On Daniel, chapter one, fulfilling prophecy

T
his is much longer than I anticipated. Please excuse the abbreviations. I’m not a writer, but I try to get the point across. In so many words! ¹

If you have questions, feel free to ask, I’ll try to answer. Comments always welcome. I know that I make great leaps of logic, that u may not be able to follow. I have always done that, but again, ask if u want. Or, fill in the blanks!

Mary Lou and Stuart hit the nail on the head with their response. In particular, that this is a fulfillment of prophecy given by God, thru Isaiah to Hezekiah. It is an important prophecy.

Many years & a few kings prior to Daniel and his friends being carried away in captivity, King Hezekiah received a visit from Babylonian ambassadors. Hezekiah had shown the Ambassadors all the riches in the kingdom. Isaiah, questioning Hezekiah:

2Kgs 20:15 And he said, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All the things that are in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.

Then, GOD’s response, thru Isaiah the prophet:

2Kgs 20:16 And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD.
2Kgs 20:17 Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.
2Kgs 20:18 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
2Kgs 20:19 Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?

Note verse 18, above. Daniel 1 is the fulfillment.

A Matter Mentioned Three Times

Something is important in the Word Of God (WOG) when it is repeated. Whether its repeated in the same conversation, or spread out in various books of the Bible, as in this case. Since the entire Bible has One ultimate Author, being GOD Himself, this repetition carries some weight. I’ll leave to you to look up the other references, if you would like to see them:

2 Chronicles 32.24-31; Isaiah 39.3-8  

Note the reference in Chronicles is worded much differently, but it certainly refers to Hezekiah and his visit by the Babylonian ambassadors.

A Further Biblical Connection

The last thing to mention, is that in terms of Hezekiah’s line of descendants, there comes a stopping point of those who actually rule on the throne of Judah.

Here is the connection:

Matthew 1, begins with the descendants, from Adam down through the kings. Hezekiah is mentioned, starting in verse 9. The Jews kept excellent genealogical records and there should be king after king, but instead, you find it becoming, king, king, descendant. Because, they were denied a ruling throne.

Nevertheless, GOD still had planned for the true King, to come thru the line of David. Yet, not thru a man, since the line of descendants ended with curse placed upon Jeconiah, and his seed: that none would sit on the throne over Judah, ever.

Jeremiah 22.24-30, esp verse 30  

In order to keep His promise to Abraham, and especially to his great-great grandson, Judah in Genesis 49.10, God had already implemented His plan. That of the virgin-born Messiah. In the New Testament, Messiah is called, Christ. (John 1.41)

That brings us up to the time of the LORD’s birth. The same prophet, Isaiah, who spoke to Hezekiah with the prophecy of His seed being made eunuchs, also spoke several great prophecies regarding Jesus. These are the first two that spring to mind:

Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

The entire chapter of Isaiah 53  

In the case of Joseph and Mary, Joseph was in the royal line, but sometime after the birth of Christ, he is no longer mentioned. So, he never became king. Yet, Joseph was not the father of Jesus, anyway. Mary was to be His mother, but as God told Joseph:

Matt 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Matt 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.


Matt 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,


Matt 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Verse 20: Jesus is conceived of the Holy Ghost! There it is, big, plain and straight.

Just for final clarification, Luke 3.33 specifies that Mary also, comes from the tribe of Judah, and therefore, by birth, Jesus is still in the royal family line, yet,  born of the seed of the woman. (Gen 3.15)

So, how do I wrap this up? I don’t know if I can keep all this straight!

• Daniel and his friends were of the royal seed - most likely



• Their serving under the chief eunuch most likely means, they were made eunuchs.



• Their being made eunuchs was a fulfillment of prophecy.



• It also begins to show that the line of kings ruling on the throne was about to end. That end came with the end of Zedekiah, the son or relative of cursed Jeconiah.



• GOD still kept His promise in that He has provided a King through the miraculous birth of Jesus in fulfillment of Gen 3.15, Gen 22.8 and a whole bunch of other Scripture.

Since GOD has kept all those promises and those prophecies have completely fulfilled, there is no doubt that He will ultimately do all other prophecy that is yet to be fulfilled.

▬▬

¹ This post was originally written as a Facebook note, November 2014.

