The Holiest Day for Christians

 

Christ Crucified, by Michelangelo

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew during Passover's Last Supper who would betray Him, and what would happen during the following day for Him and the man who betrayed Him. He knew the shame coming, the pain, the total desolation, the feeling of abandonment. He also knew what was to come after the cross. He knew about Sunday morning, and endured knowing the joy that was to be His:

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 KJV)

Which for me, remembering the resurrection, makes Easter the most Holy day in Christiandom. Christmas began the physical life of the man who would spend thirty-three years here, the crucifixion was as He said, the finish, but the resurrection was the proof Jesus' own words:

I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. (Matthew 22:32 KJV)

There are too many people that do not see the resurrection as reality - they believe the stories of Jesus' death are valid, but not the facts displayed by the disciples over the next forty days:

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: (Acts 1:1-3 KJV)

Faith in Jesus' life is necessary for living with Him after ours here:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV)

A blood sacrifice had been necessary from the earliest biblical writings, and a blood sacrifice was completed:

And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. (Genesis 22:8 KJV)

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Mattthew 26:28)

And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. (Mark 14:24)

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:20)

Now that we know the sequence of events, and we've studied the Bible, commentaries, postings such as this, we all have made a decision. As a teen I publicly told a congregation that I believe the Bible's history of Judiasm and Christianity. I know of the Law, and the fulfillment of the Law in Christ. Most people do - a large number of those have neglected to give their views on salvation. Yet the Spirit inspired a better question that I can:

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; 

which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and 

was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 

God also bearing them witness, 

both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (Hebrews 2:3-4 KJV)

Yes - all of the above scriptures were taken from different books of the Bible. Dear Reader, you cannot know whether they were taken out of context, or that they fit across chapters and books to tell a wonderous story, until you learn more and more about God, the inspiration for all the scriptures.

From Genesis through Revelation, the Bible has a single theme - God exists and has a plan for mankind that is eternal. Come, read, question, learn, and do not escape by neglecting so great salvation.

It is part of the Good News, the gospel that Jesus preached:

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23 KJV)

The Greek word translated as "gospel" by Strong's is G2098:

εὐαγγέλιον

euaggelion (yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on)

From the same as G2097; a good message, that is, the gospel: - gospel.

 G2097 is:

εὐαγγελίζω
euaggelizō (yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo)
From G2095 and G32; to announce good news (“evangelize”) especially the gospel: - declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).

I'll leave it up to you to look further into G2095 and G32. However, I caution those who disparage evangelism or evangelists. Jesus was one sharing the good news, just as the angels at His birth and at the empty tomb following the resurrection. Basically, it's what I do here, too - sharing the news that Jesus is Christ, the Messiah for whom Jews awaited through Old Testament prophecies, confirmed when in the Synagogue Jesus said:

And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 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. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. (Luke 4:17-21 KJV)

Angels, Biblically

 

Govert Flinck, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

I've read Dale Evans' book, Angel Unaware, and know that the title refers to:

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2 KJV)

I've also heard of people who believe that in a particular circumstance, they have been assisted by an angel, rather than a kind-hearted human. Though I have not experienced (or not noticed), I do believe that miracle can happen.

A completely different book was Tosca Lee's Demon: A Memoir. A non-Christian one-star reviewer wrote: "It preaches at some points about Man's nature and the urgent need for acceptance of Christ." While a five-star reviewer included: "Mind you she doesn't take away anything from the Bible, but merely increases the reader's knowledge about why there is such a hatred from demons towards human beings in general."

This is not a recommendation for either book, it's just as background about a human interest in angels. The Bible is full of angels - 297 references in KJV, from Genesis 16:7 through Revelation 1:20. The verse that got me thinking about angels in general is from Peter's first letter speaking of Old Testament prophets:

Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:9-12 KJV)

The bold words were similar to the plot of Tosca Lee's book, from the viewpoint of a fallen angel, which is a total spoiler (or maybe an enticer if it makes you wonder.) Either way, humans have been interested in angels, but Peter tells us that God's salvation plan are things the angels long to see. 

