Living Word January 2015

You crown the year with your good blessings (Psalm 65:)

www.biblestudiesonline.org.uk

In this issue: 4.

Authority to Take

Edwin & Lillian Harvey (USA)

5.

Seeing With Dove's Eyes

Ken Legg (Australia)

6.

The Spirit of Liberty

Ramon Hunston (UK)

9.

The Returning Lord (Part 1)

Reinhard Bonnke (CfaN)

11.

The Compromise

Daniel Kolenda (CfaN)

12.

Faith-builders Bible Study Mark 16

Derek Williams (UK)

14.

In Depth Study – Zechariah 6

Mathew Bartlett (UK)

17.

Matthew the Tax Collector

Haydn O. Williams (UK)

19.

The Blood of Jesus

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Authority to Take An extract from ”Kneeling We Triumph” by Edwin & Lillian Harvey BUY ON KINDLE! £3.86 Reproduced by kind permission of Harvey Publishers.

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Behold, I give unto you power…. over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19).

We should use this authority given to us; use it in Jesus’ great Name! Use it as the Holy Spirit guides; use it as the need comes in our lives, and in the opposition that is aroused by service. We have authority to take from the enemy everything he is holding back.

The chief way of taking is by prayer, and by whatever action prayer leads us to. The cry that should be ringing out today is this great cry of “Take, in Jesus’ great Name.”

In my Master’s Name, I would speak out this message of His, all anew to every follower of His in any need or stress: to those out

on the far-flung thin, red firing line of the foreign mission field, in the midst of Africa, of China, of India; to those in the midst of London’s slums and streets, in the thick and drive of New York’s push and scramble; to anyone and everyone, wherever the stress of sin and of need is being felt.

We go, authorized as His plenipotentiaries. That “go” underlies all Christian service. As we “go” we will need not only power but authority, for every step of our ongoing is contested.

In that authority we are to go, and to take what is our rightful possession, in the Name of our Substitute-Victor.

This is His message to you today.

Listen keenly: “I, Jesus, have given you authority over all the power of the enemy. I have the authority. I have won it for you.

I give it to you. Use it in My name! Greater works shall ye do because I am with the Father in the place of authority, and you shall act in My place, even as I acted in your place.”

As your service leads you on to a bit of ground that is held by the forces of evil, remember this: that bit of ground belongs to man, to be held by him for God. It has been lost through disobedience. But it has been won back by Jesus, the Victor.

Asking means taking! It doesn’t mean pleading with God as though to persuade Him. He is more eager than we. It means claiming as our very own whatever is needed. It means taking possession by faith of what our great Captain has won back for us.

The last message of our Lord’s lips, on Olivet, fits in here with peculiar power: “All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore.”

That little preposition “on” in “on the earth” could accurately be made to read “over.” He has been given all authority on the earth and over the earth. It is because of that authority that we are bidden to “go.” We go because of His authority.

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You have the right to step in and say, “I take, in the name of the Lord Jesus, I take this back for Him: I take the life of this man, for whom my Master gave His blood.”

But—the taking must be as deep as your life; it must be as intense as the opposition.

Satan is a stiff fighter: he doesn’t yield, except what he must. The taking must be definite. Prayer must always be definite. The devil does not yield until he must. He is a stubborn fighter. Prayer must be persistent. The taking must be as insistent as the enemy is persistent, and just a bit more, and that is where the fight comes.—A. J. Gordon.

And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief (Matt. 13:58).

Seeing With Dove's Eyes

By Ken Legg

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The purpose of both creation and redemption is that we might have an intimate relationship with Jesus. It is not surprising, therefore, that there would be one book in the Bible which depicts this. That book is the Song of Solomon.

It is probably based on a true story. A young Shulamite woman worked in the vineyards of Solomon, and then one day they set eyes upon each other. It was love at first sight. From that moment on it was no longer the work but the King Himself who was her passion and focus in life.

This beautiful book describes the deep, intimate feelings of love they had for the other. It uses words and expressions which we can use when we think of our relationship with Jesus, just like we sometimes use language from the Psalms when we pray.

Dove’s eyes

Winds of doctrine

One of the things the King says to His beloved is, ‘You have dove’s eyes’ (Sol.1:15). Dove’s eyes have fixed field focus; they can only focus on one thing at a time. Usually it is their mate!

Once a dove sees something or someone who captures its attention its eyes are trained on that object. It is undistracted from this focal point.

Looking back over the several decades of my Christian life I see an unmistakable pattern in the Church. Periodically a new wind of doctrine will blow in and capture the attention of multitudes. They will run like a herd in the direction of this latest doctrine, phenomenon or ministry emphasis.

Then, another wind will blow in and everyone will be taken up with that fad and run in that direction until the momentum dies and the next wind blows in.

Solomon repeats this phrase in chapter 4:1: ‘You have dove’s eyes.’ And then further on he says, ‘You have ravished my heart with one look of your eyes’ (Sol.4:9).

Think about that for a moment.