Merry Christmas!

December 25!  ALL about Jesus Christ, the LORD! Merry Christmas!

J

esus is the only fulfillment of prophecy of the Messiah/Christ found in the Old Testament. Yet, JESUS did not fulfill prophecy to be the cute-baby-focus of plays, or songs. HE came with a much greater purpose in mind. To save lost sinners; to bring peace...not the kind of temporary peace that man issues and withdraws in the next month, day, or breath. Jesus Christ  brings the only peace that matters, and offers it as a gift (Romans 6.23, Ephesians 2.8-10) to any who will trust Him, any who accept that gift.

The gift is eternal life, found only in Him. He brings peace between us and God. He is the only One who can, for He is the only Saviour this world will be offered. Believe on Him, before you no longer have the gift extended to you.

▬▬ One prophecy ▬▬

• Isaiah 9:6; For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 
• Isa 9:7; Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

▬▬ A Second Prophecy ▬▬

• Micah 5:2; But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
• Mic 5:3; Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.

▬▬ Prophecy Fulfilled ▬▬

• Luke 2:6; And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
• Luke 2:7; And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

▬▬ Describing the Prophecy's Fulfillment ▬▬

• Gal 4:3; Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
• Gal 4:4; But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
• Gal 4:5; To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
• Gal 4:6; And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

▬▬ What Jesus Said About His Purpose (I know, this is one among many passages) ▬▬

• John 3:16; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
• John 3:17; For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
• John 3:18; He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

▬▬ What is God's Will? ▬▬

• 1Tim 2:4; [speaking of God] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
• 1Tim 2:5; For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
• 1Tim 2:6; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

▬▬ Where We Stand Before Believing ▬▬

Without Strength, Ungodly, Sinners, and Facing Great Wrath. 

When we believe, We Have Christ who Died for us, having the Father show His Great Love For Us By Sending Christ, and we are Justified (because Christ took our penalty at the Cross!)

• Rom 5:6; For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
• Rom 5:8; But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
• Rom 5:9; Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
• Rom 5:1; Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Lindsey Stirling’s O Come Emmanuelle

Watch this beautiful video here

I

thought b4 the end of this video, we were going to get the whole gospel call! At the very least, in the text messages that appear during the video, Ms. Stirling acknowledges that God "...has given us the greatest gift of eternity. His Son...who gave the very best in Himself..." for us. {Kevin’s Komment - I know, I may not have quoted that exactly.}  

springboard

Not to take away from this video, but rather, using that last quote as a springboard, I like that phrase, “in Himself.” It’s a phrase that can apply to God, as well as, man. A few Biblical references referring to man are: Isaiah 19.17; Jeremiah 10.23; Jonah 4.8; Matthew 13.21; Luke 24.12; Galatians 6.4

note: if viewing from my blog page, hover your mouse-pointer over these scripture references

Yet, there is a marked difference between what man knows, thinks or feels “in himself,” versus how that phrase applies to Jesus Christ.

In himself

again, just hover over the Scripture reference, unless you want to verify for yourself, that I have the right verses with the correct reference.

Mark 5.30

Mark 5.30

Jesus is aware when the GOOD that is within Him is shared with another.

John 6.61

John 6.61

No one needs to tell God our secret thoughts and our secret conversations. He already knows! Think about that while reading Ecclesiastes 12.13,14.

John 13.31,32

John 13:31; Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.John 13:32; If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

Figure that one out!! I underlined those phrases, and they are worth pondering over. Perhaps, you’d like to think of that while reading Hebrews 12.2? How about Revelation 5.9, 12-14. This is the glory of Christ now, and throughout all eternity! ☺

John 5.26

I saved this one for last, and wanted to put this entire verse in here, too. This is what makes God, God! Something we, nor any other earthly or angelic creature has!!

John 5:26; For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

Before time, before the foundation of the world, there is God. He neither ages, grows weary, nor does He grow old. He alone is completely self-existent. That is why in Exodus 3.13, 14, God names Himself, I AM THAT I AM! Jesus equals that statement in John 8.58.

So, where is the Gospel in this?

If Jesus has life in Himself, and yet died for our sins, giving His life for us, do we not owe Him something?

