The subject of blood is of critical importance throughout the Bible. We see blood in the 10 plagues that God brought upon the Egyptians in convincing the Pharaoh to let the Israelite people leave Egypt, to be freed from slavery. It would seem that this story is the greatest of all events in the Old Testament.
The very first plague was where God turned river water into blood. Of greater import is the final plague where God takes the life of each firstborn child in Egypt. The only salvation from this plague was given to the Israelites: putting animal blood on the door facings of their homes.
The greatest example of blood significance is found with the blood of Jesus. As Jesus was facing His impending death, He told His apostles that He would be killed, that they should always remember Him by taking of the Lord's supper, the communion, remembering the giving of His body and blood. In Matthew 26:28, He said, "..this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."
Jesus was beaten with whips, scourged (whipped with strands of leather with metal tips), had a crown of thorns put on His head, bringing forth blood, had nails driven through His hands and feet, and even after death, had a spear driven through His side, bringing forth blood and water.
The blood of Jesus is critical to the Christian as it represents the giving of His life for each of us.
Let us remember and give thanks.
And thanks again for reading. Feel the love......
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
The Christmas Story
The Christmas story is a beautiful story, telling us of the miraculous birth of Jesus. It is recorded in most detail in the book of Luke, but is also told in Matthew. The other two of the first four books of the New Testament do not tell of the birth, but rather start the story of Jesus as a grown man.
We should note that Jesus was not likely born on December 25. There are a number of reasons why this is the case, one being that shepherds are not in the fields typically at this time of year. But perhaps a better reason is that the date was just picked rather randomly. And here are a few other facts, all of which you can learn by googling the origins of Christmas. The year of Jesus' birth has been miscalculated; He was apparently born between 7 and 2 BC. And Christmas seems to have been started some time around the 4th century. It had some pagan beginnings that came with some gruesome and violent actions on that date. But that was all long ago and we now find ourselves with Santa Claus, Christmas trees and lights, presents and many remembering the birth of Jesus.
In the detailed account of Luke, we read of shepherds who were in the fields with their sheep. An angel appeared to them telling of the birth of the Lord, "a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.......And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' " The shepherds came to Bethlehem and saw the Christ child lying in a manger; after this, they "returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."
In the book of Matthew we read of the wise men from the east; they came to Jerusalem looking for the Christ child who was born. They had seen a star and were looking for the "King of the Jews. They were sent by Herod the king to Bethlehem to see the child Jesus; they had read in the OT scriptures that He would be born in Bethlehem. They followed the star which directed them to the baby. "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." Often people make the mistake of saying the three wise men; but there were three types of gifts; we just don't know how many wise men there were.
So we see that there were many miracles involved in the birth of Jesus...and much fulfillment of OT scriptures. We don't read anywhere in the Bible where Christians were to observe the birth of Jesus, and we don't know when that was. But the Bible makes quite a significance of the death of Jesus, especially where Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, or Communion, and said "Do this in memory of Me."
Thanks for reading again. Have a Merry Christmas!!
We should note that Jesus was not likely born on December 25. There are a number of reasons why this is the case, one being that shepherds are not in the fields typically at this time of year. But perhaps a better reason is that the date was just picked rather randomly. And here are a few other facts, all of which you can learn by googling the origins of Christmas. The year of Jesus' birth has been miscalculated; He was apparently born between 7 and 2 BC. And Christmas seems to have been started some time around the 4th century. It had some pagan beginnings that came with some gruesome and violent actions on that date. But that was all long ago and we now find ourselves with Santa Claus, Christmas trees and lights, presents and many remembering the birth of Jesus.
In the detailed account of Luke, we read of shepherds who were in the fields with their sheep. An angel appeared to them telling of the birth of the Lord, "a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.......And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' " The shepherds came to Bethlehem and saw the Christ child lying in a manger; after this, they "returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."
In the book of Matthew we read of the wise men from the east; they came to Jerusalem looking for the Christ child who was born. They had seen a star and were looking for the "King of the Jews. They were sent by Herod the king to Bethlehem to see the child Jesus; they had read in the OT scriptures that He would be born in Bethlehem. They followed the star which directed them to the baby. "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." Often people make the mistake of saying the three wise men; but there were three types of gifts; we just don't know how many wise men there were.