Which is why I selected angels giving the good news to shepherds as today's graphic. We certainly do not know what God knows - obviously, though angels know Him, they don't comprehend His mind any more than we do. Yet they knew the birth that would change the world:

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11 KJV)

Angels ministered unto Jesus twice - after the temptation, and before His crucifixion:

Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. (Matthew 4:11 KJV)

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. (Luke 22:43 KJV)

Even Satan knew that Jesus could call upon legions of angels to protect His earthly body:

And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (Matthew 4:6 KJV)

We serve the living God, who has given us more than He did the angels, in that we have the opportunity to turn our backs on Him and say an emphatic "No!" to the opportunity He offers to be with Him eternally. God has also shown us what it is like to live without Him, eternally, leaving the choice to each one of us:

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:3 KJV)

Yes - Christians do what the reviewer wrote - we Christians constantly tell people "about Man's nature and the urgent need for acceptance of Christ." We also pray for those we love to understand this choice is the most important one of their lives. It is an eternal choice. To not choose God is a choice in itself, and will last through eternity. We will pray until they are no longer here, or we have gone home, as He promised:

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:3-6 KJV)

Are Christians A Light Upon A Hill?

 

Photograph by Fred Lacey, original art by Vandyke, engraving rendition by J. G. Kellogg, 

an R. Andrews print., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

John Winthrop was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He sailed from England on the ship Arbella in 1630, and on the ship wrote a sermon that has been copied, studied, mentioned, discussed, and generally taken apart for the essence of its meaning. Titled A Model of Christian Charity, it is just as interesting today as it has been for centuries. And, in my opinion, it could be used today because of the oft repeated phrase, "city upon a hill":

"For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world. We shall shame the faces of many of God's worthy servants, and cause their prayers to be turned to curses upn us till we be consumed out of the good and whither we are going."

The reference comes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, just following the Beatitudes:

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 KJV)

I know a large number of Christians today, not only near me, but scattered across the world, who are concerned about sharing the gospel to their local area, others to another state, still others answering Jesus' call to go unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8f) That was said to the Apostles, those who followed Christ before and after His resurrection. There was no "New Testament" written, just the words of Christ:

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:27-28 KJV)

Jesus, by His words, example, and miracles, was the new testament. The authors of the books in the Bible called New Testament were ones who heard His words, learned to follow His examples, and in many cases - through the Holy Spirit - worked miracles in His name, giving God all the glory.

We as Christians have read about that. We've studied the Old Testament and see the prophecies of Jesus' birth and death. Personal experiences of men who lived through those fulfillments wrote the New Testament. Each Testament is incomplete without the other.

Also as Christians, we should have the same concerns John Winthrop had as he lead a colony of Christians to an opportunity not given many. Not all the people, nor all the ships, were Christians looking to live their lives as examples of Christ's teachings. Those teachings were to be the light to shine before men, giving them a path to the light of this world, and the next:

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12 KJV)

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (John 9:5 KJV)

Although He spent time with His followers after the resurrections, there is no doubt He ascended and is at the right hand of God's throne. Stephen saw that very scene as he was joining them. That means Christians now are are the light of the world, as Jesus said  in Matthew's verses above. So, I leave you with the question I asked myself. Am I a light upon a hill? Do I share Jesus as I was told to do?

And my answer is truthful - not as much as I should.

PS: "A Model of Christian Charity" remains a very good sermon. Will you remember it in 2030 when it celebrates four hundred years of being spoken of among men around the world?

 

The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci

All four Gospels in the New Testament give us a portrait of The Last Supper. We all know that it doesn't match the above painting. da Vinci gave us one of the most beautiful of scenes, including Jesus, His twelve disciples, the bread and wine, but there's no way to show the tension - nor the fact that this was only the close of day. There was much more to happen that night.

