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Coffee House Chapel #3
- Thread starter Dan Todd
- Start date
Thanks Dan.
And I say to you My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him Who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! Luke 12:4&5.
Good point Dr. Bob; appropriate for my morning greeting.
And I say to you My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him Who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! Luke 12:4&5.
Good point Dr. Bob; appropriate for my morning greeting.
Monday, March 15, 2004
What does it mean to be a Christian? The word from the Word says that Believers were "first called Christians at Antioch"---People who trusted in "that way" came to be called something!
1. CHRISTIANS ARE THE CALLED OUT ONES
God "calls" people out of the world to become Christians--every person who has ever been saved has first been "called" --but look here--
In Genesis 3:9--It was God who "called" Adam! He was in this verse literally "calling" him and his wife FROM their hiding place! Adam had become a sinner----and in Genesis 3:9---God came and called a sinner out----
Jesus said in Mark 2:17, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Now, when we say that believers are "called out"--what do we mean?
It means that Jesus literally calls us out from a world of sin! We are called out form the present evil system that is
We are called out from a society withou God and against Jesus Christ.
We are called FROM our sins--
2. CHRISTIANS ARE A CALLED TOGETHER PEOPLE
Not only are we called out from sin and a sinful world--but--we are also called INTO another family--we are called together
Acts 2:44 says, "And those that believed were together."
Nehemiah 8:1 says that the people of God gathered together at the Watergate.
On Sundays--we are called together for fellowship, for praise, for preaching!
3. BELIEVERS ARE CALLED FORTH PEOPLE
We've been called OUT of the world, so that Christ might send us back INTO the world, in order that we might rescue others FROM the world.
We, as believers of "that way" are living as twice born saved people among once born lost people and its our task to carry the gospel good news to the lost and offer opportunities for them to "come out" and to "come into" the saving knowledge of Jesus! Numbers 10:29-32 gives us a classic example of saved people sharing with lost people.
4. BELIEVERS WILL BE CALLED UP ONE DAY
John gives us a preview of the "calling up" we will receive one day---over in John 4:1--John heard a voice from Heaven that called--"Come up here!"---and you know what??? John obeyed, didn't he??!!
One day, Jesus will call His called out ones---up!! And we will obey!! Jesus said that one day He'll come back and receive the Received ones Home! He didn't say when---He just said we were to be ready! "Be ready! For ye know not at what hour the Son of Man cometh." Now, if you can figure the hour---you're smarter than Jesus thought you were!!
But Called Out one---be ready!
What does it mean to be a Christian? The word from the Word says that Believers were "first called Christians at Antioch"---People who trusted in "that way" came to be called something!
1. CHRISTIANS ARE THE CALLED OUT ONES
God "calls" people out of the world to become Christians--every person who has ever been saved has first been "called" --but look here--
In Genesis 3:9--It was God who "called" Adam! He was in this verse literally "calling" him and his wife FROM their hiding place! Adam had become a sinner----and in Genesis 3:9---God came and called a sinner out----
Jesus said in Mark 2:17, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Now, when we say that believers are "called out"--what do we mean?
It means that Jesus literally calls us out from a world of sin! We are called out form the present evil system that is
We are called out from a society withou God and against Jesus Christ.
We are called FROM our sins--
2. CHRISTIANS ARE A CALLED TOGETHER PEOPLE
Not only are we called out from sin and a sinful world--but--we are also called INTO another family--we are called together
Acts 2:44 says, "And those that believed were together."
Nehemiah 8:1 says that the people of God gathered together at the Watergate.
On Sundays--we are called together for fellowship, for praise, for preaching!
3. BELIEVERS ARE CALLED FORTH PEOPLE
We've been called OUT of the world, so that Christ might send us back INTO the world, in order that we might rescue others FROM the world.
We, as believers of "that way" are living as twice born saved people among once born lost people and its our task to carry the gospel good news to the lost and offer opportunities for them to "come out" and to "come into" the saving knowledge of Jesus! Numbers 10:29-32 gives us a classic example of saved people sharing with lost people.
4. BELIEVERS WILL BE CALLED UP ONE DAY
John gives us a preview of the "calling up" we will receive one day---over in John 4:1--John heard a voice from Heaven that called--"Come up here!"---and you know what??? John obeyed, didn't he??!!
One day, Jesus will call His called out ones---up!! And we will obey!! Jesus said that one day He'll come back and receive the Received ones Home! He didn't say when---He just said we were to be ready! "Be ready! For ye know not at what hour the Son of Man cometh." Now, if you can figure the hour---you're smarter than Jesus thought you were!!
But Called Out one---be ready!
March 16
Romans 11:2-4, “Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.”
In Romans 11 Paul sets out to prove that God has not set His people Israel aside. Paul gives three proofs of this fact: (1) The truth about the writer [Paul was a saved Jew]; (2) The truth about the remnant [ 7,000 had not bowed the knee to Baal in Elijah’s day]; and (3) The truth about the revelation [God has hardened the hearts of those Jews that did not believe].