So we see that there were many miracles involved in the birth of Jesus...and much fulfillment of OT scriptures. We don't read anywhere in the Bible where Christians were to observe the birth of Jesus, and we don't know when that was. But the Bible makes quite a significance of the death of Jesus, especially where Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, or Communion, and said "Do this in memory of Me."
Thanks for reading again. Have a Merry Christmas!!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Story of Three Mountains
There are a number of mountains referenced in the Bible. I want to mention three mountains in this lesson; and it will be noted that they are of increasing importance. And we will get to it shortly, but if you want to read ahead, these are covered in a very powerful statement in Hebrews 12:18.
The first mountain is Mt. Sinai. it is where Moses went up on the mountain to get the Law of Moses from God, to include the 10 commandments. This mountain is still there today on the Sinai Peninsula, though we don't know the exact location of Moses' ascent.
The second mountain is more important; it is Mount Moriah. Many important events occurred here on Mt. Moriah. We read in Genesis 22 that God told Abraham to take Isaac, his only son, go to Mt. Moriah and offer Isaac as a sacrifice. God spared Isaac at the last minute. This is the same mountain where David reigned over his powerful kingdom and where Solomon built the temple for worship to God. But of greater significance was the crucifixion of Jesus--done on this mountain. Still the location of the city of Jerusalem, this is the greatest mountain ever known...except for mountain number three:
Hebrews 12:18 says, "You have not come to the mountain..." where Moses climbed. But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem..." This is referring to the heavenly city, heaven. Jerusalem could be said to be the greatest city ever known on earth. But as Christians, we look forward to a life eternal in the heavenly Jerusalem, heaven itself. Thus, those of us who follow God come to the greatest mountain of all.
The first mountain is Mt. Sinai. it is where Moses went up on the mountain to get the Law of Moses from God, to include the 10 commandments. This mountain is still there today on the Sinai Peninsula, though we don't know the exact location of Moses' ascent.
The second mountain is more important; it is Mount Moriah. Many important events occurred here on Mt. Moriah. We read in Genesis 22 that God told Abraham to take Isaac, his only son, go to Mt. Moriah and offer Isaac as a sacrifice. God spared Isaac at the last minute. This is the same mountain where David reigned over his powerful kingdom and where Solomon built the temple for worship to God. But of greater significance was the crucifixion of Jesus--done on this mountain. Still the location of the city of Jerusalem, this is the greatest mountain ever known...except for mountain number three:
Hebrews 12:18 says, "You have not come to the mountain..." where Moses climbed. But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem..." This is referring to the heavenly city, heaven. Jerusalem could be said to be the greatest city ever known on earth. But as Christians, we look forward to a life eternal in the heavenly Jerusalem, heaven itself. Thus, those of us who follow God come to the greatest mountain of all.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Question Regarding "Silence" in the Bible
I received a good question regarding "silence" of the Bible; how do we decide about matters that aren't specifically covered in the Bible. The particular question used slavery as an example; since slavery isn't specifically condemned in the Bible, what should be our position?
First, I want to address the questioner's reference to the beginnings of the church. All denominations have a starting point. That is, we can trace every denomination back to a person or persons, to a date of beginning, or approximately so. But none of this is biblical. The true church of Jesus Christ got its beginning in about 33AD at about the time of the death of Jesus. The very first church was founded in Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 2. The very first Christians were in Jerusalem when they believed, repented and were baptized. Acts 2 says that the Lord "added them to the church." As true Christians, we don't trace our roots back to the 1900's or the 1800's or the 1700's. We must consider that there is only one church and it began with Jesus.