Yet, there is nothing any one of us can do FOR Him. We owe the debt to Him, completely, utterly unable to pay that debt. Our tiniest evil thought, to our biggest, most outragest sin, keeps us from Him, and eternity in Heaven. But God (Rom 5.8!), who has life in Himself , sent His only begotten Son, who also has life in Himself to us in the form of a baby. He learned obedience, growing as a child, living as an adult until the day of the cross. Jesus lived perfectly, and without sin. Though, without sin, the Bible says He became sin for us, laying down His life that we may have life in Him! (John 10.17,18, 2 Corinthians 5.21)

The solution is

The oft quoted scripture: John 3.16

When we trust Christ, it’s a done deal. We are His for all eternity. Not an eternity that is somewhere-out-there-drift-along-on-a-cloud-playing-your-harp eternity. This is eternity that will last much longer than this vapor-life. Eternity lasts something like, forever. Note that John 3.16 actually says that believers shall have everlasting life. It is always good, with every good gift imaginable, that will never rust, corrode, be stolen, have a lien put against it, kind of gift. (Romans 6.23) All because Jesus gives that life to us!

Just remember that John 3.16 is followed by John 3.17, 18. Those who are condemned already, i.e., those who do not put their trust in Christ, have an eternity as well. In the nasty-now-and-now, we call Hell. At the great white throne of Judgment, Hell is followed by being cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20.12-15)

God, thru the Bible, makes it plain: there are only two ways our life is going to END on this earth. Of those two ways, God leaves us the choice to make: Trust Christ or Not. Everlasting life, or eternal condemnation. You will either be a Saint or an Ain’t. Saved or lost. Choose Christ. Choose now.

Oh, Come, Emmanuelle!

Playing With Fire

The following story is from this Sermon Audio link, and my "komment" is connected to it.

 

 

 

 

M
any boys have a fascination with starting and watching fires. Give them a few matches, some dry paper, dry leaves, firecrackers, or carpet, a house (!), anything to put a match to, and it seems big fun is to be had. Quite dangerous fun, and boys are generally warned of the risks of playing with fire.

Fire can be likened to "sin"

Fire can be likened to "sin" which so "easily besets us." (Hebrews 12.1) In the case of our story, you can warn a boy of the risk of playing with fire, but put the matchbook or lighter in front of him, he may not be able to help himself. Read on.

The Story

A little boy (the preacher in the afore-mentioned link) and his brother had a fascination with fire. Mom sends these boys outside with the instructions not to play with matches or the fire. The warning is stern, serious, and her command rightfully demanded obedience.

You know already what these two young men did before I tell you, right? Yes, sir/ma'am! Outside they go, and almost immediately proceed to play with the matches and start lighting little fires. Mostly, harmless patches of dry grass. Then, after awhile, they see a patch of dry grass they had not yet scorched, so being irresistibly drawn to the idea, like "moths to a flame," off they go, and on they light this one last patch of grass.

You know already that this is going to be the one that catches them, right? Perhaps, you are thinking, "One or both boys ended up badly burned, or even killed by the fire?" Good guess, but no. For the preacher in this sermon, it was actually WORSE than he imagined.

This patch of grass was directly next to a house. As the flames engulfed the grass and nearly caught the neighbor's house on fire, mom came out the door and saw what was happening. In that time (many years ago) and location, mom could not call 911, neither did she have a water-hose or other fire-extinguisher handy. Instead, she immediately ran over to the fire, and began putting the flames out with her hands. Her arms and hands were severely burned. Those burns left scars on her hands and arms from which she never recovered.

This preacher relates that his mom lived for decades after. For all those years, he could not look at his mom without seeing those burn-scars. Furthermore, he would never forget what she did that day. Instead of making the two boys put the fire out, however they may (or may not) have been able to, SHE put that fire out, and suffered the consequences on their behalf. He thought of that every time he saw her. He does not say it, but his mom loved him all the rest of his days. He loved her. Yet, she bore in her body the marks of his disobedience.

Conclusion

You know already the conclusion that I'm about to make, but I'm making it anyway.

