There is no fact in Gospel history more consoling or more conducive to the strengthening of the Christian faith than that of the readiness and willingness of Jesus in carrying out God's plan of salvation. If Jesus had faltered at any time, if the weakness of His human nature had at any time caused an unwillingness to carry out the work of atonement, the Gospel history would be worthless, and the comfort of a Christian in relying upon the satisfaction of Christ's vicarious suffering would be vain.
It had been prophesied concerning the "Messiah: "Then said I, Lo I Come: in the volume of the "Book," it is written of Me, I delight to do thy will, O my God," Ps. 40,7,8. This delight in carrying out the plan and counsel of God for the salvation of Man, is a prominent and a necessary feature of Christ's ministry. He had a clear and full conception of the extent and of the obligation of the work which He had come to perform, Heb. 10,5-10. He knew exactly wherein the will of His heavenly Father consisted. " This is the Father's will which has sent me, that of all which He has given Me. I should lose nothing... And this is the will of Him who sent me, that every one which sees the "Son" and believes on him may have everlasting Life." John 6, 39, 40.
In accordance with this situation and the full understanding of its nature and scope, Jesus at all times kept the work of redemption foremost and in front of His mind, to seek and save that which was Lost, Luke 19,10. Even at the age of Twelve years He was fully conscience of the obligation resting upon him, when He told his mother; " Was I not to be about my Father's business?" Luke 2,49. To His disciples, who asked about the man that had been born blind. He briefly and succinctly stated His conception of his ministry; " I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; the night comes when no man can work," John 9,4. To the eager Zacchaeus He calls out;: " To-day I must stay at your house," Luke 19,5. That was part of His work, of the ministry of saving souls, which He therefore could not neglect.
When the time came that Jesus should enter into the glory of His Father through the way of suffering and death, He did not falter or waver, but set His face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem, Luke 9, 51; Mark 10: 32,33. He told His disciples: " The Son of man must suffer many things," Luke 9,22; Matt 16,22. He was perfectly aware of the fate that was awaiting Him at Jerusalem, and yet He announces: " I must walk today and to-morrow and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem." Luke 13,33. The chief aim and purpose of Jesus coming into the world was to work redemption of mankind by shedding His blood as an atonement for the guilt of all. He tells His disciples the night before his death:"This that is written must yet be accomplished in me, and he was reckoned among the transgressors, for things concerning me, has an end. Luke 22, 37. He rebukes the impulsive Peter:" How then, shall the scriptures be fulfilled that thus it must Be.?" Matt is 26,54. The same truth is emphasized so strongly in His discourses on the afternoon and evening of the resurrection day, as well as by the angels in their first announcement of the ."Should not Christ have suffered these things and entered into His glory.
It was Easter evening And as they spoke, Jesus stood in the midst of them and said, " Peace be with you!" But, they were terrified and frighten, for they thought they had seen a Spirit. Why are you troubled, and doubt arises in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I. touch me and see; "For a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see I have, Having said that, Jesus showed them His hands.
While the Emmaus disciples were still recounting the happenings of the after-noon. Jesus him-self.
suddenly appears unexpected in the midst of the assembly as his departure from Emmaus had been a few hours before.Jesus greeted them with a greeting of peace, which should have put them at ease.
His resurrection, as it had been announced through a number of witnesses, should have been accepted as a fact. He was now standing before the eyes of his disciples, alive and well. True, there was a difference. His body now took a nature of a spirit. With it He had passed through the sealed tomb and through locked doors. He was no longer subject to the natural laws governing time and place, and He brought them the wonderful gift of peace, peace in the highest and best sense of the term. He has made peace through the blood of His cross.(Col, 1,20). The wrath of the Father was satisfied through His suffering and death. And by the resurrection of Christ, this peace is sealed to all believers. We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Strange to say, this sudden appearance of Christ under unusual circumstances filled the disciples with the greatest fear and terror.
Only a few moments before, they were filled with Joy, That "HE HAD RISEN INDEED!" indeed, Yet, they had the idea they were looking at a ghost. Jesus gets a little upset and rebukes them for their unbelief. He invited them to look closely at his hands and feet, with the marks of His crucifixion plainly showing, It didn't make them believers, even when he said put your fingers in the holes, and run their finger over His body, that it was no ghost standing before them, but their true Master and true friend.
That same Jesus of Nazareth, that was born of the Virgin Mary, that suffered under Pontius Pilate, that was crucified and died, Stood before them. This Christ is also in a state of exultation true man according to body and soul, flesh and blood, our Brother in all eternity. In and with this body He is our Savior and Redeemer, with the nail-wounds in His hands and feet showed. This is a promise that He will change our vile bodies, like unto His glorious body, ( Phil. 3,21.). Therefore we should know that all false ghosts and visions that permit themselves to be seen and heard, especially with rattling and blustering, are not the souls of men, but certainly devils. While the people still didn't yet believe and wondered; Jesus said unto them, do you have any meat? They gave him some broiled fish and honeycomb. Jesus did eat them. These are the words I spoke while I was yet with you, that all things must be written in the law of Moses and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning Me! Then Jesus opened their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures; saying, I must suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in my name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. I send the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city of Jerusalem until you are filled with the power from on high.
Unbelievers jump for joy, in glorious assurance, but the reaction was to much for the disciples while they huddled in wonder and amazement, not knowing weather to believe their senses. just as a great light,which bursts upon a person in a dark space for some times, blind him, makes it impossible to use his eyes and so it was with the disciples. Therefore Jesus makes use of all patient kindness toward them giving them time, to get their bearings, to let truth penetrate into their understanding. Jesus asked them if they had anything to eat. They brought him a piece of boiled fish and of a honeycomb.
The fact that Jesus is eating before them, brought a sense of nearness to them, and they were now ready to listen to him.
This being the case, namely, that the chief aim and purpose of Jesus coming into the world was to work the redemption of mankind by the shedding of His blood as an atonement for the guilt of all.
He emphasized this one point to the exclusion of everything else. He tells his disciples on the evening before His death:" this that was written must yet be accomplished in me. And He was reckoned among the transgressors; for things concerning me have an end," Luke 22,37. And in the garden He rebukes the impulsive Peter: How, then shall, the Scriptures be fulfilled that must be?' Matt. 26,54. The same truth is spoken very strong, by Peter, echoed in the interval between Christ Ascension and the day of Pentecost, Acts 1,16, We as Christians condemn all attempts to make the work of Christ seem of a nature concerning this world only, we as believers firmly to the teaching, preaching, and confessing of Christs work: "Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned sinner, and taken the power of devil away... with his holy, precious blood and his innocent suffering and finally His death.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Friday, November 25, 2016
The Walk To Emmaus: Emmaus Disciples. Luke 24. 13-35.
And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. So this man who had come to Jerusalem for the feast, (may have been at that time a disciple of Jesus), and there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented Him. But Jesus turning unto them said, daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and your children. For behold, the days are coming in which they shall say, blessed are the barren, and the paps which never gave suck. Then they shall begin to say to the mountains,fall on us; and to the hills, cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in a dry? (Matt 27,31-34).
In accordance with the decision of Pilate, Jesus was led away from the Praetorium, out to a spot with out the walls, where the malefactors were crucified. Later on,
however, Peter ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; and then he went back home again, wondering what had happen. That same day, Sunday, two of Jesus followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles out of Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking of Jesus death, when suddenly Jesus himself came along and joined them and began walking beside them. But they didn't recognize him, for God kept them from it. Jesus said you seem to be in deep discussion about something. " What are you so concerned about?" They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. And one of them, Cleopas, replied, " You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn't heard about the terrible things that happened there last week."
" What things?" Jesus asked.
" The things that happened to Jesus, the "Man from Nazareth," they said. " He was a Prophet, a
prophet who did incredible miracles and was a mighty teacher, highly regarded by both God and man.
But, the chief priests and our religious leaders arrested him and handed him over to the Roman Government to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had thought He was the glorified "Messiah" and that he had come to rescue Israel.
And now, besides all this- which happened three days ago- some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning and came back with an amazing report that his body was missing, and that they had seen some angels there who told them Jesus was alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, Jesus body was Gone, just as the women said.
Then Jesus said to them, " You are such foolish, foolish people!"
You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the scriptures! Wasn't it properly predicted by the prophets that the "Messiah" would have to suffer all these things before entering His time in glory.
Then Jesus quoted them passage after passage from the writings of the prophets, beginning with the book of "GENESIS," and going right on through "Scriptures," explaining what the passages meant and what they said about himself.
By this time they were nearing "Emmaus" and the end of their journey. Jesus would have gone on, but they begged him to stay the night with them as it was getting late. So he went home with them.
As they sat down to eat, He asked God's blessing on the food and then took a small loaf of bread and broke it and was passing it over to them, when suddenly- it was as though their eyes were opened- they recognized him! And at that moment he disappeared.