Now speaking of silence, the Bible covers every imaginable subject in a general way; i.e., there is general teaching that would guide us with any decision that we might face. But the choice of "slavery" is an interesting one, in that the Bible does not directly denounce slavery as such. But it teaches, for example in Ephesians 6, that the slave is to be a good slave, and the master is to be a good master..."giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him." Regarding "partiality," we see in Galatians 3:28 that all men are equal in God's eyes. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." And in the book of Philemon, Paul writes Philemon and tells him to accept back Philemon's former slave, Onesimus, who had run away but is now returning to Philemon as a new Christian. Verse 17 says, "Receive him as you would me." He probably will continue to work for Philemon, but you can be sure that Philemon will be treating Onesimus in a good way...at Paul's request.
So we see Christian principles throughout the Bible to help with every decision. But we should notice that the Bible does not try to change the social structure of the times or the government. It doesn't try to change evil governments; we are to obey the government even if we don't like it. It doesn't denounce slavery; it tells how to deal with it. And the church of the New Testament is never shown as an organization that is out to solve social problems. The mission is spiritual; the goal is spiritual; the kingdom is spiritual, and the result, heaven, is spiritual.
Thanks for reading. Have a great week!
First, I want to address the questioner's reference to the beginnings of the church. All denominations have a starting point. That is, we can trace every denomination back to a person or persons, to a date of beginning, or approximately so. But none of this is biblical. The true church of Jesus Christ got its beginning in about 33AD at about the time of the death of Jesus. The very first church was founded in Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 2. The very first Christians were in Jerusalem when they believed, repented and were baptized. Acts 2 says that the Lord "added them to the church." As true Christians, we don't trace our roots back to the 1900's or the 1800's or the 1700's. We must consider that there is only one church and it began with Jesus.
Now speaking of silence, the Bible covers every imaginable subject in a general way; i.e., there is general teaching that would guide us with any decision that we might face. But the choice of "slavery" is an interesting one, in that the Bible does not directly denounce slavery as such. But it teaches, for example in Ephesians 6, that the slave is to be a good slave, and the master is to be a good master..."giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him." Regarding "partiality," we see in Galatians 3:28 that all men are equal in God's eyes. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." And in the book of Philemon, Paul writes Philemon and tells him to accept back Philemon's former slave, Onesimus, who had run away but is now returning to Philemon as a new Christian. Verse 17 says, "Receive him as you would me." He probably will continue to work for Philemon, but you can be sure that Philemon will be treating Onesimus in a good way...at Paul's request.
So we see Christian principles throughout the Bible to help with every decision. But we should notice that the Bible does not try to change the social structure of the times or the government. It doesn't try to change evil governments; we are to obey the government even if we don't like it. It doesn't denounce slavery; it tells how to deal with it. And the church of the New Testament is never shown as an organization that is out to solve social problems. The mission is spiritual; the goal is spiritual; the kingdom is spiritual, and the result, heaven, is spiritual.
Thanks for reading. Have a great week!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Question received: Should the Bible be taken literally?
There is a lot of question in today's world as to how literally to follow the Bible teaching, or perhaps the Bible example. This posting will give a summary of what the Bible is trying to say and the reader can decide for yourself.
We read all through the Old Testament about the coming Kingdom. The greatest kingdom in the OT was that of David, and Jesus is described in the NT as "the son of David." In a number of places, but notably in Joel 2, we read of the kingdom that is to come; and in that kingdom, "I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh." So when we get to the NT, Jesus comes and says that He will build His church. But He doesn't build it Himself; He leaves it to the apostles to do, and sends back the Holy Spirit to direct them. Read Acts 2 where Peter, in delivering the very first gospel sermon, quotes Joel 2 and says that this outpouring of the Holy Spirit that they have just witnessed is what Joel was talking about.
Following this amazing start to the "kingdom," we see the development of the church, people becoming Christians by repenting and being baptized, leaders being set up in each church (elders) and worship occurring each Sunday. As mentioned in the last blog posting, detailed qualifications are given in 1Timothy and Titus for these elders who would lead each individual church.