When we last left Elijah, he was running from the wicked Jezebel. Jezebel was the wife of Ahab, king of Israel. Jezebel helped perpetuate and solidify the worship of Baal among the Israelites. The worship of Baal (the god of fertility) and his consort involved gross sexual misconduct and often the sacrifice of children. These practices were some of the most vile religious activities ever known to mankind.
Elijah left his servant in Beersheba and went a days journey into the wilderness (1 Kings 19:3-4). There, under a juniper tree, Elijah requested of God, “that he might die; and said, it is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” (verse 4). Now most of us would have scolded Elijah for his bad attitude. It’s good that God does treat us as we treat others. Rather than scold Elijah, God sent an angel to feed him. In fact the angel fed Elijah twice. The results of those feedings were that Elijah “went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.” (verse 8) An important lesson is to be learned from these feedings – when we are in the spiritual dumps, as was Elijah, we need to feed from the precious Word of God. God’s Word is the meat that satisfies our spiritual hunger and needs.
At Mount Horeb, Elijah took up residence in a cave. Then God finally asked Elijah, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” (verse 9) Elijah had an answer of complaint, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” (verse10) Elijah had forgotten that Israel had responded to his challenge to execute the four hundred prophets of Baal.
God did not chide Elijah, rather He took care of Elijah. God provided what Elijah needed and encouraged him. Elijah needed a new vision of God. So God said, “Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” (verses 11-12) “These powerful natural phenomena reflected God’s strength and sovereignty, but God was not in them. Instead, after the wind, earthquake, and fire had passed by, God spoke to Elijah in what is described as a ‘gentle whisper.’” (Boice) “What doest thou here, Elijah?” (verse 13) Elijah gave God the same answer as before. (verse 14)
This time God told Elijah to do three things: (1) Anoint Hazael to be king over Syria; (2) Anoint Jehu to be king over Israel; and (3) Anoint Elisha to be prophet in your stead. God then gave Elijah the following explanation, “And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.” (verse17) Certainly these instructions with their explanation must have caused Elijah great consternation. Those two wicked kings and Elisha would be part of a team that would see to it that those awful Baal idolaters in Israel would pay for their vile sin.
But then God told Elijah this encouraging truth, “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” Elijah, you are not alone. God still has a remnant in Israel. In Paul’s day, God still had a remnant, from the physical seed of Abraham, just as He promised He would have.
Friend, just as with Elijah, you are not alone. Though it may seem that everyone is against you, you are not alone. God still has His remnant, you are not alone. Praise God, for the 7,000 in Elijah’s day. Praise God, for the Jews who came to Christ in Paul’s day. Praise God, for the Jews who come to Christ in our day. Because God has a remnant that are of the physical seed of Abraham, God can be trusted. Trusted to keep His word to us His church, just as He has kept His word to Israel.
Because God is faithful in all His promises, we can cry out with Paul, “ For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)
Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Romans 11:2-4, “Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.”
In Romans 11 Paul sets out to prove that God has not set His people Israel aside. Paul gives three proofs of this fact: (1) The truth about the writer [Paul was a saved Jew]; (2) The truth about the remnant [ 7,000 had not bowed the knee to Baal in Elijah’s day]; and (3) The truth about the revelation [God has hardened the hearts of those Jews that did not believe].
When we last left Elijah, he was running from the wicked Jezebel. Jezebel was the wife of Ahab, king of Israel. Jezebel helped perpetuate and solidify the worship of Baal among the Israelites. The worship of Baal (the god of fertility) and his consort involved gross sexual misconduct and often the sacrifice of children. These practices were some of the most vile religious activities ever known to mankind.
Elijah left his servant in Beersheba and went a days journey into the wilderness (1 Kings 19:3-4). There, under a juniper tree, Elijah requested of God, “that he might die; and said, it is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” (verse 4). Now most of us would have scolded Elijah for his bad attitude. It’s good that God does treat us as we treat others. Rather than scold Elijah, God sent an angel to feed him. In fact the angel fed Elijah twice. The results of those feedings were that Elijah “went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.” (verse 8) An important lesson is to be learned from these feedings – when we are in the spiritual dumps, as was Elijah, we need to feed from the precious Word of God. God’s Word is the meat that satisfies our spiritual hunger and needs.
At Mount Horeb, Elijah took up residence in a cave. Then God finally asked Elijah, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” (verse 9) Elijah had an answer of complaint, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” (verse10) Elijah had forgotten that Israel had responded to his challenge to execute the four hundred prophets of Baal.
