Number of entries: 49 Number of pages: 5
<< First  |  < Prev  |  1 2 3 4 5  |  Next >  |  Last >>

Submitted by

Comments:

Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living #469 4 May 10 . . . Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. Avoid such godless chatter, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will eat its way like gangrene. [there are people] who have swerved from the truth by holding that the resurrection is past already. They are upsetting the faith of some . . . 2 Timothy 2:15-18 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Since all believers are imperfect and know only in part, it is impossible for any one individual to grasp all the truth or to be free from all error. There is an error which springs from honest ignorance .. Acts 19:1-6 .. As an illustration of this, the Christian church has long been divided on questions of baptism, church government, and so forth. Obviously someone must be embracing error. Well-intended believers, however, willingly forsake their error when they are properly instructed, and they are not guilty of intentional sin, even though their error may be a grave one. But Paul is not speaking of the error of ignorance here. Rather he is denouncing those who by their peculiar views relative to the resurrection are upsetting the faith of some. Probably Paul does not mean to suggest here the idea of apostasy, which is something entirely different from errors of ignorance, or even of peculiar doctrinal views which, while incorrect, do not necessarily separate one from the household of faith. The Greek word for "apostasy" occurs in Acts 21:21 and 2 Thess 2:3,4. To be an apostate is to enter into unbelief and to dissolve any union one might have had with God in Jesus Christ. The normal mark of a genuine apostate is his denial that Christ is very God or his repudiation of Christ's atoning work on the cross .. Phil 3:18; 2 Pet 2:1; 1 Jn 4:1-3 .. Biblical descriptions of apostates may be found in 2 Pet 2:1-19 and in the Book of Jude. They should be dealt with in a forthright fashion .. 2 Jn 10; Rom 16:17, 18; 2 Tim 3:9 .. Apostates may be discovered when their doctrines are examined in the light of Scripture .. 1 Jn 4:1 .. There has always been apostasy in the church, but the end of this age will be characterized by widespread departure from the faith (3:1-13). Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: The Bible has suffered more in the house of its friends than it has ever suffered at the hands of its enemies. This has been made true because of erroneous interpretations, false assumptions, wrong applications, misapplied texts, and untrue quotations. This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. Who denied Jesus three times before a rooster or c*** crowed? 2. How old was Noah when the flood came on the earth .. 100, 250, 400, or 600 years? * * * * * * * * * The only evidence of a changed heart is the difference in a changed life (behavior) * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: “And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.” Psalm 9:10 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: After World War II, in an effort to help young boys left as orphans, a group of humanitarians housed them in tent cities. However, the boys would wake up in the night with nightmares. Then a psychiatrist surmised that their fear was because they had such an uncertain future. The psychiatrist decided to feed the boys a big meal each night and then give them each a piece of bread. He instructed them to hold the bread in their hands so it could be their breakfast the next morning. Somehow just holding in their hands a piece of bread helped them to sleep all night. When you go to bed tonight, I want you to have bread, not in your hand, but in your heart. He is the bread of Heaven, and His name is Jesus! ACTION POINT: Take a walk with the Lord today and tell Him your fears. Confidently place them before the Lord, and trust in His love to provide. from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * Humility is knowing what I am, acknowledging that God made me that way, and giving Him glory for it * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed Lamentations 3:22 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Pandemic .. David Jeremiah For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand? Revelation 6:17 One of the newest board games on the market is Pandemic, a game in which players assume the roles of CDC scientists trying to quell an outbreak of four deadly plagues, represented by colorful little cubes placed on cities around the world. Accompanying cards provide the clues, and the game even contains a nasty fifth plague, gene mutations, and bioterrorists. It's been chosen by Game Magazine as their Family Game of the Year. Who knew plagues were so much fun? The plagues in the Book of Revelation are no game, and no one's going to have much fun during the Tribulation. As we read Revelation 6-19, we envision hail and fire, contaminated oceans, demonic locust invasions, loathsome sores, scorching heat, earthquake disasters, and a collapsing universe. Our goal is to observe all this from above with our Lord, safe and sound, out of the reach of danger. We want to view the judgments from the perspective of heaven. That's why we should adopt a heavenly perspective now. It makes all the difference when we look at all of life in the light of Christ's swift return. We have only one hope in the world--the coming of the Lord. Rene Pache * * * * * * * * * The joy of the Lord isn't there to remove the pain; the joy of the lord is there to help me bear it * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near THE BOWL JUDGMENTS.. 16:1-21 THE FIFTH BOWL . . The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain, and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds. 16:10-11 As He did long ago in Egypt (Exodus 10:21-29), God will turn up the intense suffering of the sinful world by turning out the lights. After the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, his kingdom became darkened (cf. 9:2; Exo 10:21-23). Commentators disagree over where specifically this bowl will be dumped. Some think it will be on the actual throne that the beast sits on; others on his capital city of Babylon; still others on his entire kingdom. It is best to see the throne as a reference to his kingdom, since the bowl poured out on the throne darkens the whole kingdom. Regardless of the exact location where the bowl is dumped, the result is that darkness engulfs the whole earth, which is Antichrist's worldwide kingdom. The beast will be as helpless before the power of God as anyone else. The cumulative effect of the painful sores, fouled oceans, lack of drinking water, intense heat, all engulfed in thick blackness, will bring unbearable misery. Yet, incredibly, the wicked, unbelieving people of the world will still refuse to repent. John notes that they gnawed their tongues because of the most intense and excruciating pain. Still "they did not repent of their deeds." This is the last reference to their unwillingness to repent. The first five plagues were God's final call to repentance. Sinners ignored that call, and are now confirmed in their unbelief. The final two bowls, containing the severest of all the judgments, will be poured out on hardened, implacable impenitents. next week: THE SIXTH BOWL . . * * * * * * * * * Justice is God giving us what we deserve. Mercy is God not giving us what we deserve. Grace is God giving us what we don't deserve. * * * * * * * * * JESUS AND THE PERMANENCE OF SCRIPTURE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Matt 5:18 REPEATEDLY DURING HIS EARTHLY ministry, Jesus referred to the Old Testament as authoritative truth .. Matt 19:4; 24:38-39; Mrk 12:26; Lk 11:51; 17:29; Jn 3:14; 8:56 .. always confirming its accuracy and authenticity. On one occasion, in defending His messiahship before the unbelieving Jewish leaders, He declared, "The Scripture cannot be broken" .. Jn 10:35 .. For Jesus, it was clear that God gave His Word to lead people to salvation. In His parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Abraham tells the rich man that if his brothers, whom he did not want to follow him to hell, "do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead" .. Lk 16:31 .. Scripture is more than sufficient to bring sinners to salvation. More than once, Christ used Scripture's authority to establish His own. At a Sabbath service in the Nazareth synagogue, He appealed to the book of Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord' . . . And He began to say to them, 'Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing'" .. Lk 4:18-19, 21; Isa 61:1; Matt 11:3-5 Mrk 11:17 .. Scripture's authority is Jesus' authority, and to obey Him is to obey His Word .. Jn 6:68; 8:47 .. Ask YOURSELF What argues against our confidence in the convicting, converting power of the Word of God? What could we do to ensure that our hearts aren't blinded to this truth, to put to ourselves in positions where we can see God at work through the Scriptures? * * * * * * * * * Don't be anxious about tomorrow, don't even worry about it.... * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. Who denied Jesus three times before a rooster or c*** crowed? A. Peter Matt 25:34 2. How old was Noah when the flood came on the earth .. 100, 250, 400, or 600 years? A. 600 years old Gen 7:6 * * * * * * * * * Remember that God is bigger than any problem . . . * * * * * * * * * A chuckle for you: After a lengthy delay at the [Airport] gate while waiting to depart, the Captain finally came on the PA system and announced: "I'm sorry for the delay, but the machine that smashes your baggage and removes the handles is broken, so the ground crew is having to do it all by hand today!" Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< This week's Memory Verse: Proverbs 16:3 Read it out loud a few times, I did. Remember: A man may go to heaven...... without health, without wealth; without fame, without a great name; without learning, without earnings; without culture, without beauty; without friends and without ten thousand other things----- But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ. ~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~ This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe: Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net   Added: May 6, 2010

Submitted by

Comments:

Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living #468 27 April 10 . . . So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. . . . Hebrews 6:17-18 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! The above verse is another one I don't remember ever reading! But I have it marked in my Bible, and the notes encourage us that God is immutable or unchangeable. The counsel of the Trinity [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] stands sure from eternity to eternity. This divine immutability is the basis of the believer's faith and hope. Thus, whatever God has promised He will perform. Scripture here indicates that God has given two evidences on which we can build our faith: 1. His immutable promise 2. His immutable oath which He swore by Himself Be a blessing this week! Father we thank you for Your promises and Your faithfulness ... * * * * * * * * * SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: If there's one spot I'd like to have been during the ministry of our Lord, it would have been on the Emmaus road - to have heard Him, beginning with Moses and going through the entire Old Testament, giving the Scriptures concerning Himself. This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. Who wrote that it is better not to make a vow to God than to vow and not keep it? 2. Complete the following sentence of scripture: "Blessed is he who walketh not in the counsel . . ." * * * * * * * * * God tells us that He created man in his image. So man is something wonderful * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: “For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” Psalm 50:10 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Do you remember when it was rare to hear of someone whose job was either threatened, or actually lost, due to changes or cutbacks? Well, that’s hardly news anymore. These days it seems that almost everyone is struggling with financial problems related to job security. You may be struggling and asking, “What good can possibly come from my financial problems?” They are wonderful opportunities to trust your Heavenly Father for your daily bread. I’ve always said that it’s better to have a Father who owns a bakery than to have a warehouse full of bread! ACTION POINT: Are you having financial woes? Do you know someone who is? Share with them the Good News of God’s provision and faithfulness. from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * We are so accustomed to wearing a disguise before others that eventually we are unable to recognize ourselves * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: [Jesus said] "If a man loves Me, he will keep My Word, and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him... John 14:23 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * THE WAY TO REVIVAL: by Dr. J. Vernon McGee Many years ago I belonged to a group of ministers who were praying for revival. I finally quit going because the attitude was that if we prayed hard enough, God would send revival. May I say that God is sovereign. We are not going to make God do anything. God has a program and He is not about to change it for you or me. The important thing is for us to get in step with God! I tell you, the will of God comes out of eternity, down through the centuries, and moves on through the centuries into eternity. God pity the little man who gets in front of that steamroller. It will go right over you, brother. Someone will be sure to say he doesn't like that. May I remind you that we are the creatures. The creature does not try to get God to do something. It is God who is trying to get us to do something. That is the big problem. We tend to get things backwards. It is not God's duty to obey us; it is our duty to obey God. Does God want to send revival? Sure He does. And aren't we to meet His condition? Yes, but I don't think they are meeting His conditions. It is interesting that the spiritual movement which has come about in our day did not come by these perspicuous theologians putting down conditions and the churches following them. The spiritual movement is not even in the church today. Most of the churches are as dead as dodo birds. The movement today is not among these brainy theologians. They have answers but not action - there's no spiritual movement. My friend, we need to learn to bow to the will of God and to come in very close to Him, cast ourselves upon Him. There are certain men - even kings - whom God used in a marvelous way, because they were willing to take orders and not give orders. I believe that the biggest hindrance to revival is the church leadership. They are the ones who are holding it back - and have been for years. We don't bring revival by listening to the theologians. We need to listen to the Word of God. And that is the reason I am trying to give out the Word of God. Now let me confess that I have had some ideas myself. But I have discovered that the great ideas and programs that I had worked out were never used by God. I am beginning to suspect that revival could not come if God followed my plans, either! It is "not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). It is not by brain nor by brawn, but by the Holy Spirit. It is hard to learn that, by the way. * * * * * * * * * God places boundary lines in our lives, not to keep us from enjoying life, but to protect us * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near THE BOWL JUDGMENTS.. 16:1-21 THE FOURTH BOWL . . The fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given to it to scorch men with fire. Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory. 16:8-9 In contrast to the first three angels, who poured out their bowls on the earth, the fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun. Searing heat exceeding anything in human experience will scorch men so severely that it will seem that the atmosphere is on fire. Those who will be scorched with the sun's fierce heat are the same "people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image" (verse 2). Another serious consequence of the sun's intense heat will be the melting of the polar ice caps. The resulting rise in the oceans' water level will inundate coastal regions, flooding areas miles inland with the noxious water of the dead oceans. Widespread damage and loss of life will accompany that flooding, adding further to the unspeakable misery of the devastated planet. Transportation by sea will become impossible. One would think that the unparalleled disasters of the first four bowl judgments would cause people to repent. Instead "they blasphemed the name of God." Until the point, only the Antichrist has been described as blaspheming (13:1, 5-6); here the world adopts his evil character. Neither grace nor wrath will move their wicked hearts to repentance (cf. 9:20-21; 16:11). In 11:13 the earthquake brought some to repentance, but not in this series of judgments. Such blind, blasphemous hardness of heart is incredible in the face of the devastating judgments they will be undergoing. But like their evil leader, Antichrist, they will continue to hate God and refuse to repent, which would give glory to God as a just and righteous Judge of sin (cf. Joshua 7:19-25). next week: THE FIFTH BOWL . . * * * * * * * * * God's love is so complete that once we experience it we will no longer fear * * * * * * * * * JESUS AND THE PERMANENCE OF SCRIPTURE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Matt 5:18 JESUS' TEACHINGS ARE NOT ONLY unqualifiedly authoritative ("truly I say to you", they are permanent. He implicitly equated His words of instruction with God's eternal Word: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away" (Matt 14:35). As such, Jesus' words are on a par with the Old Testament and are timeless. In view of that reality, how foolish of us ever to wonder about the relevancy of God's Word for us. The Bible is God's eternal Word, and even though completed nearly two millennia ago, it has much to say to us today. Scripture is and always has been "living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb 4:12). Jesus reveals that the permanence of God's Word extends to the smallest letters and the smallest parts of printed letters - neither will be erased or modified. No other statement by the Lord more clearly states His absolute confidence in the enduring nature and inerrant quality of the Bible. It is God's own Spirit-inspired Word, down to every single word, letter, and part of letter. Ask YOURSELF Not necessarily by time percentages, to what extent does the Word factor into your usual day? When and why do you turn to its wisdom and instruction? What have you found to be the best ways to keep the Scriptures alive and active within you? * * * * * * * * * The remembrance of former deliverance is a great support in present distresses * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. Who wrote that it is better not to make a vow to God than to vow and not keep it? A. Solomon Eccl 5:5 2. Complete the following sentence of scripture: "Blessed is he who walketh not in the counsel . . ." A. "of the ungodly." Ps 1:1 * * * * * * * * * Life's greatest Gift is God's personal expression of love for us * * * * * * * * * A chuckle for you: Panting and perspiring, two friends on a tandem bicycle at last got to the top of a steep hill. "That was a stiff climb," said the first man. "It certainly was," replied the second man. "And if I hadn't kept the brake on, we would have slid down backward." Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< This week's Memory Verse: John 15:19 Read it out loud a few times, I did. Remember: A man may go to heaven...... without health, without wealth; without fame, without a great name; without learning, without earnings; without culture, without beauty; without friends and without ten thousand other things----- But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ. ~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~ This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe: Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net   Added: May 3, 2010

Submitted by

Comments:

Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living #463 23 March 10 . . . And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." . . . Luke 23:34 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Chronologically, the seven last sayings of Christ on Calvary were spoken in the following order: 1. the word of forgiveness: Father, forgive them (23:34) 2. the word of salvation: today you will be with me in Paradise (23:43) 3. the word of affection: Woman, behold, your son! and Behold; your mother! (Jn 19:26, 27) 4. the word of despair: My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34) 5. the word of physical torment: I thirst (Jn 19:28) 6. the word of triumph: It is finished (Jn 19:30) 7. the word of committal: Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit! (23:46) Note that Matthew and Mark record only one saying, and Luke and John three each. Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: The hope of the world is still focused on one man and on one historical event. That man is the Lord Jesus Christ, and the event is His resurrection from the dead. That is the turning point in history as far as this world is concerned. This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. What did Jesus say that he needed to do in order to fulfill all righteousness? 2. Who said the following: "He who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me"? * * * * * * * * * We came into the world to be used by God . . . Allow yourself to be promoted in your walk for Him * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: “And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39 “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Remember when Jesus was with his disciples on the Sea of Galilee and a storm came upon them? The lightning began to play in the wind. The sea churned, and the gentle winds turned into a cruel gale. The little ship was tossed like a cork. The disciples despaired and said to the Lord Jesus Christ who was asleep, “Don’t You care if we perish? Do something!” Jesus said, “Peace, be still,” and the winds ceased and the sea calmed. This world is headed into a storm, and the spiritual barometer is dropping. Our world will not know peace until Jesus, the Prince of Peace, comes and says, “Peace, be still.” Friend, the blessing is in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. When I see things like cloning come to pass, they do not shake me. Sometimes they grieve me or sadden me, but they do not shake me, because I know God’s Word. I know it is the fulfillment of prophecy, and I can say with all the saints, “Praise God! It’s getting gloriously dark.” I wonder what will happen if scientists begin making a human being from the cell of another human being. We are living in strange days, are we not? But I want to tell you, our hope is not to be found in science. There’s no blessing in the book of science. ACTION POINT: Read the full account of what happened to the disciples in Mark 4:36-41. What application can you give to your life? The next time you read something in the paper that shadows the End Times, use it as an open door to share the Second Coming of Jesus with someone. from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * Are you one of those that keeps the Lord to yourself? Who don't/wont share with those who need to hear/know of Him? * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:7 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Are you willing to be the witness to the person who God put in your life? * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near THE BOWL JUDGMENTS.. 15:1-16:21 2. THE CHARACTER OF GOD And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, For Your righteous acts have been revealed." (15:3-4) The song sung by the glorified saints before the throne is an anthem of praise to God. The ultimate motive of God's wrath - to uphold His holy, righteous character - demands that He judge sinners. It is God's holy nature, soon to be revealed in judgment against their persecutors, that elicits this song from the redeemed. The song of Moses is the first of several songs recorded in the Old Testament. It comes from the time of the Exodus. As the bond-servant of God, Moses was called to lead the people of Israel out of captivity in Egypt. God delivered them from Pharaoh's pursuing army by parting the Red Sea, stacking the water on either side of a path, thus allowing the Israelites to cross safely on dry land. After they were safely across, the collapsing waters drowned the Egyptian army. On the far side of the Red Sea, the Israelites sang a song of praise to God for their deliverance. The redeemed saints before God's throne also will sing the song of the Lamb, who is their eternal Redeemer (5:8-14). Like the song of Moses, the song of the Lamb expresses the themes of God's faithfulness, deliverance of His people, and judgment of His enemies. The words of the song recorded here do not match exactly either the song of Moses in Exodus 15, or the song of the Lamb in Revelation 5. But the themes and many of the key terms are similar. The song of these redeemed saints extols God's character as the omnipotent, immutable, sovereign, perfect, and righteous Creator and Judge. Because He is all that, God must and will judge sinners; if He ignored their sin, He would not be holy, righteous, and true to His nature. The song closes with joyful anticipation of the millennial reign of Christ, when all the nations will come and worship before God. In the words of the psalmist, "All the earth will worship You and will sing praises to You; they will sing praises to Your name" .. Psalm 66:4 .. next week: 3. THE PLAN OF GOD.. * * * * * * * * * You are a gift from God to the people in your life .. whom God has placed in front of you * * * * * * * * * Q & A with McGee: Q: Should Christians be looking for the coming of Jesus as King? A: The Lord Jesus is not the King of the Church, and we are not looking for the coming of a King. The message to the Church is: "Behold, the bridegroom cometh" .. Matt 25:6 .. He is the Bridegroom and the Church is His bride. That is stated in the fifth chapter of Ephesians and the Book of Revelation also makes it very clear. We're looking for the Bridegroom. The thought given to us is, "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ" .. Titus 2:13 .. Christ is coming to this earth to set up His kingdom, but that is not what we're looking for. We're looking for the Bridegroom to come and take the Church out of the world. If you're a Christian then you're the body of Christ, and that body is to be presented to Him someday as the bride. We're told in Ephesians 5: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word; that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (vv. 25-27). Paul is speaking of the Church as the bride of Christ being presented to Him. Then he goes back to the practical application he started out with: "So ought men to love their wives as thier own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself" (v. 28). The thought here is that the marriage relationship should mirror the relationship between Christ and the Church. Paul comes back again and says, "This is a great mystery ...." That is, this is something the Old Testament never really developed. This is new truth. "...But I speak concerning Christ and the church (v. 32) - that's the important thing. Then Paul makes the final application: "Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife, see that she reverence her husband" (v. 33). Now this is only for Spirit-filled believers, because all of this is prefaced by the fact that we are not to be drunk with wine but we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God .. Eph 5:18 .. That is the background for this wonderful new relationship that is to exist between Christ and the Church. We're not looking for the king to come, but the Bridegroom. And the message will be, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh." And the Book of Revelation ends with this urgent call: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come" .. Rev 22:17 .. * * * * * * * * * Carry that person - in faith - don't give up . . your spouse, friend, family member needs you to carry them * * * * * * * * * THE POSITIVE NATURE OF LIGHT * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Matt 5:14-15 IN ITS FULLEST SENSE, GOD's light is the full revelation of His Word - the written Word of Scripture and the living Word of Jesus Christ. As the light of the world, Jesus is telling us to proclaim God's light in a world engulfed in darkness, just as our Lord came "to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death" .. Lk 1:79 .. Christ is the true light and we are His reflections By its nature, light must be visible to illuminate. Both in the daytime and at night, "a city set on a hill cannot be hidden." By day its houses and buildings stand out on the landscape, and at night the many lights shining out of its windows make it impossible to miss. A secret Christian is as incongruous as a hidden light. Lights are meant to illuminate, not to be hidden; to be displayed, not to be covered. God did not give the gospel of His Son to be the secret, hidden treasure of a few, but to enlighten every person (John 1:9). Just as God offers His light to the whole world, so must His church. It is not our gospel but God's, and He gives it to us not only for our own sakes but also the entire world's. As a true believer, you are salt and light, and you must fulfill that identity. Ask YOURSELF How does this command of Christ operate in a culture that's as sensitive to religious tolerance as ours is today? How does one hold high the true light of the gospel when the prevailing belief declares that all ways to God are equally illuminating? * * * * * * * * * God is calling upon you to call upon Him for direction - for power in His Name * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. What did Jesus say that he needed to do in order to fulfill all righteousness? A. Be baptized Matt 3:15 2. Who said the following: "He who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of "? A. Jesus Matt 10:37 * * * * * * * * * This week's chuckle: Little Johnny returned from grocery shopping with his mother. While she was putting away the groceries, he was busy spreading his animal crackers all over the kitchen table. "Why are you doing that?" his mom asked. "Well," said Little Johnny, "the box says you shouldn't eat them if the seal is broken. I'm looking for the seal!" Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< This week's Memory Verse: John 14:21 Read it out loud a few times, I did. Remember: A man may go to heaven...... without health, without wealth; without fame, without a great name; without learning, without earnings; without culture, without beauty; without friends and without ten thousand other things----- But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ. ~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~ This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe: Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net If you would rather not receive these Bbl Stdy's, please Send an e-mail with Un-Subscribe on the subject line to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net No hard feelings   Added: April 16, 2010

Submitted by

Comments:

Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living #464 30 March 10 . . . "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem" . . . Luke 24:44-47 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Welcome to our new list readers! God loves you! The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is clearly set forth as a historical event in the New Testament. The Resurrection was necessary .. 1. to make possible the forgiveness of sins 1 Cor 15:17 2. to fulfill the Scriptures [above vs] 3. to afford justification for believers Rom 4:25; 8:34 4. to furnish a solid basis for Christian hope 1 Cor 15:19 The Resurrection was brought to pass: 1. by the power of God Acts 2:24; Rom 8:11; Eph 1:19,20 2. by the Lord Jesus Himself Jn 2:19; 10:18 Be a blessing this week! Happy Resurrection Day !! He is risen! * * * * * * * * * SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Your viewpoint of Jesus Christ and the cross will not change Him or that cross one whit - but it will change your eternal destiny. What you think of the cross tells who you are; it does not tell who He is or what the cross is. There have been too many men down through the centuries who have found in the cross the power of God for the evaluation of little man to make any impression whatsoever. This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. After His resurrection, when Jesus stood among the ten in Jerusalem, they were frightened .. what was it that Jesus showed them? 2. After Jesus' resurrection, what did Jesus miraculously fill for the disciples? * * * * * * * * * God put a cross between you and hell. If you want to go to hell, you will have to crawl over the cross of Jesus * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” Ephesians 3:20 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: To be found in Jesus, Paul says, is worth more than all of his religion, race, and ritual. It is a relationship with the Almighty God. It is Jesus. Paul says, “I’m tired of trying. I’m going to start trusting.” Basically, Paul lived a life of working his way to heaven before he met the Lord on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9). Legalism is a terrible thing. It is a harsh task master under which no one can succeed. Liberty, not legalism, is what the Lord Jesus Christ offers — freedom, not bondage; relationship, not religion. We give up nothing for which Jesus will not abundantly offer more than we could ever hope or dream. ACTION POINT: Read Colossians 3:11. What does it mean for Christ to be your “all in all”? from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * Most people today are just interested in making the world a better place to go to hell from * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. Romans 6:9 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Your not going to heaven by being baptized. You could be baptized so many times the tadpoles have your Social Security number and still not go to heaven * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near THE BOWL JUDGMENTS.. 15:1-16:21 3. THE PLAN OF GOD.. After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened, and the seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple, clothed in linen, clean and bright, and girded around their chests with golden sashes. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one was able to enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished .. 15:5-8 .. Each of the angelic players in this unfolding drama will fulfill his assigned duty according to God's plan. It has always been God's purpose to judge sinners and destroy sin. The "eternal fire . . . has [already] been prepared for the devil and his angels" .. Matt 25:41 .. and awaits those whom God will one day sentence to eternal punishment there. Here, in a new vision, they are given the instruments of execution. As it does throughout Revelation, the phrase "after these things I looked" introduces a startling, dramatic new vision. Something is about to draw John's attention away from the redeemed saints singing their praises before God's glorious throne. This new vision revealed to him the bowl judgments (16:1-21), but first John saw the angels who will carry out those judgments. As he watched, the "temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened." "Temple" refers to the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctuary where God's presence dwells, emphasizing that God is the source of the plagues. As John watched, the seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple. "They were clothed in linen, clean and bright," their apparel representing their holiness and purity. As befits such glorious and holy beings, the angels were "girded around their chests with golden sashes" that ran across the torso from the shoulder to the waist. One of the four living creatures, a high-ranking cherubim, gave the seven angels "seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God." This Greek word for "bowls" refers to shallow saucers. The imagery is not that of a stream being poured gradually out of a pitcher, but of the whole contents of the shallow saucers being hurled down in an instant flood of judgment. Bowls were part of the temple furnishings .. 1 Ki 7:50; Zech 14:20 .. and were associated with the sacrifices .. Exo 27:3; 38:3 .. Those who refuse to drink the cup of salvation .. Ps 116:13 .. will be drowned in the judgments poured from the bowls of wrath. Because God lives forever and ever, He has the power to put an end to sin, so that it cannot exist again forever in His holy presence. Out of the heavenly temple came not only the angels, but also smoke symbolizing the glory of God and His power. Smoke, an emblem of majesty .. Exo 19:16-18 .. also symbolized God's glorious presence in the Old Testament tabernacle or temple .. Exo 40:34-35; 1 Ki 8:10-11; Isa 6:1-4 .. This smoke also symbolizes God's wrath. No one was able to enter the temple until the seven plagues were finished. The glory cloud will remain in the heavenly temple until the earth is completely purged and prepared for the King and His kingdom. next week: THE BOWL JUDGMENTS . . * * * * * * * * * We will be judged not for the sins that we have committed but for the Light we have rejected * * * * * * * * * PROVIDENCE IS THE HAND OF GOD: What is providence? Here's a theological definition: Providence is the means by which God directs all things - both animate and inanimate, seen and unseen, good an devil - toward a worthy purpose, which means His will must finally prevail. Or as the psalmist said, "his kingdom ruleth over all" .. Ps 103:19 .. In Ephesians 1:11 Paul tells us that God "worketh all things afte the counsel of his own will." Our God is running the universe today, friends, even though there are some who think that it has slipped out from under Him. There are three words we need to keep in mind before we can properly understand the providence of God in relationship to the material universe and to man in particular. The first word is creation. We understand by "creation" that God, by His fiat word, spoke this universe into existence. The only way that you and I, certainly as Christians, will ever understand how this universe began is by faith. We understand that God brought this universe into existence, and the only way that we know this is by revelation. "....Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" .. Rom 10:17 .. Then the second word is preservation. That's a tremendous word. It is by God's preservation that the universe is held together. Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Christ "upholds all things by the word of his power." Colossians 1:17 says, "And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." I think it is remarkable that we have a universe that runs like clockwork today. Who runs it? The Lord Jesus Christ runs the universe. He upholds all things by the word of His power. The third word is providence. Providence is the way that God is directing the universe. He is moving it into tomorrow - He is moving it into the future by His providence. Providence means "to provide." God will provide. On Golgotha the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. He was the Lamb that God provided. He was "the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" .. John 1:29 .. Providence means that the hand of God is in the glove of human events. When God is not at the steering wheel, He is the back seat driver. He is the coach who calls the signals from the bench. Providence is the unseen rudder on the ship of state. God is the pilot at the wheel during the night watch. As someone has said, "He makes great doors swing on little hinges." God brought together a little baby's cry and a woman's heart down by the River Nile when Pharaoh's daughter went to bathe. The Lord pinched little Moses and he let out a yell. The cry reached the heart of the princess, and God used it to change the destiny of a people. That was providence. That was the hand of God. by J. Vernon McGee * * * * * * * * * Eternal life is not something you get when you die: its something you get when you believe * * * * * * * * * THE SALT AND LIGHT ARE PURE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Matt 5:13-15 WITH GREAT RESPONSIBILITY, there is often great danger. We can't be an influence for purity in the world if we have compromised our own purity. We can't sting the world's conscience if we continually go against our own. We can't be used of God to retard the corruption of sin in the world if our lives become corrupted by sin. To lose our saltiness is not to lose our salvation, but we will lose our effectiveness. Light, too, is in danger of becoming useless. Like salt, it can't lose its essential nature. A hidden light is still light, but it is useless light. That's why people do not ''light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house." A light that is hidden under a basket can't even be used to read by; it helps neither the person who hides it nor anyone else. Don't hide your light for fear of offending others, whether out of indifference or lovelessness or any other reason. If you do, you demonstrate unfaithfulness to the Lord. Ask YOURSELF The demands of purity call for more than merely the eradication of sin and shameful habits, but also for replacing impurity with active, living, breathing righteousness. What are some specific acts of obedience and service to which God is calling you at this hour, in this generation? * * * * * * * * * Sometimes I almost wish I were lost so I could get saved all over again! * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. After His resurrection, when Jesus stood among the ten in Jerusalem, they were frightened .. what was it that Jesus showed them? A. "See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself...." Luke 24:39 2. After Jesus' resurrection, what did Jesus miraculously fill for the disciples? A. A fishing net John 21:4-14 * * * * * * * * * Ways to make a friend . . . . Plan a neighborhood event Volunteer Attend a small group or women's Bible study Invite people to your home for dessert Consider attending a small fellowship rather than a megachurch Assume the best about people you meet Be interested in the details of the lives of people around you Befriend the friendless Strengthen bonds with friends you already have Never, never, never entertain critical words or thoughts about your friends Be a good listener Don't panic during dormant times in your social life - use the time to rest, reflect or regroup Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< This week's Memory Verse: Mark 16:6 Read it out loud a few times, I did. Remember: A man may go to heaven...... without health, without wealth; without fame, without a great name; without learning, without earnings; without culture, without beauty; without friends and without ten thousand other things----- But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.   Added: April 16, 2010

Submitted by

Comments:

Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living #465 6 April 10 . . . You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot . . . 1 Peter 1:18-19 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! The word in the above verse ransomed signifies "to buy back from bondage" or "to redeem." (This same verb is rendered redeem in Lk 24:21) The need for redemption arises from the sinner's bondage to sin and Satan .. Rom 6:17 and 23; Jn 8:34 .. Redemption itself comes from God and is of free grace. It is made possible by Jesus Christ the Redeemer .. 1 Cor 1:30; Gal 3:13; 4:4; Eph 1:7; Titus 2:14 .. on the basis of His shed blood. Redemption is both past and future. The price has been paid forever and believers are now redeemed, but they wait in hope for the final fulfilment of that which is already theirs by faith .. Rom 8:23 .. The redeemed who once belonged to Satan now belong to God .. 1 Cor 6:20 .. Their chief end in life is to glorify the One who redeemed them. Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: [Let us] turn from our limitations to God, who has none. Eternal years lie in His heart. For Him time does not pass, it remains; and those who are in Christ share with Him all the riches of limitless time and endless years. God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and hearts. A. W. Tozer This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. Who was the leader of the Israelites before Joshua became leader? 2. What word beginning with "H" did the crowds shout to praise Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem? * * * * * * * * * Don't ever insult God by saying that He cannot use you * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Cor 15:20-22 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: I was about to speak at a funeral. As I wandered through the beautiful flowers, the precious widow walked up and laid her hand on the sleeve of her beloved of more than 50 years. She patted him a couple of times, turned and walked away. I thought to myself, “Is that it? Is that all there is to life?” No! Death does not have dominion! Christ is risen! Those who have fallen asleep in Christ have not perished. There is a God who in the form of man, the Lord Jesus Christ, grappled with the iron bars of death and is victorious. Death does not have dominion because Christ arose. He took the gloom out of the grave. He has given us a hope that is steadfast and sure. ACTION POINT: Do you know where you’re going? Have your sins been forgiven? Are you sure Jesus Christ is in your heart? If so, bow your head and thank Him, for sin has been subdued, death has been defeated, and your future is secure. You know where you’re headed. from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * People say, "Get right with Jesus you may die." I say, "Get right with Jesus you may live!" * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: I am the good shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine . John 10:14 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * God does not change us in order to love us. He loves us in order to change us. * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near THE BOWL JUDGMENTS.. 16:1-21 Some writers have seen these bowl judgments as repeating the seal and trumpet judgments. There are similarities, but many more differences, especially in the degree of devastation. The bowls are universal, more intense than the previous judgments, and are called "the last" judgments (15:1), showing they do not go back in time to repeat earlier plagues. THE FIRST BOWL . . Then I heard a loud voice from the temple, saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God." So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image. (16:1-2) As judgments began to unfold, John "heard a loud voice from the temple." The startling impact of loud voices is heard twenty times in Revelation. The Greek word translated "loud" appears six times in this chapter (unusually translated "great", again emphasizing the magnitude of the judgments recorded here. His loud voice is heard again after the seventh bowl is poured out (verse 17). The seven angels were given the seven bowls containing the final judgments. God commands all seven of them, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God." As are all the judgments, the seven bowls will be supernatural acts of God. The text does not accept a natural, scientific explanation, as some commentators propose. The judgments will hit far too rapidly for any explanation other than that they come from God Himself. In fact, there is only a brief pause, just long enough for one of the angels to affirm that the bowl judgments are just and righteous (verses 5-7). Responding immediately to God's command, "the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth." As shallow saucers, their contents are not slowly, gradually poured out, but dumped all at once. The sloshing out of the first bowl results in a sore that afflicts people. "Loathsome and malignant" translate two general Greek words for evil. Used together, they stress that the sores will be festering, painful, and incurable. These sores will bring unrelieved phsical torment to those who have rejected Jesus Christ. The sores will not affect believers, whose names have been "written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain" (13:8). They will come only upon those who chose to follow Antichrist, received his mark to show their allegiance (13:16-17), and worshiped his image. next week: THE SECOND BOWL . . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * THE SHINING LIGHT * * * * * * * * * * Let your light sine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matt 5:16 LETTING OUR "LIGHT SHINE before men" allows them to see our "good works," the beauty the Lord has worked in us. To see good works by us is to see Christ in us. That's why Jesus says, "Let your light shine." It is not something we create or make up, but something we allow the Lord to do through us. It is God's light, our choice is whether to hide it or let it shine. We allow God's light to shine through us so God will receive the praise. Our entent should be that in what we are and what we do, others may see God and "glorify [our] Father who is in heaven." Our good works should magnify God's grace and power. That is the supreme calling of life: glorifying God. Everything we do is to cause others to give praise to God, the source of all that is good. The way we live ought to lead those around us to glorify our heavenly Father. However, when what we do causes people to be attracted to us rather than to God, to see our human character rather than His divine character, we can be sure that what they see is not His light. Make sure your deeds point people to God, the author of those deeds. Ask YOURSELF As we've seen before, some will respond to your good deeds with derision and persecution, but others will shower praise on you for your acts of Christian character. How do you respond to those who give you credit for your servant's heart and faithful obedience? How do you deflect that praise to God so it doesn't nestle down in your own heart? * * * * * * * * * Faith is the response of the heart to the character of God * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. Who was the leader of the Israelites before Joshua became leader? A. Moses Josh 1:1-2 2. What word beginning with "H" did the crowds shout to praise Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem? A. Hosanna Matt 21:9 * * * * * * * * * This came to me by a reader, and friend .. Easter is already passed, but the 'message' is never old.. Thank you Jan . . . THE EMPTY EGG Jeremy was born with a twisted body and a slow mind. At the age of 12 he was still in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool, and make grunting noises. At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time, however, Jeremy just irritated his teacher. One day she called his parents and asked them to come in for a consultation. As the Forresters entered the empty classroom, Doris said to them, "Jeremy really belongs in a special school. It isn't fair to him to be with younger children who don't have learning problems. Why, there is a five year gap between his age and that of the other students." Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue, while her husband spoke. "Miss Miller," he said, "there is no school of that kind nearby. It would be a terrible shock for Jeremy if we had to take him out of this school. We know he really likes it here." Doris sat for a long time after they had left, staring at the snow outside the window. Its coldness seemed to seep into her soul. She wanted to sympathize with the Forresters. After all, their only child had a terminal illness. But it wasn't fair to keep him in her class. She had 18 other youngsters to teach, and Jeremy was a distraction. Furthermore, he would never learn to read and write. Why waste any more time trying? As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her. Here I am complaining when my problems are nothing compared to that poor family, she thought. Lord, please help me to be more patient with Jeremy. From that day on, she tried hard to ignore Jeremy's noises and his blank stares. Then one day, he limped to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him. "I love you, Miss Miller," he exclaimed, loud enough for the whole class to hear. The other students snickered, and Doris' face turned red. She stammered, "Wh-why that's very nice, Jeremy. N-now please take your seat." Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter. Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg. "Now," she said to them, "I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?" "Yes, Miss Miller," the children responded enthusiastically- all except for Jeremy. He listened intently; his eyes never left her face. He did not even make his usual noises. Had he understood what she had said about Jesus' death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment? Perhaps she should call his parents and explain the project to them. That evening, Doris' kitchen sink stopped up. She called the landlord and waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it. After that, she still had to shop for groceries, iron a blouse, and prepare a vocabulary test for the next day. She completely forgot about phoning Jeremy's parents. The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller's desk. After they completed their math lesson, it was time to open the eggs. In the first egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life," she said. "When plants peek through the ground, we know that spring is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arm. "That's my egg, Miss Miller," she called out. The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked very real. Doris held it up. "We all know that a caterpillar changes and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes, that's new life, too." Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine." Next, Doris found a rock with moss on it. She explained that moss, too, showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom, "My daddy helped me," he beamed. Then Doris opened the fourth egg. She gasped. The egg was empty. Surely it must be Jeremy's she thought, and of course, he did not understand her instructions. If only she had not forgotten to phone his parents. Because she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another. Suddenly, Jeremy spoke up. "Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my egg?" Flustered, Doris replied, "But Jeremy, your egg is empty." He looked into her eyes and said softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty, too." Time stopped. When she could speak again, Doris asked him, "Do you know why the tomb was empty?" "Oh, yes," Jeremy said, "Jesus was killed and put in there. Then His Father raised Him up." The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out to the school yard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely away. Three months later, Jeremy died. Those who paid their respects at the mortuary were surprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket, all of them empty. -- Author Unknown Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< This week's Memory Verse: Jeremiah 32:27 Read it out loud a few times, I did. Remember: A man may go to heaven...... without health, without wealth; without fame, without a great name; without learning, without earnings; without culture, without beauty; without friends and without ten thousand other things----- But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.   Added: April 16, 2010