Jesus is overwhelmed with emotion by a believer or a church who momentarily gazes upon Him. Just one look in His direction fills Him with joy! Then what about a church that is totally Christ-focused? Imagine a church that only sings about Jesus, only preaches about Him, always depends on Him with childlike simplicity and faith, and has an all-consuming desire to know Him more and to make Him known?

This is a picture of the glorious Church as portrayed by the Shulamite. In a similar way that a dove fixes its gaze on its mate with binocular vision, undistracted by what is taking place on the side-lines, so we desire to keep our eyes on Jesus.

It’s all about Him.

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I confess that I too used to jump on the bandwagon and get caught up with every ‘latest and greatest’ thing that was happening in the Church scene.

But now, when something new is trending I simply ask: Is this focused on Jesus? Will it teach me more about the riches of His grace? Will it help me to know Him more intimately? If not, I am not interested. I only have eyes for Him.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE CHURCH - THE SPIRIT OF LIBERTY Image © Magdanatka

A Sermon Outline by Ramon Hunston 6

INTRODUCTION The message of the Gospel is a message of freedom. Throught it, we have been set free from the law of sin and death.

(Romans 8:1-2) The structural law of sin Sin is followed by the deterioration of our moral and spiritual nature, for it hardens our hearts, bringing the diminishing of our conscience and causing a lack of discrimination of evil in our lives.

(James 1:15) The structural law of the Spirit Our bodies in becoming the temple of the Holy Spirit become the focus of the life of God developing in all facets of our personality and life.

All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (James 1:17-18) As Christians we now have three basic factors of freedom.

Freedom from the guilt and dominion of sin.

Freedom in experience from fear and unworthiness.

Freedom to worship from men’s ideas and limitations.

N.B. The danger of imprisoning ourselves and then blaming other factors for our bondage.

1. THE MYTH OF SPIRITUAL BONDAGE FOR CHRISTIANS. The idea that Christians can be bound by Satanic influence or power to prevent their worship or their witness for Jesus is an idea which seeks to nullify the work of Christ.

But Jesus said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed,” (John 8:36) The work of the Spirit in our lives ensures this for us.

We cannot be bound by Satan.

Because Christ has set us free by the new birth, it is impossible for us to be bound..

We are free from Satan’s chains upon us because all our sin has been cieansed. We are free from Satan’s dominion.... and our resurrection will be the final victory.

Christ has conquered the Evil One. Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he likewise shared in their humanity, so that through death he could destroy the one who holds the power of death (that is, the devil), and set free those who were held in slavery all their lives by their fear of death.

(Hebrews 2:14-15)

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The Holy Spirit dwells within us.... We cannot be demon possessed. The Holy Spirit does not share his temple with idols.

We cannot be bound by sin.

“Sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace.”

(Romans 6:14) Sin’s guilt is broken in our lives.

Sin’s power is nullified in our lives.

Sin’s lies are exposed—”The truth shall make you free.” We cannot be bound by circumstances.

Tragedy may crush us physically, emotionally or mentally but we can still worship Worship is an act of the will. We choose to worship.

To suggest that Satan can hold us in bondage to prevent our worship etc. is to minimise the victory which Christ has accomplished once and for al lon the cross of Calvary.

2. THE MARVEL OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM. “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”

Our Freedom is the Miracle of God We were all our lifetime subject to bondage (see Hebrews 2: 15).

The reason for Calvary was our that we might be given our freedom.

The reality of our freedom is we have not received the spirit of bondage.

worshipping God — what does bring bondage in worship and in life?

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery leading again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba, Father." (Romans 8:1415)

Chains of Unwillingness

Our Freedom is Witnessed by the Spirit

Fetters of Fear

The Spirit of Adoption is our guarantee of freedom.

“Where to Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) Note this is in the context of our being “changed from glory into glory into the same image.”

We shall be like Him (Jesus) “For God has not given us the spirit of fear.” 2 TIMOTHY 1:7 See the negative - the spirit of fear.

Notice the positive - the Spirit of power.

Over our weakness and evil powers. Spirit of love. Over the self destructive forces of hate.

Spirit of a sound mind. Over unbalanced ideas of sensation seeking.

3. THE MESSAGE OF SPIRITUAL RELEASE. If Satan cannot enslave Christians or prevent them from

“There is none that stirreth up himself,” (Isaiah 64:7) Clearly this is our own responsibility — we must stir ourselves to worship whatever the situation.

Not the fear of God (reverence) which is the beginning of wisdom – this is not able to bring bondage. But “the fear of man brings a snare.” Says Proverbs 29:25, and this is what most often prevents men and women stepping out and using their spiritual gifts.

The Paralysis of Sin

anger, hate or bitterness are brewing in our hearts.

Failure to Express Faith.

As believers we must choose to praise God in difficulties, tragedies and hurts. A failure to do so is a failure to express faith.

N.B The fellowship of the flames....Shadrack, Mesheck, Abednego.

To choose to worship in our difficulties is our responsibility. It brings release in our spiriutal lives, just as it brought release from irion chains in a Philippian jail when Pau ladn Silas, bound and bleeding, mad eup their minds to sing ratehr than moan, and praised the Lord with a song at midnight. Notivce how their liberty brought abou tsalvation fo rthe Phillipian jailer and his whole family.

