Saturday, April 23, 2011
Dr Jack Hyles
When I was a young pastor, I did so many things I do not do now. I once filled the baptistery, prepared the communion cup, cooked the unleavened bread, cleaned the building, turned on the lights, built the fire, printed the church bulletin and even led the choir. However, with the passing of the years and the increasing of the church membership I have had to have others to do what I used to do. Though I miss the personal contact and many of the tasks, it is expedient for my people that I administrate so that greater works can be done than were once done when I did it all myself. I could say to my people, "It is expedient that I go to administrate, for I can send many others to do the work that did and get more done."
There is a sense also in which the Lord Jesus can teach us better from the right hand of the Father. When He was on earth, for example, He was in the flesh. Mark 13:32, "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in Heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." The word "neither" means "not yet". Jesus did not know the day nor hour of the Son of man's coming; at least, not yet, but in His resurrection body, seated at the right hand of the Father, He would know. Consequently, from that position, He can teach us better than through His earthly body here with us.
In summary, our Lord was our comforter while He was here. Though in a sense He continues to comfort from the right hand of the Father, He has sent us the Holy Spirit to comfort us and through that Holy Spirit greater works can be done than were done when our Lord was here.
I am dictating this chapter from the Lucerne Conference Grounds in Lucerne, California. I am in my room. It is 1:30 a.m. If Jesus were in Jerusalem tonight, I would catch the first plane tomorrow morning and I would fly to see Him, but I may not get to see Him or talk to Him, for millions of others would be seeking the same privilege as I. If He were here on earth, it just may be I would never get to touch His hand, see His face or talk to Him personally, but now that He is gone and has sent the Holy Spirit, He is in this room with me in the wee hours of the morning, and I feel His presence. I can talk with Him. In this sense, it was expedient for me that He go away, for through the Holy Spirit, I can be with Jesus anywhere I am, even in the wee hours of the morning in a quiet hotel room in the mountains of northern California.
There is a sense also in which the Lord Jesus can teach us better from the right hand of the Father. When He was on earth, for example, He was in the flesh. Mark 13:32, "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in Heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." The word "neither" means "not yet". Jesus did not know the day nor hour of the Son of man's coming; at least, not yet, but in His resurrection body, seated at the right hand of the Father, He would know. Consequently, from that position, He can teach us better than through His earthly body here with us.
In summary, our Lord was our comforter while He was here. Though in a sense He continues to comfort from the right hand of the Father, He has sent us the Holy Spirit to comfort us and through that Holy Spirit greater works can be done than were done when our Lord was here.
I am dictating this chapter from the Lucerne Conference Grounds in Lucerne, California. I am in my room. It is 1:30 a.m. If Jesus were in Jerusalem tonight, I would catch the first plane tomorrow morning and I would fly to see Him, but I may not get to see Him or talk to Him, for millions of others would be seeking the same privilege as I. If He were here on earth, it just may be I would never get to touch His hand, see His face or talk to Him personally, but now that He is gone and has sent the Holy Spirit, He is in this room with me in the wee hours of the morning, and I feel His presence. I can talk with Him. In this sense, it was expedient for me that He go away, for through the Holy Spirit, I can be with Jesus anywhere I am, even in the wee hours of the morning in a quiet hotel room in the mountains of northern California.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Psalm 45
I say, “I have composed this special song 5 for the king;
my tongue is as skilled as the stylus of an experienced scribe.” 6
You speak in an impressive and fitting manner! 8
Appear in your majestic splendor! 12
Ride forth for the sake of what is right, 14
on behalf of justice! 15
Then your right hand will accomplish mighty acts! 16
45:5 Your arrows are sharp
and penetrate the hearts of the king’s enemies.
Nations fall at your feet. 17
The scepter 20 of your kingdom is a scepter of justice.
Observe and pay attention! 35
will seek your favor by bringing a gift. 43
decked out in pearls and clothed in a brocade trimmed with gold. 46
45:14 In embroidered robes she is escorted to the king.
Her attendants, the maidens of honor who follow her,
are led before you. 47
45:15 They are bubbling with joy as they walk in procession
and enter the royal palace. 48
you will make them princes throughout the land.
then the nations will praise you 53 forever.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
My beloved King
I can't thank you enough Lord, for having come in search of me,
When I really didn't deserve it, You went ahead & cleaned me up
Straightened me out & and gave me my true identity,
Thanks a million Lord,
For every drop of blood shed ....