God did not chide Elijah, rather He took care of Elijah. God provided what Elijah needed and encouraged him. Elijah needed a new vision of God. So God said, “Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” (verses 11-12) “These powerful natural phenomena reflected God’s strength and sovereignty, but God was not in them. Instead, after the wind, earthquake, and fire had passed by, God spoke to Elijah in what is described as a ‘gentle whisper.’” (Boice) “What doest thou here, Elijah?” (verse 13) Elijah gave God the same answer as before. (verse 14)
This time God told Elijah to do three things: (1) Anoint Hazael to be king over Syria; (2) Anoint Jehu to be king over Israel; and (3) Anoint Elisha to be prophet in your stead. God then gave Elijah the following explanation, “And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.” (verse17) Certainly these instructions with their explanation must have caused Elijah great consternation. Those two wicked kings and Elisha would be part of a team that would see to it that those awful Baal idolaters in Israel would pay for their vile sin.
But then God told Elijah this encouraging truth, “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” Elijah, you are not alone. God still has a remnant in Israel. In Paul’s day, God still had a remnant, from the physical seed of Abraham, just as He promised He would have.
Friend, just as with Elijah, you are not alone. Though it may seem that everyone is against you, you are not alone. God still has His remnant, you are not alone. Praise God, for the 7,000 in Elijah’s day. Praise God, for the Jews who came to Christ in Paul’s day. Praise God, for the Jews who come to Christ in our day. Because God has a remnant that are of the physical seed of Abraham, God can be trusted. Trusted to keep His word to us His church, just as He has kept His word to Israel.
Because God is faithful in all His promises, we can cry out with Paul, “ For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)
Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Philippians 2:8 says, "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
Just pondering on something today--looking at that verse---Have you ever thought about how far Jesus went in "humbling" Himself??
Think about humbleness in the term of:
degrees
rungs on a ladder
position
Then ask yourself--to what degree did Jesus humble Himself? a few degrees down?? One or two degrees, maybe??
Now--Philippians 1:6 teaches that Jesus is equal with God. Right?? Everything the Father has--also belongs to the Son, Jesus!
The Father's Authority! The Father's Power! The Father's Position--belongs to the Father! BUT--it also belongs to the Son!
In Heaven---Jesus is the Most High!
In Heaven--Jesus is the Most Majestic!
But the word says that Jesus "humbled Himself."---to the point of "even the death of the cross."
What does that mean to you and me? The statement "even the death of the cross."
Kenneth Weiss explains the nature of the cross this way, "It is one of ignominy and degradation." The word, "ignominy" meaning, "Deep personal humiliation and disgrace."
It means to me that Jesus met the death of lowest disgrace! Jesus humbled Himself to the point of lowest disgrace!
Now, notice Philippians 2:7 that Jesus "took upon Himself the form of a servant." The Greek word here for "servant" is "Doulos"---a slave! One who is in a perminate relation of servitude to another, his will altogether consumed with the will of the other."---Isn't that like Jesus?? Totally consumed with doing the "Father's will??"
Phillipians 2:6-8 speaks of the POSITION that Christ was in---in His death!! He was, at His death, a servant of all servants dying the death of lowest disgrace!!!
A B Simpson writes that Jesus was made "the lowest of men, the humblest of the race" and "His final sacrifice was rendered as humbling, as painful and as full of reproach and shame as it was possible. It was no heroic death. It was no illustrious tragedy. It was no such passing out of existance as a military hero whose fame is chronicled to latest ages; but it was as a criminal, as the scum of the world that Jesus died."---imagine that!! The "Scum of the Earth!"
Nobody has ever lived a life like Jesus lived!
Nobody has ever died a death like Jesus died! He died as the scum of the earth!! Because why?? Because He came to save me---who was "the scum of the earth!"
How far down from the portals of glory did Christ decend?? Friend, He decended to the bottom rung in the ladder that runs from man to God. Why? Why did He have to die as the "scum of the Earth?" Why did He have to decend to the lowest depth--to the bottom rung of the ladder that runs from man to God?---
because---when Adam fell--how far did Adam fall?? Adam fell all the way, didn't he?? Thats how far Jesus had to go---to "bring us back"---the "Just" died for the "Unjust" so that the "Unjust" might be brought back to God!
Halelujah, What a Savior!!
Philippians 2:8 says, "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
Just pondering on something today--looking at that verse---Have you ever thought about how far Jesus went in "humbling" Himself??
Think about humbleness in the term of:
degrees
rungs on a ladder
position
Then ask yourself--to what degree did Jesus humble Himself? a few degrees down?? One or two degrees, maybe??
Now--Philippians 1:6 teaches that Jesus is equal with God. Right?? Everything the Father has--also belongs to the Son, Jesus!
The Father's Authority! The Father's Power! The Father's Position--belongs to the Father! BUT--it also belongs to the Son!
In Heaven---Jesus is the Most High!
In Heaven--Jesus is the Most Majestic!
But the word says that Jesus "humbled Himself."---to the point of "even the death of the cross."
What does that mean to you and me? The statement "even the death of the cross."
Kenneth Weiss explains the nature of the cross this way, "It is one of ignominy and degradation." The word, "ignominy" meaning, "Deep personal humiliation and disgrace."