They began telling each other how there hearts had felt strangely warm as he talked with them and explained the Scriptures during the walk down the road. Within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem, where the eleven disciples and the other followers of Jesus greeted them with these words, " The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter!" The two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized as He was breaking the bread (Euchrist), And Just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them, but the whole group was terribly frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! Why are you frightened? he asked. " Why do you doubt that it is really I. Look at my hands! Look at my feet! You can see that it is I. Touch me, and make sure that I am not a ghost. It was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day.
They had not properly attended to the description of the "Messiah" as given by the Prophets, and they had not looked upon His own teaching and miracles with enlightened eyes. It was a necessity for Christ, the master in whose company they had been all these long months. Jesus now repeated the sermon of the afternoon, telling them, while He was with them, not once but repeatedly, He had pointed to the nearness of His passion. Happy Advent!
The resurrection of Jesus, testified by the open grave and by the word of Angels, was not believed by the apostles, But Jesus appears to the Emmaus disciples and then to the eleven apostles, convincing them of His having risen from the dead, commissioning them to be His ministers for the preaching of the Gospel, and finally ascending before them from the Mount of Olives.
In accordance with the decision of Pilate, Jesus was led away from the Praetorium, out to a spot with out the walls, where the malefactors were crucified. Later on,
however, Peter ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; and then he went back home again, wondering what had happen. That same day, Sunday, two of Jesus followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles out of Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking of Jesus death, when suddenly Jesus himself came along and joined them and began walking beside them. But they didn't recognize him, for God kept them from it. Jesus said you seem to be in deep discussion about something. " What are you so concerned about?" They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. And one of them, Cleopas, replied, " You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn't heard about the terrible things that happened there last week."
" What things?" Jesus asked.
" The things that happened to Jesus, the "Man from Nazareth," they said. " He was a Prophet, a
prophet who did incredible miracles and was a mighty teacher, highly regarded by both God and man.
But, the chief priests and our religious leaders arrested him and handed him over to the Roman Government to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had thought He was the glorified "Messiah" and that he had come to rescue Israel.
And now, besides all this- which happened three days ago- some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning and came back with an amazing report that his body was missing, and that they had seen some angels there who told them Jesus was alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, Jesus body was Gone, just as the women said.
Then Jesus said to them, " You are such foolish, foolish people!"
You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the scriptures! Wasn't it properly predicted by the prophets that the "Messiah" would have to suffer all these things before entering His time in glory.
Then Jesus quoted them passage after passage from the writings of the prophets, beginning with the book of "GENESIS," and going right on through "Scriptures," explaining what the passages meant and what they said about himself.
By this time they were nearing "Emmaus" and the end of their journey. Jesus would have gone on, but they begged him to stay the night with them as it was getting late. So he went home with them.
As they sat down to eat, He asked God's blessing on the food and then took a small loaf of bread and broke it and was passing it over to them, when suddenly- it was as though their eyes were opened- they recognized him! And at that moment he disappeared.
They began telling each other how there hearts had felt strangely warm as he talked with them and explained the Scriptures during the walk down the road. Within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem, where the eleven disciples and the other followers of Jesus greeted them with these words, " The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter!" The two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized as He was breaking the bread (Euchrist), And Just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them, but the whole group was terribly frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! Why are you frightened? he asked. " Why do you doubt that it is really I. Look at my hands! Look at my feet! You can see that it is I. Touch me, and make sure that I am not a ghost. It was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day.
They had not properly attended to the description of the "Messiah" as given by the Prophets, and they had not looked upon His own teaching and miracles with enlightened eyes. It was a necessity for Christ, the master in whose company they had been all these long months. Jesus now repeated the sermon of the afternoon, telling them, while He was with them, not once but repeatedly, He had pointed to the nearness of His passion. Happy Advent!
The resurrection of Jesus, testified by the open grave and by the word of Angels, was not believed by the apostles, But Jesus appears to the Emmaus disciples and then to the eleven apostles, convincing them of His having risen from the dead, commissioning them to be His ministers for the preaching of the Gospel, and finally ascending before them from the Mount of Olives.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
The Baptism of John!
When John the Baptist came into the wilderness of Judea with his message and Baptism of repentance, he was not foisting upon the people a new and strange ceremony of which they had never heard. On the contrary, divers (various) washing's, many different kinds of Levitical baptisms, had been known to the Jews since the time of Moses. The rite originated in the ceremonial lustration of the clean, Gen. 35, 2; Ex. 19,10; Num. 19, 7; Judith 7, and was soon extended to embrace every form of Levitical purifying that was done with water, Heb.9,10;
One of the earliest forms of religious ablutions was the baptism of priests at their consecration, Ex.29, 1-9; 40,12. There is an allusion to this washing of priests in Heb. 10, 22. Any defilement of the body contracted by the priests after their installation, in the daily performance of their duties, especially by contact of their hands and feet with unclean things, had to be removed by washing these members when they entered the sanctuary, Ex. 30, 17-21; 40; 30-32. Two passages of the psalms refer to this custom, Ps. 26, 6; 73, 13. If an Israelite had touched the carcass of an animal or carried any part thereof, he was considered unclean and had to wash his clothes and his body, Lev. 11, 24-28. 39, 40; 5, 2; 22, 4-6.
In the course of John the Baptist's ministry, during which he had occasion to administer a sharp rebuke to the Pharisees and Sadducees, Jesus also received Baptism at his hands, whereupon there
occurred a marvelous revelation of the Triune God.
There was a baptism of those who recovered from leprosy,Lev 13, 6. 34. On the great day of atonement the high priest performed very careful ablutions, both at the beginnings and at the conclusions of his ministrations, Lev. 16, 4, 24.
The man who led the scapegoat into the wilderness and likewise he who carried forth without the camp the bullock and the goat for a sin offering, were required to bathe their flesh in water,Lev. 26-28. When Levites were consecrated, they were sprinkled with water, Num. 8, 5-7. 21.
There were also other ceremonial washing's or baptisms, with which the Jews were familiar, Lev. 15, 1-29; Num. 15, 1-9; 23,10. 11.
But the most interesting of the Jewish religious washing's was the baptism of the proselytes, who, after bring instructed in certain parts of the law, and having fresh profession of their faith, were immersed in water, after which they were considered full-fledged Israelites in all things. It is this ceremony to which the baptism of John, in its outward form was related.
Another interesting question is that concerning the difference, if any, between the baptism of John and that instituted by Christ. It must be noted, on the one hand, that there are many points of agreement. John baptized by divine command, Luke 3, 11; Mark 1, 8; Luke 3, 16; John 1, 26; 3, 23. it was finally, a Baptism unto repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, Mark 1, 4; Luke 3, 3. In all these features it agreed with the Baptism of Christ.
Nevertheless, there was a difference between the baptism of John and that of Christ. When Paul came to Ephesus and found certain disciples that had merely been baptized into John's baptism, he baptized them in the name the Lord Jesus, Acts 19,1-16 The chief points of difference between the two baptisms are indicated in this passage. John's baptism is consistently called a "baptism of repentance." It was administered to adults only, to such as confessed their sins, as had reached the age of discretion, Matt 3,6; Mark 1, 5, whereas the baptism of Christ is for all people, including the Children, acts 2, 39, 41; Col. 2,11. The baptism of Jesus works and transmits the forgiveness of sins as a gift which has been earned; The baptism of John points forward to the winning of this precious
boon through the redemption to be made through Jesus Christ. In short, the baptism of John was typical, preparatory, as was his preaching; the glorious fulfilment has come in and with Christ.
One of the earliest forms of religious ablutions was the baptism of priests at their consecration, Ex.29, 1-9; 40,12. There is an allusion to this washing of priests in Heb. 10, 22. Any defilement of the body contracted by the priests after their installation, in the daily performance of their duties, especially by contact of their hands and feet with unclean things, had to be removed by washing these members when they entered the sanctuary, Ex. 30, 17-21; 40; 30-32. Two passages of the psalms refer to this custom, Ps. 26, 6; 73, 13. If an Israelite had touched the carcass of an animal or carried any part thereof, he was considered unclean and had to wash his clothes and his body, Lev. 11, 24-28. 39, 40; 5, 2; 22, 4-6.
In the course of John the Baptist's ministry, during which he had occasion to administer a sharp rebuke to the Pharisees and Sadducees, Jesus also received Baptism at his hands, whereupon there
occurred a marvelous revelation of the Triune God.
There was a baptism of those who recovered from leprosy,Lev 13, 6. 34. On the great day of atonement the high priest performed very careful ablutions, both at the beginnings and at the conclusions of his ministrations, Lev. 16, 4, 24.