Thanks a million Lord ... words just can't express my gratitude
I remember what you did. It was somewhere around this time, two thousand years ago.
How could I not remember, my beloved Lord ?
When I really didn't deserve it, You went ahead & cleaned me up
Straightened me out & and gave me my true identity,
Thanks a million Lord,
For every drop of blood shed ....
Thanks a million Lord ... words just can't express my gratitude
I remember what you did. It was somewhere around this time, two thousand years ago.
How could I not remember, my beloved Lord ?
Song of Songs
The meaning of the Song of Songs
The Song of Songs is, of course, a poem. It describes wonderful plants and beautiful animals. It describes special places. And it describes processions, dances and gardens. But the Song also has a more important meaning.
Parables and allegories are different types of stories. Both parables and allegories have a meaning. But there is a difference. Parables are very simple. And they are easy to understand. But allegories are very complex. Every detail in an allegory is important. And words have secret meanings.
There are many parables in the Bible. Jesus often used parables to each the people. The meaning of these parables is never complex.
Allegories became popular many centuries after the time of the Bible. People used to read allegories for entertainment, like novels today. And many people thought that the Song of Songs was an allegory. They tried to find secret meanings in its words. They thought that its real meaning must be very complex. They tried to find new meaning in every sentence.
We think that the Song of Songs is more like a parable. In other words, its meaning is simple to understand. Its meaning is:
The Song of Songs is, of course, a poem. It describes wonderful plants and beautiful animals. It describes special places. And it describes processions, dances and gardens. But the Song also has a more important meaning.
Parables and allegories are different types of stories. Both parables and allegories have a meaning. But there is a difference. Parables are very simple. And they are easy to understand. But allegories are very complex. Every detail in an allegory is important. And words have secret meanings.
There are many parables in the Bible. Jesus often used parables to each the people. The meaning of these parables is never complex.
Allegories became popular many centuries after the time of the Bible. People used to read allegories for entertainment, like novels today. And many people thought that the Song of Songs was an allegory. They tried to find secret meanings in its words. They thought that its real meaning must be very complex. They tried to find new meaning in every sentence.
We think that the Song of Songs is more like a parable. In other words, its meaning is simple to understand. Its meaning is:
- God loves us. His love does not change.
- But we are not always loyal to him. Perhaps we are selfish. So we do not always want to obey him.
- God wants us to trust him more. Then, in the end, we shall be glad to obey him. And we shall be perfect for him.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
He is alive now!
This month Christianity is celebrating the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. I would like therefore to use this opportunity to have look at this event.
This month Christianity is celebrating the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. I would like therefore to use this opportunity to have look at this event.
1. Resurrection: Not an event of the past
Jesus Christ is not a personality to be remembered only by history. He is not someone that lives only through his written teachings. In contrast, Jesus is an alive and active personality NOW ! He is seating at the right hand of the throne of God NOW ! He is pouring out the same spirit that He poured out on the day of Pentecost, NOW ! He came to the world to save sinners and He does this NOW! He is in you that believe in Him, NOW! JESUS IS ALIVE NOW AND will be alive forever! AMEN.
2. He is alive now: He is blessing us
Jesus is ALIVE AND ACTIVE NOW, MANIFESTING HIMSELF to everyone that loves him.
3. Matthew 28:20
It was only some days after the resurrection, and in a mountain in Galilee, the disciples had an appointment with the Lord. There he gave them what came to be known as “the Great commission”. Matthew 28:18-20 tells us:
To many of us this commission is something WE have to accomplish BY OURSELVES. But I believe when Jesus gave it, he didn’t mean something like this. For, giving it, he also said: “I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE”. In accomplishing the great commission and in serving the Lord, we are partners with him. He is the Head of the church, the one that gives commands and helps us to carry them out. His commands are NOT a missing leader’s commands. In contrast, they are the commands of an alive, active leader, who works together with his people TODAY, TO ACCOMPLISH THE PURPOSES OF HIS KINGDOM.
4. He is alive now: He instructs us
In Acts 9, immediately after the Lord’s meeting with Paul, there is the record of Ananias, a disciple in Damascus. Let’s go to verses 10-18 and have a look at it:
The same good shepherd of John 10, the Lord Jesus Christ, is in charge of the sheep today as well. He knows us by name. he speak to us as he spoke to Ananias: calling us with our first name. May when he calls us we give him the same reply Ananias gave: “Here I’m Lord”.