Now with this background, the question is: Considering the times and customs of those being different from today, should we not be changing our religious practices today to go with today's customs? This a good question and truly gets to the crux of the matter. Here is what I see:
When we study the Bible, we learn in 3 different ways: 1) Direct command--an example would be when Jesus met with His apostles and said regarding the Lord's Supper, "Do this in remembrance of Me." He commanded them to take of the Communion in future days. 2) Example--we see example after example in the NT, particularly in Acts, of people being baptized; thus, we learn that is how God wanted people to become Christians. Jesus left the earth and left the apostles to teach what was needed; and what they taught is recorded in the NT. Another example is that we learn to worship on Sunday, not Saturday or Monday, by example from the early church. 3) Necessary inference--some things we can learn in the NT simply by inferring. Perhaps an example of this could be applied to what is said right at the end of the Bible, where it says, "..I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life.." While this is speaking directly of the book of Revelation, it can be inferred that God feels the same for the whole Bible.
So when we look at how the Bible develops, how it starts with the OT to build to the coming of Jesus, how Jesus talks of the coming kingdom, how He leaves it to the apostles to carry on and how they go about setting up the church, does it not seem reasonable that this Bible is our pattern, our only pattern to follow, to see how God wants the church to be organized, to see how one becomes a Christian, to see what constitutes worship, and to see how Christians are to act? These things don't change over time. My conclusion is that the Bible is timeless, is not outdated, and can be followed precisely. And a final note: When men conclude otherwise, that the church must change with the times, we get denomination after denomination, after denomination, division, disagreement, distortion, religion that suits man...but ultimately not God, watered down Christianity that might be a lot of fun, but doesn't look at all like the church of the Bible.
Thanks for reading. Feel the love!
We read all through the Old Testament about the coming Kingdom. The greatest kingdom in the OT was that of David, and Jesus is described in the NT as "the son of David." In a number of places, but notably in Joel 2, we read of the kingdom that is to come; and in that kingdom, "I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh." So when we get to the NT, Jesus comes and says that He will build His church. But He doesn't build it Himself; He leaves it to the apostles to do, and sends back the Holy Spirit to direct them. Read Acts 2 where Peter, in delivering the very first gospel sermon, quotes Joel 2 and says that this outpouring of the Holy Spirit that they have just witnessed is what Joel was talking about.
Following this amazing start to the "kingdom," we see the development of the church, people becoming Christians by repenting and being baptized, leaders being set up in each church (elders) and worship occurring each Sunday. As mentioned in the last blog posting, detailed qualifications are given in 1Timothy and Titus for these elders who would lead each individual church.
Now with this background, the question is: Considering the times and customs of those being different from today, should we not be changing our religious practices today to go with today's customs? This a good question and truly gets to the crux of the matter. Here is what I see:
When we study the Bible, we learn in 3 different ways: 1) Direct command--an example would be when Jesus met with His apostles and said regarding the Lord's Supper, "Do this in remembrance of Me." He commanded them to take of the Communion in future days. 2) Example--we see example after example in the NT, particularly in Acts, of people being baptized; thus, we learn that is how God wanted people to become Christians. Jesus left the earth and left the apostles to teach what was needed; and what they taught is recorded in the NT. Another example is that we learn to worship on Sunday, not Saturday or Monday, by example from the early church. 3) Necessary inference--some things we can learn in the NT simply by inferring. Perhaps an example of this could be applied to what is said right at the end of the Bible, where it says, "..I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life.." While this is speaking directly of the book of Revelation, it can be inferred that God feels the same for the whole Bible.
So when we look at how the Bible develops, how it starts with the OT to build to the coming of Jesus, how Jesus talks of the coming kingdom, how He leaves it to the apostles to carry on and how they go about setting up the church, does it not seem reasonable that this Bible is our pattern, our only pattern to follow, to see how God wants the church to be organized, to see how one becomes a Christian, to see what constitutes worship, and to see how Christians are to act? These things don't change over time. My conclusion is that the Bible is timeless, is not outdated, and can be followed precisely. And a final note: When men conclude otherwise, that the church must change with the times, we get denomination after denomination, after denomination, division, disagreement, distortion, religion that suits man...but ultimately not God, watered down Christianity that might be a lot of fun, but doesn't look at all like the church of the Bible.
Thanks for reading. Feel the love!
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