The man who led the scapegoat into the wilderness and likewise he who carried forth without the camp the bullock and the goat for a sin offering, were required to bathe their flesh in water,Lev. 26-28. When Levites were consecrated, they were sprinkled with water, Num. 8, 5-7. 21.
There were also other ceremonial washing's or baptisms, with which the Jews were familiar, Lev. 15, 1-29; Num. 15, 1-9; 23,10. 11.
But the most interesting of the Jewish religious washing's was the baptism of the proselytes, who, after bring instructed in certain parts of the law, and having fresh profession of their faith, were immersed in water, after which they were considered full-fledged Israelites in all things. It is this ceremony to which the baptism of John, in its outward form was related.
Another interesting question is that concerning the difference, if any, between the baptism of John and that instituted by Christ. It must be noted, on the one hand, that there are many points of agreement. John baptized by divine command, Luke 3, 11; Mark 1, 8; Luke 3, 16; John 1, 26; 3, 23. it was finally, a Baptism unto repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, Mark 1, 4; Luke 3, 3. In all these features it agreed with the Baptism of Christ.
Nevertheless, there was a difference between the baptism of John and that of Christ. When Paul came to Ephesus and found certain disciples that had merely been baptized into John's baptism, he baptized them in the name the Lord Jesus, Acts 19,1-16 The chief points of difference between the two baptisms are indicated in this passage. John's baptism is consistently called a "baptism of repentance." It was administered to adults only, to such as confessed their sins, as had reached the age of discretion, Matt 3,6; Mark 1, 5, whereas the baptism of Christ is for all people, including the Children, acts 2, 39, 41; Col. 2,11. The baptism of Jesus works and transmits the forgiveness of sins as a gift which has been earned; The baptism of John points forward to the winning of this precious
boon through the redemption to be made through Jesus Christ. In short, the baptism of John was typical, preparatory, as was his preaching; the glorious fulfilment has come in and with Christ.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Christ confirms, law of Moses: Matt 5, 17-37.
All men that come in contact with their works shall be forced to draw conclusions as to the power that inspires them. And so the glory, the honor will be placed where it properly and exclusively, will be given to the Father in Heaven. Faith is the lamp; love is the light; the good works are the illumination. as little as the lamp can pride itself upon its light, so little can the Christian glory in their good works; All glory must be God's.
Your light, given to you from above, not to be used according to expediency, but to shine.
Jesus himself applies this parable: " Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works. Matt.5:16. Good works Jesus has just urged. He now proceeds to give a definition of good works from the law. He makes clear his position with regard to the law: Think not that I am come to destroy the Law and the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill the teaching of the kingdom, the Gospel which he came to proclaim, is a doctrine radically different from the teaching of Moses, but it doesn't invalidate the demands of the moral law as taught by Moses, it does not substitute a new moral law. Whatever, in the revelation of the 'Old Testament', is type and prophecy, finds its completions, its realization in Christ the redeemer. (Col. 2,17).He fulfills the prophets. The whole Old Testament is a divine revelation and has religious significance, which should find recognition and proper understanding in the New. So long as the earth shall stand, the sacredness of the scripture of olden times, shall remain so absolutely unimpaired that not even an iota , the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet, nor a tittle, the slight projecting point on some of its letters, shall fall to the ground. Their is a story in the midst of of the proclamation, implying a fulfillment which was to be made, and was in fact made, in and through the person of Jesus Christ. 'In Christopher J.H.Wrights book ," "Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament writes," these are the words Jesus read. These were the stories he knew. These were the songs He sang, these were the depths of wisdom and revelation and prophecy that shaped his whole view of 'life. This is where He found his insights into the mind of Father God. The further you go in the understanding the "Old Testament, he says," the closer you come to the heart of Jesus. He says" ( After all, Jesus never really "read" New Testament). Which means the "Old Testament" was" Jesus " Bible."
In the mean time all men should know: Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Here is a conclusion. Since the above is Christ's view, He is bound to take a stand with references to the transgressors of that rule. He who sets aside even those commandments that seem small and of little import,he that disregards as much as one of the little horns or hooks, which change the meaning of an entire passage, falls under the condemnation, he is considered to be the least in the kingdom of heaven. For this teaching is essential in educating men as to the true righteousness of, life,, in holding up before Christians a proper rule of conduct: "Better known as Our "solid foundation' of our faith! we must stop, taking new members, Jamming them in Gospels, when they first come, and if they come back for three "Sunday's in a row, we put them on the board, as Church leaders, They couldn't tell Christ from Babe Ruth, if Christ was to come back, unless Ruth was wearing his Yankee hat! You know your "Church" is in trouble, if the Pastor, stops studying scripture, for the the next step, he stops praying, and then he involves the congregation in community outreach, to cover-up the real purpose of his ministry, the teaching of Christ!
The minister himself there would be the perfect realization of teaching and doing.
The chief accusation which Christ brought against these people, is recorded in many passages of the Gospels; cp. Matt.23: For I say :unto you,you shall not see me henceforth, to ye shall say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
But if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave the gift and go on your way and make up with your brother, then come back and offer your gift. The forgiving attitude is pictured from a happening which was very frequent among the Jews, which was thoroughly familiar, a Jew might bring his "Corban," his gift used of every kind of bloody and unbloody sacrifice which was brought to the Temple, Matt.8:4; 15,5; 23,8. But the very act of handing it to the officiating priest at the altar there comes in remembrance. It suddenly flashes into his mind that he has been guilty of an act or a word which might provoke a brother. The way to deal with situation might seem to be to keep on with the worship, get through it right away, then hurry and make peace with you brother.
Christ tells us to interrupt our worship and go on our way seeking forgiveness first, The implication of Christ is that the people were really kept under a false impression, by being permitted to draw the conclusion that they were listening to the exact words of Moses. The words here as stated are found in the law, Lev. 19, 12; Num. 30, 3; Deut.23,22. But the interpretation left much to be desired, it put no desire on inner truthfulness of the heart. Jesus insists that all hatred is contrary to all humaness, opposed to the spirit which he was striving to foster. His is a different law V. 44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that course you, do good to them that hate you. and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. Cursing is met with blessing; hatred, which leads to injuries, with well doing, Abuse of all kinds, culminating from religious hatred, with prayer and intercession. For its object is always to find ways and means of of winning adversary and gain him for the Lord.
Your light, given to you from above, not to be used according to expediency, but to shine.
Jesus himself applies this parable: " Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works. Matt.5:16. Good works Jesus has just urged. He now proceeds to give a definition of good works from the law. He makes clear his position with regard to the law: Think not that I am come to destroy the Law and the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill the teaching of the kingdom, the Gospel which he came to proclaim, is a doctrine radically different from the teaching of Moses, but it doesn't invalidate the demands of the moral law as taught by Moses, it does not substitute a new moral law. Whatever, in the revelation of the 'Old Testament', is type and prophecy, finds its completions, its realization in Christ the redeemer. (Col. 2,17).He fulfills the prophets. The whole Old Testament is a divine revelation and has religious significance, which should find recognition and proper understanding in the New. So long as the earth shall stand, the sacredness of the scripture of olden times, shall remain so absolutely unimpaired that not even an iota , the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet, nor a tittle, the slight projecting point on some of its letters, shall fall to the ground. Their is a story in the midst of of the proclamation, implying a fulfillment which was to be made, and was in fact made, in and through the person of Jesus Christ. 'In Christopher J.H.Wrights book ," "Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament writes," these are the words Jesus read. These were the stories he knew. These were the songs He sang, these were the depths of wisdom and revelation and prophecy that shaped his whole view of 'life. This is where He found his insights into the mind of Father God. The further you go in the understanding the "Old Testament, he says," the closer you come to the heart of Jesus. He says" ( After all, Jesus never really "read" New Testament). Which means the "Old Testament" was" Jesus " Bible."
In the mean time all men should know: Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Here is a conclusion. Since the above is Christ's view, He is bound to take a stand with references to the transgressors of that rule. He who sets aside even those commandments that seem small and of little import,he that disregards as much as one of the little horns or hooks, which change the meaning of an entire passage, falls under the condemnation, he is considered to be the least in the kingdom of heaven. For this teaching is essential in educating men as to the true righteousness of, life,, in holding up before Christians a proper rule of conduct: "Better known as Our "solid foundation' of our faith! we must stop, taking new members, Jamming them in Gospels, when they first come, and if they come back for three "Sunday's in a row, we put them on the board, as Church leaders, They couldn't tell Christ from Babe Ruth, if Christ was to come back, unless Ruth was wearing his Yankee hat! You know your "Church" is in trouble, if the Pastor, stops studying scripture, for the the next step, he stops praying, and then he involves the congregation in community outreach, to cover-up the real purpose of his ministry, the teaching of Christ!
The minister himself there would be the perfect realization of teaching and doing.