This coming Sunday, Palm Sunday, our congregation will participate in a rembrance of this event. We will think of the Gospel messages, but the word's will come from a scene described by Paul:

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, 
That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, 

Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, 

This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. (1 Corinthians 11:23-29 KJV)

The carriage returns are mine - these verses aren't displayed in this manner - in order for you to give careful thought to why this event is remembered, even celebrated. Paul encompassed what took more to write in each of the Gospels. If you'd like to read each of them:

Matthew 26:26-29

Mark 14:17-25

Luke 22:14-23

John 13:1-2

Each one is a bit different. John is the most different. He does not write of the bread and wine. He includes the washing of feet, then follows with chapters of Jesus' words to the disciples. 

Were the story to end here, or at Jesus' burial, we would not be holding a remembrance of His explanation of this wine and bread. However, the following Sunday, there is a celebration of His resurrection, thus it is important that we remember who died, and why.

This remembrance is important to Jesus' followers. It speaks of the reason for His life. For one to take it "unworthily," be very cautious. My 1968 copy of the Amplified New Testament delves into what verses 28-29 mean:

"Let a man [thoroughly] examine himself, and [only] when he has done so shouild he eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discriminating and recognizing with due appreciation that [it is Christ's] body, eats and drinks a sentence - a verdict of juidgment - upon himself"

While I do not believe in transubstantiation, I do believe I should have cleared my mind, my spirit, and my soul of anything that separates me from closeness to God. I must not allow discord, dissatisfaction, dislike that has been with, in, or around me distract me from full participation in remembering that Jesus died painfully. Fully a man, feeling all that we would feel were we placed in the same position, and doing it of His own free will - for me. For you. For anyone who believes He lived knowing this was coming, and never created a different ending.

As much as I love John 3:16, I also love:

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16 KJV)

That's why I remember the Lord's Supper.

Joy Unspeakable

 

I hope you've sung this hymn or at least heard it. It is joyful - and the repeated phrase is biblical: 

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:8 KJV)

1 I have found His grace is all complete;
He supplieth every need.
While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet,
I am free, yes, free indeed.
Refrain:
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Full of glory, full of glory.
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory;
O the half has never yet been told!
2 I have found the pleasure I once craved;
It is joy and peace within.
What a wondrous blessing! I am saved
From the awful gulf of sin. [Refrain]
3 I have found that hope so bright and clear,
Living in the realm of grace.
O the Savior’s presence is so near;
I can see His smiling face. [Refrain]
4 I have found the joy no tongue can tell,
How its waves of glory roll!
It is like a great o’erflowing well,
Springing up within my soul. [Refrain]
Source: The Celebration Hymnal: songs and hymns for worship #740

This immersion into joyfulness is what keeps us witnessing as Jesus' last request from Matthew 28:18-20.

In the King James Version of the Bible, joy (or a form of that word) is used  129 times in the Old Testament, and 65 times just in the New Testament. Among my favorites there are:

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 1:4 KJV)

Even beyond my own firm foundation of Jesus in my life, it's not as joyous as knowing that my children have made the same choice to give their lives to God and share Him witih others. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (Galatians 5:22 KJV)

Joy is only second to love in the fruit of the Spirit list!

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (Matthew 2:10 KJV)

After the Magi realized their mistake in seeking the newborn in Jerusalem, they started a journey to the unknown:

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10 KJV)

That us, all those who lived before us, all those here with us, and all those who will be here from now to Jesus' return. We've all been given joy.

There are sixty-two more uses of the word "joy joyous or joyful"

Now I do one small bit of advertisement. As you know, I never have monetized this site. However, I will not hesitate to introduce you to my cousin, Dawn Holley, an accomplished lady who added a book to her list of successes. It, too, is all about joy - mostly in her life, along with how to achieve it. You can find it on Amazon - in paperback and Kindle:  22 Keys to Joy: for the easily distracted.

Take time to enjoy the joy filled times in your life, and remember to give God the glory when you thank Him for them. They are a blessing, aren't they?