It means to me that Jesus met the death of lowest disgrace! Jesus humbled Himself to the point of lowest disgrace!
Now, notice Philippians 2:7 that Jesus "took upon Himself the form of a servant." The Greek word here for "servant" is "Doulos"---a slave! One who is in a perminate relation of servitude to another, his will altogether consumed with the will of the other."---Isn't that like Jesus?? Totally consumed with doing the "Father's will??"
Phillipians 2:6-8 speaks of the POSITION that Christ was in---in His death!! He was, at His death, a servant of all servants dying the death of lowest disgrace!!!
A B Simpson writes that Jesus was made "the lowest of men, the humblest of the race" and "His final sacrifice was rendered as humbling, as painful and as full of reproach and shame as it was possible. It was no heroic death. It was no illustrious tragedy. It was no such passing out of existance as a military hero whose fame is chronicled to latest ages; but it was as a criminal, as the scum of the world that Jesus died."---imagine that!! The "Scum of the Earth!"
Nobody has ever lived a life like Jesus lived!
Nobody has ever died a death like Jesus died! He died as the scum of the earth!! Because why?? Because He came to save me---who was "the scum of the earth!"
How far down from the portals of glory did Christ decend?? Friend, He decended to the bottom rung in the ladder that runs from man to God. Why? Why did He have to die as the "scum of the Earth?" Why did He have to decend to the lowest depth--to the bottom rung of the ladder that runs from man to God?---
because---when Adam fell--how far did Adam fall?? Adam fell all the way, didn't he?? Thats how far Jesus had to go---to "bring us back"---the "Just" died for the "Unjust" so that the "Unjust" might be brought back to God!
Halelujah, What a Savior!!
March 18
Romans 11:2-5, “Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. ”
Is Israel - Israel, or is the Church - Israel in disguise? I believe that the truthfulness of God rises or falls with answer to this all important question. In the past we looked at the covenant that God imposed on Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their descendants according to the flesh. If God’s promises to Israel through those patriarchs have been transferred to the Church, then how can we, the Church trust God to keep His promises to us. Perhaps we, the Church, have now or shall in the future so disappoint our God that He will take His promises to us, from us, and give them to someone else. I’m aware that this paragraph is a bit convoluted, but I trust you understand what I’m trying to say! Simply put, God made promises to Israel, and those promises belong to Israel alone, and no one else. Likewise, God has also made promises to the Church, and those promises belong to the Church alone, and no one else!
In Romans 11:2-10, Paul makes his second argument defending the premise that God has not forsaken or cast away His people, Israel. Even in the darkest days of Elijah’s ministry, God still had a remnant of 7,000 who had not bowed the knee to Baal. A remnant is a small surviving part of something, such as the small bits of cloth left over after a seamstress makes an article of clothing. Or it’s the odd length of carpet left over after the vast majority of the roll has been used. Or it’s the few (7,000 out of millions) who remained faithful to God when the rest worshiped idols. Or it’s the handful of “Jews who survived the invasions, destructions, and captivities inflicted on them by the Assyrians and Babylonians in the sixth and eighth centuries B.C.” (Boice)
Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. (Romans 11:1) What does our text add to this question and answer? (1) “Although God could have been faithful to His promises by merely saving one of the vast number of the Israelites, His grace extended far beyond that.” (Boice) 7,000 had been saved in Elijah’s day. True, most Jews in Paul’s day rejected the Messiah. Though the number of Jews saved was small in comparison to the whole, there nevertheless was a remnant that was saved, 3,000 on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41). And God added many other Jews to the church in its early days. (2) “The use of Elijah’s story shows that God’s choice of a believing remnant, far from being an anomaly, has actually always been the case.” (Boice) The Elijah account was not in the waning days of Israel’s days as a sovereign nation, but rather it occurred much earlier in Israel’s history. Even in this earlier time, only a remnant was being saved.
“Paul is grounding his experience and the results of the preaching of the gospel in his time in past Jewish history. He is showing that preaching in the first Christian century perfectly fits the pattern of God’s ways.” (Boice)
Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Romans 11:2-5, “Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. ”
Is Israel - Israel, or is the Church - Israel in disguise? I believe that the truthfulness of God rises or falls with answer to this all important question. In the past we looked at the covenant that God imposed on Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their descendants according to the flesh. If God’s promises to Israel through those patriarchs have been transferred to the Church, then how can we, the Church trust God to keep His promises to us. Perhaps we, the Church, have now or shall in the future so disappoint our God that He will take His promises to us, from us, and give them to someone else. I’m aware that this paragraph is a bit convoluted, but I trust you understand what I’m trying to say! Simply put, God made promises to Israel, and those promises belong to Israel alone, and no one else. Likewise, God has also made promises to the Church, and those promises belong to the Church alone, and no one else!