5. “Where there are two or three….”
Most of us probably know the below passage of Matthew 18:20:
“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I’m there in the midst of them”
What this passage very plainly says, is that every gathering of believers done in the name of Jesus, brings Jesus in the meeting. Not of course as a passive visitor but as an active member. Do you remember those two that were on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)? They were discussing about the Lord, and the Lord joined them in person, explaining to them the scriptures and opening their minds to understand them. Exactly this happens today when believers are gathered in Jesus name: Jesus becomes an active member of the meeting, opening the minds and the understanding of those that want to learn about him. Through his spirit, he explains the Scriptures, he teaches, he admonishes. And wherever there are two or three gathered in his name, Jesus is there as well. He never misses an appointment.
6. He is alive now: He encourages us
We probably remember from the gospel records, the Lord to give strength and encourage the people. We probably remember him saying: “Be of good cheer”, “do not fear”.
Well, this has not stopped with the gospel records. Jesus is here today and as Hebrews 13 says “He is the same today, and yesterday and till the end of the age” (Hebrews 13:8).
As Paul characteristically said in Philippians 4:13
He didn’t say: through Christ that strengthened me. It is PRESENT. JESUS STRENGTHENS US NOW.
Let’s see an example of the Lord’s encouragement as it is given in the book of Acts. The apostle Paul went to Jerusalem where the fanatic Jews captivated him and put him into prison. Probably no one else was able to reach him there. No-one, except one: THE LORD.
THE LORD STOOD BY PAUL AND STRENGTHENED HIM! Paul was not labouring for someone that said nice words and then died and the only that was left was his words. Who could stood by Paul then? PAUL AND EVERY ONE OF US, IS LABOURING FOR AN ALIVE LORD: THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. The Jesus of the gospels is not a historical but AN ALIVE JESUS, FULL OF THE SAME LOVE AND COMPASSION TODAY, FOR EACH ONE OF US.
7. He is alive now: He is coming back
Closing this short study on the resurrected Jesus Christ, we couldn’t forget the fact that as Jesus ascended into heaven 40 days after the resurrection, so also he will come back from heaven. As the angels said to the disciples, who were gazing at Jesus ascending into heaven:
Revelation 1:7
“BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH CLOUDS, AND EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM, EVEN THEY WHO PIERCED HIM. AND ALL THE TRIBES OF THE EARTH WILL MOURN BECAUSE OF HIM. EVEN SO, AMEN”
Matthew 24:30-31
“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, AND THEY WILL SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN WITH POWER AND GREAT GLORY”
Jesus is coming back with power and great glory. To this, we say:
“Yes, come Lord Jesus!”
(Revelation 22:21)
Tassos Kioulachoglou
Saturday, April 9, 2011
A LOVE AFFAIR OF THE HEART
For above all else, the Christian life is a love affair of the heart. It cannot be lived primarily as a set of principles or ethics. It cannot be managed with steps and programs. It cannot be lived exclusively as a moral code leading to righteousness. In response to a religious expert who asked him what he must do to obtain real life, Jesus asked a question in return:
"What is written in the Law?.... How do you read it?"
He answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heartand with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'"
"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
(Luke 10:26-28, emphasis added)
The truth of the gospel is intended to free us to love God and others with our whole heart. When we ignore this heart aspect of our faith and try to live out our religion solely as correct doctrine or ethics, our passion is crippled, or perverted, and the divorce of our soul from the heart purposes of God toward us is deepened.
(The Sacred Romance 8)
(The Ransomed Heart 21 - John Eldredge)
"What is written in the Law?.... How do you read it?"
He answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heartand with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'"
"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
(Luke 10:26-28, emphasis added)
The truth of the gospel is intended to free us to love God and others with our whole heart. When we ignore this heart aspect of our faith and try to live out our religion solely as correct doctrine or ethics, our passion is crippled, or perverted, and the divorce of our soul from the heart purposes of God toward us is deepened.
