Month: November 2013

The “Our Father” Prayer in HD #3

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 KJV).

Eliminating the static due to religious tradition, we present to you “the official prayer of Christendom” with unparalleled clarity….

“Thy kingdom come.” In this first petition of the “Our Father” Prayer, Israel’s believing remnant is acknowledging that their nation’s fall into sin postponed God’s earthly kingdom, but they are now ready to receive it. The New (heavenly) Jerusalem will “come down from God out of heaven” and be established on earth (Revelation 21:1-4). This “heaven on earth” kingdom was Israel’s hope throughout the Old Testament (Psalm 45:6,7; Isaiah 9:6,7; Daniel 2:35,44; Zechariah 9:9,10; et al.) and Israel’s believing remnant during Christ’s earthly ministry anticipated it (Luke 1:67-79; Luke 2:25-38; Luke 24:21; et al.). Jesus and His disciples preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 10:7; Mark 1:15; et al.). Israel’s believing remnant, in the future, will pray for God’s earthly kingdom to come, and her Messiah Jesus will be returning (His Second Coming) to establish it (Revelation 5:10; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 20:4; et al.). Father God said of Jesus Christ: “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion” (Psalm 2:6,7)

“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Satan has polluted heaven and earth with sin (2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 2:2; Ephesians 6:12). By the time Israel’s believing remnant is living during the (future) seven-year Tribulation, we the Church the Body of Christ will already be raptured into heaven, ruling and reigning for God’s glory there. Halfway through those seven years, Satan and his angels will be cast out of heaven (outer space) and confined to earth (Revelation 12:7-9); we will occupy their vacated offices of government in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6,7; Philippians 3:20,21). God will restore heaven to Himself first, He will glorify His Son Jesus in heaven first, and His purpose and plan will be accomplished in heaven first. Israel’s believing remnant, knowing this, will pray the second petition that God’s will on earth—His earthly kingdom—be accomplished AS His heavenly kingdom was established.

Let us continue dissecting the “Our Father” Prayer….

The “Our Father” Prayer in HD #2

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9 KJV).

Eliminating the static due to religious tradition, we present to you “the official prayer of Christendom” with unparalleled clarity….

The “Our Father” Prayer begins, of course, with “Our Father.” Who is the “our” in “Our Father?” Why are they calling God “Father?” What is the significance of God being “in heaven?”

“Our Father.” Remember, contrary to common belief, Jesus Christ did not minister to us Gentiles in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Jesus stated, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24; cf. Romans 15:8). The “Our Father” is Israel’s model prayer—the “ye” of today’s Scripture is Israel’s believing remnant. Jesus is speaking to Israel, not us, in today’s Scripture. “Father” denotes origin. When Israel called God “Father,” they were acknowledging He gave birth to them (Deuteronomy 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 89:26). God gave birth to national Israel when He delivered them from Egyptian bondage (“Israel is my son, even my firstborn;” Exodus 4:22,23; cf. Hosea 11:1). Israel is to renounce Satan as their spiritual father (John 8:42-44), discard their pagan idols whom they foolishly called “father” (Jeremiah 2:27), and declare, “O LORD, thou art our father” (Isaiah 64:8). Israel’s believing remnant will do this in the future (Isaiah 63:16; Jeremiah 3:19).

“Which art in heaven.” God was to dwell with Israel on earth (Job 19:25-27; Isaiah 2:1-5; Daniel 2:34,35,44; Zechariah 8:23), and yet He is in heaven. Israel is acknowledging her fall into sin (Deuteronomy 32:15; Hosea 1:2; Acts 7:38-43,51-53), and her delaying God’s earthly kingdom (2 Chronicles 7:19-22); in the future seven-year Tribulation, believing Israel will acknowledge this.

“Hallowed be thy name.” Israel is recognizing JEHOVAH as separate from the pagan gods and goddesses they historically served. Unlike Moses (Deuteronomy 32:51), Israel is praising His name as holy. Isaiah 8:13 urged sinful Israel: “Sanctify [Hallow] the LORD of hosts himself; let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” Israel’s believing remnant will also honor (“sanctify”) JEHOVAH’S name in the last days (Isaiah 29:23).