God gave specific instructions to Adam and Eve: do not EAT of the tree in the midst of the garden (Genesis 2:17). Genesis 3.1-7, Adam and Eve explicitly disobey the Lord's instructions. Hence, the curse of sin and death not only fell on Adam and Eve, but has followed their descendants all down thru time. (Romans 5.12) By nature, we ALL sin, we all play with fire, and we all are expectantly awaiting the day of Judgment, when our condemnation is executed. Unless...

Unless, of course, Someone stands in our place. That someone is Jesus Christ. When we disobediently "play with fire," simply because that is our nature, He left glory and suffered for us on the cross. Jesus, ran to the fire we started, and put it out with His bare hands. Now, He bears the marks of His suffering on our behalf in His body. Forever. My fire, My sin. Your fire. Your sin. (1Pet 2:24; Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.)

Because we trust in what He has done on the cross, and in His resurrection, we are safe from our own fire-playing, our own disobedience. Because He lives, we live. Because He has risen from the dead, we shall also. To be clear, the believer is raised to life forever with God, but the unbeliever rises, too: read the end of Revelation 20. That is serious reading material.

I confess that I have played with fire. Though commanded not to, I have anyway. You have, too. Remember, Romans 3.23? Ecclesiastes 7.20? How about Galatians 3.22 and 1 John 1.8-10?

However, I would like to remind you that Romans 3.23 is followed by Romans 3.24. In other words, the situation is not hopeless. Jesus Christ is the answer!

I am thankful to Jesus Christ for His mercy, and His grace, that He offered Himself in my place.

Dread or Desire?

Prov 10:24; The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

W

hat do you desire? We all desire something. Many things, even. Every fulfilled desire on earth will result in one last stopping place: nothingness. Or, as the Bible puts it, vanity. The last thing that comes after that nothingness, is judgment. AKA, what the "wicked" fear, or should fear.

On the other hand, those who are righteous will have their desire filled. How are we made righteous? What is our greatest desire? When we believe on JESUS CHRIST, trusting that HE covers our sin with HIS shed blood, not only are we made righteous, but HE...is....our...RIGHTEOUSNESS. In other words, HE becomes our desire.

John 3:2 Nicodemus calls Jesus, “Rabbi”

John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

 

Use of Rabbi in the Bible

abbi is used five times in John's gospel, and twice in Matthew’s. That’s it.

 

What is a Rabbi?

We’ll look at finding the meaning of the word, Rabbi, two different ways. Context and an online dictionary.

Context

Without using a dictionary, we can discover the meaning in John's gospel. The meaning is explicitly given from chapter one.

John 1:38

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

Rabbi means master. What they are a master of is again, obvious from reading all the gospels. They were masters of Jewish law. 

If that's not good enough, then you can also get the meaning by the context of this verse, located in Matthew’s gospel:

Matthew 23:8

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

In context, Jesus uses two terms in the same sentence, using one to suggest the meaning of the other. I'm sure my college English professor would have some technical name for that discovery of meaning by context.

A Little Side-trip, but related to our topic, Rabbi..

Matthew 23:7

One little side-point to make from the Biblical point of view: the scribes & Pharisees highly desired being called, Rabbi or Master. As you read through the gospels, they revelled in that station of life. They also enjoyed being a Pharisee, too. xref, Luke 18:10-13.

Dictionary Definition

The Free Dictionary

n. pl. rab·bis 1. Abbr. R. A person trained in Jewish law, ritual, and tradition and ordained for leadership of a Jewish congregation, especially one serving as chief religious official of a synagogue. 2. A scholar qualified to interpret Jewish law.

[Middle Englishrabi, from Old French, from Late Latinrabb , master, from Greekrhabbi, O my master, from Hebrew and Aramaicrabbî, my master :rab, master (fromrab, to become great; seerbb in Semitic roots) +-î, my.]

The dictionary definition agrees with the Bible. Matthew 23:1-33 shows the great job the Pharisees did in performing their outward duties, while neglecting the inner man and their fellow-man.

In all this, they were being called, Rabbi, Rabbi. I liken this to the pop/music/movie stars of today, who love to hear their name called out from the crowds.

For Next Time, will go a little deeper into on John 3:2.

Nicodemus: Visitor by Night

John 3:2
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

     o, Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night.

