Month: September 2015

Thy Eternal Word of Truth

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever” (Psalm 119:160 KJV).

The Bible critics can whine and complain, “Never!,” but today’s Scripture says God’s Word will last forever.

Recently, National Geographic published the book, “100 Events That Changed the World.” Listed in chronological order, they started with “man discovers the use of fire” and ended with “the Nobel Peace Prize awarded for youth advocacy.” (Should not number 1 have been how the world and man came to be?!) The list included: the birth of agriculture, construction of the pyramids of Egypt, establishment of the United Nations, founding of Islam, invention of the telephone, Elvis declared king of rock-and-roll, the two World Wars, the Code of Hammurabi, Moses and the Torah, Watson and Crick’s discovery of the DNA helix, Mao Zedong and communism, United States President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and the Space Race.

Traveling up through history, number 19 on the list was Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry and the foundation of Christianity, the Protestant Reformation was number 38, and number 46 was “the Bible gets a new translation.” There, it was a little article about one King James of England and a book called the Authorized Version. Yes, my friends, believe it! While some “Bible-believing Christians” (?) would object, unsaved people rightly concluded our King James Bible was so important in world history that it belonged on that list. The NIV, the NKJV, the ESV, the NASB, the Voice, the NLT—all popular “bibles” today—did not make one appearance in that book! They do not have God’s blessing. They will never, ever have it. They will never, ever impact the world as much as God’s preserved Word and words in English.

Friends, God’s Word is truth, and it will surely endure forever. We as English-speaking people have it in the form of our King James Bible. In this world of itching ears, we do not consult modern Bible scholarship for spiritual insight. We look to the Book that God Himself has used for over 400 years to impact the entire world. Holding that blessed old Book up high, we uphold the very words of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself! 🙂

Affections and Lusts Crucified

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:24,25 KJV).

Behold, the key to overcoming temptations!

There is a constant battle in the Christian’s mind. On one hand, we have the garbage thinking from the Adamic sin nature. “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21). On the other, we have the Holy Spirit using sound Bible verses to “transform [us] by the renewing of [our] mind, that [we] may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).

Hence, in verses preceding today’s Scripture, we read: “[16] This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. [17] For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. [18] But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”

And 2 Corinthians chapter 10: “[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: [4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

Whatever does not agree with “the knowledge of God” (His Word rightly divided), throw it out. We are to “bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” This is not you making your thoughts obedient to Jesus Christ. Rather, it is you taking your thoughts and seeing whether or not they agree with Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork (His obedience to Father God; Romans 5:19; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 5:8). The desires of the flesh, they were crucified with Christ. They have no power over you, dear brother or sister in Christ!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What advice can be given to homosexual Christians?”

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #10

Monday, September 28, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

A very fascinating portrait has formed. The Lord Jesus’ foster father, Joseph, was a carpenter, and He followed him in the trade. His Heavenly Father, God, was also a Carpenter, and He followed Him in the “family business” also. Today’s Scripture declares Father God was building a house in His creation. Jesus was thrilled to work with His Heavenly Father!

Jesus had studied the “Old Testament” Scriptures to learn that Father God was forming a nation who would learn His Word and then take it to the nations. He also learned, however, that Israel had gotten lost along the way. A vain and corrupt religious system had ensnared her and drawn her away from God’s pure words. The Lord Jesus knew that He had to reteach Israel verses she should have learned and later shared with the nations. As it turned out, they were willing to hear Jesus as much as they were willing to hear Moses. As the years passed, Jesus came to understand that that house Father God was building also involved three iron spikes, a wooden cross, and His sinless shed blood. Israel had to be redeemed from her sinful nature and forgiven of behaviors.

