*Volume 120 *No. 04 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *APRIL 2010
Contents: Why the Crosses… - Byrum Lee Draw Near to God Limits of the Law – Bill Allen Lost and Found What does God do with Messes? A Look at the Book of Matthew Letters New Jerusalem – Byrum Lee
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By the Jewish leaders he had already been condemned, Because for him they had nothing but contempt. He didn't meet their criteria for serving as their ruler, And against him, the multitudes they sought to stir. It was a common practice of Rome at the time of Passover, As a gesture of good will to the Jews, to release a prisoner. So Pilate gave them a choice, and they asked for Barabbas, Shouting, “Crucify Jesus, and release Barabbas to us.”
WHY THE CROSSES WERE THREE Three men died that day outside the city wall; For two of them true justice had been served. But the third one, condemned in front of Pilate's hall Had done nothing that for death he deserved. Crucifixion was normally, by the Roman government Used as the preferred method of Capital Punishment; And for the most violent of criminals it was reserved, But for Jesus, there's consensus that it was undeserved.
Pilate's wife pled for Jesus’ life because of what she had dreamed, Declaring him innocent of any crime against the State. But Pilate, attempting to appease the Jews, so it seemed, Declared him innocent, yet continued them to debate. When nothing would satisfy the crowd but Jesus' death, Pilate concluded that he might as well save his breath; Knowing it to be a miscarriage of justice, he began before them to wilt, And washed his hands publicly, trying to absolve himself of the guilt. (Continued on Page 2)
Draw Near to God Jesus makes it possible for us to draw near to God. The old rules and works of the Levitical priests were unable to put the laws of God within our hearts and restore our fellowship with Him. Jesus opened the way to the Throne of God. He is our High Priest, appointed by God, and Jesus lives forever! His Priesthood will never be passed on to someone else. Jesus is Supreme, and with His own blood, He made the final and perfect sacrifice, rescuing us from a life of separation from our Creator. The Holy Spirit gives witness, “This is the covenant that I will make with them…After those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds….I will not remember their sins and wicked deeds any longer.” Heb. 8 Jesus is the Door in which we enter into God’s Presence. We have a Hope beyond this world.
Three crosses stood starkly that day on Golgotha's hill, Only because the multitude wanted Jesus to kill. But why the day is called “Good Friday” seems to be a mystery, Because even the sun hid its face on that darkest day of history. Three crosses on which three different men were crucified; On one was an innocent man who by a “kangaroo court” had been tried. On his left was a man, still unrepentant, never to be seen again; But the one on his right would on that day be born-again. To him Jesus said, “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise.” Which demonstrates the great benefit of being born twice. The unrepentant criminal, when he died, was ushered into hell, Where throughout eternity with the wicked he will dwell. Byrum C. Lee:
01/2010
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It was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and have Jesus executed. Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” Matthew 27:15-22
Christian Triumph Company P.O. Box 5187 905-909 Bluntzer Corpus Christi, Texas 78405 L.Y. Janes, Founder (deceased); Israel Hernandez, President; William Anderson, Vice-President; Fred Pena, 2nd Vice-President; Diana Beletic, Secretary/Treasurer; Una Collins, Asst. Sec./Treas. This periodical is issued without charge in the name of the Lord Jesus to help inspire child-like faith and maintain Christ-like simplicity among the people of God. To send donations or for your FREE SUBSCRIPTION, write to the address above or contact Christian Triumph Co. at christiantriumph@yahoo.com. Or see us on the web at christiantriumphcompany.com
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machine several times a week to cleanse their blood. But the treatment is only temporary – it has to be repeated and it is essential to keep the patient alive. And yet the repetition of the treatments is a continual reminder of just how sick the person is.
The Limits of the Law By Bill Allen, Clarksville, Ark. The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshippers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, 4because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Hebrews 10:1-4 1
In the same way, Old Testament sacrifices had to be repeated, serving as a constant reminder that the people were sinners. Animals provided a temporary relief in that they kept the sinner alive, but these animals were not a cure, just as dialysis is not a cure. Note the scripture says, “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” At best the Old Testament sacrificial system was a hint of good things to come.
The very nature of the tabernacle system for remission of sins is proof of its inadequacy. The tabernacle system was supposed to deal with sins and provide access to God, but it had its limits. 1. If the sacrifices had really worked and cleansed the worshippers, they would not have had to be repeated. 2. If the worshippers had been fully cleansed, they wouldn't have remained so aware of their transgressions. The reality is this: repeated sacrifices reminded the worshippers that they were sinful.
Although the Law was of life or death importance, it had its limitations. Here are three. 1. It could not make anyone perfect. Hebrews 10:1. 2. It could not make anyone permanently clean. Hebrews 10:2. 3. It could not permanently take away sin. Hebrews 10:4. The Law does remind us of our sin. The Law clearly outlines the parameters of wrong behavior. For that we should be very grateful!