The chief accusation which Christ brought against these people, is recorded in many passages of the Gospels; cp. Matt.23: For I say :unto you,you shall not see me henceforth, to ye shall say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
But if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave the gift and go on your way and make up with your brother, then come back and offer your gift. The forgiving attitude is pictured from a happening which was very frequent among the Jews, which was thoroughly familiar, a Jew might bring his "Corban," his gift used of every kind of bloody and unbloody sacrifice which was brought to the Temple, Matt.8:4; 15,5; 23,8. But the very act of handing it to the officiating priest at the altar there comes in remembrance. It suddenly flashes into his mind that he has been guilty of an act or a word which might provoke a brother. The way to deal with situation might seem to be to keep on with the worship, get through it right away, then hurry and make peace with you brother.
Christ tells us to interrupt our worship and go on our way seeking forgiveness first, The implication of Christ is that the people were really kept under a false impression, by being permitted to draw the conclusion that they were listening to the exact words of Moses. The words here as stated are found in the law, Lev. 19, 12; Num. 30, 3; Deut.23,22. But the interpretation left much to be desired, it put no desire on inner truthfulness of the heart. Jesus insists that all hatred is contrary to all humaness, opposed to the spirit which he was striving to foster. His is a different law V. 44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that course you, do good to them that hate you. and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. Cursing is met with blessing; hatred, which leads to injuries, with well doing, Abuse of all kinds, culminating from religious hatred, with prayer and intercession. For its object is always to find ways and means of of winning adversary and gain him for the Lord.
Friday, November 18, 2016
New Testament: Honor of the living Christ! Matt. 5-7
There came a moment somewhere around the year 30 in our era when a shout of victory which the whole world was destined to hear"HE HAS RISEN!" The glorious resurrection of Jesus from the dead,celebrating Christ's victory over all the powers of darkness, and Death. As that shout spread about the Mediterranean, which the whole world was destined to hear, eventually became the "Book"
called the "New Testament", declaring the life, death, Resurrection, of our Lord and Savior, " Jesus Christ." In the beginning was the event. Had the event consisted solely in the mournful death of the young prophet from Nazareth, we would have heard no echo, no shout of triumph. It is doubtful we would have even known the name of Jesus as a part of world history, if He been left in the clutches of death. The fact that we know his blessed name, is do the act of the Father in "Raising him".
From here the Good News was passed along by the word of mouth, and the women heard the news from a young man they found in Jesus tomb. Sadly enough, Mark's Gospel ends before these women have reported the news to anyone else. In fact, Mark writes, they were so frightened that they said nothing to anyone ( Mark 16:8), but the other Gospel writers tell us that the news was conveyed to the disciples by the women.
But there is one detail that catches our eye, when we have difficulty that many have had in believing in Jesus resurrection, that it was a product of the disciples wishful thinking, They wanted him to rise from the dead so badly, it was held, they manged to convince themselves that it had actually happened. The gospels give quite a different impression. They show that Jesus resurrection took them completely by surprise. their concern was that of any other bereaved people: to adjust themselves that their loved one had died. Had they been trying to persuade themselves that Jesus would soon be among them again, the reaction to the news of His resurrection would have been quite different one!
We have already mentioned that Mark's resurrection account describes the women as so paralyzed by fear that at first, they said nothing whatever. In Luke's Gospel is recorded a most curious reaction.
After the women returned from the tomb to relate their fantastic news, the expected rejoicing did not take place. The women's message was simply not believed. " Luke 24:11." Similarly curious is a statement in John's Gospel, which tells of Peter and another disciple actually visiting the tomb and taking turns looking at the grave clothes. Again, we expect a great deal of excitement. But the next statement is, "Then the disciples went back to their homes," John 20:10.' Our impression is that the disciples were stunned by the news, hardly knowing how to react, which is after all a realistic way of responding.
But it is fair to ask whether Jesus had prepared them for His resurrection. It is plainly stated a
number places (Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22; Matthew 16:21,for example) that Jesus spoke of being killed and raised on the third day. At the same time, it is clear that the disciples had difficulty comprehending this kind of talk. (see Matthew 16:22,23; Mark 9:32).
At the very heart of the first, Christian news-telling, then, was the proclamation that Jesus had been raised from the dead.
As we have seen, this fact took the disciples by surprise, so we cannot charge them with inventing the story to fit their longings. This shows that the resurrection was not an obvious bit of information.
Especially striking is the story of the two disciples walking to Emmaus ( 24: 13-35). Although they had the factual data about the visit of the women to the tomb, they did not believe until the risen Christ in person made himself known to them. It was a staggering new fact which the risen Christ had to interpret " beginning with Moses and all the prophets, " Luke 24:27. the Emmaus experience typifies the church's search for a fuller understanding of the resurrection and pondered in the light of what had happen on the third day.
One old Testament reference which must have been pondered in those days was Psalm 16:10, " for thou must not give me up to Sheol, or let thy godly see the pit." Paul's summary of the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:4. one scholar suggests that Hosea 6:1-3, was probably used by early Christians as a prophecy of the resurrection of Christ. Part of this passage reads, after two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him, " Come, Let us return to the Lord; it is he who has torn us-He will heal us. He has been wounded-He will bind us up. In Just a couple of days or three at least, He will set us on our feet again, to live in His kindness. Hosea 6:2,3,.
Lets look at the "Book" closer: One day as the crowds were gathering, Jesus went up the hillside with his disciples and sat down and taught them there.
"Humble men are very fortunate! " he told them, " For the kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
Those who mourn are fortunate! For they shall be comforted. the meek and the lowly are fortunate! for the whole wide world belongs to them. Happy are those who long to be just and good, for they will be completely satisfied. Matthew's Gospel, complete's this part of the " Sermon on the Mount." in Chapters 5-7. this section of Matthews Gospel is one of the most beautiful and impressive in the entire New Testament. In the simplest language, but with singular force, Jesus gave a summary of his moral teaching, the doctrine " Of the fruits and good works of a Christian", as Luther writes. For the "Sermon on the Mount," is not the proclamation of the Gospel, but the preaching of the law. to awaken and promote the realization and the sense of comparative weakness in spiritual matters, but of a total inability to think and speak and act in conformity with the Holy will of God, to bring about the humiliating, but incidentally the most blessed conviction as to one's being wretched, and miserable, and poor and blind,naked in spiritual things, Rev. 3, 17, that was why the object was to teach the regenerated, that with out Him, they could not be led to true sanctification:This is why Christ chose for this great lesson with particular care, the time and place. He had spent the night in prayer on a mountain and had then separated twelve of His disciples to be apostles, Luke 6,12-16. He was now on his way to the valley: seeing the multitude, he went up into the mountain. The people were crowding Him in increasing numbers. They came to hear him, insisted on touching him, to be healed of various diseases, Luke 6, 17-19. To get away from the crowds below, whose eagerness threatened to overwhelm him. Jesus ascended once more. On the higher slopes of the hill, the people had no chances to throng him.
A solemn and dramatic description awaited the throng, of the beginning of a weighty discourse: v.2. And He opened His mouth and taught them saying, In a confidential, awe-inspiring communication of the great teacher which the evangelist records, Job 3,1; Dan 10,16; Ps. 78,2. A well prepared, carefully outlined discourse is given, in which reference to existing deplorable conditions was made with utter fear-lessness. That also, as stated above belongs to the preacher of today, that he doesn't keep his mouth closed, and not only publicly performs his office that every one must keep silence and permit him to come forth as one who has the divine right and command, to preach the truth, with what is committed to him; not to keep silent, but without dread or terror, speaking plainly, without regarding any ones person, Jesus said let it strike whom or what it will. It was teaching that Jesus gave them, not preaching; In the "Sermon,"Jesus was not the "evangelist and "Prophet, but the "Teacher."
His first words strike the key-note of the entire discourse.: " Blessed are the poor in Spirit; for theirs is the kingdom heaven. The reference of Jesus here is not primarily to temporal poverty, to earthly misery, as in other passages of the new testament,1 Cor. 1, 26-28; Jas. 2,5. He is speaking of the poor and miserable " in spirit", those that shrink and cower with fear and dread, that are trembling alive to the wants and needs of their soul, that feel in their heart, so far as spiritual riches are concerned, nothing but a great void, a despair of their own abilities, Matt. 11,5,28; Is. 61,1; 62,2; Ps. 70, 5,
Such as these, who are conscious, painfully aware of their moral deficiencies, the Lord calls blessed, happy! For the kingdom of heaven is the sum total of all the gifts of God in Christ Jesus as they are enjoyed here on earth in the Christian Church and finally above, in the kingdom of glory, the disciples here should strive daily in their ministry. Connected with this thought is the next v.4,
" Blessed are they that morn; for they shall be comforted. The disciples are subject to conditions and circumstances, which brings about, mourning, Luke 6,21,25; John 16:20; Acts 14,22.
at the loss of their spiritual possessions, lamenting the fact, that their spiritual poverty separates them from the fountain of blessedness, because of their carnal nature. Its evil effects, however, shall be prevented lest they lead to despair. "Nor, let their hearts joy be taken entirely, but mingle such mourning, abounding in consolation and gladness, Rom. 14,17. The very Messianic kingdom with its message of hope is called the comfort of Israel, Luke 2,25.