(The Sacred Romance 8)
(The Ransomed Heart 21 - John Eldredge)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2008
Humility
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- Philippians 2 v 1-11 (New Living Translation)
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I read the passage above sometime last week, and it has really stuck with me all week, especially verses 6-8. I've been reflecting a lot lately about times in my life when I know that I'm right about something, and someone else disagrees, how I try to prove to them, that I really am right. Or when someone thinks something about me that is not true, I get upset and want them to see the truth of who I am.
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Yet, in the passage above, it is amazing to see the extent of humility that Jesus carried, that though He was God, He was willing not only to be human but also to publicly die the death of a common criminal. I find that so incredible, and I realise how far I am, from walking in the humility that Jesus walked in.
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Is my heart tender and compassionate? Or is it more concerned with how others see me?
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O Father, please give me a tender and compassionate heart!
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I've also been reading Colossians the last couple of days and in addition to the passage that I mentioned in my last post, below is another passage that has stuck with me, may you find them encouraging... and may you find Christ and hear the good news, if you don't already know Him.
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Lots of love, Ash x
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19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ,
20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions.
21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions.
22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.23 But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.
- Colossians 1 v 19-23 (New Living Translation)
MONDAY, JANUARY 07, 2008
Mercy
We had a staff meeting at work this morning, and one of my colleagues read out Colossians chapter 3v1-17. I particularly liked verses 12-14: 'Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.' I like that idea of clothing ourselves in love, and sometimes that is easier said than done.
Over the last week, I have been going to bed at night and listening to Laura Woodley's cd 'In Love' as I drift off to sleep. The first song/prayer on that cd is called 'Mercy' and there is this one line that gets me every time. She sings:
"I've been forgiven of more than I could ever be angry for.
Instead of judgement, I choose mercy."
I love that line, especially the last part : Instead of Judgement, I choose Mercy.
That has just been going round and round in my head all week. I can't stop thinking about that line! What a beautiful thing to choose :)
Over the last week, I found myself in a situation that upset me, and my first instinct reaction in my heart was to judge, but as soon as I made that judgement in my heart, I knew I had to repent, and I had the opportunity to put into practise this very wonderful gift that I have received...Instead of Judgement, I choose Mercy.
My prayer is that one day, that will be the instinct reaction of my heart, to choose mercy and not judgement. May we all choose Mercy and clothe ourselves in Love - how our world would be a better place if we all did that. Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement!
Love Ash x
Colossians 3-17 (The Message)
So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ,act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.
Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place,quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
Over the last week, I have been going to bed at night and listening to Laura Woodley's cd 'In Love' as I drift off to sleep. The first song/prayer on that cd is called 'Mercy' and there is this one line that gets me every time. She sings:
"I've been forgiven of more than I could ever be angry for.
Instead of judgement, I choose mercy."
I love that line, especially the last part : Instead of Judgement, I choose Mercy.
That has just been going round and round in my head all week. I can't stop thinking about that line! What a beautiful thing to choose :)
Over the last week, I found myself in a situation that upset me, and my first instinct reaction in my heart was to judge, but as soon as I made that judgement in my heart, I knew I had to repent, and I had the opportunity to put into practise this very wonderful gift that I have received...Instead of Judgement, I choose Mercy.
My prayer is that one day, that will be the instinct reaction of my heart, to choose mercy and not judgement. May we all choose Mercy and clothe ourselves in Love - how our world would be a better place if we all did that. Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement!
Love Ash x
Colossians 3-17 (The Message)
So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ,act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.
Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place,quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
The Curtain tore into two ....
THE TORN CURTAIN ...
GOD REACHING OUT, US REACHING IN
GOD REACHING OUT, US REACHING IN
And in EPHESIANS 2:14 Paul alludes to something that happened immediately after Jesus Christ’s death on the cross that symbolized the removal of this wall between us and God … the tearing of the veil in the Temple in Jerusalem.
EPHESIANS 2:14 (NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)
14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,
We read in SECOND CHRONICLES that Solomon built the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem between 832-825 B.C. and that it was 30 cubits high. A cubit was the distance between the tip of your middle finger and the middle of the inside of your elbow, andcould range from 17-22 inches. So the original Temple was somewhere between 42.5 feet and 55 feet high. But then, according to Josephus, the 1st-Century Jewish historian, during Jesus’ lifetime, King Herod increased the height of the Temple to 40 cubits … making it somewhere between 56 and 73 feet high.