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: (Psalm 66:18)

CONCLUSION

If we cling to sin or bitterness we create our own bondage for ourselves. Secret sins can paralyse our liberty of worship or prayer.

“And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.”

Restrictions of Relationships Jesus said that before we come to worhsip we must “first be reconciled to thy brother,” (See Matthew 5:23-24).

Christians are only truly free in God when they are right with each other. Our love cannot flow out to God if at the same time

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We have the example of the song of Jesus in Matthew 26:30:

These words were wirtten about Jesus at the time he faced his darkest hour; it was the night before his cross where he would take on himself the sin of the world. Yet he chose to sng priase to God in fellowship with his disciples.

What an example he has left for us to folllow during our own trials!

The Returning Lord (Part 1)

By Reinhard Bonnke

After Israel settled in the Promised Land, there were two centuries of turmoil, anarchy, and civil war. The Bible explains why. In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25).

Later they had David as king. But rebellion by the king’s own treacherous son Absalom drove him into exile (2 Samuel 15-19).

The son was killed, and the throne was vacant. Again anarchy returned, and all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel. But the bitter lesson of the past had been learned, and they knew the answer: Now therefore, why do you say nothing about bringing back the king? (2 Samuel 19:11) Those and numerous other episodes in the Scriptures pointed to another king, Christ.

Standing before Pontius Pilate he asked Jesus: “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.” Pilate said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify

Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!” (John 18:37; 19:14-15). In their blindness they chose Caesar, a foreign oppressor. Shortly after the Caesars destroyed Israel as a nation and the fury of the Roman operation still pollutes the history of that empire today.

Israel rejected their greatest Son, their true King and, by and large, the world does the same.

The world today is leaderless, shepherdless, and without a King. Where are do we find ourselves, and to whom can the world turn for true authority? As individuals, we find realize that if God does not rule our lives, then the devil does. The Bible simply states the obvious when it declares that the whole world is led by the devil, and that we need a Deliverer.

Christ is like a king in exile. He is the absent Lord. The world seeks to manage its affairs on its own, without any interference from its King. When Jesus made His official entry into the capital, Jerusalem, He wept, saying: “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under 9

her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate” (Matthew 23:3738). Christ’s great apostle, Paul, described things similarly: as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting...and (they) served the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1:28, 25).

The world has no genuine king, only warring leaders. It is like it was in Israel; every man does what is right in his own eyes.

We know what we should do.

But doing it is another thing! We yearn for strength, not only advice. Religions are an added burden, laying down dogmas and rules. We want a DelivererKing, a Savior. Jesus laid down His life, not rules. We cannot redeem ourselves, but Christ is the world’s Redeemer. A new age needs new people, and Christ creates new people—if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The Bible story shows that David took his throne again, and so will Jesus Christ. Christ declared that He would come back, and He will! Everything He ever said

turned out to be true. It is impossible for this one promise not to be true also.

Jesus made many tremendous promises, all of which He has kept. His promise was to rise from the dead! Nobody could understand it. It was impossible; and they did not think that He meant it. But He did, and He walked out of the tomb. He deals in impossibilities. You are the God who does wonders (Psalms 77:14). He came out of the grave; therefore coming back from glory to earth is no problem. It is where history is going - if not, history is going nowhere.

For 2,000 years, the tens of millions of the church of Christ have expected His return. The doctrine has taken on many forms, but Scripture teaches unambiguously the personal, visible presence of Christ on earth. This is the key hope of every Christian creed. The last prayer of the Bible therefore is: Amen! Come Lord Jesus!

What will He do when He is King? We can determine that by His First Coming. It altered the destiny of peoples and nations, and His Second Coming will do all that and more. He is the Prince of Peace.

The first time He lived in obscurity, never wrote a book, and died as a victim of political intrigue, but nobody has ever affected the world like He has.

His next appearance will not be as a humble babe in a

manger. He declared that His return would be with power and great glory, which will shake and re-shape the world.

If He did no more than carry on what He was doing, what a happier world it would be! One man who personally knew Jesus said that He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. What He meant by doing good was ‘doing things that nobody else ever did’. To multitudes His hand was the hand of God. His very presence brought certainty of assurance of forgiveness and healing. He lifted the fallen, delivered the demon-possessed, and championed the oppressed. His graciousness and understanding overwhelmed people. His words created astonishment. Crowds thronged Him, and immediately wanted to put Him on the throne. Instead, He let His enemies put Him on the Cross.

He came as a Savior, not as a Caesar. He was the Redeemer not a rebel leader. He lived the most extraordinary life, an inspiration to other good lives.

His enemies took it as the end when He expired on the Cross. It was in fact the beginning. They were dealing with somebody, likes of whom had never been encountered before.

He conquered death; rose from the tomb robed in immortality, ascended to God, and left the promise that every eye would see Him again.

If we need anybody back, we need Jesus Christ. The wonderful thing about Christ is that He is indeed The Coming One. The apostle Peter, preaching the first Christian sermon said, Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior. He took that office when He ascended. In order to finish the work, He must return. It can only be accomplished on earth. That was always God’s purpose. The everlasting King is poised on the threshold. The government will be upon His shoulder. He will take over global responsibilities.