For Those Who Deny Christ

Davezelenka, Peter Denies Christ, CC BY-SA 4.0

Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Matthew 26:34)
And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Mark14:30)
And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. (Luke 22:34)
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. (John 13:38)

We often find the four gospels omit something found in two or three of the others. Sometimes the timeline appears differently. But this particular incident, as many others, is found in all four gospels - from the action that begins during the Last Supper through Jesus' trial. In this one incident, we prophecy spoken and just hours later fulfilled.

Peter did as so many people have done, denied knowing Jesus as Christ, even denied being a follower.

People still do that today. I won't go into their denials, no doubt those reading here have heard or read of multiple people saying God doesn't exist, the Bible is a collection of Jewish myths, and when they die, there is nothing afterward. Peter denied Christ out of fear. Others have denied Christ out of ignorance. However, a number deny Him out of rebellion.

Doesn't matter what their reason is, our job is to give them every opportunity to change their mind as we witness, as I wrote two blogs ago: Witnessing - Telling What We Believe and Why. I won't repeat all of that here. However, to have the faith that saves ...

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

... it is necessary to believe:

God exists

The Bible was inspired by God, though written by men over millennia

There is a consistent them of prophecy in the Bible

Jesus' life and death were part of God's plan

Jesus was the physical son of God as well as the Spirit of God

There is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved

Rejection of God and His salvation means separation from Him for eternity

That takes a lot of faith, doesn't it. But the Bible tells us we are to tell people all the time, everywhere:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20 KJV)

It may not be in God's will that we physically go, but we are all to teach, and take part in the process:\

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:8-17 KJV)

Peter repented of his denial. He spent the rest of his life telling people about Jesus. Paul went beyond denial to making "havock the church,"  while "breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord," getting permission from Jewish authority to "bring them bound unto Jerusalem." Paul also repented of his denial, and also spent the rest of his life telling people about Jesus.

Christians - we have marvelous examples of witnessing and witnesses. Non-Christians - will you hear us? Simply because we love you enough we want to know now that you have the opportunity to spend eternity with God and His promises.

Redeeming The Time

 

From Wikimedia Commons, changed from PNG to JPG

Sunday's sermon, given by Scott Matthews, the following scriptures first focusing on four words:

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV)

Many people would chose Redeeming the time, which are not four words, leading me to believe more would choose the days are evil from personal knowledge. Looking around this world, we can see so many things acknowledged by society as evil - yet exist in functioning societies. 

In another set of Ephesians verses, I found a specific explanation of why:

"Their moral understanding is darkened and their reasoning is beclkouided. [Thkey are] alienated (estranged, self-banished)  from the life of God - witih no share in it. [This is] because of the ignorance - the want of knowledge and perception, the willful blindness - that is deep-seated in them, due to their hardness of heart (to the insensitiveness of their moral nature). In their spiritual apathy they have become callous and past feeling and reckless, and have abandoned themlves [a prey] to unbridles sensuality, eager and greedy to indulge in every form of impurity [ that their depraved desires may suggest and demand]. But you did not so learn Christ!"

That's from my Amplified New Testament, and I believe while it covers the following verses, it does so with explicit current words. Since that New Testament was published about 40 years ago, today's moral understandings may not recognize them, or this:

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; (Ephesians 4:18-20 KJV)

Determine for yourself  - do you see open evil in the world that touches our lives, family, friends, work, acquaintances, or our country? The remainder of Bro. Matthews' sermon dealt with the most likely remembered Redeeming the time, and how the Bible tells us to do this.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:17-20 KJV)

The advice is in that verse, describing action we can take to bring change to our lives after we've begun to give thanks to God in the name of Jesus: be wise, understand God's will, don't let your mind be affected, make melody around you, give thanks, always. Paul wrote a list in another letter:

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 

Rejoice evermore. 

Pray without ceasing. 

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

Quench not the Spirit. 

Despise not prophesyings. 

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 

Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 

(1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 KJV)

Is there anything in those verses you believe you cannot do? Why not? Let's discuss, if you would.