In Romans 11:2-10, Paul makes his second argument defending the premise that God has not forsaken or cast away His people, Israel. Even in the darkest days of Elijah’s ministry, God still had a remnant of 7,000 who had not bowed the knee to Baal. A remnant is a small surviving part of something, such as the small bits of cloth left over after a seamstress makes an article of clothing. Or it’s the odd length of carpet left over after the vast majority of the roll has been used. Or it’s the few (7,000 out of millions) who remained faithful to God when the rest worshiped idols. Or it’s the handful of “Jews who survived the invasions, destructions, and captivities inflicted on them by the Assyrians and Babylonians in the sixth and eighth centuries B.C.” (Boice)
Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. (Romans 11:1) What does our text add to this question and answer? (1) “Although God could have been faithful to His promises by merely saving one of the vast number of the Israelites, His grace extended far beyond that.” (Boice) 7,000 had been saved in Elijah’s day. True, most Jews in Paul’s day rejected the Messiah. Though the number of Jews saved was small in comparison to the whole, there nevertheless was a remnant that was saved, 3,000 on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41). And God added many other Jews to the church in its early days. (2) “The use of Elijah’s story shows that God’s choice of a believing remnant, far from being an anomaly, has actually always been the case.” (Boice) The Elijah account was not in the waning days of Israel’s days as a sovereign nation, but rather it occurred much earlier in Israel’s history. Even in this earlier time, only a remnant was being saved.
“Paul is grounding his experience and the results of the preaching of the gospel in his time in past Jewish history. He is showing that preaching in the first Christian century perfectly fits the pattern of God’s ways.” (Boice)
Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Friday, March 19, 2004
As the calendar hastens to the spot of the crucifixion mehley and resurrection celebration--I want is to look now at Calvary's Mount--of course, I have said in the past and will continue to say---Calvary was where man did his worst, but where God did His best!!
John 19:25-27 is our text for the day and I want us to focus in on the four bystanders there at the cross---we will go to various verses of scripture throughout as we talk a little bit about each bystander---who stood afar off beholding the One who bears ALL shame and reproach and disgrace.
But there were several people standing there---mostly women along with John, Jesus' Apostle Beloved!! One wonders why these women would be at a place of Roman torment, torture, and terror--but nevertheless, they were there--so lets look at them one at the time---and probe the scripture and at the same time---let scripture probe us!
MARY MAGDALENE
This Mary is listed last for us in verse 25 but her life is spotlighted early on in Jesus' ministry.
The word "Magdalene" is not her last name---but is a name associated with Mary's home town of Magdela---on the west bank of the Sea of Galalee five or so miles from Capernium--Jesus' ministry "Home Base."
I believe that somewhere along the way, Mary of Magdela found "The Way"---or much more theologically---"The Way" found Mary and she just started following along "The Way!" I believe---early on in Jesus' ministry He meets Mary and she got gloriously saved! She became a follower/disciple of Jesus!
Interesting that the Bible says that Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary. What's so interesting about that?? Well, the #7 in the Bible suggests "completeness"---and I believe that these seven demons were influencing Mary in such a way that before she met Jesus---she was in complete submission to them!
Some theologians I have studied have suggested that Mary was under the influence of these demons---and that it was primarily a "mind control" possesion---unlike the Legion that possessed the man of Gadara--whos body was controled and he was out of control.---In other words, these demons possessing Mary were not "raviging" her body---but were influencing her mind---they were in control of her mind!
Regardless of the theological suggestion here---Jesus comes along and casts the seven demons out!! Now, friend, anytime you read where Jesus "casts out"---you know that something else has to "come in!!" Take a guess as to who it was?? Jesus!!! Amen!!!?? Jesus "cast out" and at the very same time---Jesus "came in"
Mary became a disciple of Jesus--a follower--a learner! Mary was under complete contol of Jesus! She was in total submission to Him! He became her influencer!
Can you say that today?? Can you say, "In every area of my life--I am under complete influence of Jesus! He influences my decision! There's not a move I make without Jesus suggesting it!! He is the denominator of my life! He is the nominator of my life!"
Can you say that today??
I believe that Mary Magdeline saw the cross that day as a place of redemption! She looked by faith beyond the physical surroundings---and saw Jesus there as Redeemer of her soul/mind, spirit, and flesh! She saw Jesus there on the cross--setting her free from the bondage of sin, death, and hell.
The cross--to Mary---must have been a place of redemption!!
As the calendar hastens to the spot of the crucifixion mehley and resurrection celebration--I want is to look now at Calvary's Mount--of course, I have said in the past and will continue to say---Calvary was where man did his worst, but where God did His best!!
John 19:25-27 is our text for the day and I want us to focus in on the four bystanders there at the cross---we will go to various verses of scripture throughout as we talk a little bit about each bystander---who stood afar off beholding the One who bears ALL shame and reproach and disgrace.
But there were several people standing there---mostly women along with John, Jesus' Apostle Beloved!! One wonders why these women would be at a place of Roman torment, torture, and terror--but nevertheless, they were there--so lets look at them one at the time---and probe the scripture and at the same time---let scripture probe us!