No power on earth, or in hell can prevent it. Psalm 2:12 warns the nations to kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. When He comes the whole world will know about it.

With all power in heaven and earth He will remove from His kingdom anything that offends.

His coming is as sure as the dawn.

This article reproduced with the kind permission of Christ for all Nations.

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The Compromise Bible Study by Daniel Kolenda (CfaN)

Photo: © Ellah By kind permission of

CfaN, an extract from Daniel’s new bookLive before you die. £9.99 BUY NOW. To procrastinate is to evade critical action, but there is another way to avoid taking critical action that may be even more problematic. Let me call it the comfortable compromise.

Comfortable compromise is difficult to define because, as with critical action, it will mean different things in different scenarios. Perhaps the best way to understand the distinction is by contrast.

While critical action is the most direct and effective action possible, placing the success of the mission ahead of personal well-being (security, comfort, and convenience), the comfortable compromise is a willingness to settle for a less effective action in the interest of self-preservation.

Critical action almost always involves putting “boots on the ground,” taking risks and interacting with people in a way that makes one vulnerable. Critical action will almost always mean paying some price and sticking your neck out in some way. The comfortable compromise, on the other hand, always consists of more talking than walking. It allows us to stay safe, makes us feel good about ourselves, and keeps us busy, but it produces very few actual results. Simply put, the

comfortable compromise is an action that serves as a substitute for the critical action. It is a cheap imitation, a second-rate alternative; an easy way out.

I say that comfortable compromise is more problematic than procrastination because when we procrastinate, at least we know that something is still lacking. But the comfortable compromise allows us to pacify our conscience, feeling as though we have fulfilled our obligation though in reality we have accomplished only a fraction of our potential, or perhaps none at all.

Because I am an evangelist, the examples that come most readily to mind are those having to do with soul-winning. So please allow me to get on my soapbox for a moment. There is no more important or urgent matter in the universe than the salvation of the lost. It’s no wonder Jesus’s last words on earth were instructions to take the Gospel to the ends of the world. This divine directive is commonly known as the Great Commission, and it is perhaps most clearly stated in Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.”

With so much at stake it is not surprising that Jesus’s command 11

here is extremely clear and direct.

It contains two explicit critical actions: “go” and “preach.” Had Jesus simply said, “Be sure to make a positive impact on the world,” we would never have known exactly what action to take. But Jesus knew the salvation of the lost depended on two specific critical actions, “going” and “preaching.”

I’ve heard it taught that the most effective way to win the lost is simply by living a good life, being kind to your neighbour, and “letting your light shine” wherever you are. While these are all good things, if they become a substitute for “going” and “preaching,” they are nothing more than comfortable compromises. It amazes me the incredibly creative things people come up with to try to impact the world and society without having to go and preach the gospel.

Churches and ministries spend enormous amounts of time, money, and energy every year on programs and activities through which they hope to reach the lost without taking the two critical actions Jesus commanded. Yet for all the multiplied billions of dollars spent in American churches each year, attendance continues to fall and very little fruit remains. Even in the high-tech, modern age in which we live, when it comes to the salvation of the lost, the critical actions remain the same as they were two thousand years ago when Jesus first commanded them.

More effective actions will never be devised. The original ones, though foolish in their simplicity, will forever remain the most efficient and effective way to win the world - go and preach the Gospel!

The Faith-builders Bible study series The ‘Faith-builders Bible study series’ has been developed a useful resource for today’s students of God’s Word and their busy lifestyles.

Pastors, home or study group leaders and indeed for anyone wishing to study the Bible for themselves will benefit from using Faith-builders studies.

Each volume is the result of many years of group Bible study, and has been revised again and again to be relevant, challenging and faith building whilst remaining clear and easy to understand.

Each chapter has thought provoking questions to aid study and sample answers are provided.

Below is an extract from the study notes for Mark chapter 9.

Buy paperback now for £5.20 Kindle Edition only £2.01

The ‘Faith-builders Bible study series’ has been developed a useful resource for today’s students of God’s Word and their busy lifestyles.

Mark Chapter 16

By Derek Williams & Mathew Bartlett (UK) Image © Rorem Mark Chapter 16 The Resurrection 16:1-3 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought aromatic spices so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, at sunrise, they went to the tomb. They had been asking each other, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’

Having rested on the Sabbath in obedience to God’s command, the women came to Jesus’ tomb on the third day (Sunday) as the sun began to rise. They had stood faithfully at Jesus’ cross and were present at his burial; and now they had returned to anoint his body with spices. They had been wondering who would roll away the stone for them; which indicates that they certainly did not expect his resurrection. They may

have been aware, however, that guards were watching the tomb.

disciples, even Peter, that he is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you.’

Mark Chapter 2 (abstract)

16:4-5 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled back.