The Temple veil was a massive curtain that separated the Holy Place, from the Holy of Holies inside the Temple. The Holy of Holies was the earthly dwelling place of God’s presence … and where the Ark of the Covenant resided. Only once a year was the High Priest allowed to pass to the other side of this veil, enter into God’s presence, and make sacrifices to God for the forgiveness for the sins of the Jews.
Here’s how what The Gospel of Matthew tell us about the tearing of the Temple veil immediately following Jesus’ death on the cross …
MATTHEW 27:50-51 (NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)
50-51 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
EXODUS 26:31-34 tells us that this thick Temple veil was made out of blue, purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen. Josephus tells us that the veil was four inches thick and that horses tied to each side couldn’t pull the veil apart.
What significance does the torn Temple veil have for us today? Above all, the tearing of the Temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death symbolizes that His sacrifice, the shedding of His blood, was a sufficient payment for the sins of the world … and itillustrates loud and clear to us that after Jesus’ death, the way into the Holy of Holies was opened up for all people, for all time, both Jew and Gentile. When Jesus died, the Temple veil was torn, and God moved out of the Temple.
In fact, ACTS 17:24 says that God will never again live in a Temple made with human hands, but that God will now live inside of His people through the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit.The old covenant was fulfilled, and the new covenant started.
And gang, the Temple veil is also symbolic of the fact that Jesus Christ Himself is the only way to come into relationship and fellowship with God the Father (cf., JOHN 14:6). Because, remember, before the cross, the Jewish High Priest had to enter the Holy of Holies through the veil. But now, as we’re taught in HEBREWS 10:19-20, Jesus Christ is our superior High Priest, and as His followers, you and I can now enter the Holy of Holies through Him.
HEBREWS 10:19-20 (NEW CENTURY VERSION)
19-20 So, brothers and sisters, we are completely free to enter the Most Holy Place without fear because of the blood of Jesus’ death. We can enter through a new and living way that Jesus opened for us. It leads through the curtain — Jesus Christ’s very body.
I love what 19th-Century British pastor, teacher, professor and author, Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote about this beautiful and wonderful truth …
“It is not a slight tear through which we may just see a little; but it is torn from the top to the bottom. There is an entrance made for the greatest sinners. If there had only been a small hole cut through it, the lesser offenders might have crept through; but what an act of abounding mercy is this, that the veil is torn down the midst, and torn from top to bottom, so that the chief of sinners may find ample passage to God!” [Charles Haddon Spurgeon | 1834-1892]
Oh, praise the LORD for our access to God! Godspeed.
read.think.pray.live.
Gregg
The Bride of Christ
The Bible compares the relationship of Jesus and His church to that of a Bride and Groom. We, the church of Jesus Christ are the Bride, and Jesus is the Bridegroom. John the Baptist in explaining that he was not the Christ said in John 3:29, “He who has the Bride is the Bridegroom.” The most incredible writing of this relationship to me is in the book of the Bible “The Song of Solomon”. In chapter one verse fifteen, the Bridegroom declares, “How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful you are!” In verse sixteen, the Bride declares, “How handsome you are, my beloved, and so pleasant!”
Jesus desires a relationship with His church of both intimacy and passion. He has that for us and wants to develop that in us. In Philippians 3:8, the apostle Paul says, “More than that, I count all things to be a loss in the view of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord.” This is a passion and desire for intimacy.
Ephesians 5:22-33 compares the relationship and responsibilities of the husband and wife to the relationship of Jesus and his church. Verse 25 tells husbands to “Love your wife as Christ also loved the church.” Verse 27 shows the Lord’s desire to “Present to Himself the church in all her glory having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” Such an accomplishment would take Jesus close and personal involvement in our lives, and a passionate response to Him on our part to have such relationship.
The twenty first chapter of the book of Revelation describes a new heaven and earth. Verse 2 states, “And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a Bride adorned for husband.” The teachings of the Bible show us that Jesus is not in love with architecture, but, the people who inhabit the city, His people, His Bride. Revelation 22:17 says, “The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”
Jesus, being God the Son, has infinite ability and capacity in His heart to love and be involved with countless individuals and His corporate church at the same time. The Lord and His heaven has room for ALL who will come to Him. Heaven is the pure, undiluted, eternal presence of God, and we’re all invited to be with Him there. Heaven is a choice… We hope it is yours!
