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Coffee House Chapel #3
- Thread starter Dan Todd
- Start date
Gnostic is the word, Doctor! I pray that folks look over that spelling!!
Thursday, April 1, 2004
"The Cry of Suffering"(continued)
John 19:28
We see Jesus on the cross--identifying with humans--His crowning creation!! Jesus is the human one---totally man! With manly senses! And manly aspects! But yet--without man's sin! He was human---yet born in perfection and here--He is now dying in perfection!! We've seen Jesus identifing Himself with humans!
Now, lets see Jesus---not only as the human one---but as the HOLY one!!
Can you imagine---as you look at what Jesus says on the cross---"I thirst!"---do you realize who is saying those words! Do you realize who is on the cross---thirsting?? Friend, Heaven's HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!! Heaven's Holiest One! The Holiest of all---now on the cross--thirstiest of all!!
We need to stop here and remind ourselves --that what we're reading in Holy scripture goes far beyond the physical sufferings! What we read here in the text goes way beyond human thirst! What we read here goes into the world---unseen by physical eye! There is a spiritual thirst here---a spiritual thirst beyond human comprehension!
So I ask---in the spiritual realm---spiritually!! What was Jesus' greatest thirst, spiritually?? Friend, Jesus had a flaming passion to save us from sin! Human souls was on the heart of the HOLY, HOLY, HOLY that day!!! A thirst for the souls of men!!
In John 4---Jesus had stopped for a drink at Jacob's Well! A physical drink of water! But waaaaaaaaay beyond Jesus' desire to GET a drink--was His desire to GIVE a drink!! Everything that Jacob's well was to a physical man---Jesus is to a spiritual man!!! Jesus said in John 4:10, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to the, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee Living Water."
Jesus was thirsting for the souls of man!! Living Water---thirsty?? For me---yes, He was!!!
Something else He thirsted for!!! We spoke once of the seperation of fellowship---the cross seperated the fellowship the Son had with the Father from Eternity Past!!
I believe that it is quiet possible that Jesus here(spiritually now) was expressing His desire to be back in fellowship with His Father! I believe that when that fellowship was withdrawn for those few hours on the cross---that in a sense---it left Jesus crushed----Proverbs 17:22 tells us, "A crushed spirit dries up the bones!"
Is there a thirst in you---that only God's fellowship can quench?? Psalm 42:1-2 says, "As a Hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the Living God: when shall I come and appear before God!"
As fully human---Jesus thirsted---a thirst never before felt like this one!
As fully Holy---Jesus thirsted--a thirst never before felt like this one!!
You're gonna get thirsty today---I'll go ahead and tell you right now!! Physically---you'll desire a drink of water for satisfaction!! And physcially---you'll keep coming back to that water source!!
Spiritually---your "spirit man" inside of you will get thirsty----and ooooooohhhhh, you can satisfy that thirst with the presence of God! Go to the Living Water today----go to Jacob's Well!
Thursday, April 1, 2004
"The Cry of Suffering"(continued)
John 19:28
We see Jesus on the cross--identifying with humans--His crowning creation!! Jesus is the human one---totally man! With manly senses! And manly aspects! But yet--without man's sin! He was human---yet born in perfection and here--He is now dying in perfection!! We've seen Jesus identifing Himself with humans!
Now, lets see Jesus---not only as the human one---but as the HOLY one!!
Can you imagine---as you look at what Jesus says on the cross---"I thirst!"---do you realize who is saying those words! Do you realize who is on the cross---thirsting?? Friend, Heaven's HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!! Heaven's Holiest One! The Holiest of all---now on the cross--thirstiest of all!!
We need to stop here and remind ourselves --that what we're reading in Holy scripture goes far beyond the physical sufferings! What we read here in the text goes way beyond human thirst! What we read here goes into the world---unseen by physical eye! There is a spiritual thirst here---a spiritual thirst beyond human comprehension!
So I ask---in the spiritual realm---spiritually!! What was Jesus' greatest thirst, spiritually?? Friend, Jesus had a flaming passion to save us from sin! Human souls was on the heart of the HOLY, HOLY, HOLY that day!!! A thirst for the souls of men!!
In John 4---Jesus had stopped for a drink at Jacob's Well! A physical drink of water! But waaaaaaaaay beyond Jesus' desire to GET a drink--was His desire to GIVE a drink!! Everything that Jacob's well was to a physical man---Jesus is to a spiritual man!!! Jesus said in John 4:10, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to the, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee Living Water."
Jesus was thirsting for the souls of man!! Living Water---thirsty?? For me---yes, He was!!!
Something else He thirsted for!!! We spoke once of the seperation of fellowship---the cross seperated the fellowship the Son had with the Father from Eternity Past!!
I believe that it is quiet possible that Jesus here(spiritually now) was expressing His desire to be back in fellowship with His Father! I believe that when that fellowship was withdrawn for those few hours on the cross---that in a sense---it left Jesus crushed----Proverbs 17:22 tells us, "A crushed spirit dries up the bones!"
Is there a thirst in you---that only God's fellowship can quench?? Psalm 42:1-2 says, "As a Hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the Living God: when shall I come and appear before God!"
As fully human---Jesus thirsted---a thirst never before felt like this one!
As fully Holy---Jesus thirsted--a thirst never before felt like this one!!
You're gonna get thirsty today---I'll go ahead and tell you right now!! Physically---you'll desire a drink of water for satisfaction!! And physcially---you'll keep coming back to that water source!!
Spiritually---your "spirit man" inside of you will get thirsty----and ooooooohhhhh, you can satisfy that thirst with the presence of God! Go to the Living Water today----go to Jacob's Well!