Then as they went into the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

By Derek Williams & Mathew Bartlett (UK) Image © Rorem

On arriving at the tomb, they found that the stone had already been rolled away. Matthew indicates (Matt. 28:2) that there was a great earthquake, and that an angel descended to roll away the stone, paralysing the guards with fear. On entering the tomb, they found the angel still there and they too became afraid.

16:6-7 But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been raised! He is not here. Look, there is the place where they laid him. But go; tell his 12

It was the angel who first announced that Jesus was raised from the dead and instructed the women to bring this news to his disciples. Even though they had all forsaken him, and Peter in particular had denied him, Jesus would go ahead of them into Galilee just as he promised that he would (14:28). “Jesus is always ready to restore those who forsake him if they turn to him in faith to make a new start” (Wesley Bible).

16:8 Then they went out and ran from the tomb, for terror and bewilderment had seized them. And they said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

The women ran from the empty tomb filled with an awesome fear for they realised that God had been

at work in a mighty way. They did not do as the angel had bidden them straight away because of this fear.

The resurrection of Christ is of immense importance to the believer. By it Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power (Rom. 1:4). Because Christ lives we live also with eternal, abundant life.

We are justified before God since Christ’s resurrection shows that he has accepted the death of his Son as the penalty paid for our sin (Rom. 4:25). We cannot be saved unless we believe in the resurrection (Rom. 10:9). We have a sure hope that we too shall be raised (2 Cor. 4:14; 1 Pet. 1:3).

His Appearances 16:9 Early on the first day of the week, after he arose, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had driven out seven demons.

The first person Jesus showed himself to after his resurrection was Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast seven demons. Either she had stayed behind after the other women had gone or she had later returned to the garden.

16:10-11 She went out and told those who were with him, while they were mourning and weeping.

And when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

It was Mary who went to tell the disciples, who were even then mourning his death, that he was risen. Yet they did not believe her, in spite of the fact that Jesus had told them a number of times that he would rise from the dead after three days.

16:12-13 After this he appeared in a different form to two of them while they were on their way to the country. They went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

Jesus next appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus as they returned home. They failed to recognise him until he had broken bread with them (John 24:16, 3031). They went to tell the others that they had seen the Lord but these discilpes were still full of unbelief.

16:14 Then he appeared to the eleven themselves, while they were eating, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him resurrected.

Finally, Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples at a meal and rebuked them for their lack of faith and hardness of heart (Heb. 3:12).

The Great Commission 16:15 He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Although these disciples had deserted him, were unbelieving, hard hearted and weak, it is to them that Jesus committed the preaching of the gospel to the whole world. What changed them into the fearless believing witnesses who they became was their experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

16:16 The one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but the one who does not believe will be condemned.

All who believe the gospel message will be saved. They must be baptised in water and will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Those who do not believe will be judged (John 12:48) and cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).

16:17-18 These signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; they will pick up snakes with their hands, and whatever poison they drink will not harm 13

them; they will place their hands on the sick and they will be well.’

Jesus' promise was given to all who believe will in his name. They will perform many signs and wonders; being empowered to cast out demons, and to speak with new tongues. They will be able to handle serpents and not be harmed (Acts 28:3-6). Being poisoned shall not affect them; and they will lay hands on the sick and they will get well.

The Ascension 16:19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. Jesus appeared to his disciples for forty days following his resurrection, giving them further teaching and instructions. On the fortieth day he led them to Mount Olivet, from whence he was received up into heaven (Acts 1:912) and sat at the right hand of God. God has highly exalted his Son and given a name that is above every other name (Phil. 2:9). In heaven, Jesus ever lives to make intercession for his people (Heb. 7:25) and one day he will come again to take us to our heavenly home, where we will forever be with our Lord and Saviour (1 Thess.

4:16-17).

16:20 They went out proclaimed everywhere, while Lord worked with them confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

and the and the

When we read the book of Acts we see further details of Mark’s claim here. The disciples obeyed the command to go and preach; and as they did, Jesus worked with them and confirmed his gospel in miraculous ways. This will always be the case when Christians take Christ’s command seriously and go into the entire world to preach the gospel.

Our In Depth Study Zechariah Chapter 6

By Mathew Bartlett Photo © Jacob Gregory

Scripture taken from the NET Bible®.

This article is an extract from The Prophet of Messiah – a Zechariah Bible Commentary Buy Paperback £2.54

Vision 8: The Vision of Four Chariots vv. 1-8 6:1 Once more I looked, and this time I saw four chariots emerging from between two mountains of bronze.

In this eighth vision, Zechariah sees four chariots coming out from an entrance which is sided by two mountains of bronze. Since it is later explained (6:5) that the chariots are coming out of God’s immediate presence, the mountains must refer symbolically to the gates of heaven, or the approach to God’s high throne. It is significant that two bronze pillars sided the entrance into Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 7:13-22). As bronze is strong, so God’s presence is an impregnable fortress, a safe refuge for his people. God is far beyond every human attempt to dethrone him (Psalm 2:1-4). The mountains may represent God’s immovable and immutable purpose which is behind every event on earth; emphasising the sovereignty of God in human affairs (Acts 2:23; Acts 4:28). As Matthew Henry says “His providences move swiftly and strongly as chariots, but all directed

and governed by his infinite wisdom and sovereign will, as chariots by their drivers.”