PS: This is not to be construed to be Bro. Matthews' sermon, but my own thoughts afterward. More of what he covered will be in my next blog.

Witnessing - Telling What We Believe and Why

Etching: The Stoning of Stephen, by Rembrandt von Rinj

The William M. Ladd Collection, Gift of Herschel V. Jones, 1916
Minneapolis Museum of Art

While there are members visiting those in the hospital or home ill, and Sunday School teachers reaching out to new people visiting, as well as speaking to neighbors and sharing brochures, our church holds a monthly Outreach program. It has a few differences from the first list of contacting people, but does cover some of the same areas.

There have been as many as 35 people, and as few as a dozen attendees. We divide up into two specifics groups - those who will head out, usually two-by-two, to visit people from specific lists; and those (usually elderly women and a few others), who write letters inviting those moving into the community, and sending cards to those ill and shut-ins.

Those who go to visit go prepared to witness to others. A Christian's witness covers a wide number of subjects, but there are two examples in the book of Acts. I've been thinking about them as I prepare for next week's Sunday School lesson in Acts 7, where Luke recorded the stoning of Stephen.

Chapter 6 covers Stephen's ministry. Early in the chapter, the disciples approached the congregation with a problem, and requested volunteers to help them. Those chosen to do so were:

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: (Acts 6:5 KJV)

Stephen quickly fulfilled their request:

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (Acts 6:8 KJV)

But that created new problems within those who were trying to erase Jesus' name from their history:

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, (Acts 6:9-12 KJV)

That's when I wondered how closely Stephen's witness before the rulers followed that of Paul in Acts 26. There were differences - Paul spent sometime explaining his personal Jewish heritage, specifically explaining how he persecuted Christians. Until he met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus:

At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. (Acts 26:13-15 KJV)

They both spoke of Abraham and the faithful through the judges, kings, and prophets. They spoke of their following Christ. Paul had years to witness to others before the sentence of death was carried out. Stephen's was much quicker:

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:57-60 KJV)

See the name Saul in that paragraph? Christians know that he changed his name to Paul. He had seen, been a witness to, Stephen's death. I doubt that the thought of becoming a Christian crossed his mind as he kept the clothes free of the blood of an innocent man. However, he changed. He became a witness for Christ.

Every Christian is a witness to others of their belief. It's done by their attendance in a Christian congregation, gathering to worship and learn more about God and His work in Christian lives. However, Matthew 25:31-46 shows us that showing up in a congregation is insufficient.

We must live our faith, know upon what it is based, and witness to others what following Christ has been like in our lives. To do that, we must know what we believe and the base of our belief. For me, it is aa combination of personal experiences with prayers and their answers, knowing the source of my reason for praying as well as the God to whom I pray. I learn more about Him every single day as the days grow closer when I will meet Him.

We all die. It has been that way since time began and there are few stories of  specific people who were close enough to God not to experience death. I prefer to be able to explain to those who will listen why I believe Paul's witness:

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 

(Hebrews 12:2-3 KJV)

Christians, will you share your witness here that others might know that:

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 KJV)

Change is Necessary

 

I had no experience with live oaks. Didn’t have a clue as to its age until we lost big limbs out of the middle. The man who cleaned up the tree so the damage would not attract damaging insects or cause greater damage verified the age. It has a 65 foot long canopy and is a candidate for Live Oak Society membership. I have the form all filled out, but haven’t come up with a name. Feel free to suggest one!

These trees stay leaf-filled all winter, standing in stark contrast to the empty limbs of other trees. I did not know that they shed their leaves only as new growth came in March (here) and was totally unprepared for the leaves to die (see above.) Those that didn’t simply folded in, hanging limply. I focused on them and not the fresh green grown along the brown limbs. The yard had more leaves than it did in the fall.