Why at night? There are a few possible reasons. Emphasis on possible since none are specifically given in the Word of God for Nicodemus’ nocturnal visit. Since this is pure speculation, I would not consider any of these ideas to be the perfect truth. Nevertheless, thinking along these lines do provide an opportunity to mentally explore the potential reasons for the nocturnal visit. Then, perhaps, for a moment, put ourselves in Nicodemus’ shoes.

►Fear◄

Plain and simple. Fear has caused many to stand idly by, doing nothing. When the opportunity to step in and help someone who is being wronged, fear has kept many feet rooted and grounded, and mouths taped shut.  Fear has also caused many to do things under the cover of darkness, they would never do in the everyone-can-see-you-daylight.

Perhaps, in Nicodemus’ case, the fright stems from the fact that he sees in Jesus one who is truly beyond any man who’d come before. Nicodemus pretty much says so, in verse two: for one, he calls him, Rabbi, and secondly, he exclaims “…thou art a teacher come from God…” Thirdly, Nicodemus just says it aloud: “…no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” This fountain of thought would put Nicodemus in direct opposition to most of his Pharisee colleagues. In his thinking towards Jesus, Nicodemus would realize the necessity of coming to Him without the distractions of other Pharisees trying to railroad Jesus’ ministry into oblivion.

►Busy Life◄

Another conjecture for the nighttime visit could be for convenience. As both Pharisee and Ruler, Nicodemus would have a very busy day. Nighttime may have been the only time Nicodemus could meet with the Lord. Secondly, it may have been the only time he could give Jesus his entire, undivided attention. [Kevin’s Komment: whether this is a true reason for his nocturnal visit or not, it does apply to us: meet with the Lord when we can give Him all of our attention. If no time is suitable, then schedule it in! {Secondary-Kevin’s Komment: yeah, I need to swallow my own medicine on that note }]

►Expedience◄

Perhaps,knowing that Jesus’ days were filled to the brim, along with all that Nicodemus had seen Him do and heard Him say, he decided to get to the Lord as soon as feasible. Why? Jesus travelled…much. Therefore, it may have crossed Nicodemus’ mind, or perhaps was prompted by the Lord’s invisible Presence, burning and speaking within his heart, that if he was going to talk to Jesus, it had better be tonight.

John 3.1 NICODEMUS: THE PHARISEE, THE RULER

Nicodemus (Nic) mentioned in the Word of God
     He is only mentioned by name in the gospel of John. Three of the five mentions are in chapter 3: verses 1, 4, and 9. Then, in chapter 7.50, and in chapter 19 verse 39.
Meaning
      Scofield Bible: does not really give a meaning to his name, but only lists the references of where his name is found, and also, that he was a Pharisee and a ruler. That much we know from verse one.
     Hitchcock's Bible Names: the definition given is victory of the people. I'm still working on understanding how Nic's name and its meaning relates to the passage, or any in which he is mentioned. Perhaps it does not. I have learned that what does not make sense to me now, may later become illuminated with further study. We shall see.
Occupation
      Verse 1 is rather obscure on this point (not!): Nic was a Pharisee and a ruler. 
      A pharisee, according to Hitchcock's, is set apart.
      From the FreeDictionary, we get the following definition:
     a member of an ancient Jewish group that carefully observed the written law but also accepted the oral, or traditional, law, advocated democratization of religious practices, etc
    Of course, the best way to get the meaning of Pharisee, is to read thru the gospels and Acts of the Apostles, and understand it from the context.
     He was also a ruler. A leader and one in authority, but over who, and how much authority? Sticking to John's gospel, we know that he had enough  authority to sway the decision of other Pharisees (John 7.50). He has enough authority to walk the street at night and visit Jesus. In fact, he may have been sent as a delegate. Note v2, and his use of the word, 'we.'
      In these two positions, the common people would have looked up to him, and possibly admired him.  He would have been well versed in Old Testament scripture, and it was expected of him to guide others, either correctly or incorrectly. Note the many exchanges between Jesus & the Pharisees in this and all the other gospels.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Until next time,
K.

Pre-John 3 Notes

I’m reading through the book of John. I’m also reading through a commentary on John’s gospel by Sam Gipp,

Here’s the link: "Practical and Theological Study of the Gospel"

My goal for the next day and possibly again over the next weekend, is to make some notes that are based on his commentary, along with some other items of interest regarding the exchange between Jesus and Nicodemus. The first 18 verses of chapter 3 will be the focus of my study.