Some commentators have thought that the four chariots represent four kingdoms, but it there is little in the text to support this view.

6:2-3 Harnessed to the first chariot were red horses, to the second black horses, to the third white horses, and to the fourth spotted horses, all of them strong.

In the Book of Revelation, John has a similar vision of four horsemen riding out to accomplish God’s purposes on earth in the form of war, death, famine and plague (Rev. 6:1-8). What the colours in Zechariah’s somewhat different vision signify is not revealed to the prophet, but by comparison with Revelation we may observe that God employs various means to fulfil his purposes on earth, yet all these means are in his hands.

6:4-5 Then I asked the angelic messenger who was speaking with me, "What are these, sir?" The messenger replied, "These are the four spirits of heaven that have

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been presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth.

The chariots and their horses are symbolic of God’s involvement in the affairs of people and nations. In this kind of vision, it is not necessary for us to suppose that these are literally angels or some other spiritual beings having personality. For even if God’s purposes are symbolised by an army of chariots, that does not suggest that God necessarily requires human or angelic armies to accomplish his ends. Whilst God’s angels are sometimes depicted as being like chariots (Psa. 68:17), such language is figurative, for God has no need to ride in a chariot – not even an angelic chariot! Just as in the previous vision, the flying scroll represented God’s word, so here the chariots and horses depict God’s providence. As the wind covers the whole earth (which is why four winds are mentioned: North, South, East and West) so God in his providence reigns over the entire world. God even has the wind under his control, which no man can tame. The visionary ‘angels’ next receive their

instructions from the Lord as to what they are to do on earth.

6:6-8 The chariot with the black horses is going to the north country and the white ones are going after them, but the spotted ones are going to the south country. All these strong ones are scattering; they have sought permission to go and walk about over the earth." The Lord had said, "Go! Walk about over the earth!" So they are doing so.

Then he cried out to me, "Look! The ones going to the northland have brought me peace about the northland."

accomplishment of God’s salvation history did not rest with them, just as the whole responsibility for the salvation of humankind does not rest with the church today.

Nevertheless they had their responsibilities and we have ours.

Jesus will indeed reign over all the earth, but his servants are accountable to proclaim him as Lord to every nation (Rom. 10:14); just as, whilst God promised the exiles that the temple would be successfully reconstructed, he also commanded them to fetch the wood and stone with which to build (Hag. 1:8).

Whatever they had been sent out to achieve was accomplished, although details of their tasks are not given. The vision is intended to show that God’s purpose will stand, since no human power is able to annul it. This revelation sets the stage for the next vision, or rather the prophetic instruction given to Zechariah; a prophecy which whilst it may have held some significance for the exiles, pointed towards a future day.

The Coming Priest-King vv. 9-15

The reference to those going north bringing peace to God may be an indication to the recent removal by God of the Babylonian power, and the installation of the more southerly Persian power, through whom God brought about the emancipation of the exiled Jews.

Yet the return of the exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple was only one part of the much larger purpose of God. God’s activity had not begun with the returned exiles, nor would it end with them; yet as they played their part, they were given assurance of the final fulfilment of all God’s promises. That is why the exhortation of the final verse (6:15) is so important. The whole

The men named in these verses were probably respected elders who served as witnesses to Zechariah’s prophetic action; this seems to be the only significance of their presence in the narrative.

6:9-11 The word of the LORD came to me as follows: "Choose some people from among the exiles, namely, Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, all of whom have come from Babylon, and when you have done so go to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah. Then take some silver and gold to make a crown and set it on the head of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest.

The Hebrew word used for ‘crown’ is plural, suggesting that this is a crown of crowns (or a crown fashioned within a crown) as in Revelation 19:12. What is unusual about this enacted coronation is that God commands Zechariah to place the crown on the head of the high priest and not that of the king (or governor as he was at that time). History does not indicate that this action of Zechariah was seen as treacherous by the supporters of 15

Zerubbabel, nor is there evidence that Joshua son of Jehozadak ever usurped the secular power. Joshua and Zerubbabel seem to have governed Judah well, side by side, within their separate secular and religious spheres. So clearly this prophecy of Zechariah was taken by the exiles to have a symbolic meaning relating to a future day.

6:12-13 and speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold, the man whose name is the Branch; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

(RV) The sovereignty which was pictured in the vision at the opening of the chapter would one day be embodied in a person, whose name is ‘the Branch’. The Jews already understood ‘the Branch’ to be a reference to the future Davidic king spoken of by Isaiah and Jeremiah (Isa. 11:1; Jer. 23:5; Jer. 33:15).

Joshua (or Jeshua) is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus; so the very name of the coming Messiah is here announced. The temple was meant to be his throne (Mal. 3:1), but being initially rejected by his own people, he has been gloriously exalted (Phil. 2:9) and has taken joint possession of God’s throne (Rev. 3:21), until he returns to earth to take up the throne of David (Luke 1:32).