Submitted by	Comments:
Name: Mrs Josefina From: phippines E-mail: Contact	Private post. Click to view.   Added: March 23, 2010

Submitted by

Comments:

Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living #462 16 March 10 . . . Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished . . . 1 Corinthians 15:18 . . . For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep . . . 1 Thessalonians 4:14 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Death for the Christian is spoken of as sleep so far as the bodily nature is concerned. It is not something to be feared by believers but rather to be welcomed as a promotion to a higher estate. Paul speaks of it as a gain (Phil 1:21). John calls it blessed (Rev 14:13). Believers are at death ushered into Christ's presence (2 Cor 5:8; Phil 1:23) and exist in a state of blissful consciousness (Lk 16:19ff). In joyous fellowship with Him they await the resurrection, when they will live in their glorious resurrection bodies for all eternity (1 Thess 4:13; Rev 20:4-6). Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * You say: "It's impossible .." ........... God says: All things are possible .................. Luke 18:27 This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. How many books in the Bible begin with the letter "Z"? 2. What was the name of the man who carried the cross of Jesus for awhile? * * * * * * * * * You can't be saved and continue living your 'regular life style' * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2 Cor 8:9 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Years ago my wife gave me a little card to carry in my billfold. On it she had written her dress size, shoe size, glove size and more. That was nice to have so I could know all about her when I went to do some shopping, but it didn’t provide much companionship or encouragement when I was away from her. In the same way, it’s one thing to have the facts about Jesus; it’s another thing to have a relationship with Jesus. ACTION POINT: Do you know Jesus? Do you really know Him or are you just gathering facts about Him? from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * Jesus went to the cross willingly, no-one forced Him there * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: In Him we live, and move, and have our being. Acts 17:28 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Draw near to God and He will draw near to you * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near THE BOWL JUDGMENTS.. 15:1-16:21 Revelation 15 and 16 present the specific phenomena of the final outpouring of God's wrath before Christ's return. That wrath is expressed by the effects of the seventh trumpet (11:15), which are the seven bowl judgments described in Revelation 16. Remember, though, that God's nature encompasses not only righteousness and holiness, but also grace and mercy. Even during the devastating judgments of the tribulation, God will continue to call sinners to salvation. He will do so using the 144,000 Jewish evangelists (7:2-8; 14:1-5), the two witnesses (11:3-13), a host of redeemed Gentiles and Jews (7:0-17), even an angel flying in the sky (14:6-7). This reflects the amazing divine pardox: God is busily working to save sinners from His own wrath. And so, as the outpouring of divine wrath escalates, God's evangelistic efforts will escalate as well. The result will be the greatest harvest of souls in human history (cf. 7:9). THE OUTPOURING OF GOD's WRATH (15:1-8) Chapter 15, the shortest in Revelation, forms a preview of these rapid-fire judgments. As this chapter unfolds, three motives for the final outpouring of God's wrath become evident. 1. THE VENGEANCE OF GOD Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels who had seven plagues, which are the last, because in them the wrath of God is finished. And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God. 15:1-2 A scene in heaven anticipates the bowl judgments, as it did in the case of the seal (ch 4-5) and trumpet (8:2-6) judgments. This is the third heavenly sign that John has seen in Revelation (12:1, 3). The terms "great" and "marvelous' express the enormous importance of this sign as it contains the final outpouring of God's wrath on the wicked, unrepentant sinners of the earth. The sign itself consists of seven angels who had seven plagues. The same beings who serve God's people will bring God's wrath to the sinful world. The word translated "plague" literally means "a blow," or "a wound." Thus the seven plagues are not really diseases or epidemics, but deadly blows that will strike the world with killing impact. These seven plagues (the seven bowl judgments) are the last and worst plagues, because in them the wrath of God is finished. It is important to note that the fact that they are called the last implies that the preceding trumpet and seal judgments were also plagues expressing the wrath of God. God's wrath extends throughout the tribulation and is not confined to a brief period at the very end, as some argue. That they are the last also indicates that the bowls come after the seals and trumpets in chronological sequence. In verse 2, John "saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire." The sea was not an actual ocean, because in 21:1 he "saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea." What John saw was a transparent crystal platform before God's throne, shimmering and glistening like a tranquil, sunlit sea (4:6; cf. Ex 24:10; Eze 1:22). But the tranquil beauty of the sea was mixed with the fire of God's judgment, which was about to be poured out on the earth. Those who reject God's grace and mercy face "a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries" .. Heb 10:27 .. because "our God is a consuming fire" .. Heb 12:29 .. Fire is frequently associated in Scripture with God's judgment .. Num 11:1; 16:35; Deu 9:3; Ps 50:3; 97:3; Isa 66:15; 2 Thess 1:7-9 2 Pet 3:7 .. John saw gathered around the throne of God those who had been victorious over the beast. These are the believers redeemed during the tribulation (6:9-11; 7:9-17; 12:11, 17; 14:1-5, 12-13). They will be victorious over the beast because of their undying faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation 20:4-6 describes their resurrection and reward. Tribulation saints will also triumph over the beast's image and the number of his name. The false prophet will perfom many lying wonders to deceive people. One of them will be to set up an image of the beast, which he will order everyone to worship on pain of death. The false prophet will also require everyone to receive a mark representing either the beast's name, or the number of his name. Those without that mark will face execution and will be unable to buy or sell. But tribulation believers will, by God's power, eternally triumph over the whole enterprise of Satan, the beast, and the false prophet. Even those martyred for their triumphant faith will receive their glorious rewards (20:4). That the tribulation saints are seen holding harps of God indicates that they are rejoicing and singing preaise to God. Harps were also associated with praise earlier in Revelation (5:8; 14:2) and frequently in the Old Testament .. 2 Sam 6:5; 1 Chr 13:8; Ps 33:2; 71:22; 144:9; 150:3 .. These believers rejoice because their prayers for God to take vengeance on their persecutors (6:9-10) are about to be answered. next week: 2. THE CHARACTER OF GOD.. * * * * * * * * * Baptizm symbolizes death and resurrection * * * * * * * * * Back to the Basics So he answered and said, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27 Recommended Reading Jeremiah 2:1-5 In the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida there is one of the few therapy centers of its kind in the world: a place for wounded American soldiers to relearn the basics of independent living. Troops who have suffered serious physical impairments, along with brain trauma, have to be coached through the steps needed to live on their own: grocery shopping, washing clothes, preparing meals, paying bills, and all the rest. Relearning the basics qualifies them for future success. One New Testament Church was reprimanded for having forgotten the basics: "You have left your first love" (Revelation 2:4). The church at Ephesus occupies a primary place in the New Testament story (Acts 19; 20:13-38; Ephesians). But by the end of the first century they had lost sight of Jesus, the very reason for their existence. His counsel to the church: "Repent and do the first works" or face discipline. Every Christian should consider, "I wonder if Jesus thinks I've left my first love; the love I displayed for Him when first I was saved." If we think the answer is "Yes," or even "Perhaps," we need to return to the basics--renewing our love for Jesus. It is a stark tragedy to love the church and its work and not to love Jesus. E. F. Hallock * * * * * * * * * You can't be a Christian and not believe in Jesus Christ * * * * * * * * * THE FUNCTION OF SALT * * * * * * * * * * * * You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt becomes tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. Matt 5:13 SALT HAS ALWAYS BEEN VALUABLE in human society, often much more so than it is today. But the particular characteristics of salt that Jesus was referring to in this passage have resulted in various suggestions. Some interpreters point out that salt is white and therefore represents purity. As the "pure in heart" (v. 8), Jesus' disciples are to be pure before the world and are to be God' means of helping purify the rest of the world. Others emphasize the characteristic of flavor. Just as many foods are tasteless without salt, the world is drab and tasteless without the presence of Christians. Because salt stings when placed on a wound, some interpreters believe Jesus meant to illustrate that Christians are to sting the world, prick its conscience, and thus make it uncomfortable in the presence of God's gospel. Salt also creates thirst. So others believe God intends for His people to live before the world in such a way that others will be made aware of their spiritual dehydration. While all of these interpretations are reasonable, it's likely Jesus was primarily referring to salt as a preservative. Christians are a preserving influence in the world; they retard moral and spiritual spoilage. As God's children and as temples of His Holy Spirit, we represent God's presence in the earth. We are the salt that prevents the entire earth from degenerating even faster than it already is. Ask YOURSELF In what ways are you and your church personifying the various properties of salt, whether by words, actions, or outreaches? Think very specifically. Which of these examples are proving to be the most effective at this, and why? * * * * * * * * * If you are not growing in grace, you are living in disgrace * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. How many books in the Bible begin with the letter "Z"? A. 2 Zechariah and Zephaniah 2. What was the name of the man who carried the cross of Jesus for awhile? A. Simon Matt 27:32 * * * * * * * * * Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< This week's Memory Verse: John 3:5 Read it out loud a few times, I did. Remember: A man may go to heaven...... without health, without wealth; without fame, without a great name; without learning, without earnings; without culture, without beauty; without friends and without ten thousand other things----- But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.   Added: March 18, 2010