Let us continue dissecting the “Our Father” Prayer….

The “Our Father” Prayer in HD #1

Monday, November 18, 2013

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9 KJV).

Eliminating the static due to religious tradition, we present to you “the official prayer of Christendom” with unparalleled clarity….

Someone once claimed that the so-called “Lord’s Prayer” is the “official prayer of Christendom.” This is not an overstatement, for this prayer is one of the most uttered prayers in all of the professing Church’s history. Actually, a better title is, “The ‘Our Father’ Prayer,” since Jesus never prayed it (John chapter 17 is the true “Lord’s Prayer”).

Nevertheless, despite its constant and widespread recitation, there is almost no understanding as to what the phrases and petitions in the “Our Father” Prayer actually mean. In 1 Corinthians 14:15, the Apostle Paul wrote, “I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also.” In Paul’s mind, prayer was an action in which one understood the words he or she was uttering. If we do not understand the meaning of the contents of the “Our Father” Prayer, how can we expect our recitation of it will glorify and honor the Lord Jesus Christ?

Unfortunately, prayer in much of Christendom is often repetitious utterances mindlessly spoken because of “religious duty.” The purpose of prayer in the Bible is thus overlooked. Due to Christendom’s persistent failure to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), it has greatly erred doctrinally. Prayer in Christendom is usually worthless tradition or misapplied Scripture because dispensational Bible study has been either innocently or deliberately ignored. The dispensational changes evident in God’s Word are overlooked: verses that do not describe anything that God is doing today, are forced onto us as if they did apply to us today. Israel’s verses are taken and often applied to us, the Church the Body of Christ. No wonder people get confused regarding Scripture. No wonder people stumble over the so-called Bible “contradictions.”

In the next several studies, we will search the Scriptures to discover that the so-called “Lord’s Prayer” is a beautiful summary of Israel’s program, and that it actually has nothing to do with any Christian today….

A Refuge in the Storms of Life

Sunday, November 17, 2013

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

Here is an encouraging study for our dear Christian grace brethren in the Philippines….

We greatly rejoice in our Lord Jesus Christ, having recently received electronic reports that you, our Filipino grace brethren in Christ, are still accessing our online studies. You have survived the recent mega-typhoon, and you are now privileged with this opportunity of sharing the Word of God’s Grace with your kinsmen in the flesh, who need its hope and joy now more than ever. May you bring our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, the Person whose grace now sustains you and whose peace now comforts you, to them, that they too can be equipped in Him to endure all of life’s trials, troubles, and tragedies.

Brethren, we cannot imagine what struggles you are facing, but rest assured, you are on our hearts, and you are in our thoughts and prayers. On behalf of the Christian grace believers here in the United States, I can assure you that we are sending donations to assist you in recovery.

Most importantly, we greatly encourage you to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1). The Apostle Paul—himself in a prison in Rome—wrote in today’s Scripture that he learned to be content, no matter what his circumstances:

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Whether we have everything in the material world or we have nothing in the material world, we are still “complete in [Christ]” (Colossians 2:10). Our souls are still secure forever, and Christ has equipped us to handle all of life’s issues until we leave this world. Quoting a dear Christian brother, “You can endure because you will endure!” 🙂

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

333’s 900th – Nourished Saints

Saturday, November 16, 2013

“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all” (1 Timothy 4:15 KJV).

Only by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, “333 Words of Grace” publishes its 900th devotional today!

A dear Christian brother always says, “Your Christian life will not operate on the basis of ignorance.” We cannot expect God to work in our lives unless we study His Word and learn what He is doing today. Dispensational Bible study is the key to understanding the Scriptures, and it enables you to, by faith, do God’s will, for you know what God is doing today and you can join Him in doing it.

Dear readers, for the past 900 days, it has been an honor to share with you the wonderful Word of God rightly divided. Surely, you have heard and learned things you had never before heard and learned. Our goal from day 1 has been to present to you the Holy King James Bible, clearly and concisely, free from the traditions of men that have made Bible study burdensome, to the intent that you would allow the Holy Spirit to teach you His Word, and that by faith, you would allow Him to use that doctrine to work in your life to accomplish God’s will.