This study has gone much further than I anticipated, even though I’ve read this passage many times throughout life. I am:

• learning more about Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, and how the Lord mastered the conversation
• making connections to other scriptures that I had not noticed, either.
• I’m making connections of words and phrases within this passage I had not noticed before.

Even in such familiar passages as this, there is often more to be gleaned, each and every time I return to God’s Word. Even though I should not be surprised, I am, anyway. I consider this a good thing.  

This is not going to be a book review. I’m not looking to qualify Mr. Gipp’s writing. I’m not critiquing his work. I’m enjoying this book, and simply using this blog to make notes. No plagiarism will be occurring. I do suggest,  that if you’d like to study from it, order yourself a copy.

Again, this study is going to be my notes based on what Mr. Gipp has written, and more importantly, what God has written. My premise regarding the Bible is that God is right, period. His Word supersedes my own notes, is far superior to commentaries from others (including Mr. Gipp’s). Put another way: In Genesis 3, the serpent (Satan) asked Eve, “Yea, hath God said…?” I say, “YEA!!  God most assuredly hath said!!” So, if something I say is not in line with the Word of God, God always' wins. I plead no contest. His Word is forever settled in Heaven. (now, where have I heard that before?)

Until next time, whether its tomorrow, or next weekend…

John The Baptist: Preaching the O.T. Prophets!

Mat 3:12; Luke 3: 17

John was preaching the Old Testament, making it new again, bringing people to the LORD JESUS CHRIST, even before they were seeing HIM in person. One aspect of John’s message was a separation of the wheat from the chaff.

That separation was preached more than once in the OT by the prophets of GOD, warning the people, esp. the religious leaders, their time was coming unless they repented of their evil teaching. xref: Jeremiah 23:28; Isaiah 66:24.

Nevertheless, John was also preaching the same thing the LORD JESUS was going to preach, even if HE did not use the exact same words. Mat 13:49-50; John 15.2

One final point to mention. Many of these verses bring home the fact that GOD will indeed separate the wheat from the chaff. It will not go well for the chaff. More than once in the OT, many times in the new… the place where the chaff (the unsaved) wind up is in torment, forever. JESUS and Isaiah each put it this way: the unbelievers will be cast to the place where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.

Ask, Seek and Knock

◘ Asking is Desiring: petitioning the LORD with our prayer requests

◘ Seeking is Discernment: finding GOD’s will and agreeing with HIM, and allowing that to lead our prayer. We seek HIM in prayer, but also, in reading the Bible, and being obedient to HIM.

◘ Knocking is our Drive: for a result, for an answer. Shows our passion in asking and seeking.

Paraphrased from Adrian Rogers radio show, 2 Sept 2010

Ephesians 2: “Remember” (Kevin does a little thought rambling)

Ephesians 2:11: Starts off with, “Wherefore remember…” In context, Paul is reminding the saved of where these people came from: from being “dead in their sins and trespasses;” of being “…called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;…” That was a derisive term used by the Israelites of any nonJew. Paul is stating that thru JESUS CHRIST, and the work HE did on the cross, there is no longer that division. Essentially, the only division now are the saved or the lost (unsaved). Believers and Unbelievers. Or, as Adrian Rogers used to put it, the Saints and the Ain’ts. All fall under one of those two categories: either you are Heaven bound or Lake of Fire bound, regardless of your nationality. Paul goes on to make it very plain that GOD has provided the gift of life FREELY to all who will believe. (Ephesians 2:8)

So, verse 11 has the word,  remember. I did a little study this morning, on that word. Some fun connections were made, just in the Bible alone.

Connecting the Old Testament and the New

In the Old Testament, the LORD commanded Israel to remember that they were slaves in Egypt before HE brought them out of the land of slavery.

Deuteronomy 5:15 
And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and [that] the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

All along, GOD has always been commanding HIS chosen people: “remember from whence you came.”

“by a stretched out arm”

I’m reminded, JESUS stretched out HIS arms wide on the cross, taking my sin, and my hell from me and in my place. (and your’s too, if you believe.) 