April 2
Romans 11:6, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
Grace - amazing - but also imperative. Robert Haldane writes that it is “necessarily and obviously implied in every other doctrine of the gospel.”
Grace - the dictionary in my word processor gives eight definitions for grace - the noun. Number four is of particular interest to our study, “(in Christian belief) the free and unearned favor of God.” Many so-called “Christian” groups have a problem with grace, the free and unearned favor of God, for they are convinced that they must buy their own salvation. Many others have even a bigger problem with election. Boice writes, “But the real problem people have is not with election, grace, or foreknowledge, but with the doctrine of depravity.”
There are three views of sin - from man’s perspective:
1. Some deny it. The deniers say that people are not sinners. They may admit they are not perfect, but claim that as evolving beings, they are getting better and better all the time. I will admit that man is evolving, but not in an upward direction. According to Genesis, God made man in His image, and man was without sin. But sin soon entered the human race, and the race has been plunging downward into depravity since that first pair of sins in the garden. Satan wants us to believe that we are not sinners.
2. Some will admit to “imperfections,” but maintain that it is possible to correct them. These believe that man can make himself better, if he wants to. This view of sin is not much better than the first. Anytime Satan can convince mankind that they can pull themselves up by their own “bootstraps,” he has accomplished his purpose of keeping men from God’s free gift of salvation.
3. The biblical view is that man is hopelessly lost in sin, and there is nothing that we can do to save ourselves, or even for that matter, make ourselves better. Satan hates this understanding of sin, because that is where the sinner must be, before they can come to Christ.
Boice writes, “The first view may be described by saying that human beings are in great moral health. The second view says that we are sick. The third view says that we are dead so far as being able to do anything to help ourselves is concerned. We need a resurrection.”
If the biblical view of sin is correct, then how can salvation come to us in any other way but the free and unmerited grace of God, “without any relationship to anything we might do?” (Boice)
When it comes to election:
1. Some deny the possibility of it.
2. Some say God forsaw who would have faith, and then chose them to salvation.
3. Some believe that God elected the way of salvation.
4. Paul tells us when and how we were elected in this astounding statement in Ephesians 1:4, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”
Boice writes, “If we are ‘dead in [our] transgressions and sins,’ as Paul writes in Ephesians 2:1, what could God possibly see but an unregenerate and therefore spiritually dead heart, unless He should have determined beforehand to give faith to it? Or again, if as Paul says in Romans 3:10-11, ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God,’ what could God possibly see in us but a nature obstinately determined to resist Him at every cost? If we are to be saved, clearly it is going to have to be God’s work from beginning to end.”
Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Romans 11:6, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
Grace - amazing - but also imperative. Robert Haldane writes that it is “necessarily and obviously implied in every other doctrine of the gospel.”
Grace - the dictionary in my word processor gives eight definitions for grace - the noun. Number four is of particular interest to our study, “(in Christian belief) the free and unearned favor of God.” Many so-called “Christian” groups have a problem with grace, the free and unearned favor of God, for they are convinced that they must buy their own salvation. Many others have even a bigger problem with election. Boice writes, “But the real problem people have is not with election, grace, or foreknowledge, but with the doctrine of depravity.”
There are three views of sin - from man’s perspective:
1. Some deny it. The deniers say that people are not sinners. They may admit they are not perfect, but claim that as evolving beings, they are getting better and better all the time. I will admit that man is evolving, but not in an upward direction. According to Genesis, God made man in His image, and man was without sin. But sin soon entered the human race, and the race has been plunging downward into depravity since that first pair of sins in the garden. Satan wants us to believe that we are not sinners.
2. Some will admit to “imperfections,” but maintain that it is possible to correct them. These believe that man can make himself better, if he wants to. This view of sin is not much better than the first. Anytime Satan can convince mankind that they can pull themselves up by their own “bootstraps,” he has accomplished his purpose of keeping men from God’s free gift of salvation.
3. The biblical view is that man is hopelessly lost in sin, and there is nothing that we can do to save ourselves, or even for that matter, make ourselves better. Satan hates this understanding of sin, because that is where the sinner must be, before they can come to Christ.
Boice writes, “The first view may be described by saying that human beings are in great moral health. The second view says that we are sick. The third view says that we are dead so far as being able to do anything to help ourselves is concerned. We need a resurrection.”
If the biblical view of sin is correct, then how can salvation come to us in any other way but the free and unmerited grace of God, “without any relationship to anything we might do?” (Boice)
When it comes to election:
1. Some deny the possibility of it.
2. Some say God forsaw who would have faith, and then chose them to salvation.
3. Some believe that God elected the way of salvation.
4. Paul tells us when and how we were elected in this astounding statement in Ephesians 1:4, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”
Boice writes, “If we are ‘dead in [our] transgressions and sins,’ as Paul writes in Ephesians 2:1, what could God possibly see but an unregenerate and therefore spiritually dead heart, unless He should have determined beforehand to give faith to it? Or again, if as Paul says in Romans 3:10-11, ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God,’ what could God possibly see in us but a nature obstinately determined to resist Him at every cost? If we are to be saved, clearly it is going to have to be God’s work from beginning to end.”
Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Saturday, April 3, 2004
"A Cry of Suffering"(Conclusion)
John 19:28
Jesus-100% man with a thirst beyond comprehension!
Jesus-100% God with a thirst beyond comprehension!
Then the word from the Word says that they gave Him vinegar!
We have a tendency to look at that episode and then say, "Well, if I'd had been there--I'd have given Him water!! I'd have come to His aid!! Why, Brother David! Any SAVED person would have given Him water!!" Is that so??