.
called the "New Testament", declaring the life, death, Resurrection, of our Lord and Savior, " Jesus Christ." In the beginning was the event. Had the event consisted solely in the mournful death of the young prophet from Nazareth, we would have heard no echo, no shout of triumph. It is doubtful we would have even known the name of Jesus as a part of world history, if He been left in the clutches of death. The fact that we know his blessed name, is do the act of the Father in "Raising him".
From here the Good News was passed along by the word of mouth, and the women heard the news from a young man they found in Jesus tomb. Sadly enough, Mark's Gospel ends before these women have reported the news to anyone else. In fact, Mark writes, they were so frightened that they said nothing to anyone ( Mark 16:8), but the other Gospel writers tell us that the news was conveyed to the disciples by the women.
But there is one detail that catches our eye, when we have difficulty that many have had in believing in Jesus resurrection, that it was a product of the disciples wishful thinking, They wanted him to rise from the dead so badly, it was held, they manged to convince themselves that it had actually happened. The gospels give quite a different impression. They show that Jesus resurrection took them completely by surprise. their concern was that of any other bereaved people: to adjust themselves that their loved one had died. Had they been trying to persuade themselves that Jesus would soon be among them again, the reaction to the news of His resurrection would have been quite different one!
We have already mentioned that Mark's resurrection account describes the women as so paralyzed by fear that at first, they said nothing whatever. In Luke's Gospel is recorded a most curious reaction.
After the women returned from the tomb to relate their fantastic news, the expected rejoicing did not take place. The women's message was simply not believed. " Luke 24:11." Similarly curious is a statement in John's Gospel, which tells of Peter and another disciple actually visiting the tomb and taking turns looking at the grave clothes. Again, we expect a great deal of excitement. But the next statement is, "Then the disciples went back to their homes," John 20:10.' Our impression is that the disciples were stunned by the news, hardly knowing how to react, which is after all a realistic way of responding.
But it is fair to ask whether Jesus had prepared them for His resurrection. It is plainly stated a
number places (Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22; Matthew 16:21,for example) that Jesus spoke of being killed and raised on the third day. At the same time, it is clear that the disciples had difficulty comprehending this kind of talk. (see Matthew 16:22,23; Mark 9:32).
At the very heart of the first, Christian news-telling, then, was the proclamation that Jesus had been raised from the dead.
As we have seen, this fact took the disciples by surprise, so we cannot charge them with inventing the story to fit their longings. This shows that the resurrection was not an obvious bit of information.
Especially striking is the story of the two disciples walking to Emmaus ( 24: 13-35). Although they had the factual data about the visit of the women to the tomb, they did not believe until the risen Christ in person made himself known to them. It was a staggering new fact which the risen Christ had to interpret " beginning with Moses and all the prophets, " Luke 24:27. the Emmaus experience typifies the church's search for a fuller understanding of the resurrection and pondered in the light of what had happen on the third day.
One old Testament reference which must have been pondered in those days was Psalm 16:10, " for thou must not give me up to Sheol, or let thy godly see the pit." Paul's summary of the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:4. one scholar suggests that Hosea 6:1-3, was probably used by early Christians as a prophecy of the resurrection of Christ. Part of this passage reads, after two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him, " Come, Let us return to the Lord; it is he who has torn us-He will heal us. He has been wounded-He will bind us up. In Just a couple of days or three at least, He will set us on our feet again, to live in His kindness. Hosea 6:2,3,.
Lets look at the "Book" closer: One day as the crowds were gathering, Jesus went up the hillside with his disciples and sat down and taught them there.
"Humble men are very fortunate! " he told them, " For the kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
Those who mourn are fortunate! For they shall be comforted. the meek and the lowly are fortunate! for the whole wide world belongs to them. Happy are those who long to be just and good, for they will be completely satisfied. Matthew's Gospel, complete's this part of the " Sermon on the Mount." in Chapters 5-7. this section of Matthews Gospel is one of the most beautiful and impressive in the entire New Testament. In the simplest language, but with singular force, Jesus gave a summary of his moral teaching, the doctrine " Of the fruits and good works of a Christian", as Luther writes. For the "Sermon on the Mount," is not the proclamation of the Gospel, but the preaching of the law. to awaken and promote the realization and the sense of comparative weakness in spiritual matters, but of a total inability to think and speak and act in conformity with the Holy will of God, to bring about the humiliating, but incidentally the most blessed conviction as to one's being wretched, and miserable, and poor and blind,naked in spiritual things, Rev. 3, 17, that was why the object was to teach the regenerated, that with out Him, they could not be led to true sanctification:This is why Christ chose for this great lesson with particular care, the time and place. He had spent the night in prayer on a mountain and had then separated twelve of His disciples to be apostles, Luke 6,12-16. He was now on his way to the valley: seeing the multitude, he went up into the mountain. The people were crowding Him in increasing numbers. They came to hear him, insisted on touching him, to be healed of various diseases, Luke 6, 17-19. To get away from the crowds below, whose eagerness threatened to overwhelm him. Jesus ascended once more. On the higher slopes of the hill, the people had no chances to throng him.
A solemn and dramatic description awaited the throng, of the beginning of a weighty discourse: v.2. And He opened His mouth and taught them saying, In a confidential, awe-inspiring communication of the great teacher which the evangelist records, Job 3,1; Dan 10,16; Ps. 78,2. A well prepared, carefully outlined discourse is given, in which reference to existing deplorable conditions was made with utter fear-lessness. That also, as stated above belongs to the preacher of today, that he doesn't keep his mouth closed, and not only publicly performs his office that every one must keep silence and permit him to come forth as one who has the divine right and command, to preach the truth, with what is committed to him; not to keep silent, but without dread or terror, speaking plainly, without regarding any ones person, Jesus said let it strike whom or what it will. It was teaching that Jesus gave them, not preaching; In the "Sermon,"Jesus was not the "evangelist and "Prophet, but the "Teacher."
His first words strike the key-note of the entire discourse.: " Blessed are the poor in Spirit; for theirs is the kingdom heaven. The reference of Jesus here is not primarily to temporal poverty, to earthly misery, as in other passages of the new testament,1 Cor. 1, 26-28; Jas. 2,5. He is speaking of the poor and miserable " in spirit", those that shrink and cower with fear and dread, that are trembling alive to the wants and needs of their soul, that feel in their heart, so far as spiritual riches are concerned, nothing but a great void, a despair of their own abilities, Matt. 11,5,28; Is. 61,1; 62,2; Ps. 70, 5,
Such as these, who are conscious, painfully aware of their moral deficiencies, the Lord calls blessed, happy! For the kingdom of heaven is the sum total of all the gifts of God in Christ Jesus as they are enjoyed here on earth in the Christian Church and finally above, in the kingdom of glory, the disciples here should strive daily in their ministry. Connected with this thought is the next v.4,
" Blessed are they that morn; for they shall be comforted. The disciples are subject to conditions and circumstances, which brings about, mourning, Luke 6,21,25; John 16:20; Acts 14,22.
at the loss of their spiritual possessions, lamenting the fact, that their spiritual poverty separates them from the fountain of blessedness, because of their carnal nature. Its evil effects, however, shall be prevented lest they lead to despair. "Nor, let their hearts joy be taken entirely, but mingle such mourning, abounding in consolation and gladness, Rom. 14,17. The very Messianic kingdom with its message of hope is called the comfort of Israel, Luke 2,25.
.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
"GOOD OLD DAYS."
If you are old enough... take a stroll with me.. close your eyes...Go back before the internet... before semiautomatics and crack... before Sega or super Nintendo... way back...
I'm talking about hide and seek. Sittin' on the porch, Simon Says, Kick the Can, Red light Green light, lunch boxes with a thermos... chocolate milk, going home for lunch, penny candy from the store hopscotch, butterscotch, skates with a keys, Jacks, Mother May I? Hula hoops and sunflower seeds, Whist and old Maid and Crazy eights, wax lips and mustaches, Mary Janes, saddleshoes and coke bottles with the names of cities on the bottom,running through the sprinkler, circle pins, bobby pins, Mickey Mouse Club, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Fran and Ollie, Spin and Marty,... all in black and white.