“a mighty hand ”

GOD told Moses (as a type of CHRIST) to stretch out HIS arms over the Red Sea, and GOD parted the waters there in the presence of the Israel and their enemy. (Exodus 14:16) Unlike Moses, GOD’s arms never age or grow tired, they are never weary. HIS arms are able to carry out anything and everything HE so desires, and HE desired us enough to stretch out HIS arms on the cross. ► Kevin’s Komment: that last phrase is worth thinking about! ☺ ◄

Isaiah 41:10: It is by the mighty right hand of the LORD that HE helps us. The right hand is a place of power, authority and strength. JESUS is now, at the “right hand of the throne of GOD, “ (Hebrews 4:12) and will someday establish HIS power, authority and strength bodily on the earth. Before that, of course, is that every believer in JESUS CHRIST the LORD, is looking for the day when HE comes and calls us out of the dust from which we are buried, to meet HIM in the air, to live eternally with HIM.

So, I’ve gone from connecting remembering to stretched out arm to the mighty hand of GOD.

Guess I do not have a particular point to make here, but I sure do like the way the Bible leads me in all kinds of fun directions. Studying the Bible never grows old.

Psalms 112.1 ► Pursuit of Happiness…

… is the phrase that is stated as one of the goals of American men and women in the Declaration Of Independence. What does this phrase mean? Is it a catch all for, “if it feels good, makes you happy, then do it?”

I propose that given the deep spiritual convictions of the writers of the Declaration, that Psalms 112.1 be considered as an answer to what it means to pursue happiness, to  “be endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Ps 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.

So, there you have it. Blessing (happiness) starts and comes from fearing the LORD.

Ps 115: 11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he [is] their help and their shield.
12 The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless [us] ; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
13 He will bless them that fear the LORD, [both] small and great.

Psalms 145:19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Saw this millepede that looks just like an earthworm, crawling across the sidewalk at work last Monday, Nov 9, 2009

It was amazing seeing this thing move. Per a website that I looked at about them, they say that this thing secretes cyanide? Whoa! or Wow!

 

 

Adrian Rogers, and I quote

Psalms 19:12 Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults] .

Actually, I quote rather paraphrasically!

Some people have moral earthquakes because the secret faults. A spiritually unprotected life +  undetected weakness + unexpected temptation = great fall into sin. ¶ God’s Holy Spirit must work subterranean cleansing within.

Wacky Church Bulletins!

2 Funny Not to share. Some of these are retreads, some are new. Received via email from Steve Hays, Nov 2009.

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The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals..
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The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
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Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
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Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
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Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
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Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
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Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
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Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
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Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
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This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM . Please use the back door.
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The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM . The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
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Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS

Even if I worked for the Federal, state or local government, I would have to say: MERRY CHRISTMAS. Not that CHRISTmas has much to do with CHRIST, except what CHRISTians make of it, but to be ashamed or worried about offending someone? Nope, not me.

So, if I don’t write anymore b4 the end of the year, lemme say, again, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

image from: http://jhoyimperial.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/merry_christmas-1.jpg?w=402&h=400

Judas Chose The Wrong Tree

James Kennedy radio show on 9 April 2009, re: Judas the Betrayer

Judas' last, final, wrong decision is that he "went to the wrong tree." He went to the tree of death. He could've gone, instead, to the Tree of Life, hanging on a tree already. Already willing to save any sinner, no matter how unclean and vile. Yet, Judas chose the tree of death.

Which tree do you choose? I choose the Tree of Life, that is, JESUS CHRIST Himself! Only HE can save. It is what HE came to do. It was His purpose for leaving Heaven and coming to live among us in the 1st place. All the miracles HE performed were not to show us that we can acheive miracle performing status but the miracles pointed to who HE is: the promised Messiah/Christ of the Old Testament. He fulfilled the promise completely, dying on our behalf. He became sin for us, even though HE never knew sin. His death was NOT the end, though. He arose out of the grave 3 days later, early on the 1st day of the week (Sunday), and proved that 4ever is banished death and hell for all who will believe on HIM.

Deut 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

THE LORD'S PRAYER 4 Today

Rather cleverly done.
This is in two parts, the prayer (in blue type) and GOD (in red type) in response.
It is very, very good.

