prominent part. He was at this time probably a member of the great Sanhedrin, and became the active leader in the furious persecution by which the rulers then sought to exterminate Christianity.
He obtained from the chief priest letters authorizing him to proceed to Damascus on his persecuting career. This was a long journey and he steadily went onward, “breathing out threatenings and slaughter.”
When he had reached the last stage of his journey, and was within sight of Damascus, suddenly at mid-day a brilliant light shone round them, and Saul was laid prostrate in terror on the ground, a voice sounding in his ears, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" The risen Savior was there, clothed in the vesture of his glorified humanity. In answer to the anxious inquiry of the stricken persecutor, “Who art thou, Lord?” he said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest” (Acts 9:5; 22:8; 26:15). This was the moment of his conversion.
Paul of Tarsus, also called Paul the Apostle, the Apostle Paul, or Saint Paul, was a Jew who called himself the "Apostle to the Gentiles". Together with Simon Peter and James the Just, he is among the most notable of early Christian missionaries.
Thirteen epistles in the New Testament are attributed to Paul. According to the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Paul's influence on Christian thinking arguably has been more significant than any other New Testament author.
http://www.keyway.ca/htm2003/20030627.htm
http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/paul.html
Enjoy your study of the works of the apostle Paul, a man personally converted by Our Lord, a Jew, a scholar, a Roman citizen, a tent maker.
May God forever be a blessing in your life!!!
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