We have to remember---there WERE saved people there---Mary, His mother, Mary Magdelene, Silome!! There was even an Apostle present---Beloved John!! If anybody would have pressed forward with just a drop of water---it would have been these people---reckon??
But instead---all He got was Vinegar!! Historians say it was a cheap sort of wine----that left the person thirstier then before he drank it!!
We don't know why these saved people didn't reach out and up!!! We don't know why it wasn't they who offered relief to a man in His dying moment! But can I suggest two possible reasons why they didn't??(and prayerfully--we won't do any damage to the text)
1. They may have been prevented from doing so---physically---by the guards/soldiers!
2. They may have been prevented from doing so--spiritually---by the Holy Spirit present!
I believe---under the Holy Spirit's prompting---when Jesus began to cry out, "I thirst!"---that the saved people there--remained absolutely still!
Why??
In order that scripture may be fully fulfilled! What scripture?? Psalm 69:11!! "And in My thirst they gave me vinegar to drink."
Theologians say that when they offered vinegar in the place of water--it was the last show of lowest degree of cruelty and mockery! Imagine---Jesus---God of very God---man of very man---moments away from death---and they're busy "mocking" Him!
But when Jesus TOOK the vinegar----it showed fulfillment of scripture--to the highest degree of obedience and of always doing the Father's will---even to the very last second of life!!!
Now---look at our text again!!
The word says that Jesus was thirsty!
In a way---you can help Him!!---not physically, of course---you can't go back in time to that moment---but even if you could---you would have been just as still as those other saved people around you---scripture was going to be fulfilled that said vinegar was going to be His dying drink!!
But how can you help Him now!!??? Jesus has a thirst here in this particular passage!! How can we move to satisfy that thirst Jesus had!! How do we move to obey the words of the text???
Look over in Matthew 25:31-40!!
Brothers and Sisters!!! We satisfy Jesus' thirst--we can give Him a drink of water:
--by meeting the needs of those around us!
--by ministering to others--through actions and words and deeds!
--by lifting fellow believers up in prayer!
If we give a cup of water--even to the least of the brothers of Jesus----we've given a cup to Jesus!
"A Cry of Suffering"(Conclusion)
John 19:28
Jesus-100% man with a thirst beyond comprehension!
Jesus-100% God with a thirst beyond comprehension!
Then the word from the Word says that they gave Him vinegar!
We have a tendency to look at that episode and then say, "Well, if I'd had been there--I'd have given Him water!! I'd have come to His aid!! Why, Brother David! Any SAVED person would have given Him water!!" Is that so??
We have to remember---there WERE saved people there---Mary, His mother, Mary Magdelene, Silome!! There was even an Apostle present---Beloved John!! If anybody would have pressed forward with just a drop of water---it would have been these people---reckon??
But instead---all He got was Vinegar!! Historians say it was a cheap sort of wine----that left the person thirstier then before he drank it!!
We don't know why these saved people didn't reach out and up!!! We don't know why it wasn't they who offered relief to a man in His dying moment! But can I suggest two possible reasons why they didn't??(and prayerfully--we won't do any damage to the text)
1. They may have been prevented from doing so---physically---by the guards/soldiers!
2. They may have been prevented from doing so--spiritually---by the Holy Spirit present!
I believe---under the Holy Spirit's prompting---when Jesus began to cry out, "I thirst!"---that the saved people there--remained absolutely still!
Why??
In order that scripture may be fully fulfilled! What scripture?? Psalm 69:11!! "And in My thirst they gave me vinegar to drink."
Theologians say that when they offered vinegar in the place of water--it was the last show of lowest degree of cruelty and mockery! Imagine---Jesus---God of very God---man of very man---moments away from death---and they're busy "mocking" Him!
But when Jesus TOOK the vinegar----it showed fulfillment of scripture--to the highest degree of obedience and of always doing the Father's will---even to the very last second of life!!!
Now---look at our text again!!
The word says that Jesus was thirsty!
In a way---you can help Him!!---not physically, of course---you can't go back in time to that moment---but even if you could---you would have been just as still as those other saved people around you---scripture was going to be fulfilled that said vinegar was going to be His dying drink!!
But how can you help Him now!!??? Jesus has a thirst here in this particular passage!! How can we move to satisfy that thirst Jesus had!! How do we move to obey the words of the text???
Look over in Matthew 25:31-40!!
Brothers and Sisters!!! We satisfy Jesus' thirst--we can give Him a drink of water:
--by meeting the needs of those around us!
--by ministering to others--through actions and words and deeds!
--by lifting fellow believers up in prayer!
If we give a cup of water--even to the least of the brothers of Jesus----we've given a cup to Jesus!
April 4
Romans 11:6, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
I would say that grace plays an integral part of our salvation, but that might leave to much room for there to be another entity that could play a roll. I note two definitions of integral as an adjective, the first is “existing as an essential constituent” which suggest something other than exclusivity, the second is “constituting the undiminished entirety” which fits Paul’s teaching on th subject.
Last time we saw that before salvation we are totally dead in our sin. Today we look at two other aspects of grace:
2. You must be born again. When Jesus talked to Nicodemus, He told him that he would have to be born again to see and enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:3,5) Nicodemus, though a religious leader of the Jews, did not understand much of what Jesus was telling him. There was one thing that Nicodemus did understand, that was the physical impossibility of being born again, (John 3:4).
We must come to that place when we are confronted with the claims of Jesus regarding salvation. It is a human impossibility for us to earn/work for our own salvation. Jesus explained to Nicodemus that the new birth was not physical, it was spiritual. (“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” - John 3:6-8) Boice writes, “If the new birth depends on the sovereign working of God’s Spirit, then it does not depend on us, and we can no more control it than we can control the wind. Salvation will have to be of God. It must be of grace from the beginning to the end.”