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul advised young Timothy to “meditate upon these things.” The “things” are listed in the previous 65 verses of 1 Timothy, the sound Bible doctrine that would save Timothy from the false teaching that was creeping into the local churches that Paul and his ministry coworkers had established (see 1 Timothy chapters 1 and 4). Timothy was to meditate on God’s Word, especially God’s Word rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15)—understanding that all of the Bible is for us, but not all of the Bible is to us or about us.

As Paul instructed, Timothy was to think about that sound Bible doctrine, and completely rely on it for his soul’s nourishment, so that others would be encouraged to do the same. We also want that for you, and so we hope to continue to labor in this regard as God’s grace enables.

Beloved, thank you for your prayer concerning this ministry, and Lord willing, onward we go to #1000! 🙂

As We Tarry Here and Long for There #4

Friday, November 15, 2013

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

Before we go on to the next world, we must tarry in this one….

Paul demonstrated Jesus Christ’s selflessness (after all, Jesus Christ was operating in and through Paul). He knew firsthand that to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was “far better” than sitting in a Roman prison awaiting execution. Nevertheless, Paul knew that it was in the best interest of his audience—the Gentile Christians in Philippi—that he remain in this evil world.

Beloved, we must learn as Paul did, that there is more to the Christian life than seeking our best interest. Paul could have died, gone to heaven to be with Christ, and been freed from the torture and capital punishment of the evil Roman government that had arrested him. Yet, Paul, or technically the Holy Ghost through Paul, knew that there was a more important matter than his physical comfort. Paul needed to stay on earth, so he could minister to the Philippian saints—a spiritual matter of eternal value.

Paul, imprisoned in Rome, could not physically go to Philippi over 600 miles (965 kilometers) to the east. Yet, he could write them an epistle, which he sent by one, Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:28,29)—Paul told them he hoped to come later (verse 24). We can benefit from that epistle today!

We must learn from Philippians that it is more needful for other Christians and the lost world that we remain here. Lost souls still need to be saved; Christian souls still need to be edified. For their sakes, our Dispensation of Grace must continue operating. We must tarry for the Lord as He tarries for lost people to trust Him alone for their soul salvation (2 Peter 3:9).

In the Lord’s own time, we will no longer tarry here and He will no longer tarry there. When His time has come, He will be here and we will be there, as we will be reunited to meet Him in the air! 🙂

As We Tarry Here and Long for There #3

Thursday, November 14, 2013

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

Before we go on to the next world, we must tarry in this one….

Let us read today’s Scripture within its context: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

Obviously, Paul, in prison in Rome, was initially uncertain which one—his living or his dying—was what he wanted. It was a very complex set of choices, and to an extent, we find ourselves in such a dilemma even today.

The Apostle had been caught up into the third heaven many years earlier (2 Corinthians 12:1-7), and he knew the “gain” that awaited him after physical death. It truly was “far better” “to be with Christ.” Nevertheless, he knew that his earthly life was the only way he could continue ministering to the saints at Philippi (his audience). He acknowledged that if he died, he could no longer serve them. Yet, if he stayed on earth and preached Christianity, an “illegal religion” in the eyes of Rome, his imprisonment was certain (“the fruit of his labour;” Philippians 1:22).

Paul had hoped to be released from prison, and perhaps he did get to see these saints again in Philippi: “And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; that your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again” (verses 25,26). Surely, even if Paul never did return to Philippi, he had made up his mind. He preferred to stay alive on earth, for the benefit of these saints….

As We Tarry Here and Long for There #2

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

Before we go on to the next world, we must tarry in this one….

After the deaths of Christian loved ones, it is not uncommon for other Christians to wonder why Jesus Christ does not quickly take them home to heaven so they can be reunited there. Christians often desire the Lord to “rapture” us all out of here so that we do not have to experience the dying process. In doing so, they miss the reason why we are still here on earth.