  *********
Our Father Who Art In Heaven.
Yes?
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.
But -- you called ME!
Called you?
No, I didn't call you.
I'm praying.
Our Father who art in Heaven.
There -- you did it again!
Did what?
Called ME.
You said,
"Our Father who art in Heaven"
Well, here I am.
What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it.
I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day.
I always say the Lord's Prayer.
It makes me feel good,
kind of like fulfilling a duty.
Well, all right.
Go on.
Okay, Hallowed be thy name .
Hold it right there.
What do you mean by that?
By what?
By "Hallowed be thy name"?
It means, it means . . good grief,
I don't know what it means.
How in the world should I know?
It's just a part of the prayer.
By the way, what does it mean?
It means honored, holy, wonderful.
Hey, that makes sense.
I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before.
Thanks.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you doing about it?
Doing? Why, nothing, I guess.
I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control,
of everything down here like you have up there.
We're kinda in a mess down here you know.
Yes, I know;
but, have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.
That isn't what I asked you.
What about your bad temper?
You've really got a problem there, you know.
And then there's the way you spend your money --
all on yourself.
And what about the kind of books you read ?
Now hold on just a minute!
Stop picking on me!
I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!
Excuse ME.
I thought you were praying
for my will to be done.
If that is to happen,
it will have to start with the ones
who are praying for it.
Like you -- for example ..
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups.Now that you mention it,
I could probably name some others.
So could I.
I haven't thought about it very much until now,
but I really would like to cut out some of those things.
I would like to, you know, be really free.
Good.
Now we're getting somewhere.We'll work together -- You and ME.
I'm proud of You.
Look, Lord, if you don't mind,
I need to finish up here.
This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.
Give us this day, our daily bread.
You need to cut out the bread.
You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! at is this?
Here I was doing my religious duty,
and all of a sudden you break in
and remind me of all my hang-ups.
Praying is a dangerous thing.
You just might get what you ask for.
Remember,
you called ME -- and here I am.
It's too late to stop now.
Keep praying.  ( . pause . . )
Well, go on.
I'm scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what you'll say.
Try ME.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
What about Ann?
See? I knew it!
I knew you would bring her up!
Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories.
She never paid back the money she owes me.
I've sworn to get even with her!
But -- your prayer --
What about your prayer?
I didn't -- mean it.
Well, at least you're honest.
But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness
and resentment isn't it?
Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her.
Boy, have I got some plans for her.
She'll wish she had never been born.
No, you won't feel any better.
You'll feel worse.
Revenge isn't sweet.
You know how unhappy you are --
Well, I can change that.
You can? How?
Forgive Ann.
Then, I'll forgive you;
And the hate and the sin,
will be Ann's problem -- not yours.
You will have settled the problem
as far as you are concerned.
Oh, you know, you're right.
You always are.
And more than I want revenge,
I want to be right with You . . (sigh).
All right all right . .
I forgive her.
There now!
Wonderful!
How do you feel?
Hmmmm. Well, not bad.
Not bad at all!
In fact, I feel pretty great!
You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight.
I haven't been getting much rest, you know.
Yeah, I know.
But, you're not through with your prayer are you? Go on.
Oh, all right.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Good! Good! I'll do that.
Just don't put yourself in a place
where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
You know what I mean.
Yeah. I know.
Okay.
Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
For Thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory forever.
Amen.
Do you know what would bring me glory --
What would really make me happy?
No, but I'd like to know.
I want to please you now.
I've really made a mess of things.
I want to truly follow you.
I can see now how great that would be.
So, tell me . . .
How do I make you happy?
YOU  just did.

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Glued Paper- Marriage

Mat 19:6 KJV - Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Adrian Rogers made a most interesting statement on his 12 Nov 2008 radio show, Love Worth Finding:

In a marriage, people are like to pieces of construction paper glued together. Once they are stuck together, they cannot be pulled apart without damage to both pages.

Another quote he made, God made husbands and wives, men and women to be different, so that we may be one. Yeah, I know, I can't remember the exact wording, so I guess this is just another paraphrase.

Yet, another near-quote: Broken homes produce broken people. Broken people produce broken homes. Then, those broken homes produce broken people. The only answer to this lose-lose cycle is the LORD JESUS CHRIST! Kevin's Komment is...Amen!