3. Through faith. Salvation is by grace, and as our text states, it is opposed to works. If grace is not a work - then neither can faith be a work. (“ Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2:9) “If [faith] were a work, salvation would be by works, and, as we have already seen, if it were by works, ‘grace would no longer be grace.’” (Boice)
Charles Haddon Spurgeon penned an excellent statement about faith, “Faith is not a blind thing; for faith begins with knowledge. It is not a speculative thing; for faith believes facts of which it is sure. It is not an unpractical, dreamy thing; for faith trusts, and stakes its destiny upon the truth of revelation....Faith is the eye which looks....Faith is the hand which grasps....Faith is the mouth which feeds upon Christ.” Of this Boice writes, “It is no credit to us to have an eye that looks or a hand that grasps or a mouth that feeds. These body parts are given to us by God. No more is faith a credit to the ones who uses it, for it, too, is given by God and functions rightly only when it rests upon Him.”
Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Romans 11:6, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
I would say that grace plays an integral part of our salvation, but that might leave to much room for there to be another entity that could play a roll. I note two definitions of integral as an adjective, the first is “existing as an essential constituent” which suggest something other than exclusivity, the second is “constituting the undiminished entirety” which fits Paul’s teaching on th subject.
Last time we saw that before salvation we are totally dead in our sin. Today we look at two other aspects of grace:
2. You must be born again. When Jesus talked to Nicodemus, He told him that he would have to be born again to see and enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:3,5) Nicodemus, though a religious leader of the Jews, did not understand much of what Jesus was telling him. There was one thing that Nicodemus did understand, that was the physical impossibility of being born again, (John 3:4).
We must come to that place when we are confronted with the claims of Jesus regarding salvation. It is a human impossibility for us to earn/work for our own salvation. Jesus explained to Nicodemus that the new birth was not physical, it was spiritual. (“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” - John 3:6-8) Boice writes, “If the new birth depends on the sovereign working of God’s Spirit, then it does not depend on us, and we can no more control it than we can control the wind. Salvation will have to be of God. It must be of grace from the beginning to the end.”
3. Through faith. Salvation is by grace, and as our text states, it is opposed to works. If grace is not a work - then neither can faith be a work. (“ Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2:9) “If [faith] were a work, salvation would be by works, and, as we have already seen, if it were by works, ‘grace would no longer be grace.’” (Boice)
Charles Haddon Spurgeon penned an excellent statement about faith, “Faith is not a blind thing; for faith begins with knowledge. It is not a speculative thing; for faith believes facts of which it is sure. It is not an unpractical, dreamy thing; for faith trusts, and stakes its destiny upon the truth of revelation....Faith is the eye which looks....Faith is the hand which grasps....Faith is the mouth which feeds upon Christ.” Of this Boice writes, “It is no credit to us to have an eye that looks or a hand that grasps or a mouth that feeds. These body parts are given to us by God. No more is faith a credit to the ones who uses it, for it, too, is given by God and functions rightly only when it rests upon Him.”
Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Monday, April 5, 2004
Two short devotions I want to show you---while I wait to develope our devotion series on the last few words Jesus spoke from the cross----
These two devotions are part of a series on the different names of Jesus! There are over 700 different names given for the Lord Jesus---each name bears a different character trait that He would and does continue to carry today---lets skip on to the New Testament and see first
JESUS---THE NAZARENE
Matthew 2:23
I love to sing that song--
I stand amazed in the presence/of Jesus the Nazarene(sing or hummm the rest of it---you know it---it'll lift your soul)
"The Nazarene"---is sort of what I call a "tag" that just followed Jesus along everywhere He went---lets see
UNDERSTANDING THE NAME---NAZARENE
Lets look at this verse above and a few others---and note that the name "Nazarene" was used more often than any other name to identify the Lord Jesus!
Its interesting that Jesus was born in Bethleham---but He was never referred to as "Jesus: The Bethlehamite!"
Exactly where is Nazareth?? It is located in the northern part of Israel in Galilee----and if you study the name "Nazareth"--you will soon discover that it wasn't the most pleasant of cities to live in----it was on what I call "the lower side" of Israel---and in your study of the town in Bible days you will discover as I have that Nazareth was a city of "Rejects"----if you were from the town of Nazareth in Bible days---you were met by society---with reproach and ridicule!!
Listen to how Nathanial and Philip had to say about the town of Nazareth---over in John 1:45-46
I find this interesting---look over in Luke 4:14-29 at Jesus' first public sermon---preached in His own home town---notice what they attempt to do!!! The "City of Rejects" reject Jesus!!
But Jesus took the name----Nazareth! That was His most popular "surname!" And He used that name for God's Glory! He just idendified with it---throughout His earthly ministry and beyond!!! It is proof that Jesus was willing to bare our lowest reproach---even in a surname!!
Notice---in our text above---He was born with that name!!! Matthew 2:23
He began His earthly ministry with that name! John 1:45-46
He then took that name----high up on the cross with Him!!!! John 19:19
He took the name beyond the grave----meaning that name was buried with Him and rose with Him!!! Mark 16:6
Finally----He just took that name up to Glory with Him!!! He lifted that name up and its in Heaven now with Jesus!!! Acts 22:8
Now, friend!!! If He'll take that name and take it with Him wherever He goes---if He's willing to bear the reproach associated with that name----just think what He will do with you!!!!!!???