However, this interpretation does present a problem. For according to the Law of Moses kings of Israel could only come from the tribe of Judah, and priests only from the

tribe of Levi; and so how could the idea of a king also being a priest be reconciled?

It is clear that our Lord was descended from Judah, not Levi, and so he could not ever become a priest according to the covenant which God gave to Moses. Even so, the vision suggests a future time when this problem would be settled. The writer to the Hebrews sets out to explain that Jesus was not made a priest by a regulation with regard to his ancestry, but with an oath from God that he would abide as an eternal priest after the order of Melchisedec. This change of priesthood would require the introduction of a new and better covenant (see Hebrews chapter 7).

The office of king and priest would be united in the Christ (this is what the ‘counsel of peace’ refers to).

‘The Branch’ shall be invested with royal majesty; and yet as king-priest he would rise from obscurity, as a branch out of dry ground. One might have expected such a king to come from an exalted background, but Jesus was born into poverty to a lowly family from Nazareth.

Nevertheless it was to Jesus of Nazareth that God entrusted the task of building a temple made without hands; consisting of men and women from every nation who would worship God in Spirit and truth (1 Cor. 3:16; John 4:20-24).

So whilst some commentators rightly depict Zerubbabel and Joshua being as one in their building of the temple and governing Jerusalem (which was indeed the case), the text is clearly signifying an even greater day of future day of Messianic glory.

Hen son of Zephaniah as a memorial in the temple of the LORD. The crown, once made, was to be placed in the rebuilt temple as a constant reminder before the worshippers of God’s promise concerning the future Davidic king.

God had previously instructed Israel to keep reminders of God’s past dealings to stir them to worship; what was unusual about this crown was that provided an object lesson relating to the future.

Likewise, in the Christian memorial– the communion service–we are exhorted to look back to what the Lord Jesus did to redeem our souls on the cross; but we must also look forward, since the apostle declared that the observance of the communion would continue only ‘until he comes’ (1 Cor. 11:26).

6:15 Then those who are far away will come and build the temple of the LORD so that you may know that the LORD who rules over all has sent me to you. This will all come to pass if you completely obey the voice of the LORD your God." ' " The building of the temple by returning Jews was already underway. It may well have been that as the people found the rebuilding difficult, God’s promise was of more exiles returning from Babylon to help in the work. Yet it may be reasonable to suggest that this this prophecy might also relate to the inclusion of Gentiles in the community of faith which the coming Davidic king would bring about; for they too would become part of that spiritual temple which Christ was to build and is still building (Eph. 3:6).

6:14 The crown will then be turned over to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and

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Continued from page 13

Discussion Questions for Mark Chapter 16 1. v. 1. Why do you think the women wanted to anoint Jesus’ body?

2. vv. 1-8. The women never did get to anoint the body of Jesus.

Describe the events of that resurrection Sunday as recorded by Mark.

3. vv. 9-14. Why do you think the disciples failed to believe the reports that Jesus was alive from the dead?

4. vv. 15-20. What great task has Jesus entrusted to his disciples until he comes again?

5. Why do you think Mark wrote his gospel?

Matthew the Tax Collector Matthew 9:9 Brief extract of a forthcoming book based on studies by the late Haydn O. Williams. Image © Dvest And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. (Matthew 9:9) Matthew (or Matthew Levi) was one of the original twelve apostles and the earlier followers of Jesus.

Matthew worked as a publican or tax collector for the Roman appointed government. Thompson says that his name means “Gift of God”, and he certainly was a gift of God to the church, becoming a preacher and the author of one of the four gospels.

Occupation of Matthew According to the Gospels of Luke and Mark, Matthew was also known as Levi, the son of Alphaeus (see Mark 2:16; Luke 5:27). In our text from Matthew 9:9 we read that he was in the tax office when Jesus met him (probably the tax office in Capernaum, but we cannot be sure of this).

been very nice people to deal with at all, I’m sorry to say! They seem under the impression that everyone is a criminal who is out to fiddle the tax man.

I would not think Matthew was very popular either, especially when you consider that he was collecting taxes for the hated Roman occupiers.

However, the Lord chooses people from all walks of life.

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.

(1Corinthians 1:26-29)

He Collected Taxes There are some people who would not be considered popular because of this occupation. I have had to visit the tax office over the years and some of the officers have not

He was Called by Jesus Being a tax collector (or publican) Matthew was identified with

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sinners.

After hearing and responding to the call of Jesus, he made a great feast for Jesus and for many of his own friends and colleagues. Many taxmen and sinful men were present. Matthew had found the sinner’s friend and he wanted other sinners to know him too.

On one occasion Jesus told the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Both men went up to the temple to pray. The Pharisee prayed in a very self-righteous way, but the tax collector would not even lift up his eyes to heaven: he prayed only ‘God be merciful to me, a sinner.

Jesus said that the tax collector’s prayer was accepted by God, whilst the Pharisee’s was refused (see Luke 18:10-14).

We would also suppose that Matthew was very well off (as Zacchaeus was). It would have been a very great and expensive feast.

Yet despite his wealth Matthew had discovered that he was in need because he was a sinner. Tax collectors were well off but they also needed Jesus. Those of us who live in affluent Western countries today still need Jesus as much as anyone.