After Jesus taught Israel advanced doctrine built on the “Old Testament” Scriptures, those words were recorded in Matthew through John. This teaching was further developed in early Acts and Hebrews through Revelation. Once our Dispensation of Grace ends, believing Israel is to remain faithful to that doctrine, that the Antichrist not deceive her during those last seven years (verses 5,6). And so, the Carpenter from heaven is there today, to one day come back and finish building His nation Israel! 🙂

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #9

Sunday, September 27, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

According to the Law of Moses, Israel’s high priest had to first be washed with water, and then anointed with oil, before he could function in that office (see Exodus 29:1-7; cf. Leviticus 8:1-13). That high priest could then offer animals’ blood for the atonement of Israel’s sins (Leviticus chapter 16). In order to function as Israel’s “High Priest” (today’s Scripture), Jesus Christ was water baptized and then anointed with the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:13-17). Then, His sinless blood was shed on Calvary, for Israel’s sins (Isaiah 53:8; Daniel 9:24).

Now, when our dispensation ends, Israel’s New Covenant can be established (Jeremiah 31:31-34). As the Old Covenant of Law was ratified with animal blood (Exodus chapter 24), so the New Covenant will be ratified by Jesus Christ’s shed blood (Hebrews 8:8-13; Hebrews 10:1-39). That New Covenant will redeem national Israel (Acts 3:19), her believing remnant, and enable them to become a house, Jesus Christ’s “house” (today’s Scripture). Verses 5 and 6 continue, “And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

So, today’s Scripture contrasts Moses leading Israel under the Old Covenant with Jesus Christ leading Israel under the New Covenant. During the seven-year Tribulation, which will be operate once our dispensation ends, the book of Hebrews urges believing Jews to stay doctrinally pure, until Jesus Christ returns at His Second Coming to begin that New Covenant (cf. Romans 11:26-29).

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Should we pray for sick people?”

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #8

Saturday, September 26, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

Christ Jesus, the night before dying, spoke a very long prayer, John chapter 17. Some of the words He uttered to His Father, God, were: “[4] I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. [8] For I have given them the words which thou gavest me… [14] I have given them thy word….” Three years of sermons and validating miracles had concluded.

Faithful Jesus Christ had formed a believing remnant in Israel, who could now carry on without Him, ministering to the rest of Israel. He would be crucified shortly, and go back Home to Heaven. They, however, had the doctrine He had taught them, the edifice of sound doctrine in their inner man. The Holy Spirit would come later and teach them additional revelation (John 16:12-14).

And so, Jesus Christ had one more thing to do. In perfect accordance with the Old Testament Scriptures, He let them arrest Him and He laid down His life at Calvary. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). Paul writes in Philippians chapter 2: “[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Israel’s Apostle could now faithfully function as her High Priest as well!

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #7

Friday, September 25, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

Today’s Scripture conveys two comparisons—Christ Jesus and Moses, and a “house” associated with each. Both Moses and Christ Jesus were “faithful” to Father God who had appointed them. The best way to understand this is in light of John 1:17: “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

As today’s Scripture teaches, JEHOVAH God gave Moses some revelation, the Mosaic Law, and Moses faithfully communicated it to Israel. Moses said in Deuteronomy chapter 4: “[1] Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. [2] Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”

Moreover, as today’s Scripture teaches, some 1,500 years after Moses, Christ Jesus was faithful in relaying to Israel Father God’s revelation. John 8:28,29: “[28] Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. [29] And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.”

For three years, Jesus Christ loyally taught God’s Word to Israel, forming a little believing remnant. Now, it was time to be “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #6

Thursday, September 24, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

God’s purpose in creation (cf. today’s Scripture) was not simply a physical heaven and a physical earth. What He was also doing was using His spoken word to form a spiritual structure, an edifice of sound doctrine. Daily He taught Adam about what He was doing and Adam’s purpose in that plan. Then, Adam willfully abandoned that doctrine and fell into sin. God created the nation Israel to do what Adam failed to do—reign over Earth for His glory. God gave Israel His Law through Moses, but, alas, Israel willfully abandoned it in favor of sin.