Two short devotions I want to show you---while I wait to develope our devotion series on the last few words Jesus spoke from the cross----
These two devotions are part of a series on the different names of Jesus! There are over 700 different names given for the Lord Jesus---each name bears a different character trait that He would and does continue to carry today---lets skip on to the New Testament and see first
JESUS---THE NAZARENE
Matthew 2:23
I love to sing that song--
I stand amazed in the presence/of Jesus the Nazarene(sing or hummm the rest of it---you know it---it'll lift your soul)
"The Nazarene"---is sort of what I call a "tag" that just followed Jesus along everywhere He went---lets see
UNDERSTANDING THE NAME---NAZARENE
Lets look at this verse above and a few others---and note that the name "Nazarene" was used more often than any other name to identify the Lord Jesus!
Its interesting that Jesus was born in Bethleham---but He was never referred to as "Jesus: The Bethlehamite!"
Exactly where is Nazareth?? It is located in the northern part of Israel in Galilee----and if you study the name "Nazareth"--you will soon discover that it wasn't the most pleasant of cities to live in----it was on what I call "the lower side" of Israel---and in your study of the town in Bible days you will discover as I have that Nazareth was a city of "Rejects"----if you were from the town of Nazareth in Bible days---you were met by society---with reproach and ridicule!!
Listen to how Nathanial and Philip had to say about the town of Nazareth---over in John 1:45-46
I find this interesting---look over in Luke 4:14-29 at Jesus' first public sermon---preached in His own home town---notice what they attempt to do!!! The "City of Rejects" reject Jesus!!
But Jesus took the name----Nazareth! That was His most popular "surname!" And He used that name for God's Glory! He just idendified with it---throughout His earthly ministry and beyond!!! It is proof that Jesus was willing to bare our lowest reproach---even in a surname!!
Notice---in our text above---He was born with that name!!! Matthew 2:23
He began His earthly ministry with that name! John 1:45-46
He then took that name----high up on the cross with Him!!!! John 19:19
He took the name beyond the grave----meaning that name was buried with Him and rose with Him!!! Mark 16:6
Finally----He just took that name up to Glory with Him!!! He lifted that name up and its in Heaven now with Jesus!!! Acts 22:8
Now, friend!!! If He'll take that name and take it with Him wherever He goes---if He's willing to bear the reproach associated with that name----just think what He will do with you!!!!!!???
April 6
Romans 11:6, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
“Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” With minor variations, this verse is found in 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2, and 2 John 3. Grace, mercy, and peace, let’s take a closer look at these terms.
Grace - the free and unearned favor of God - “apart from anything seen or foreseen in us. It is utterly contrary to works. For work is something we do, and grace does not look to us but flows from the unfettered will of God.” (Boice)
Mercy - is closely related to grace, but it adds another dimension, that of showing pity towards offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice. Simply put - God feels sorry for us. He reaches out to save us through the finished of work of Jesus Christ, His Son, Who paid for our sin with His own death, burial, and resurrection.
Peace - “describes what comes to us as the result of God’s grace and mercy.” There are three results of this peace:
1. Peace with God. God made peace between Himself and us - through the blood of Christ - Colossians 1:20, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” This peace required an atonement (amends for a wrong or injury). We cannot make these amends ourselves, because of our sin. Only Jesus Christ, the God-man, could meet God’s demand for sinless perfection.
2. Peace among human beings. What causes the most discord among humans? - competition. Grace removes the need for competition. All of us are on an equal footing before God - that of lost sinners and headed for hell. None of us gain God’s favor by our works. Seeing all believers are saved the same way - through grace - there will be no fighting regarding to who did the most to obtain eternal life. We’ve all done the same thing - nothing - which means we’ll have peace. The result of grace are blood bought believers who should live in peace among the brethren on this earth, and will live in peace, perfect peace, in heaven.
3. Personal peace. Boice writes, “It is the peace that comes when we are embraced by the grace of God and know ourselves to be so.” If we trust in our own good works - we will never have this personal peace of mind and heart. By ourselves, we can never meet the righteous demands of the holy God. Those who live by works - will die by works. It is like asking God for justice, because getting justice from God will only condemn us. Instead, we sinner (Yes - that’s all of us) needs to throw ourselves on the grace of God by trusting Christ. Then and only then will we have peace, “because [our] peace will depend not on [our] own imperfect works, but upon Jesus’ own perfect work for [us].” (Boice)
Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Romans 11:6, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
“Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” With minor variations, this verse is found in 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2, and 2 John 3. Grace, mercy, and peace, let’s take a closer look at these terms.
Grace - the free and unearned favor of God - “apart from anything seen or foreseen in us. It is utterly contrary to works. For work is something we do, and grace does not look to us but flows from the unfettered will of God.” (Boice)
Mercy - is closely related to grace, but it adds another dimension, that of showing pity towards offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice. Simply put - God feels sorry for us. He reaches out to save us through the finished of work of Jesus Christ, His Son, Who paid for our sin with His own death, burial, and resurrection.
Peace - “describes what comes to us as the result of God’s grace and mercy.” There are three results of this peace:
1. Peace with God. God made peace between Himself and us - through the blood of Christ - Colossians 1:20, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” This peace required an atonement (amends for a wrong or injury). We cannot make these amends ourselves, because of our sin. Only Jesus Christ, the God-man, could meet God’s demand for sinless perfection.
2. Peace among human beings. What causes the most discord among humans? - competition. Grace removes the need for competition. All of us are on an equal footing before God - that of lost sinners and headed for hell. None of us gain God’s favor by our works. Seeing all believers are saved the same way - through grace - there will be no fighting regarding to who did the most to obtain eternal life. We’ve all done the same thing - nothing - which means we’ll have peace. The result of grace are blood bought believers who should live in peace among the brethren on this earth, and will live in peace, perfect peace, in heaven.