MARY MAGDALENE
This Mary is listed last for us in verse 25 but her life is spotlighted early on in Jesus' ministry.
The word "Magdalene" is not her last name---but is a name associated with Mary's home town of Magdela---on the west bank of the Sea of Galalee five or so miles from Capernium--Jesus' ministry "Home Base."
I believe that somewhere along the way, Mary of Magdela found "The Way"---or much more theologically---"The Way" found Mary and she just started following along "The Way!" I believe---early on in Jesus' ministry He meets Mary and she got gloriously saved! She became a follower/disciple of Jesus!
Interesting that the Bible says that Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary. What's so interesting about that?? Well, the #7 in the Bible suggests "completeness"---and I believe that these seven demons were influencing Mary in such a way that before she met Jesus---she was in complete submission to them!
Some theologians I have studied have suggested that Mary was under the influence of these demons---and that it was primarily a "mind control" possesion---unlike the Legion that possessed the man of Gadara--whos body was controled and he was out of control.---In other words, these demons possessing Mary were not "raviging" her body---but were influencing her mind---they were in control of her mind!
Regardless of the theological suggestion here---Jesus comes along and casts the seven demons out!! Now, friend, anytime you read where Jesus "casts out"---you know that something else has to "come in!!" Take a guess as to who it was?? Jesus!!! Amen!!!?? Jesus "cast out" and at the very same time---Jesus "came in"
Mary became a disciple of Jesus--a follower--a learner! Mary was under complete contol of Jesus! She was in total submission to Him! He became her influencer!
Can you say that today?? Can you say, "In every area of my life--I am under complete influence of Jesus! He influences my decision! There's not a move I make without Jesus suggesting it!! He is the denominator of my life! He is the nominator of my life!"
Can you say that today??
I believe that Mary Magdeline saw the cross that day as a place of redemption! She looked by faith beyond the physical surroundings---and saw Jesus there as Redeemer of her soul/mind, spirit, and flesh! She saw Jesus there on the cross--setting her free from the bondage of sin, death, and hell.
The cross--to Mary---must have been a place of redemption!!
March 20
Romans 11:2-5, “God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. ”
The first phrase of verse two of our text presents an interesting question, whom is Paul referring to when he speaks of “his people, whom he foreknew.” There are two possibilities: (1) The nation as a whole, or (2) The elect within Israel. Election, predestination and foreknowledge are subjects that often evoke strong emotional responses from folks on both sides of the aisle. I strongly believe in the sovereignty of God (often I’m referred to as a Calvinist), and I make no apologies for my stand. Others believe in the “free will of man” (often referred to as Armenians). Yet I find a third side in this discussion (I’ll refer to them as the ostriches) that do not want to discuss this subject, because it is too difficult to understand, and causes too much turmoil among believers.
Let’s blame Paul for this discussion, for he is the one who wrote “his people, whom he foreknew.” (I enjoy expository preaching. Preaching through a book of the Bible, verse by verse, allows the preacher to treat difficult and controversial subjects, without be accused of aiming those certain subjects at individual members of the congregation. My philosophy is, if it’s in the text - I’ll preach it! If it steps on your toes - then either move your feet, get steel toed shoes - or accept what God is trying to tell you! It’s great knowing when you preach through the Word - it’s God who steps on the toes - not me!)
There are about as many commentators who think the foreknown in this text are individuals as those that think it is the nation as a whole. F. Godet, John Murray, and Leon Morris hold to the nation and John Calvin, Robert Haldane, and Charles Hodge hold to the individual.
It is not difficult to understand why many take the “individual” stand. Hodge explains that Paul made much about “not all Israel, ... are of Israel” (Rom 9:6), that it was Paul’s explanation that the largest part of the nation has been cast away, and only a “remnant according to the election of grace” has been preserved, and that Paul borrowed the illustration from the Old Testament that best suits this explanation. Boice writes, “There is nothing wrong with this, of course. It is based on truth.”
But there are reasons for thinking that Paul was thinking of the nation as a whole. Paul wrote this section to prove God’s faithfulness to Israel. In Romans 11:1, Paul is talking about the nation and his question can be restated as (as Boice suggests): “Has God cast off the nation of Israel?” Paul’s answer is an emphatic “No, He has not rejected the nation, because He is saving some of them, and I am one!” The “His people” of verse one and “His people, whom He foreknew” in verse two must refer to the same people, and this must be the nation as a whole. This is where Paul leads us to in verses 26-29, “ And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”
I close with a quote from F. Godet, “Of all the peoples on the earth only one was chosen and known beforehand, by an act of divine foreknowledge and love, as the people whose history would be identified with the realization of salvation. In all others salvation is the affair of individuals, but here the notion of salvation is attached to the nation itself .... The Israelites contemporary with Jesus might reject Him; and indefinite series of generations may for ages perpetuate this fact of national unbelief. God is under no pressure; time can stretch out as long as He pleases. He will add, if need be, ages to ages, until there come at length the generation disposed to open their eyes and freely welcome the Messiah. God foreknew this nation as believing and saved, and sooner or later they cannot fail to be both.” (Boice adds, “Of course, they will be saved not because they become ‘disposed’ to believe by themselves, since they cannot, but rather because God will graciously draw this elect people to Himself.”)
Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Romans 11:2-5, “God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. ”
The first phrase of verse two of our text presents an interesting question, whom is Paul referring to when he speaks of “his people, whom he foreknew.” There are two possibilities: (1) The nation as a whole, or (2) The elect within Israel. Election, predestination and foreknowledge are subjects that often evoke strong emotional responses from folks on both sides of the aisle. I strongly believe in the sovereignty of God (often I’m referred to as a Calvinist), and I make no apologies for my stand. Others believe in the “free will of man” (often referred to as Armenians). Yet I find a third side in this discussion (I’ll refer to them as the ostriches) that do not want to discuss this subject, because it is too difficult to understand, and causes too much turmoil among believers.
Let’s blame Paul for this discussion, for he is the one who wrote “his people, whom he foreknew.” (I enjoy expository preaching. Preaching through a book of the Bible, verse by verse, allows the preacher to treat difficult and controversial subjects, without be accused of aiming those certain subjects at individual members of the congregation. My philosophy is, if it’s in the text - I’ll preach it! If it steps on your toes - then either move your feet, get steel toed shoes - or accept what God is trying to tell you! It’s great knowing when you preach through the Word - it’s God who steps on the toes - not me!)
There are about as many commentators who think the foreknown in this text are individuals as those that think it is the nation as a whole. F. Godet, John Murray, and Leon Morris hold to the nation and John Calvin, Robert Haldane, and Charles Hodge hold to the individual.
It is not difficult to understand why many take the “individual” stand. Hodge explains that Paul made much about “not all Israel, ... are of Israel” (Rom 9:6), that it was Paul’s explanation that the largest part of the nation has been cast away, and only a “remnant according to the election of grace” has been preserved, and that Paul borrowed the illustration from the Old Testament that best suits this explanation. Boice writes, “There is nothing wrong with this, of course. It is based on truth.”
But there are reasons for thinking that Paul was thinking of the nation as a whole. Paul wrote this section to prove God’s faithfulness to Israel. In Romans 11:1, Paul is talking about the nation and his question can be restated as (as Boice suggests): “Has God cast off the nation of Israel?” Paul’s answer is an emphatic “No, He has not rejected the nation, because He is saving some of them, and I am one!” The “His people” of verse one and “His people, whom He foreknew” in verse two must refer to the same people, and this must be the nation as a whole. This is where Paul leads us to in verses 26-29, “ And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”
I close with a quote from F. Godet, “Of all the peoples on the earth only one was chosen and known beforehand, by an act of divine foreknowledge and love, as the people whose history would be identified with the realization of salvation. In all others salvation is the affair of individuals, but here the notion of salvation is attached to the nation itself .... The Israelites contemporary with Jesus might reject Him; and indefinite series of generations may for ages perpetuate this fact of national unbelief. God is under no pressure; time can stretch out as long as He pleases. He will add, if need be, ages to ages, until there come at length the generation disposed to open their eyes and freely welcome the Messiah. God foreknew this nation as believing and saved, and sooner or later they cannot fail to be both.” (Boice adds, “Of course, they will be saved not because they become ‘disposed’ to believe by themselves, since they cannot, but rather because God will graciously draw this elect people to Himself.”)
Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Sunday, March 21, 2004
We looked in my devotion a little last time at key figures who stood at the cross during Jesus' crucifixion--Mary of Magdela being the last on John's list but the first one we discussed.
Today we look a little at Salome!! John 19:25
Mark 15:40 mentions her by name! Matthew 27:56 refers to her simply as the "mother of Zebedee's children." Her boys were James and John--two of Jesus' key Apostles---also know as "the Sons of Thunder."
What about Salome??
In Matthew 20:20 and following--a question arose about the "Kingdom" of Jesus and Salome wanted James and John to have choice spots!
You know the story!
Jesus--in reference to Salome's request--addresses her and James/John together--"Ye know not what ye ask!" What did Jesus mean by that statement??
Salome could see the Kingdom----but she could not foresee its cost!!
Then notice Jesus' reply to James and John in verse 22---"Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of??"
What Jesus was implying here was and is---the way to the Kingdom of God is through sorrow and suffering!! Anyone who wants to sit with Jesus must be willing to suffer for Jesus!---And this avenue of sorrow and suffering does not necessarily mean the avenue of sickness---too many times we hear of people who fall sick of something physically---and we account that for "suffering for the Kingdom"----No, suffering for the sake of the kingdom---means suffering for the name of Jesus---receiving and accepting shame and ridicule for Him! Remember what Jesus told Ananias about Paul??? Acts 9:16, "For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." The chapter(Acts 9) wasn't even concluded when it was concluded by the Jews that newly converted Saul must be killed!!