Submitted by

Comments:

Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living #457 9 February 10 . . . "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit . . . John 15:1-2 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! I love this teaching on fruit-bearing. It is the normal product of regeneration. To be fruitless is abnormal and suggests the possibility of a spurious [< not genuine; false; illegitimate] conversion experience. Christ's statement that fruitless branches shall be removed is in line with James' statement that faith without works is a dead faith .. Jas 2:26 .. At the same time Christ also makes it clear that fruit is not the final purpose of the believer's life, but rather a joyous and living fellowship with God himself. Nevertheless God purges the fruit-bearing Christian [painful though it may be] so that he becomes more fruitful. Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * You say: "I can't do it" ........... God says: You can do all things .................. Phil 4:13 This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. Which number of Psalm begins: "The Lord is my shepherd"? 2. What physical injury was done to Jesus when they saw that he was already dead on the cross? * * * * * * * * * Failure in the past does not nullify purpose in the future * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: A young preacher was called out of a life of sin to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. While in the pulpit one day, he received a note in which someone had written all his past sins. In addition it read, “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? And you’re up there telling people to get right with God!” Do you know what the young preacher did? He read that note, bowed his head in prayer, stood up and said, “Ladies and gentleman I have received a note, and here is what it says.” Then, in front of that whole crowd, he read every one of those sins. Then he said this: “Yes, I am ashamed of myself, but I am not ashamed of my Savior!” ACTION POINT: What are some past sins in your life that are holding you back from fully proclaiming God’s power to others? Confess them and bury them in His sea of forgetfulness. from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * Let go of this world and take hold of God with both hands * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: "It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" Romans 8:34 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * That which has been decreed by heaven cannot be annulled by hell * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near TRIBULATION ANNOUNCEMENTS ... THE THREE ANGELS The Second Angel: Pronouncing Judgment And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality." Rev 14:8 Unlike the first one, the second angel does not preach the good news of the gospel, but pronounces the bad news of judgment. Sadly, that implies that the first angel's message was largely rejected. The second angel's equally brief and direct messageis "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great." The repetition underscores the certainty of Babylon's judgment. Babylon's future fall is so certain that it can be spoken of as though it has already taken place. Babylon in this passage refers not just to the city, but to Antichrist's worldwide political, economic, and religious empire. The final Babylon, personified as a harlot .. 17:1-5 .. is described as "she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality." The world will be intoxicated and seduced by the Babylonian false religion headed by Antichrist. The Greek word translated "passion" describes strong, consuming desires. As a result of their passion, sinners will engage in great rebellion. Having consumed the wine of the seductive harlot, the nations of the world will continue on their course of spiritual defection. next week: The Third Angel: Promising Damnation * * * * * * * * * You don't have to know "why", "Why" is God's question. "How" is your answer * * * * * * * * * FORESEEING FALSE ACCUSATIONS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Matt 5:11 FAITHFULNESS TO CHRIST WILL bring enemies of the gospel who will "falsely say all kinds of evil against" us. Whereas "insults" are abusive words said to our faces, these "evil" things are primarily abusive words said behind our backs. Jesus' critics said of Him, "Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" .. Matt 11:19 .. If the world said that of the sinless Christ, what things can His followers expect to be called and accused of? Slander behind our backs is harder to take, partly because it is harder to defend against than direct accusations. It has opportunity to spread and be believed before we have a chance to correct it. Those who slander us can do much harm to our reputations before we're even aware that we've been slandered. We can't help regret being slandered, but we shouldn't grieve about it. Instead, we should count ourselves blessed, as our Lord assures us we will be, when the slander is "because of Me." We have no surer evidence of the Lord's blessing than to be cursed for His sake. It should not seriously bother us when men's curses fall on the head that Christ has eternally blessed. Are you prepared to accept the slander you might receive because you are a Christian? Ask YOURSELF We can sometimes invite persecution by being unduly abrasive and difficult, so that others do not persecute us as much for our faith as for the tacky way we express it. How can we tell the difference? Are people being offended by Christ or just by us? There is certainly no blessing in being obnoxious. * * * * * * * * * It's never right to do wrong, and it's never wrong to do right * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. Which number of Psalm begins: "The Lord is my shepherd"? A. 23rd 2. What physical injury was done to Jesus when they saw that he was already dead on the cross? A. His side was pierced John 19:34 * * * * * * * * * This week's chuckle: [thanks Janet] A little boy was waiting for his mother to come out of the grocery store. As he waited, he was approached by a man who asked, "Son, can you tell me where the Post Office is?" The little boy replied, "Sure! Just go straight down this street a coupla blocks and turn to your right." The man thanked the boy kindly and said, "I'm the new pastor in town. I'd like for you to come to church on Sunday. I'll show you how to get to Heaven." The little boy replied with a chuckle. "Awww, come on... You don't even know the way to the Post Office. OOPS! Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< This week's Memory Verse: James 5:7 Read it out loud a few times, I did. Remember: A man may go to heaven...... without health, without wealth; without fame, without a great name; without learning, without earnings; without culture, without beauty; without friends and without ten thousand other things----- But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ. ~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~ This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe: Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net   Added: February 16, 2010

Submitted by

Comments:

Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living #455 26 January 10 . . . Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him [Jesus], "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.." . . . Mark 2:18-19 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! That was a good question they asked Jesus. From the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament record of the practice of the Apostolic Church, it does not appear that early Christians fasted regularly as the religious duty. The answer Jesus gave to the question as to why His disciples did not fast shows He regarded fasting as an expression of sorrow, and thus incompatible with the joy His disciples shared in company with Him, like the joy of a wedding feast (a common figure of the Messianic age). In Matt 6:16-18 Jesus teaches that fasting as a religious observance is of value only if practiced without ostentation (<the act of displaying vainly or pretentiously in order to excite admiration) for the sole purpose of pleasing God. Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * You say: "I'm not smart enough" ........... God says: "I give you wisdom .................. 1 Corinthians 1:30 This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. Who was the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth? 2. Fill in the blank of the following sentence of Jesus with one word: "I am the ___; Ye are the branches." * * * * * * * * * God doesn't want me to do anything for Him. He wants to do something through me * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Genesis 18:14 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: A little boy was trying to roll a rock as his father watched from a distance. The boy was heaving and sighing, but he couldn’t turn the stone over. His dad with a smile said, “Son, are you using all of your strength?” He said, “Yes, Daddy, I’m using all my strength.” And the father said, “No, you’re not because you haven’t asked me to help you. My strength is your strength.” Sometimes we wrestle with problems and say, “I don’t know what to do.” Our Father wants us to say, “I’ve run out of my strength,” and run into His. He is there. There is no problem too big for Jesus to solve. Do you believe that? I hope so. ACTION POINT: Is there a problem too big for you to solve? Give it to Jesus. He can handle it. from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * Don't ever insult God by saying that He cannot use you * * * * * * * * * Q & A: with McGee Q: IF JESUS WAS NEVER ILL, HOW COULD HE FREE ME FROM SICKNESS AND DISEASE AT THE CROSS? A: This question approaches the problem from the opposite door that the faith healer approaches it from. Today they say that there's healing in the atonement because He took all of our sicknesses and that we're to be delivered at present from our sicknesses. Well the doctor today doesn't have to have cancer to understand how to deal with it, how to treat it, or how to feel for the patient that does have it. The Lord Jesus didn't go through every every little experience that you and I have gone through. These things that have come to us because of sin, He has not experienced. But back of sickness is sin, and He died for our sins. When Scripture uses the expression about healing, the healing I think refers actually to the healing of sin and not of physical healing. I think that there's been too great of an emphasis put upon that. We read in 1 Peter 2:24, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." Now what are we healed of ? Diseases? No, we are healed of sin. Because it says He bore our sin. Now this is the first time I've ever seen anybody approach this from the opposite side that the faith healers approach it from. And for the same reason that I would answer them, I would answer you: He didn't have pneumonia, He didn't have cancer, He didn't have these diseases because He was dealing with that which was fundamental - He bore sin upon Him and, I think, suffered a great deal more than anyone has ever suffered from a disease that has come to us because of sin. It's quite interesting, this question, coming fromthe opposite direction. Frankly, I'd never thought of it from this angle. Now it's given me another argument for this matter of faith healing resting upon the idea that He took our sickness and bore our disease. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity James 3:17 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * THE FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS . . .by J. Vernon McGee My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons .. James 2:1 .. "Have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ" should be "Hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ." Notice that James is His half brother according to the flesh, but he gives Him here the full name, "our Lord Jesus Christ." And he calls Him "the Lord of glory." Here is a strong assertion of the deity of Christ. I know of no one who was in a better position to determine the deity of Christ than a younger brother of the Lord Jesus who was brought up in the same home with Him. Frankly, I think James is in a better position to speak on the deity of Christ than some theologian sitting in a swivel chair in a musty library, removed from the reality of even his own day. Such a man is really far removed from the reality of the first century and the home in which Jesus was raised. Therefore, I go along with James, if you don't mind. He is the "Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory." What James is telling us here is not to profess faith in Christ and at the same time be a spriitual snob. Don't join some little clique in the church. All believers are brethren in the body of Christ, whatever their denomination. There is a fellowship of believers; friendship should be over them as a banner. James is addressing the total community of believers - the rich, the poor, the common people, the high, the low, the bond and free, the Jew and the Gentile, the Greek and the barbarian, male and female. They are all one when they are in the body of Christ. There is a brotherhood within the body of believers, and the Lord Jesus Christ is the common denominator. Friendship and fellowship are the legal tender among believers. James says, "Don't hold your faith with respect of persons." If you belong to the Lord Jesus Christ and another person belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ, he is your brother. Furthermore, if a sinner somes into your assembly or you otherwise come into contact with him, remember that he is a human being for whom Christ died. He stands at the foot of the cross, just as you stand at the foot of the cross. The Old Testament taught Israel not to regard the person of the rich or of the poor. God, in the mosaic system, cautioned: "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour" .. Lev 19:15 .. Simon Peter learned this lesson at Joppa when God let down from heaven the sheet full of unclean animals and commanded him to eat of them. Peter concluded from that experience, "... Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons" .. Acts 10:34 .. * * * * * * * * * God does not change us in order to love us. He loves us in order to change us * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near TRIBULATION ANNOUNCEMENTS ... THE 144,000 THEIR PURITY; These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. Rev 14:4a The worship of Antichrist during the tribulation will be unspeakably vile and perverse. In the midst of that darkness the 144,000 will shine forth like beacons of purity. Despite the rampant sexual sin that surrounds them, they will not be defiled with women, but will keep themselves chaste. That the specific sin that they will avoid involves women indicates that sexual purity is in view here, not detachment from the corrupt world system. What it means is that they will stand apart from the sin of their culture. PARTISANSHIP; These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. 14:4b The 144,000 are further characterized as the ones who "follow the Lamb where He goes." The Oxford English Dictionary defines a partisan as "one who takes part or sides with another . . . a devoted or zealous supporter." The triumphant 144,000 awill be completely loyal to the Lamb, no matter the cost. PURPOSE; These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 14:4c John explains that the 144,000 "have been purchased from among men." But while all believers have been purchased by God, the 144,000 were purchased for a special purpose. In the Old Testament the first fruits were offered to God to be used in His service .. Deut 18:3-5 .. The 144,000, like the first fruits offering, will be set apart for divine service. The purpose of their lives will be to serve the Lord by proclaiming the gospel to the lost. PRECISION; And no lie was found in their mouth; 14:5a The 144,000 will not propagate Satan's lies, but will speak God's truth. In all generations, triumphant Christians are characterized by "speaking the truth in love" .. Eph 4:15 .. Knowing the vital importance of "accurately handling the word of truth," they will "be diligent to present [themselves] approved to God as [workmen] who [do] not need to be ashamed" .. 2 Tim 2:15 .. PERFECTION; they are blameless. 14:5b Because they will trust in God's power and lead lives characterized by purity, the 144,000 will be blameless. That does not, of course, mean that they will be sinless, but they will be above reproach, leading godly lives before all who see them. next week: THE THREE ANGELS The First Angel: Preaching The Gospel * * * * * * * * * The definition of failure is succeeding at the wrong thing * * * * * * * * * ANTICIPATING PHYSICAL PERSECUTION * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:10 THE GREEK WORD THAT IS translated "persecuted" and "persecute" in Matthew 5:10-12 has the basic meaning of chasing, driving away, or pursuing. From that meaning developed the connotations of physical persecution, harassment, abuse, and other unjust treatment. The believer who possesses the qualities described in the first seven beatitudes will be willing to face persecution "for the sake of righteousness." He will have an attitude of self sacrifice for the sake of Christ. He is exemplified by a lack of fear and shame and the presence of courage and boldness. The tense of the Greek verb indicates that the believer has a continuous willingness to endure persecution if it is the price of godly living. Under the demands of this beatitude many Christians break down in their obedience to the Lord, here is where the genuineness of their response to the other beatitudes is most strongly tested. It is where we are most tempted to compromise the reighteousness we have hungered and thirsted for. It is here where we find it convenient to lower God's standards to accommodate the world and thereby avoid conflicts and problemswe know obedience will bring. But God does not want His gospel altered under pretense of its being less demanding, less righteous, or less truthful than it is. He does not want witnesses who lead the unsaved into thinking that the Christian life costs nothing. Do a spiritual inventory and make sure you are willing to pay the cost for the sake of righteousness. Ask YOURSELF What causes us to wish that Christian faith weren't so costly? When our hearts lead us to compromise in order to avoid detection and possible derision, what lies are we really telling ourselves? And why doesn't the secretive safety provided by these actions leave us feeling satisfied? * * * * * * * * * Is what I'm living for worth Christ dying for? * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. Who was the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth? A. John the Baptist Luke 3:1 2. Fill in the blank of the following sentence of Jesus with one word: "I am the ___; Ye are the branches." A. Vine John 15:5 * * * * * * * * * This week's chuckle: A large commercial jet was flying from Chicago to Los Angeles. About an hour after takeoff, the passengers on board heard a voice over the loudspeaker. It began: "This is a recording. You have the privilege of being on the first wholly electronically controlled jet. The plane took off electronically. It is now flying at forty thousand feet electronically. And it will land in Los Angeles electronically. "This plane has no pilot, it has no copilot, and no flight engineer because they are no longer needed. But do not worry, nothing can possibly go wrong . . . go wrong . . . go wrong . . . go wrong . . . go wrong." [whoa there! kindly let me off this plane, wait, where are the parachutes?] Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< This week's Memory Verse: Philippians 1:6 Read it out loud a few times, I did. Remember: A man may go to heaven...... without health, without wealth; without fame, without a great name; without learning, without earnings; without culture, without beauty; without friends and without ten thousand other things----- But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.   Added: February 16, 2010

Submitted by	Comments:
Name: Anthony From: Pennsylvania E-mail: Contact	Hello Max, Keep up the good work, hope you are gettin rain and your barrels are getting filled. Blessings, Anthony   Added: January 22, 2010

<< First  |  < Prev  |  1 2 3 4 5  |  Next >  |  Last >>

Powered by PHP guestbook 1.6 from PHPJunkyard - Free PHP scripts