Year after year the children of Israel continued to sin and had to offer animal sacrifices. The process never sufficed. Animals could never be an adequate substitute for human beings who are made in the image of God. The very inadequacy of these sacrifices confirms the inadequacy of the tabernacle system. The writer of Hebrews tells us that they are merely shadows of the heavenly realities.
I have a few head of cattle on my property. When the time comes for me to bring in a new arrival, that new kid on the block always walks the boundaries of my property. I have discovered that animals want to know their boundaries, I also realize that those same animals are looking for a way out, but the truth is, there is security in boundaries.
Let me illustrate this for you. Have you ever known someone who has kidneys that are failing or have failed? These folks have to be put on a dialysis
God has established boundaries for us.
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point in our lives whereby we truly understand that God longs for fellowship with us. Fellowship with God is limited by the presence of sin in our lives, but the once and for all sacrifice of the perfect Lamb of God effectively deals with that sin in a way sacrifices under the Law never could.
These boundaries are a means of protection for us. These clearly defined boundaries are a means of encouraging us to draw near to Him. It would be wise for each one of us to thank God for establishing boundaries and then choosing to live in security within the frame work of those established boundaries.
(The writer of this article is Donna Schillinger’s Pastor. Donna is the great granddaughter of L. Y. & Mrs. Janes, the Founders of Christian Triumph.) +
The primary point that the author of Hebrews is making is that Jesus offered Himself rather than an animal. You see, the Lord Jesus Christ did not come with a lamb in His arms to offer to God. Instead, He came as the Lamb of God and voluntarily gave Himself up as the sacrifice. Christ's sacrifice satisfied the Father as no animal sacrifice ever could. Why is that? His sacrifice represented a submissive will. It is important that we remember that any animal, if it were capable of comprehending its future, would not allow its life to be taken and its blood spilled. That animal would willfully resist. The Bible says that God was not pleased by the killing of animals. His pleasure came from the obedience expressed by the sinners who came to the altar for the cleansing of their sins. There was an additional reason why God had no pleasure in offerings and sacrifices. Although they demonstrated His mercy, centuries of sacrifices and offerings never succeeded in truly changing the hearts of His people. God's grand plan, beloved, is the changing of our hearts and that process takes time.
Lost and Found! Whereas the Law demanded obedience and punishment, MERCY required a heart of compassion and forgiveness! The concerned Shepherd described in Luke 15 left His 99 obedient sheep and went searching for His one wayward sheep. MERCY means “understanding.” As the Shepherd climbed the steep mountains, walked the rough roads, and grew weary in the harsh desert, His thoughts were not of Himself but of the welfare of the lost sheep. He was not questioning how, why or what punishment He should apply; instead, He was desperately searching with a heart filled with sympathy and kindness. When, at last, the Shepherd found His sheep, He was so overjoyed that He put it on His tired, aching
When we read and study the Levitical system, we discover that the Levitical system was not designed to remove or forgive sins. The Levitical system was preparatory for the coming of the Messiah. The Law did a wonderful job of revealing the seriousness of our sinful condition. The Law made known the reality of God's holiness by indicating that sin had to be dealt with. Oh, that we would come to the
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mess! (I don’t like messes because they
shoulders and carried it all the way Home - to safety. Never once, did He accuse the sheep of rebellion; instead, the Shepherd cried out to His friends and neighbors, calling them to “rejoice” with Him for He had found His beloved sheep. Jesus finishes this story by saying, “In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent.”
seem like a complete waste of time!)
For some reason, I was at that very moment reminded of other messes in my life! Some were confusing and are still a puzzle. The fallout from them lasted for years. The consequences are still as obvious as the nose on my face! Unfortunately, not all messes can be cleaned up as though they never happened! It was then the question came to me: What does God do with our messes? There is an interesting scripture in Romans 6: “What good did you receive from doing the things that you are ashamed of now? The result of those things is death! But now you have been set free from sin...and as a result your life is fully dedicated to Him, and at the last you will have eternal life.” Thank goodness - God forgives our messes because of Jesus and then “calls” us to service in His Heavenly kingdom. An old phrase says, “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” No one is too big of a mess for Jesus! Although others remember our wrongs, God DOES NOT! He does allow us to bear the consequences but sometimes even helps with that. His Word also states: “Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression…You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depth of the sea…” Micah 7 (New International Version
(Good News for Modern Man)
It is not difficult to get “lost” in this old world! But it is sometimes hard to remember that Jesus searches then pleads - with us to “Come Home.”
Lost?