Eternally His, Joe and Debbie Mayer
Jesus desires a relationship with His church of both intimacy and passion. He has that for us and wants to develop that in us. In Philippians 3:8, the apostle Paul says, “More than that, I count all things to be a loss in the view of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord.” This is a passion and desire for intimacy.
Ephesians 5:22-33 compares the relationship and responsibilities of the husband and wife to the relationship of Jesus and his church. Verse 25 tells husbands to “Love your wife as Christ also loved the church.” Verse 27 shows the Lord’s desire to “Present to Himself the church in all her glory having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” Such an accomplishment would take Jesus close and personal involvement in our lives, and a passionate response to Him on our part to have such relationship.
The twenty first chapter of the book of Revelation describes a new heaven and earth. Verse 2 states, “And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a Bride adorned for husband.” The teachings of the Bible show us that Jesus is not in love with architecture, but, the people who inhabit the city, His people, His Bride. Revelation 22:17 says, “The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”
Jesus, being God the Son, has infinite ability and capacity in His heart to love and be involved with countless individuals and His corporate church at the same time. The Lord and His heaven has room for ALL who will come to Him. Heaven is the pure, undiluted, eternal presence of God, and we’re all invited to be with Him there. Heaven is a choice… We hope it is yours!
Eternally His, Joe and Debbie Mayer
"More About the Bride of Christ"
Taken from “The colors of His love” by Dee Brestin & Kathy Troccloi*This was a devotional read at one of Bree’s wedding showers. It had a great impact on those of us that heard it at that time. Now, having experienced both a wedding and funeral of such magnitude and so close together; these truths have been magnified in such a big way that it reinforces even deeper our hope and the reality of ETERNAL LIFE with Jesus, our Bridegroom and Savior.
Our Bridegroom has gone away, but He will be back. The disciple John explains that this time of separation is also a time of preparation: 1 John 3 says, “What we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in Him, purifies himself.”
The Jewish wedding ceremony took place in 3 parts. Each part is symbolic of a much greater wedding. It began with the “Betrothal” which was preceded by intense bargaining between the father of the bride and the father of the groom. The “Bride Price” was very steep. The price was comparable to what would be the price of a new house today. Then, when the bride was paid, there was a ceremony in which the couple was betrothed. The price Jesus paid for us was also very steep. It was not silver or gold, but His own precious blood. If we have put our trust in that blood, there is a ring on our finger. We are betrothed. In the days of Jesus, this part of the ceremony symbolized a permanent commitment. It is the same with our relationship with Jesus.
Next, the groom went away in order to add a room to his father’s house. It usually took about a year, but the actual time was determined by the father. It was when the father said that things were ready when the groom would surprise his bride and bring her back with a great processional. In John 14 Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms, if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
During this time of separation, the bride would prepare her gown. It involved much time and patience and had much intricate detail. As we anticipate our “GREAT WEDDING DAY” we, as Christians are preparing our wedding gown. Rather than fine linen, our wedding gown is the purity of our character. Our character is developed as we clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone who has the hope of Jesus returning is in this process of sanctification. We are a work in progress. We eagerly anticipate what we will become.
John says in Revelation 19:7-8, “For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean was given her to wear. We, as we live on this earth, are getting ready to become His Bride. Jesus has gone away to prepare a place for us and He will be back. It will be a great Psalm and wondrous procession. Psalm 45:13-14 says, “All glorious is the princess within her chamber. Her gown is interwoven with gold; in embroidered garments she is led to the King.”
There is so much symbolism here. The words used are significant. The fires of life will refine and purify our character in a magnificent gold if we allow God to use them as He desires. When someone embroiders they enhance, magnify and add color to their garment. This is a picture of what we do to our wedding gown when we submit to the Lord. All glorious are Krista, Nikki and Jessica within their chamber!
(A suggestion of the author to paraphrase this psalm with your own name>) The character of God is interwoven throughout their character; being clothed in the many splendord colors of His, they were led to Jesus!
The final part of the Jewish marriage was the actual wedding and feast. Oh what rejoicing their will be in heaven at our wedding banquet! We will be with Him, our Bridegroom for all eternity. So, in this period when He is preparing a place for us, God also yearns to sanctify and make us holy. Let us abandon ourselves to Him… our ETERNAL BRIDEGROOM!