Three weeks from now the full canopy will be fresh green and acorns will be forming for the deer to eat next fall. That’s a cycle, which reminded me of another:

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:42-47 KJV)

That’s not the “milk” of new Christians. That is the “meat” that Paul speaks of in:

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. (1 Corinthians 3:2 KJV)

I do think/write more of the beginning, where we consider becoming followers of Christ and why it’s important. However, at my age I’m becoming more and more interested in what is waiting for me that makes me different from those who have not thought of Christ at all. Resurrection.

Oh, yes, I’ve mentioned His. It’s basic in Paul’s longer witness to the changes in his life. Between Acts 26:1 and 26:28 Paul says:

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. (Acts 26:22-23 KJV)

Paul was witnessing to everyone that Christ suffered, died, and was the first one to rise from the deal simply to show light to people. That is what Christian’s do, tell everyone who will listen how Christ affects their life. The primary goal is to speak of what happens after we die, as well as who provides the goals in our lives. Jesus’ appearance was to give Paul a specific goal:

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:16-18 KJV)

Paul spent the rest of his life to that purpose, leaving a wealth of information for those following him in time. This body, containing our soul and spirit, will be gone – of none importance:

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:54 KJV)

The Bible tells us all souls belong to God":

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. (Ezekiel 18:4 KJV)

And, at sometime, God requires those souls to return:

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?  (Luke 12:20 KJV)

I cannot give my soul to God – it belongs to Him from the beginning. I have given my body, my spirit, my life, through faith in Him, as He appears as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever more.

What’s your decision about your life and God?

A Little History and Some Genealogy

 

by way of FamilySearch.org

It was October 2009 I read the article on CNN that Yahoo! was shutting down GeoCities. I wrote about it 27 October 2009:

In 1997, GeoCities hosted my first website – a copy of the genealogy workbook I was creating. I found several excellent sources, filled in pedigree and family sheets in a well-designed program then posted photos from more than a century before to share with family members.

I moved then to a site called Multiply, which also shut down and I had to move to Yahoo!360, which - as you may guess – shut down. By then, I had started this Bible Study blog, so I added a tab at the top with some information and requests for more about my family’s history.

Mine isn’t newsworthy.However, this week I received an e-mail from a genealogy site with the information that I have several tenth cousins – some once removed, some more than that, others  were closer, others further away.

None are really important, because by the time we get ten generations back, tens of thousands of people can track the same relationship, and hundreds of thousands couldn’t care less. I find history interesting, but I admire my listed cousin Elizabeth II much more interesting for her lifetime history than for any distant relationship.

However, in some instances, such as Matthew 1:1-16, Joseph’s genealogy is very important. Jesus is shown to descend in a manner very important to Judaism – as the Pulpit Commentary explains:

As St. Matthew was writing only for Jews, and they, by reason of their Old Testament prophecies, looked for the Messiah to be born of a certain family, he begins his Gospel with a pedigree of Jesus. In this he mentions, by way of introduction, the two points to which his countrymen would have special regard—the descent of Jesus from David, the founder of the royal line, him in whose descendants the Ruler of Israel must necessarily (2 Samuel 7:13-16) be looked for; and also from Abraham, who was the head of the covenant nation, and to whom the promise had been given that in his seed all the nations of the earth should bless themselves (Genesis 22:18; Genesis 12:3).

But the genealogy given in Luke 3:23-38 gives the genealogy from a different perspective. Mary’s genealogy is different, yet similar to Joseph’s, and again the Pulpit Commentary gives an explanation of Luke’s written genealogy:

His work was evidently most carefully and skillfully arranged upon the lines of formal history. Up to this point the story was mainly concerned with other personages—with the parents of the great forerunner John, with Mary the Virgin and Joseph, with the angels, with the shepherds, with Simeon and with Anna, and especially with the work of John the Baptist. But from henceforth all the minor persons of the Divine story pass into the background. There is now one central figure upon whom the whole interest of the Divine drama centers—Jesus. This, the moment of his real introduction on the world's stage, was, as St. Luke rightly judged it, the time to give the formal table of his earthly ancestry.

Both gospel authors saw the importance of Jesus being created by God as all men have been, descended from Abraham as a Hebrew, descended from David  - perceptively through both parents, and lived among mankind as a slightly different kind of man.