Jesus shed His blood for wayward sheep! Please Come Home! --------------------------
WHAT Does God Do with Our Messes? One morning I noticed that my clock was slow so I guessed it was the battery. This brown and green clock is special because it belonged to my Mother, and I look at it often. So - off the wall came the clock; down from the shelf came the box of batteries, and the job looked easy as pie. There was a back panel screwed over the battery so I quickly found the screwdriver and was soon pulling out the old battery. I put the box which held all the rest of the little batteries to my left, even while thinking “You’d better be careful or you’ll hit that box, and those batteries will go all over the floor!” Against my better judgment, I ignored that thought and went right on installing the new one. Like a flash of light the brown and green clock slipped, and my hand banged against the box, sending batteries flying everywhere! They went places that are still unknown. What a
The Living Insights Study Bible)
“…as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103 (New International Version The Living Insights Study Bible)
TODAY IS UNIQUE! We can begin again! With a joyful heart, We can clean up our clutter And get a new start.
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juice for his health. He disciplined his body as well as his spirit. This belief is also practiced by some of us who are following in his footsteps. (An individual’s health may determine one’s ability to fast; it might be wise to check with one’s doctor.) At times, fasting may remind us that food is to fuel our body and not necessarily our soul. “Man does not live by bread alone,” was Jesus’ answer when His body was starving and exhausted.
A LOOK AT THE BOOK OF MATTHEW Reference for this study comes from the Holy Bible as well as the book, The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 1 By William Barclay Matthew 6: 16-18 “When you fast, don’t put on a sad face, as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces, so that all men may see that they are fasting. This is the truth I tell you-they are paid in full. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that to men you may not look as if you were fasting, but to your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees what happens in secret, will give you your reward in full.”
Fasting helps us appreciate life more, including healthy meals. As our Provider of food and all needs, God deserves our gratitude. Concentrating on God and His answers through fasting has been meaningful and remarkable to those who submit their will and desires. THE MAY ISSUE OF THE FAITH MESSENGER will include Matthew 6: 19-21 – The True Treasure.
Some historical reasons for fasting are mourning, repentance, national remorse, preparation to receive word from God, and a plea to Him for help. The prophet Samuel insisted the chosen people fast because they had followed after Baal; Nehemiah urged the people to fast and repent of their sins; Jesus fasted before His tribulations and temptations in the desert, and at times a national fast was called to appeal to God for help.
A Word from Anita: We should return often to the reading of our Bible where we find encouragement, instruction, history, the assurance of salvation as we have faith, and much more. In cold weather or hot, we find time to walk to the mail box, often filled with a feeling of anticipation or the hope of something interesting. God’s message is far more worthwhile than anything we could receive in our mail. In His Word is guidance for the day: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psa 119-105
In the book of Matthew, Jesus cautioned those who fasted, instructing them to fast unto God and not for the attention of man. God honors those who put their faith and hope in Him without displaying a spirit of piousness. Our righteousness comes from God alone no matter how we attempt to display our religion.
The scripture is given for our good. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
Brother Janes, founder of Christian Triumph, often fasted, sometimes using
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for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2nd Timothy 3.
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It is very inspiring to read and feel the blessing of the Lord so near. (edited)
Thank you to friends and family who honored their loved one, Helen Bell, by writing us. We appreciate the families of Jo Blackerby and George Bell. May the Lord bless them! ____________________________________
Letters ----------------------From Idell: I trust that many souls will find the Lord in this new year. May God bless all of you who work here for His glory… may revival break out all over the world. ______________________________________ Letters from Church of God Homebuilders Class (Kansas) ______________________________________ From Donna: We are having cold weather here and I am thankful I have a warm house. ..I would appreciate your prayers. ______________________________________ From Doris: I love Sister Evelyn very much. She is a dear saint. Narciso is one of the most Godly servants…I have ever known. We hope to visit you one of these days. God bless all of CT staff and your church. (Please pray for Doris as she needs eye surgery.) ______________________________________ From Rufus: Thanks for sending us the Faith Messenger. ______________________________________ THANKS to Pleasant Prairie Church of God. ______________________________________ THANKS to First Church of God – Port Authur ______________________________________ THANKS to Palm City Church of God ______________________________________ We appreciate hearing from each special person, including those in
New Jerusalem (See Revelation 21-22)
The city called 'New Jerusalem,' Shines with splendor that won't dim. God's angels are standing at its gates, Our entrance to facilitate. The gates of the city, we are told, Of lovely pearls are made. And the streets are all paved with pure gold, John, the Revelator, said. From the throne of God, a river flows, With waters crystal clear. With healing leaves, the tree of life grows, By the river, very near. “My dwelling,” God said, “is now with men, Since they are here in heaven.” A temple such as we had before, Won't be needed any more. The Lamb of God will provide the light; No need for the sun or moon. With Him to shine, there can be no night; It will be eternal noon. New Jerusalem will be the home For those found in God's Book. From there, none will ever want to roam; Nor to elsewhere even look. Byrum C. Lee: 10/2008
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We remember and honor our loved ones. They will be missed until we meet again.
The lost.” (Good News for Modern Man)
Thanks to each one who reads the Faith Messenger. You are appreciated! “Thank you” to Juli for proof reading.
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