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul admitted that he was in quite a similar dilemma. On one hand, he was in horrible living conditions—a prison cell in Rome—for preaching an “illegal religion.” On the other hand, he was literally headed for heavenly bliss for trusting Jesus Christ, the central Person of that “illegal religion.”

Verses 21 and 22 elaborate: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.” Paul knew that if he lived physically, it was actually Jesus Christ living in and through him. He knew that to die physically was “gain,” for he would be free from sin and thereby able to serve Jesus Christ in heaven. Yet, Paul also knew that if it was Jesus Christ living in and through him, the “fruit” of following this “illegal religion” was the very prison cell in which he sat while writing that epistle to the saints at Philippi!

Why did Paul not know which option—life or death—he would choose? Having been in heaven years earlier (2 Corinthians 12:1-7), Paul knew the glories that were there. Paul undoubtedly knew “to be with Christ [was] far better,” but, there was something far more important at the moment, and he was aware of it….

As We Tarry Here and Long for There #1

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

Before we go on to the next world, we must tarry in this one….

Not too long ago, I visited the grave of a recently departed saint and a family friend of many years. Another Christian and I stood by her grave with her widowed husband, and there we discussed our memories of her. In that time of great emotion, we rejoiced that she is free from frailty and suffering, and yet, we mourned that we will never see her again in this life.

It is never easy to lose a loved one, even if that person had a testimony of having trusted Jesus Christ alone as personal Saviour. We still miss their phone calls, visits, voices, and friendship. Even as Christians, we are not shielded from physical death: short of the Lord’s coming for us, we and all other Christians we know will die. Such is a part of living in a sin-cursed world.

The Bible’s shortest verse, John 11:35, simply says, “Jesus wept.” Upon seeing the tomb of his friend Lazarus, Jesus is deeply moved inside, knowing that death has Lazarus captive and his family members and friends are heartbroken. Amidst Jesus’s tears, He shouts, “Lazarus, come forth!” Lazarus, all bound in burial clothes, hops out, as alive as ever! The crowd is not only amazed at the love Jesus had for Lazarus, but also at Jesus’ power demonstrated at such a morose occasion.

We are tempted to wish the Lord Jesus Christ would appear at the graves of our departed Christian loved ones and do what He did at Lazarus’s tomb. How we long to be with them, to be out of this world of pain and suffering. How we “look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ,” to see those saints once more.

Yet, as we tarry here and long for there, let us remember why we are here….

The Greatest Veteran

Monday, November 11, 2013

“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14,15 KJV).

Today is Veterans’ Day in the United States, so let us especially thank the “Greatest Veteran of All Time.”

We thank veterans, living and departed, the often-forgotten men and women who risked their lives to secure our freedom. Just as we remember flesh-and-blood veterans who fought for our physical liberty, we reserve our worship and utmost respect for the least esteemed Veteran, He who secured our spiritual liberty.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Through Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary, we have eternal victory over sin, death, hell, and Satan. Everything that God has planned for us is dependent upon Christ’s victory at Calvary.

Jesus Christ nailed the Mosaic Law to His cross (today’s Scripture). His sinless blood covered our failure to obey God’s laws; Jesus’ righteousness annulled our unrighteousness (sin). Christ not only liberated us from sin and its penalty (the everlasting lake of fire), but today’s Scripture affirms He also triumphed over Satan himself!

Christ has “spoiled [destroyed] principalities and powers [Satan’s power], he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it [His cross].” Jesus Christ destroyed Satan’s plans. Through Christ’s cross, God has “delivered us from the power of darkness” (Colossians 1:13), Satan’s evil system of Ephesians 2:1-3.

During a recent cemetery visit, I noticed American flags flying above deceased veterans’ headstones. These individuals can no longer hear or regard our thanks, but Jesus Christ’s body is not decaying in some tomb. If there ever was a Veteran most worthy of our gratitude, it is our Lord Jesus Christ. Though He died in battle, allowing Himself to be executed on a Roman cross of shame and scorn, He resurrected. He is alive and well today, alive forevermore!

Saints, eternity will ring with our thanks to the Veteran worth thanking, the Lord Jesus Christ.