When around the corner seemed far away, and going downtown seemed like going somewhere. Bedtime, climbing trees, making forts...backyard shows, lemonade stands, Cops and robbers, sittin' on the curb, staring at clouds, jumping down the steps, jumping on the bed, pillow fights, getting "company," ribbon candy, angel hair on the Christmas tree, Jackie Gleason, white gloves, walking to Church, walking to the Movie theater, being tickled to death, running till you were out of breath, laughing so hard that your stomach, being tired from playing... Remember that? Not stepping on a crack or you'll break your Mother's back. paper chains at Christmas,,silhouettes of Lincoln and Washington... the smell of paste in school and Evening in Paris. What about the girl that had the bubbly handwriting, who dotted her i's with hearts.?? The stroll, popcorn balls & sock hops... Remember when... when there were two types of sneakers for boys and girls. (Keds and PF Flyer) and the only time you wore them was for "gym," And the girls had those ugly uniforms. When it took five minutes for the T.V. to warm up. When nearly every one's Mom was at home when the kids got home from school When nobody owned a purebred dog. When a quarter was a decent allowance, and a another quarter, a huge bonus. When you reach into a muddy gutter for a penny(I still do!)
When girls neither dated nor kissed until late high school, if then. When your Mom wore nylons that
came in two pieces. When your male teachers wore neckties and female teachers had their hair done, everyday and wore high heels. Where you got your windshield cleaned, oil checked, and gas pumped. without asking, all for free, every time. And you didn't pay for air.
And you got trading stamps to boot! When laundry detergent had free glasses, dishes, or towels hidden inside the box. When any parent could discipline any kid, or feed him, or use him to carry groceries, and nobody, not even the kid thought a thing of it. When it was considered a great privilege to be taken out to dinner at a real restaurant with your parents. When they threaten to keep kids back a grade if they failed... and they did. When the worst thing you could do at school was smoke in the bathrooms. ,flunk a test or chew gum. And the prom was in the auditorium and we danced to an orchestra, and all the girls wore pastel gowns, and the boys wore suits for the first time,
they stayed out all night.
When a'57 Chevy was everyone's dream car... to cruise, peel out, lay rubber or watch submarine races, and people went steady and girls wore a class ring with an inch of dental floss or yarn coated with pastel frost nail polish so it would fit her finger.
And no one ever asked where the car keys were 'cause they were always in the ignition, and he doors were never locked. And you got into big trouble if you accidentally locked the doors at home, since no one ever had a key. Remember lying on your back on the grass with your friends and saying things
'like that cloud looks like a..."
And playing baseball with no adults to help kids with the rules of the game. Back then, baseball was not a psychological group learning experience-it was a game.
Remember when stuff came from the store came without safety caps and hermetic seals 'cause no one had yet tried to poison a perfect stranger,
and with all our progress... don't you just wish...just once...you could slip back in time and savor the slower pace... and share it with the children of the 80's and 90's...
So send this on to someone who can still remember Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, Laurel and Hardy, Howdy Doody and the peanut Gallery, the Lone Ranger, The Shadow knows, Nellie Belle, Roy and Dale, Trigger and Buttermilk... as well as the sound of a real mower on Saturday morning, and summers filled with bike rides, playing in cowboy land, baseball games, bowling and visits to the pool...eating Kool-aid powder with sugar.
When being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared to the fate awaited a misbehaving student at home. Basically, we were in fear for our lives., but it wasn't because of drive by-shootings,
Drugs,gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat! But we all survived because their love was greater than the threat. Didn't that feel good, just go back and say.
I remember that!
I'm talking about hide and seek. Sittin' on the porch, Simon Says, Kick the Can, Red light Green light, lunch boxes with a thermos... chocolate milk, going home for lunch, penny candy from the store hopscotch, butterscotch, skates with a keys, Jacks, Mother May I? Hula hoops and sunflower seeds, Whist and old Maid and Crazy eights, wax lips and mustaches, Mary Janes, saddleshoes and coke bottles with the names of cities on the bottom,running through the sprinkler, circle pins, bobby pins, Mickey Mouse Club, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Fran and Ollie, Spin and Marty,... all in black and white.
When around the corner seemed far away, and going downtown seemed like going somewhere. Bedtime, climbing trees, making forts...backyard shows, lemonade stands, Cops and robbers, sittin' on the curb, staring at clouds, jumping down the steps, jumping on the bed, pillow fights, getting "company," ribbon candy, angel hair on the Christmas tree, Jackie Gleason, white gloves, walking to Church, walking to the Movie theater, being tickled to death, running till you were out of breath, laughing so hard that your stomach, being tired from playing... Remember that? Not stepping on a crack or you'll break your Mother's back. paper chains at Christmas,,silhouettes of Lincoln and Washington... the smell of paste in school and Evening in Paris. What about the girl that had the bubbly handwriting, who dotted her i's with hearts.?? The stroll, popcorn balls & sock hops... Remember when... when there were two types of sneakers for boys and girls. (Keds and PF Flyer) and the only time you wore them was for "gym," And the girls had those ugly uniforms. When it took five minutes for the T.V. to warm up. When nearly every one's Mom was at home when the kids got home from school When nobody owned a purebred dog. When a quarter was a decent allowance, and a another quarter, a huge bonus. When you reach into a muddy gutter for a penny(I still do!)
When girls neither dated nor kissed until late high school, if then. When your Mom wore nylons that
came in two pieces. When your male teachers wore neckties and female teachers had their hair done, everyday and wore high heels. Where you got your windshield cleaned, oil checked, and gas pumped. without asking, all for free, every time. And you didn't pay for air.
And you got trading stamps to boot! When laundry detergent had free glasses, dishes, or towels hidden inside the box. When any parent could discipline any kid, or feed him, or use him to carry groceries, and nobody, not even the kid thought a thing of it. When it was considered a great privilege to be taken out to dinner at a real restaurant with your parents. When they threaten to keep kids back a grade if they failed... and they did. When the worst thing you could do at school was smoke in the bathrooms. ,flunk a test or chew gum. And the prom was in the auditorium and we danced to an orchestra, and all the girls wore pastel gowns, and the boys wore suits for the first time,
they stayed out all night.
When a'57 Chevy was everyone's dream car... to cruise, peel out, lay rubber or watch submarine races, and people went steady and girls wore a class ring with an inch of dental floss or yarn coated with pastel frost nail polish so it would fit her finger.
And no one ever asked where the car keys were 'cause they were always in the ignition, and he doors were never locked. And you got into big trouble if you accidentally locked the doors at home, since no one ever had a key. Remember lying on your back on the grass with your friends and saying things
'like that cloud looks like a..."
And playing baseball with no adults to help kids with the rules of the game. Back then, baseball was not a psychological group learning experience-it was a game.
Remember when stuff came from the store came without safety caps and hermetic seals 'cause no one had yet tried to poison a perfect stranger,
and with all our progress... don't you just wish...just once...you could slip back in time and savor the slower pace... and share it with the children of the 80's and 90's...
So send this on to someone who can still remember Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, Laurel and Hardy, Howdy Doody and the peanut Gallery, the Lone Ranger, The Shadow knows, Nellie Belle, Roy and Dale, Trigger and Buttermilk... as well as the sound of a real mower on Saturday morning, and summers filled with bike rides, playing in cowboy land, baseball games, bowling and visits to the pool...eating Kool-aid powder with sugar.
When being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared to the fate awaited a misbehaving student at home. Basically, we were in fear for our lives., but it wasn't because of drive by-shootings,
Drugs,gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat! But we all survived because their love was greater than the threat. Didn't that feel good, just go back and say.
I remember that!
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Jehovah the Good Shepherd. Psalm 23.
A Psalm of David, a hymn written by David by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost (Spirit), an expression of not only of David's personal faith and trust, but of the confidence which all believers have in goodness, love, and grace of God and of their Savior Jesus Christ, brought out all the more strongly since it is spoken in the name of each individual Christian. The Lord Jehovah, the God of grace and faithfulness, the redeemer of mankind, not only God the Father, Gen.48, 15; 49, 24,, but also God the Son, Jesus Christ in particular, is "my Shepard", to whom every believer stands in relation of the most intimate fellowship, by whom and in whom he lives, through whose mighty power the life of his soul is sustained."I SHALL NOT WANT!" Being supplied with all gifts and blessings for this world and the world to come. The Psalms teach us to pray, to properly understand he psalms, the Isralite's attempts at expressing their experience of God. Bolt of lighting, the grandeur of a mountain , the warming of the Sun and the nourishing rain, all remaining them of abiding presence of the Lord. The psalms represent an effort to put into words their contemplative experience of God. The psalm s are songs of the people who knew God as a personal God. We cannot Love a person we do not know. Praising God in the words of the psalms, and listening to what He is saying.