The other two gospels are not interested at all in genealogy. Their fellow followers of Christ covered it well through God’s inspiration. With the question being of the lineage of David – important to prophesy – all four move on to what Jesus came to show, and tell, mankind about Himself, God’s relationship, and God’s love for His created.

There is no value for me in any relationship to any ruler of England. There is, however, an eternal relationship for me and you as the adopted children of God:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:14-17 KJV)

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:4-7 KJV)

How would you describe the spirit of adoption?

I Am An Evangelical - Are You?

 

In their own words defining evangelicals: "Lifeway Christian Resources is an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention, a collection of like-minded churches who share a common bond of basic biblical beliefs and a commitment to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in every nation."

The National Association of Evangelicals puts it this way: 'Evangelicals take the Bible seriously and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The term “evangelical” comes from the Greek word euangelion, meaning “the good news” or the “gospel.” Thus, the evangelical faith focuses on the “good news” of salvation brought to sinners by Jesus Christ.'

A little wordier than the SBC, but with the same meaning when it comes to characteristics, from NAE evangelicals have:

• A serious approach to the Bible
• A focus on the "good news" of salvation brought to sinners by Jesus Christ
• An emphasis on the authority of the Bible
• A relationship with Jesus Christ
• Conversion
• A belief in the necessity of being born again
• An emphasis on the importance of evangelism
• Affirmation of traditional Protestant teachings on the authority and historicity of the Bible

Lifeway's list is a bit shorter, but hold the same characteristics:

• The Bible is the highest authority for what I believe.
• It is very important for me personally to encourage non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior.
• Jesus Christ's death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could remove the penalty of my sin.
• Only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior receive God's free gift of eternal salvation.

I was baptized into a Southern Baptist associated church following my profession of faith, and remained a member through marriage and the birth of three children. Some physical moves resulted in our visiting a number of churches, some not Baptist, until we ended up closed to an evangelically active Baptist church identifying itself as Fundamental and Independent, basics of the early New Testament churches set up in specific cities. I did not, and still do not, find doctrinal issues - except in the divisiveness within the SBC. 

They are no different, though, than the schisms in any other Christian denomination. Half of America's Christians are excepting into their congregations members living in situations sinful as defined in the Bible. Note that when I started my blog, I began my beliefs with:

"I believe the Bible is Holy, the divinely inspired and preserved Word of God, the final authority for all faith and life. I place this belief first, not because it is the most important, but because it explains and provides answers for so much of the following. Without the Bible, there is not a foundation for believing ...", and then I go further into specific beliefs, including explanatory scriptures. I know what I believe, why I believe it, and have expectations based on scripture. 

As to having sinful people in the congregation, we all sin. Often people respond with scripture:

Judge not, that ye be not judged. (Matthew 7:1 KJV)

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: (Luke 6:37 KJV)

Never accept single scripture without context. Matthew 7:1 leads into verses 2 through 6, which explains we are to work with the person being judged after we work through our own sinful nature. Lots of scripture available to help us do that. As for Luke 6:37, you will need verses 38 through 45 - and maybe 46 would be helpful, too. Scriptures were not originally written with verses - those were added years later for reference purposes.  While I love and appreciate them, I won't single out a verse without studying what's next to it.

Now - bottom line: Are you an evangelical? Do you believe the God who inspired the Bible exists, 

- that the Bible carries His truth, 

- that it is historically accurate, 

- that Jesus is God Son and eternal life is through Him,

- that Jesus' life is the gospel, the good news,

- and that He, Himself, asks us to to tells His story, to join us in eternity?

If so, you, too can be an evangelical by sharing that message. Is there any reason you do not wish to do so? Why?

To encourage readers - and those they speak with about Jesus - I write this blog with my own thoughts after Bible reading. If you have a moment, would you leave a comment (anonymously if you wish) stating your thoughts about evangelicals, and about your interest in reading your Bible.