3. Personal peace. Boice writes, “It is the peace that comes when we are embraced by the grace of God and know ourselves to be so.” If we trust in our own good works - we will never have this personal peace of mind and heart. By ourselves, we can never meet the righteous demands of the holy God. Those who live by works - will die by works. It is like asking God for justice, because getting justice from God will only condemn us. Instead, we sinner (Yes - that’s all of us) needs to throw ourselves on the grace of God by trusting Christ. Then and only then will we have peace, “because [our] peace will depend not on [our] own imperfect works, but upon Jesus’ own perfect work for [us].” (Boice)
Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Thanks Dan,
There is nothing I can really add to your post except to say that I have always liked to put these things in simple terms and correct me if I'm wrong:
Grace: We get what we don't deserve.
Mercy: We don't get what we do deserve.
Peace: With God obtained for us who would believe at the Cross when The Lord said, "It is finished."
But, by my understanding, there is another peace and I hesitate in saying that it is deserved, but, none the less, it is conditional; that is, the Peace OF God, alluded to in 1John 1:6:
If we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
If one is His child and is in disobedience that one is under His chastisement and that wonderfull fellowship is broken.
There is nothing I can really add to your post except to say that I have always liked to put these things in simple terms and correct me if I'm wrong:
Grace: We get what we don't deserve.
Mercy: We don't get what we do deserve.
Peace: With God obtained for us who would believe at the Cross when The Lord said, "It is finished."
But, by my understanding, there is another peace and I hesitate in saying that it is deserved, but, none the less, it is conditional; that is, the Peace OF God, alluded to in 1John 1:6:
If we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
If one is His child and is in disobedience that one is under His chastisement and that wonderfull fellowship is broken.
Wednesday, April 7, 2004
Jesus: The Carpenter
Mark 6:1-6
We looked a little bit about Jesus "associateing" Himself with the name---Nazareth! The word repeats the phrases over and over----"Jesus of Nazareth" or "Jesus the Nazarene"
Today we see another name assoicated with Jesus! He was known by others as "The Carpenter!"
Look at verse 3!! "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not His sisters here with us? And they were offended at Him."
Think about the skill of a carpenter for a minute! Chances are---everyone of us "readers" knows a carpenter by trade---or you may even be a carpenter! I know I'm not "cut out" to be one! I can hardly saw a straight line on a board! I can hardly hammer a nail into a plank without the nail bending before it has to!!
But Jesus was a carpenter by trade! He probably picked up the skill from Joseph there in the shop in Nazareth!
When I think though, about the skill and profession of a carpenter---I think about it being a hard profession! Hard work! Sorta proves that Jesus---as human---Jesus, the man---was accustomed to hard labor and work by the sweat of the brow!!
In our text--Jesus was known as "the carpenter!" He was born into it! But, too---Jesus came as a carpenter! Friend---if you think about it---Jesus is who I call---"Heaven's Carpenter!!!"
Well, what does a carpenter do??
He builds things!
Jesus---the carpenter---came to build things!!
1) He came to build His Church Matthew 16:18
Its interesting---that in the book of Genesis He tells Noah to build an Ark--"to the saving of his house!" But here---Jesus is personally involved! "I will build My Church"
2) He came to build the Body of Believers--to build Individuals!!
1Peter 2:5
Ephesians 2:22
Philippians 1:6
3) He is building---right at this moment---a home for us in Heaven!! Heaven's "Hammer" is busy "hammerin'!" Heaven's "Saw" is busy "Sawin'!" Gettin' it ready!
John 14:1-6
Jesus---the Carpenter--also came to fix things!! He came to repair things! Luke 4:16-18
I have a buddy of mine who is a retired railroad "Cab Carpenter." I asked him what a Cab Carpenter does at the railroad! Here's what he said---"I fix things that get torn up on the locomotives!"
I asked him---"Brother!!! How do you tear up a locomotive????????"
"You'll be surprised how they can get torn up!!"
Friend---Jesus came to fix up things that get torn up!
A marriage!
A family!
A relationship!
A life!
Have you ever watched that cablevision show--"Junkyard Wars?" These teams of experts go into a junkyard and get parts off of certain pieces of machinery---and put them together---and make them run!!!
Well----Jesus---as Heaven's Carpenter---came to the junkyard called Earth---and He's putting pieces together---gonna make it ruuuuuuuuun!!!!!
How about that???
Jesus: The Carpenter
Mark 6:1-6
We looked a little bit about Jesus "associateing" Himself with the name---Nazareth! The word repeats the phrases over and over----"Jesus of Nazareth" or "Jesus the Nazarene"
Today we see another name assoicated with Jesus! He was known by others as "The Carpenter!"
Look at verse 3!! "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not His sisters here with us? And they were offended at Him."
Think about the skill of a carpenter for a minute! Chances are---everyone of us "readers" knows a carpenter by trade---or you may even be a carpenter! I know I'm not "cut out" to be one! I can hardly saw a straight line on a board! I can hardly hammer a nail into a plank without the nail bending before it has to!!
But Jesus was a carpenter by trade! He probably picked up the skill from Joseph there in the shop in Nazareth!
When I think though, about the skill and profession of a carpenter---I think about it being a hard profession! Hard work! Sorta proves that Jesus---as human---Jesus, the man---was accustomed to hard labor and work by the sweat of the brow!!
In our text--Jesus was known as "the carpenter!" He was born into it! But, too---Jesus came as a carpenter! Friend---if you think about it---Jesus is who I call---"Heaven's Carpenter!!!"
Well, what does a carpenter do??
He builds things!