The Jewish wedding ceremony took place in 3 parts. Each part is symbolic of a much greater wedding. It began with the “Betrothal” which was preceded by intense bargaining between the father of the bride and the father of the groom. The “Bride Price” was very steep. The price was comparable to what would be the price of a new house today. Then, when the bride was paid, there was a ceremony in which the couple was betrothed. The price Jesus paid for us was also very steep. It was not silver or gold, but His own precious blood. If we have put our trust in that blood, there is a ring on our finger. We are betrothed. In the days of Jesus, this part of the ceremony symbolized a permanent commitment. It is the same with our relationship with Jesus.
Next, the groom went away in order to add a room to his father’s house. It usually took about a year, but the actual time was determined by the father. It was when the father said that things were ready when the groom would surprise his bride and bring her back with a great processional. In John 14 Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms, if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
During this time of separation, the bride would prepare her gown. It involved much time and patience and had much intricate detail. As we anticipate our “GREAT WEDDING DAY” we, as Christians are preparing our wedding gown. Rather than fine linen, our wedding gown is the purity of our character. Our character is developed as we clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone who has the hope of Jesus returning is in this process of sanctification. We are a work in progress. We eagerly anticipate what we will become.
John says in Revelation 19:7-8, “For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean was given her to wear. We, as we live on this earth, are getting ready to become His Bride. Jesus has gone away to prepare a place for us and He will be back. It will be a great Psalm and wondrous procession. Psalm 45:13-14 says, “All glorious is the princess within her chamber. Her gown is interwoven with gold; in embroidered garments she is led to the King.”
There is so much symbolism here. The words used are significant. The fires of life will refine and purify our character in a magnificent gold if we allow God to use them as He desires. When someone embroiders they enhance, magnify and add color to their garment. This is a picture of what we do to our wedding gown when we submit to the Lord. All glorious are Krista, Nikki and Jessica within their chamber!
(A suggestion of the author to paraphrase this psalm with your own name>) The character of God is interwoven throughout their character; being clothed in the many splendord colors of His, they were led to Jesus!
The final part of the Jewish marriage was the actual wedding and feast. Oh what rejoicing their will be in heaven at our wedding banquet! We will be with Him, our Bridegroom for all eternity. So, in this period when He is preparing a place for us, God also yearns to sanctify and make us holy. Let us abandon ourselves to Him… our ETERNAL BRIDEGROOM!
Mayer Sisters MAIN |
Friday, April 8, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
The most likely conversation that would have taken place between the rich young man & Jesus
Young man (Mark 10:17): Jesus, how much does eternal life cost?The young man's problem wasn't primarily a matter of money. The young man's problem was primarily a matter of righteousness. Jesus merely used money to reveal the deeper spiritual reality that the young man wouldn't have otherwise been able to see: "I can't pay for my salvation."
Jesus (Mark 10:18-19): Keep the law. Can you pay it?
Young man (Mark 10:20): Yes, I can!
Jesus (Mark 10:21): Let's try this again. It'll cost you everything you own. Can you pay it?
Young man (Mark 10:22): No, I can't.
Trust in money or any other idol we don't want to let go of (e.g. family, known comforts, Mark 10:29) reveals a heart that trusts in self more than God. At the root of idolatry is self-righteousness. If there's an idol of any sort that you're struggling with, then your main problem is self-righteousness. So the proper way to deal with an idol isn't to try to get rid of it (because, just like the rich young man, you can't!) but rather to repent of self-righteousness and trust Jesus alone as your righteousness. Only then will you be irresistibly compelled to leave behind every idol and follow Him (Mark 10:28).
The attribute that most characterizes this man that we've come to know as "the rich young man" isn't so much that he's rich but rather that he's self-righteous. If only he had known that Jesus pays it all (Mark 10:27, Isaiah 53:3-12) so that he doesn't have to, he wouldn't have went away sorrowful (Mark 10:22) but instead would have went on his way rejoicing like the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:39).
The attribute that most characterizes this man that we've come to know as "the rich young man" isn't so much that he's rich but rather that he's self-righteous. If only he had known that Jesus pays it all (Mark 10:27, Isaiah 53:3-12) so that he doesn't have to, he wouldn't have went away sorrowful (Mark 10:22) but instead would have went on his way rejoicing like the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:39).
Saturday, April 2, 2011
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