He maketh me to lie down in "Green pastures" where the best spirtual food is found in abundance; He leadeth me besides still waters, where the refreshing streams of His grace flow softly and gently with the beauty of the Gospel. The "Good Shepherd" gives food and drink, rest and peace. The gifts of love. for this world and the world to come. "He restoreth my soul, when my spirits droop, on account of sin and afflictions of this world. He leadeth me in paths of righteousness, where roads are straight, and there is no chance of stumbling: " for His name's sake. through these blessings nourish with true confidence of faith in our hearts as believers, for though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, where darkness and terror surround the believer, I will fear no evil in the proper defiance of death faith; for thou are with me. Thy rod and staff protecting me with, the means of grace as in every trouble affecting body and soul.
Thou prepare a table before me setting a joyful and rich festival meal, in the presence of my enemies, for they are helpless in the presence of the mighty shepherd.
Our privileged in life as Christians, is to praise God as sovereign Lord of heaven and earth. Our whole life must be dedicated to this end. As we behold the Lord in all his majesty and splendor, our natural response is to praise him. One of the time honored methods of praising God as creator and king, as provider and protector, is by praying those inspired hymns of praise which makes up the Psalter. They are expression of adoration, worship, and honor to our glorious Lord and God. Through the words of the Psalms we can voice gratitude. to our loving provident Father. In the Psalms we find prayers of petition. What ever is holding you back from getting close to Jesus, Finding peace in your faith, not trusting your own power, but, Jehovah's mercy in the means of grace. " For thou are with me, thy rod and staff they comfort me.
Our privileged in life as Christians, is to praise and glorify God as sovereign Lord of heaven and earth. One of the time honored methods of praising God as creator and King, as provider and protector, is by praying those inspired hymns of praise which makes up the Psalter.
The Psalm are prayers that help us express the praise arising in our hearts. The humbled contrite heart he will not turn away," during our earthly life. In the Psalms we find prayers of petition. Psalm 95 is a good place to start and end with the solicitous Good Shepherd (Christ), Psalm 23.
With the psalmist, we come to the rock for strength and protection. Remember the Psalms are the songs of people who knew God as a personal Savior. They knew him with their heart. We can not love a God we do not know. Praising God in the words of the Psalms, and if we listen to what He is saying, it will help us know him better, which will increase our love for him. The Psalms are a record of salvation history. They are historical as they relate God's dealing with his people in Old Testament times. The Psalms are also Christological. The are full of the incarnate word. Jesus prayed the Psalms. He confirmed the theology of the Psalms by quoting them in his own teaching ministry The Psalms have a ecclesial dimension they are used extensively in the liturgy of the church.
Even though the psalms were composed in the Old Testament, they are deeply trinitarian. To the Father is attributed the work of creation. His on going providential care is praised and glorified in many psalms. The Royal psalms foretell the coming of the "Messianic King." (Christ). In the songs of Israel, God's work sanctification performed by The "Holy Spirit," is praised and glorified.
This accent on praying with the Psalms is by no means new in the church. The psalms are the source of many different methods of prayer recommended by the church throughout the centuries. They play an important role in the sacramental liturgies , especially in the Eucharist (communion). They also form the main body of the church's daily prayer.
One fundamental truth which the psalms can teach us is that real peace comes primarily from our submission to God's will, and our total trust and confidence in him as our Loving "Father!"
As we pray the psalms, we expose our thinking to God's word. There we discover his will. As we rest in his presence, our will becomes gradually conformed to his. This is the source of great joy in our lives. Many of the psalms are particularly appropriate for time of suffering and trial. At some time we all fell short, being wounded, scarred, or broken by our sinfulness. The psalms show us how the suffering of the psalmist prefigured the agony of Jesus in the garden, his rejection and death, which eventually led to his glorification. We must submit to his will, Because prayer is a gift from God we must remain receptive to the kind of prayer in which he is leading us.
Psalm 23, is probably the best known and most widely used of the whole collection of inspired prayers. It portrays, in beautiful pastoral imagery, God as a shepherd caring for his sheep. His loving care as a shepherd covers all, protection, guidance, nourishment, and above all love.
He maketh me to lie down in "Green pastures" where the best spirtual food is found in abundance; He leadeth me besides still waters, where the refreshing streams of His grace flow softly and gently with the beauty of the Gospel. The "Good Shepherd" gives food and drink, rest and peace. The gifts of love. for this world and the world to come. "He restoreth my soul, when my spirits droop, on account of sin and afflictions of this world. He leadeth me in paths of righteousness, where roads are straight, and there is no chance of stumbling: " for His name's sake. through these blessings nourish with true confidence of faith in our hearts as believers, for though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, where darkness and terror surround the believer, I will fear no evil in the proper defiance of death faith; for thou are with me. Thy rod and staff protecting me with, the means of grace as in every trouble affecting body and soul.
Thou prepare a table before me setting a joyful and rich festival meal, in the presence of my enemies, for they are helpless in the presence of the mighty shepherd.
Our privileged in life as Christians, is to praise God as sovereign Lord of heaven and earth. Our whole life must be dedicated to this end. As we behold the Lord in all his majesty and splendor, our natural response is to praise him. One of the time honored methods of praising God as creator and king, as provider and protector, is by praying those inspired hymns of praise which makes up the Psalter. They are expression of adoration, worship, and honor to our glorious Lord and God. Through the words of the Psalms we can voice gratitude. to our loving provident Father. In the Psalms we find prayers of petition. What ever is holding you back from getting close to Jesus, Finding peace in your faith, not trusting your own power, but, Jehovah's mercy in the means of grace. " For thou are with me, thy rod and staff they comfort me.
Our privileged in life as Christians, is to praise and glorify God as sovereign Lord of heaven and earth. One of the time honored methods of praising God as creator and King, as provider and protector, is by praying those inspired hymns of praise which makes up the Psalter.
The Psalm are prayers that help us express the praise arising in our hearts. The humbled contrite heart he will not turn away," during our earthly life. In the Psalms we find prayers of petition. Psalm 95 is a good place to start and end with the solicitous Good Shepherd (Christ), Psalm 23.
With the psalmist, we come to the rock for strength and protection. Remember the Psalms are the songs of people who knew God as a personal Savior. They knew him with their heart. We can not love a God we do not know. Praising God in the words of the Psalms, and if we listen to what He is saying, it will help us know him better, which will increase our love for him. The Psalms are a record of salvation history. They are historical as they relate God's dealing with his people in Old Testament times. The Psalms are also Christological. The are full of the incarnate word. Jesus prayed the Psalms. He confirmed the theology of the Psalms by quoting them in his own teaching ministry The Psalms have a ecclesial dimension they are used extensively in the liturgy of the church.
Even though the psalms were composed in the Old Testament, they are deeply trinitarian. To the Father is attributed the work of creation. His on going providential care is praised and glorified in many psalms. The Royal psalms foretell the coming of the "Messianic King." (Christ). In the songs of Israel, God's work sanctification performed by The "Holy Spirit," is praised and glorified.
This accent on praying with the Psalms is by no means new in the church. The psalms are the source of many different methods of prayer recommended by the church throughout the centuries. They play an important role in the sacramental liturgies , especially in the Eucharist (communion). They also form the main body of the church's daily prayer.
One fundamental truth which the psalms can teach us is that real peace comes primarily from our submission to God's will, and our total trust and confidence in him as our Loving "Father!"
As we pray the psalms, we expose our thinking to God's word. There we discover his will. As we rest in his presence, our will becomes gradually conformed to his. This is the source of great joy in our lives. Many of the psalms are particularly appropriate for time of suffering and trial. At some time we all fell short, being wounded, scarred, or broken by our sinfulness. The psalms show us how the suffering of the psalmist prefigured the agony of Jesus in the garden, his rejection and death, which eventually led to his glorification. We must submit to his will, Because prayer is a gift from God we must remain receptive to the kind of prayer in which he is leading us.
Psalm 23, is probably the best known and most widely used of the whole collection of inspired prayers. It portrays, in beautiful pastoral imagery, God as a shepherd caring for his sheep. His loving care as a shepherd covers all, protection, guidance, nourishment, and above all love.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Nothing to offer but Blood
Dr. Stanley Aronson Dean of Medicine Emeritus at Brown University wrote an article, about thee first first element of the inner human body cited in the (book of Genesis) was Adam's rib; second was the eye: For when Eve and Adam ate the fruit of the tree of know;edge, " THEN THE EYES OF BOTH WERE OPEN." and the Third was blood. When Cain slayed his brother, God says: " HARK, YOUR BROTHER BLOOD CRIES OUT FRO M THE GROUND." Many tissues might have cried out for reckoning-the heart, the brain, the spleen-yet to the "Hebrews" the essence of the soul and the 'Spirit of life" rested solely in thy blood. Blood was warm, pulsating, and when it was shed, life inevitably fled.
Blood is the gift of life and a solemn token of God's generosity. the Bible declares, " for the life of the flesh is in the blood." (Leviticus 17:11). Repeatedly, Leviticus condemns any use of blood except in " Altar Sacrifice."