Why did Jesus come to Earth? He said, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). He was “sent” to Israel, yea, He was Israel’s “Apostle” (today’s Scripture). Jesus Christ came to guide lost Israel back to Father God. She had so strayed from the path of righteousness and had become trapped in the mire of self-righteousness. God’s Son came to live a sinless life in her midst, to be the embodiment of the Law system she never even closely resembled. As JESUS, JEHOVAH-SAVIOUR, He came “to save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

What Adam had miserably failed to do, what Israel had miserably failed to do, Jesus succeeded in doing. As the perfect Man, He had so filled His heart with Father God’s Word! Now, He could teach Israel that word and thus lead her back to God! The edifice of sound doctrine Jesus Christ had built in Himself, He could now work with His Father God, building that structure of sound doctrine in the hearts of His wayward people, Israel.

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Should we use the book of John in evangelism?”

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #5

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

Young Jesus “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Passing from childhood to adulthood, Jesus (as the God-Man) became more aware of His purpose. His physical body grew stronger, His mental faculties strengthened, and His soul became increasingly enlightened as He feasted on His Heavenly Father’s Word (the “Old Testament” Scriptures). “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8; cf. Hebrews 10:5-7).

One day, Jesus as a Man read or heard the scroll of Daniel chapter 9. He learned of verse 26 about Messiah being “cut off” (killed) 483 years after Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. From that day forward, Jesus knew the age at which He would die. He knew the time of year He would die—Passover. Those three years of ministry would pass quickly, and He had to be about His Father’s business. There was no time to waste!

“My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34). “Jesus said…. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of the Father, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel” (John 5:19,20). “…But as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things” (John 8:28).

Yes, by the time of His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ was fully prepared to work with His Heavenly Father in the “family business” of “carpentry.”

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #4

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

Reading from Isaiah chapter 50: “[4] The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. [5] The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.”

After accidentally leaving 12-year-old Jesus, Joseph and Mary return to Jerusalem and find Him at the Temple, “sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers” (Luke 2:46,47) Verses 48 and 49: “And when [Joseph and Mary] saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”

At age 12, the Lord Jesus was very knowledgeable in Jewish religion, for He had studied the “Old Testament” scrolls by faith. He knew exactly what His Heavenly Father was doing. Did those senior-citizen rabbis? We can only wonder what kinds of questions He was asking those elderly “learned” (?) Jewish doctors of theology! (Sort of like today, when 10-year-old children can quote a clear Gospel of Grace while most “veteran” preachers cannot.) If at age 12 Jesus was so skilled in the word of righteousness, just imagine the spiritual GIANT He was at age 30 when He began His ministry!!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Can you explain Matthew 21:43?”

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #3

Monday, September 21, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

The Lord Jesus had a reputation among the people of Israel for being “the carpenter’s son” (Matthew 13:55) and “the carpenter” (Mark 6:3). They knew He had grown up under the tutelage of Joseph (“as was supposed” His father; Luke 3:23). Joseph was a carpenter, a very creative man, and had instructed Jesus well concerning the craft.

By the way, what happened to Joseph is not recorded in Scripture. There is Scriptural evidence that he was deceased before Christ’s crucifixion (see John 19:27). Joseph may in fact have died before Christ even began His earthly ministry, perhaps during Jesus’ latter teenage years?

What we can be sure of is that Joseph and Jesus had worked on many carpentry projects. They had designed many edifices together. They had raised many structures together. Together, they had made many houses for people. As a Man, the Lord Jesus had learned quite a bit about wood. Wood was the primary material than His stepfather used to accomplish his goals. As a Man, the Lord Jesus also studied the “Old Testament” Scriptures to learn quite a bit about another a wooden structure. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

As the years passed, it became clearer and clearer what His Heavenly Father was doing. Like His stepfather Joseph, Jesus’ Heavenly Father was building something. As He had so obediently helped His stepfather, the Lord Jesus was now entering the public ministry, ready to raise the structure His Heavenly Father had planned from eternity past….