Salvation of Matthew A Divine Encounter Some people have had divine encounters in the most unusual places. It is not always in a church that we meet with God. Jacob met God when lying on a stone in the middle of a desert, and Moses was also in the desert when he saw the burning bush. A Samaritan woman met Jesus at a well, whilst Paul was travelling on the Damascus road, on his way to arrest Christians in Syria, when the risen Lord Jesus met him in a devastatingly dramatic way.

Here was another unusual place: Jesus met Matthew at the tax office. Jesus called him to follow Him. He heard the voice of the Lord in his own place of work. God will always bless our Christian witness in the workplace, and I believe Jesus is calling people today from all walks of life.

A Human Response Many have heard the call of Jesus but sadly have failed to respond.

Matthew on the other hand gives us the example of a prompt response.

He rose up immediately and left his old life behind him for the service of Jesus. His actions and obedience marked him out as a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The great feast Matthew held was like a farewell to the old life and a stepping into the new life of the service of Jesus. This reminds me that the pattern of every conversion or salvation must include a changed life.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to

himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (2Co 5:17-18) Matthew’s salvation led to a real commitment to Jesus Christ, a commitment which was open for all to see as he continued to follow and trust the Lord in faith.

Dedication of Matthew Matthew’s dedication can be clearly seen by what happened to him after he met Jesus and obeyed the call to follow him.

He was Chosen to be an Apostle Matthew became one of the twelve apostles who were chosen by the Lord himself. Jesus wanted these twelve men to be with him and to share in His ministry. This was a period of training and preparation for Matthew’s ministry as a witness after Christ’s resurrection. Matthew was included by name among the twelve, and I’m sure we would consider Apostles to be trustworthy and dedicated men.

He was filled with the Spirit Matthew was one of those who obeyed the command of Jesus and saw the risen Christ. He was also one of 120 disciples who obeyed the command of the risen Lord Jesus to wait in the city of Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Act 1:4-5)

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As a result, Matthew was baptised with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost in the same way as the other apostles.

We do not read in Acts of any of his exploits in the realm of preaching or working miracles, but no doubt he was mightily used by God. Church tradition has it that Matthew later travelled to distant lands to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, as the Lord had commanded: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Mat 28:19-20) Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15) Not only so, but Matthew was also inspired by God to write a gospel.

No doubt his earlier occupation might have given him some qualifications to help him with this task. He was used to using a ‘pen’ and ink. Since the Gospel of Matthew is part of scripture, we see that Matthew was a holy man, and God inspired him .

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2Pe 1:21) The Gospel of Matthew is full of quotes and allusions to Old Testament scriptures and displays first-hand knowledge of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Matthew wrote his gospel to exalt Christ and to present him as being the King of the Jews, the Messiah or the son of David.

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The Blood of Jesus Image © Bernard Dunne

without sin. In fact, it is selfdeception to say we have no sin. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).

“It was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed … but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

What a strange statement! True, though gold is very resilient it is not imperishable—it will tarnish eventually. Blood, on the other hand, is certainly perishable, it goes off quickly. Yet Peter insists that gold has less value than Jesus’ blood.

Gold (or wealth) is what the world values above everything. But this world’s wealth carries no spiritual value at all; whereas the blood of Jesus produces something of lasting value. When heaven and earth vanish, the redeeming power of Christ’s blood will continue forever.

Men speak of “precious metals” but God’s word speaks of “the precious blood of Christ.” It does what money cannot do – it cleanses sinners. No one can claim to be

Everyone has a sin problem. No amount of gold or silver could ever make restitution for even one sin against God. That’s why Christ’s blood is so precious. It is the only substance with enough power to erase our debt of sin. The apostle John said, “The blood of Jesus Christ [God’s] son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). The book of Revelation depicts millions singing to Christ as Lord, “You were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God …

You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:9-10).

Long ago the blood of Christ’s life seeped from His heart. It stained Calvary’s hill, spelling out in crimson letters the story of the love that surpasses all love. Christ’s death was His greatest achievement – and God’s greatest act. The power of love conquered sin and death.

All the world’s great religions show that people expect to pay for their sins. Some do penance, while others expect to suffer cleansing agonies in the flames of Purgatory.

The Christian gospel has a different message! It says: “Jesus has paid for it all.” That is the matchless glory of the gospel – the gospel Paul and Peter preached. They took that message into a world laden with guilt. “My brothers,” Paul said, “I

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want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you” (Acts 13:38). If Jesus has already suffered and paid the price for our sin there is no need for us to suffer or pay for that debt again?

When soldiers hammered nails through Christ’s living flesh, His blood covered their hands. Yet Jesus kept on praying, “Father, forgive them, for they do know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). If they received His forgiveness, then the same blood that stained their hands also washed their hearts. “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).

Many people make the mistake of hiding their sin from God – there is no need, for God has provided a cleansing for our sin. When John the Baptist realized who Jesus was he cried out: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

If you put your faith in the risen Lord Jesus today, then his blood will totally remove your sin forever, and you will receive the free gift of eternal life.

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