The lord spoke: " Therefore I say to he Israelite people: No person among you shall partake of blood".
Indeed, the dietary laws of the Hebrews decree that blood must be removed before the flesh of a bird, or an animal may be consumed. I believe this was carried over to the "New Testament when St.Paul went up to Jerusalem to confront James, ( Jesus half brother) who was in charge of the "Mother Church?" They had a battle over guide lines of what was to apply to this new sect., (Christians).
James wanted the Christians to observe the same laws as applied to the Jews. But,St. Paul says: " Jesus did not put around their necks, and He wouldn't either. When the dust settled, the three requirements were: "No fornication, (sex outside of marriage), no eating food offered to Idols, and not eating anything strangled, for by doing so, you were eating the blood of the animal, which when you did, you were eating life; for life is in the blood.
The animal was to be drained, before cooking.
No culture is without its taboos, and fascinations with blood. Primitive hunter drank the blood of vanquished foes and the slain animals of the jungle. Blood of dying gladiators was fought over by spectators in the fervent belief that it would yield renewed strength and vigor. Blood was protective.
Moses instructed the beleaguered. Israelite's to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to the lintels and door post of their homes, " for when the Lord goes through to smite the Egyptians, He will see the blood... and the Lord will pass over the door. (Exodus 12:23).
A similar ritual was observed in the " Moslem custom of slaughtering camel and smearing its blood upon the "lintels" of homes to protect against evil spirits.
Blood seals covenants, and binds contracts. In September of 1492. Pope "Innocent" lay dying; and in desperation his physicians vainly elected to give fresh blood taken from three orphan boys.
The pope died, and the fate of the three boys is unknown n.
Blood is the gift of life and a solemn token of God's generosity. the Bible declares, " for the life of the flesh is in the blood." (Leviticus 17:11). Repeatedly, Leviticus condemns any use of blood except in " Altar Sacrifice."
The lord spoke: " Therefore I say to he Israelite people: No person among you shall partake of blood".
Indeed, the dietary laws of the Hebrews decree that blood must be removed before the flesh of a bird, or an animal may be consumed. I believe this was carried over to the "New Testament when St.Paul went up to Jerusalem to confront James, ( Jesus half brother) who was in charge of the "Mother Church?" They had a battle over guide lines of what was to apply to this new sect., (Christians).
James wanted the Christians to observe the same laws as applied to the Jews. But,St. Paul says: " Jesus did not put around their necks, and He wouldn't either. When the dust settled, the three requirements were: "No fornication, (sex outside of marriage), no eating food offered to Idols, and not eating anything strangled, for by doing so, you were eating the blood of the animal, which when you did, you were eating life; for life is in the blood.
The animal was to be drained, before cooking.
No culture is without its taboos, and fascinations with blood. Primitive hunter drank the blood of vanquished foes and the slain animals of the jungle. Blood of dying gladiators was fought over by spectators in the fervent belief that it would yield renewed strength and vigor. Blood was protective.
Moses instructed the beleaguered. Israelite's to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to the lintels and door post of their homes, " for when the Lord goes through to smite the Egyptians, He will see the blood... and the Lord will pass over the door. (Exodus 12:23).
A similar ritual was observed in the " Moslem custom of slaughtering camel and smearing its blood upon the "lintels" of homes to protect against evil spirits.
Blood seals covenants, and binds contracts. In September of 1492. Pope "Innocent" lay dying; and in desperation his physicians vainly elected to give fresh blood taken from three orphan boys.
The pope died, and the fate of the three boys is unknown n.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
A QUIET AND HOLY PEOPLE.
GORDON MACDONALD, in his book, forging a real world faith, shows us a picture put forth by the new Christian Church, in a letter written in the third Century, By St, Cyprian who was writing a letter to a friend named Donatus:
this seems a cheerful world, Donatus, when I view it from this far garden under the shadow of these vines. But, if I climb some great mountain and look over the wide lands, you know very well what I would see; Brigands on the high road, Pirates on the seas, in the amphitheaters men murdered to please the applauding crowds, under all roofs misery and selfishness. It really is a bad world, Donatus an incredibly bad world.
Yet, in the midst of it, I have found a "Quiet and Holy people". They have discovered a joy which is a thousand times better then any pleasure of this sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are Christians... and I am one of them. What a compliment! A quiet and Holy people
Is there any phrase which captures the essence of the faith, any better? A "quiet and Holy people."
Quiet.
Not obnoxious. Not boastful. Not demanding., Just quiet.
Contagiously Quiet.
Holy.
Set apart. Pure. Decent. honest. wholesome.
Holy. A quiet and holy people.
Paul urges the same from Us.
"Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those outside, and that you lack nothing.
A quiet and Holy people, that described the church in the third century in Thessalonica. Does that describe the church today? We should hope so, as the church i leading us towards the day of the coming of the Lord, the day of reconciling, the day of pay-up, the great day of shock for the unbelievers. Listen to Paul as we read: (1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11).
Paul expressed to the Thesslonians that their lives should remain pure as they watch for the second coming of Jesus. Be pure in all that we do. We are commanded to keep ourselves busy. By doing this we can keep ourselves from evil. An intriguing verse is found in 1 Thesslonians 4:16 ( For the Lord himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, and a loud command with the voice of an angel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the lord in the air, and thus we shall be always with the Lord.
Have you ever wondered what that command will be? It will be the inaugural word of Heaven. It will be the first audible message most have heard from God. It will be the word that closes one age and opens a new one. What will the command be? Some say they think the command will be in t and it will put a end to the pains of the earth and initiates the joy of Heaven two words;" "No More!"
The King of Kings will raise his pierced hand and proclaim, " No More!"
The angels shall stand and the Father will speak, " No More!"
Every person who lives and who ever lived will turn toward the sky and hear God announce, "No More!"
No more loneliness. No more tears. No more death. No more sadness. No more crying. No more pain! John sat on the island of Patmos surrounded by sea and separated from friends he dreamt of the day God would say: "No More!" I wonder if he heard the voice of Jesus in his memory?
"The end will come."
For those who live for this world, that's bad news. But, for those who live for the world to come, its an encouraging promise.
Remember Jesus Words of assurance:" Those who endure will be saved. The Gospel will be preached. The end will come
you can count on it!
this seems a cheerful world, Donatus, when I view it from this far garden under the shadow of these vines. But, if I climb some great mountain and look over the wide lands, you know very well what I would see; Brigands on the high road, Pirates on the seas, in the amphitheaters men murdered to please the applauding crowds, under all roofs misery and selfishness. It really is a bad world, Donatus an incredibly bad world.
Yet, in the midst of it, I have found a "Quiet and Holy people". They have discovered a joy which is a thousand times better then any pleasure of this sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are Christians... and I am one of them. What a compliment! A quiet and Holy people
Is there any phrase which captures the essence of the faith, any better? A "quiet and Holy people."
Quiet.
Not obnoxious. Not boastful. Not demanding., Just quiet.
Contagiously Quiet.
Holy.
Set apart. Pure. Decent. honest. wholesome.
Holy. A quiet and holy people.
Paul urges the same from Us.
"Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those outside, and that you lack nothing.
A quiet and Holy people, that described the church in the third century in Thessalonica. Does that describe the church today? We should hope so, as the church i leading us towards the day of the coming of the Lord, the day of reconciling, the day of pay-up, the great day of shock for the unbelievers. Listen to Paul as we read: (1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11).
Paul expressed to the Thesslonians that their lives should remain pure as they watch for the second coming of Jesus. Be pure in all that we do. We are commanded to keep ourselves busy. By doing this we can keep ourselves from evil. An intriguing verse is found in 1 Thesslonians 4:16 ( For the Lord himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, and a loud command with the voice of an angel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the lord in the air, and thus we shall be always with the Lord.
Have you ever wondered what that command will be? It will be the inaugural word of Heaven. It will be the first audible message most have heard from God. It will be the word that closes one age and opens a new one. What will the command be? Some say they think the command will be in t and it will put a end to the pains of the earth and initiates the joy of Heaven two words;" "No More!"
The King of Kings will raise his pierced hand and proclaim, " No More!"
The angels shall stand and the Father will speak, " No More!"
Every person who lives and who ever lived will turn toward the sky and hear God announce, "No More!"
No more loneliness. No more tears. No more death. No more sadness. No more crying. No more pain! John sat on the island of Patmos surrounded by sea and separated from friends he dreamt of the day God would say: "No More!" I wonder if he heard the voice of Jesus in his memory?
"The end will come."
For those who live for this world, that's bad news. But, for those who live for the world to come, its an encouraging promise.
Remember Jesus Words of assurance:" Those who endure will be saved. The Gospel will be preached. The end will come
you can count on it!
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