Jesus---the carpenter---came to build things!!
1) He came to build His Church Matthew 16:18
Its interesting---that in the book of Genesis He tells Noah to build an Ark--"to the saving of his house!" But here---Jesus is personally involved! "I will build My Church"
2) He came to build the Body of Believers--to build Individuals!!
1Peter 2:5
Ephesians 2:22
Philippians 1:6
3) He is building---right at this moment---a home for us in Heaven!! Heaven's "Hammer" is busy "hammerin'!" Heaven's "Saw" is busy "Sawin'!" Gettin' it ready!
John 14:1-6
Jesus---the Carpenter--also came to fix things!! He came to repair things! Luke 4:16-18
I have a buddy of mine who is a retired railroad "Cab Carpenter." I asked him what a Cab Carpenter does at the railroad! Here's what he said---"I fix things that get torn up on the locomotives!"
I asked him---"Brother!!! How do you tear up a locomotive????????"
"You'll be surprised how they can get torn up!!"
Friend---Jesus came to fix up things that get torn up!
A marriage!
A family!
A relationship!
A life!
Have you ever watched that cablevision show--"Junkyard Wars?" These teams of experts go into a junkyard and get parts off of certain pieces of machinery---and put them together---and make them run!!!
Well----Jesus---as Heaven's Carpenter---came to the junkyard called Earth---and He's putting pieces together---gonna make it ruuuuuuuuun!!!!!
How about that???
April 8
Romans 11:7a, “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it,”
Perhaps we have lost sight of Paul’s purpose in writing the first ten verses of Romans 11. The simple truth is that God has not cast away His people Israel. Paul proves that premise with three convincing arguments:
1. The truth about the writer - Paul, a Jew was saved - verse 1b.
2. The truth about the remnant - God has always had a remnant of faithful Jews - even in this church age - verses2 - 7a.
3. The truth about the revelation - God pre-told what would happen to the Jews - verses 7b - 10.
In our text, Paul sums up what he has been emphasizing in verses 2-6. We have here another of the apostle’s questions - which he immediately answers! The thing that unbelieving Israel was looking for, they had not found. The only Israelites that obtained anything - were the ones who were chosen.
The phrase in our text - “he seeketh for” is from the Greek word epizeteo - which means “to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave.” Paul, prior to his conversion, epitomized the fanatically religious Jew of his day. In fact, Paul spoke of this condition in Romans 10. “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.” (verse 2) The zeal of these religious Jews was focused on their own self (or false) righteousness, not on the true righteousness of God. Paul says that did “not submit .... themselves unto the righteousness of God.” (verse 3) Because they clung to their own self-righteousness, they did not acknowledge or receive Jesus Christ, their Messiah, who “is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” (verse 4) “But those whom God had chosen for Himself did seek His righteousness and graciously obtain it.” (MacArthur)
During the tribulation, God will seal for Himself 144,000 Jews, who will be protected from Antichrist. These Jews will be God’s witnesses during that miserable seven years of “hell” on earth. In Romans 11:26, Paul writes, “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:” When Jesus Christ returns to set up His kingdom here on earth, the Israelites that survive the tribulation will all accept their ‘pierced’ Messiah.
I close with the following account from Christian scholar Charles Feinberg (a believing Jew), from his 1980 book entitled, “Israel: At the Center of History and Revelation.”
“Over a quarter of a century ago a Russian Jew of great learning name Joseph Rabbinowitz was sent to Palestine by the Jews to buy land for them. He went to Jerusalem. One day he went up on the Mount of Olives to rest. Someone had told him to take a New Testament as the best guidebook about Jerusalem. The Christ he had known was the Christ of the Greek and Roman churches, who were his persecutors and the persecutors of his people. But as he read the New Testament he became acquainted with the real Christ of whom the Old Testament Scriptures had foretold, and his heart grew warm. He looked off toward Calvary and thought: Why is it that my people are persecuted and cast out? And his conviction gave the answer: It must be because we have put to death our Messiah. He lifted his eyes to that Messiah and said: ‘My Lord and my God.’ He came down from the mount a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. He went home to Russia and erected a synagogue for the Jews, over the door of which was written: ‘Let all the house of Israel know that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ’ (Acts 2:36). He was one of the many present remnant of Israel, which proves conclusively and better than words that God has not cast away His people.”
Adapted from “Romans” by MacArthur.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Romans 11:7a, “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it,”
Perhaps we have lost sight of Paul’s purpose in writing the first ten verses of Romans 11. The simple truth is that God has not cast away His people Israel. Paul proves that premise with three convincing arguments:
1. The truth about the writer - Paul, a Jew was saved - verse 1b.
2. The truth about the remnant - God has always had a remnant of faithful Jews - even in this church age - verses2 - 7a.
3. The truth about the revelation - God pre-told what would happen to the Jews - verses 7b - 10.
In our text, Paul sums up what he has been emphasizing in verses 2-6. We have here another of the apostle’s questions - which he immediately answers! The thing that unbelieving Israel was looking for, they had not found. The only Israelites that obtained anything - were the ones who were chosen.
The phrase in our text - “he seeketh for” is from the Greek word epizeteo - which means “to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave.” Paul, prior to his conversion, epitomized the fanatically religious Jew of his day. In fact, Paul spoke of this condition in Romans 10. “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.” (verse 2) The zeal of these religious Jews was focused on their own self (or false) righteousness, not on the true righteousness of God. Paul says that did “not submit .... themselves unto the righteousness of God.” (verse 3) Because they clung to their own self-righteousness, they did not acknowledge or receive Jesus Christ, their Messiah, who “is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” (verse 4) “But those whom God had chosen for Himself did seek His righteousness and graciously obtain it.” (MacArthur)
During the tribulation, God will seal for Himself 144,000 Jews, who will be protected from Antichrist. These Jews will be God’s witnesses during that miserable seven years of “hell” on earth. In Romans 11:26, Paul writes, “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:” When Jesus Christ returns to set up His kingdom here on earth, the Israelites that survive the tribulation will all accept their ‘pierced’ Messiah.