And now, Salome is at Calvary! And I believe she sees first hand----The way to the Kingdome is through a cross!!!
Friend, listen! "The Cup" leads to "The Cross" leads to "The Crown"---AMEN???
So, here is Salome with her two boys! Asking a Kingdom question in Matthew 20---to which Jesus' response is---"You will drink from the same cup I drink."
What happens to James--some years later?? In Acts 12:1-2--the word tells us that he is killed with the sword by Herod the king. Bible historians say he became the first Apostle to be killed for the cause of Christ!!
What happens to John?? Revelation 1:9 John speaks of his bannishment to the isle of Patmos(the "Alcatrez" of his day) "for the word of God and for the testamony of Jesus Christ." John was martyered in slow motion there on that island!!! Bible historians say that John was the last of Jesus' 12 Apostles to be killed!!
So, here is Salome!! At "the place of the skull"--at Calvary! Interestingly--in Matthew 20--Salome's request was for her son's to be in the Kingdom---one on the right and the other on the left!! And now she's at Calvary----sees Jesus in the middle---with a thief on the left and another thief on the right----headed to the Kingdom!!
Kingdom's key is a cross! To advance TO the Kingdom is done with a cross!! Approach to the Kingdom is by way of reproach!
No wonder the hymn writer penned it--
I must needs go home by the way of the cross
There's no other way but this
I shall ne'er get sight of the gates of light
If the way of the cross I miss
The way of the cross leads home
The way of the cross leads home
It is sweet to know as I onward go
The way of the cross leads home
words by James Pounds
We looked in my devotion a little last time at key figures who stood at the cross during Jesus' crucifixion--Mary of Magdela being the last on John's list but the first one we discussed.
Today we look a little at Salome!! John 19:25
Mark 15:40 mentions her by name! Matthew 27:56 refers to her simply as the "mother of Zebedee's children." Her boys were James and John--two of Jesus' key Apostles---also know as "the Sons of Thunder."
What about Salome??
In Matthew 20:20 and following--a question arose about the "Kingdom" of Jesus and Salome wanted James and John to have choice spots!
You know the story!
Jesus--in reference to Salome's request--addresses her and James/John together--"Ye know not what ye ask!" What did Jesus mean by that statement??
Salome could see the Kingdom----but she could not foresee its cost!!
Then notice Jesus' reply to James and John in verse 22---"Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of??"
What Jesus was implying here was and is---the way to the Kingdom of God is through sorrow and suffering!! Anyone who wants to sit with Jesus must be willing to suffer for Jesus!---And this avenue of sorrow and suffering does not necessarily mean the avenue of sickness---too many times we hear of people who fall sick of something physically---and we account that for "suffering for the Kingdom"----No, suffering for the sake of the kingdom---means suffering for the name of Jesus---receiving and accepting shame and ridicule for Him! Remember what Jesus told Ananias about Paul??? Acts 9:16, "For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." The chapter(Acts 9) wasn't even concluded when it was concluded by the Jews that newly converted Saul must be killed!!
And now, Salome is at Calvary! And I believe she sees first hand----The way to the Kingdome is through a cross!!!
Friend, listen! "The Cup" leads to "The Cross" leads to "The Crown"---AMEN???
So, here is Salome with her two boys! Asking a Kingdom question in Matthew 20---to which Jesus' response is---"You will drink from the same cup I drink."
What happens to James--some years later?? In Acts 12:1-2--the word tells us that he is killed with the sword by Herod the king. Bible historians say he became the first Apostle to be killed for the cause of Christ!!
What happens to John?? Revelation 1:9 John speaks of his bannishment to the isle of Patmos(the "Alcatrez" of his day) "for the word of God and for the testamony of Jesus Christ." John was martyered in slow motion there on that island!!! Bible historians say that John was the last of Jesus' 12 Apostles to be killed!!
So, here is Salome!! At "the place of the skull"--at Calvary! Interestingly--in Matthew 20--Salome's request was for her son's to be in the Kingdom---one on the right and the other on the left!! And now she's at Calvary----sees Jesus in the middle---with a thief on the left and another thief on the right----headed to the Kingdom!!
Kingdom's key is a cross! To advance TO the Kingdom is done with a cross!! Approach to the Kingdom is by way of reproach!
No wonder the hymn writer penned it--
I must needs go home by the way of the cross
There's no other way but this
I shall ne'er get sight of the gates of light
If the way of the cross I miss
The way of the cross leads home
The way of the cross leads home
It is sweet to know as I onward go
The way of the cross leads home
words by James Pounds
D
dianetavegia
Guest
Oh Wow, Bro. David.... I never put that together!
Thank you for that!!
Diane
Thank you for that!!
Diane