I close with the following account from Christian scholar Charles Feinberg (a believing Jew), from his 1980 book entitled, “Israel: At the Center of History and Revelation.”
“Over a quarter of a century ago a Russian Jew of great learning name Joseph Rabbinowitz was sent to Palestine by the Jews to buy land for them. He went to Jerusalem. One day he went up on the Mount of Olives to rest. Someone had told him to take a New Testament as the best guidebook about Jerusalem. The Christ he had known was the Christ of the Greek and Roman churches, who were his persecutors and the persecutors of his people. But as he read the New Testament he became acquainted with the real Christ of whom the Old Testament Scriptures had foretold, and his heart grew warm. He looked off toward Calvary and thought: Why is it that my people are persecuted and cast out? And his conviction gave the answer: It must be because we have put to death our Messiah. He lifted his eyes to that Messiah and said: ‘My Lord and my God.’ He came down from the mount a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. He went home to Russia and erected a synagogue for the Jews, over the door of which was written: ‘Let all the house of Israel know that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ’ (Acts 2:36). He was one of the many present remnant of Israel, which proves conclusively and better than words that God has not cast away His people.”
Adapted from “Romans” by MacArthur.
In Christ,
Dan Todd
Friday, April 9, 2004
"The Lamb of God"
John 1:29
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
Its interesting that John would, in our text and verses following, identify Jesus twice--on two seperate occasions on two seperate days!!
What does the Bible have to say about the Lamb of God?? Interesting that the first book--Genesis--speaks of the Lamb of God and that the last book--Revelation---speaks of the same Lamb of God! Genesis says that the Lamb of God will come--Revelation says that the Lamb of God did come!
The Lamb of God seen in Genesis 22:1-8
Notice verse 8. Isaac asks a question---Where is the Lamb for the sacrifice? Now look at Abraham's response to the question!
In verse 8---the phrase "God will provide"--the phrase "will provide" is the Hebrew word, "Ra'ah" and means, "to show one's self, to appear, to reveal oneself."
I like the response here in the KJV---"God will provide Himself a Lamb"---In other words, God will appear the Lamb--God will reveal Himself a Lamb." I believe that Abraham was looking by faith into the future--to the moment when God Himself will appear a Lamb! By faith--Abraham saw the Lamb of God as the substitute sacrifice for Isaac.
The Lamb of God seen in Exodus 12:3-5
Read the text here---and notice---four different times it speaks of a Lamb! "A lamb!" "The lamb!" And then, "Your lamb!"----I can say today---that He is My Lamb! How about you?? Is Jesus your Lamb??
The Lamb of God seen in Isaiah 53:7
The word says that he will be "brought as a Lamb to the slaughter."
Its interesting that in Genesis---the Lamb(ram) was provided for Isaac(an individual)
In Exodus during the Passover---the Lamb was provided to die for a household.
In Isaiah---the Lamb was going to come and die for a Nation(verse 8)
But in John's opening chapter---John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb that was come to "take away the sins of the world."
Which one did He come to do?? Friend, all four!!
Is He your Lamb that has come to take away your sins?? He can be! If you recieve Him today as savior and Lord---the Bible says in John 1:12, "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." Well, what's His name??? Jesus!! What's His name??? The Lamb of God!!
"The Lamb of God"
John 1:29
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
Its interesting that John would, in our text and verses following, identify Jesus twice--on two seperate occasions on two seperate days!!
What does the Bible have to say about the Lamb of God?? Interesting that the first book--Genesis--speaks of the Lamb of God and that the last book--Revelation---speaks of the same Lamb of God! Genesis says that the Lamb of God will come--Revelation says that the Lamb of God did come!
The Lamb of God seen in Genesis 22:1-8
Notice verse 8. Isaac asks a question---Where is the Lamb for the sacrifice? Now look at Abraham's response to the question!
In verse 8---the phrase "God will provide"--the phrase "will provide" is the Hebrew word, "Ra'ah" and means, "to show one's self, to appear, to reveal oneself."
I like the response here in the KJV---"God will provide Himself a Lamb"---In other words, God will appear the Lamb--God will reveal Himself a Lamb." I believe that Abraham was looking by faith into the future--to the moment when God Himself will appear a Lamb! By faith--Abraham saw the Lamb of God as the substitute sacrifice for Isaac.
The Lamb of God seen in Exodus 12:3-5
Read the text here---and notice---four different times it speaks of a Lamb! "A lamb!" "The lamb!" And then, "Your lamb!"----I can say today---that He is My Lamb! How about you?? Is Jesus your Lamb??
The Lamb of God seen in Isaiah 53:7
The word says that he will be "brought as a Lamb to the slaughter."
Its interesting that in Genesis---the Lamb(ram) was provided for Isaac(an individual)
In Exodus during the Passover---the Lamb was provided to die for a household.
In Isaiah---the Lamb was going to come and die for a Nation(verse 8)
But in John's opening chapter---John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb that was come to "take away the sins of the world."
Which one did He come to do?? Friend, all four!!
Is He your Lamb that has come to take away your sins?? He can be! If you recieve Him today as savior and Lord---the Bible says in John 1:12, "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." Well, what's His name??? Jesus!! What's His name??? The Lamb of God!!