Issue 2 September
Living Word Magazine
LIVING WORD GOING DEEPER INTO GOD’S WORD
We have seen His glory… 2011
Going Deeper into God’s Word Issue 5 December 2011
Bible Studies by: Reinhard Bonnke, Mathew Bartlett, Ramon Hunston, Derek Williams, Edwin Harvey & more!
Bible Studies Online International
GOING DEEPER INTO GOD’S WORD |
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www.biblestudiesonline.co.uk FOR UNTO YOU IS BORN THIS DAY .A SAVIOR WHICH IS CHRIST, THE LORD (LUKE 2:11 AV)
In this month’s issue:
©Photos Above Ioana Grecu Cover James Steidl photo Back cover Udra 11
2. My Christmas Tree
Ken Legg (Australia AOG)
3. Will there be Christmas in Heaven?
Mathew Bartlett (UK)
5. The Kenosis of Christ
Carl Whorley (Montana, USA)
8. The Moving Ministry
Edwin & Lillian Harvey (USA)
9. The Gift of Christmas
Mathew Bartlett (UK)
11. What Angels Sing About
Mathew Bartlett (UK)
13. The Importance of Communion
Ramon Hunston (Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, retired)
15. Love in Harvest – The Book of Ruth 2.
Derek Williams (UK)
17. In Depth Study – Revelation Chapter 10 Derek Williams (UK) 19. Guest Article: The Transforming Work Reinhard Bonnke (CfaN) 21. SymboIs on Your Christmas Tree
Mathew Bartlett (UK)
IN THIS ISSUE
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The Christmas Tree By Ken Legg (Western Australia, AOG) Ken Legg is pastor of New Beginnings Christian Church on the Gold Coast of Australia. You can sign up for Ken's free e-zine, Grace Roots, on his website at http://www.small-groups-ministry.com Original Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5535180
(c) Joao Virissimo
Australian TV reported recently that a private school had adopted the practice of replacing the Christmas tree with the holiday tree (lest we offend!) It's not just unbelievers who have a problem with the Christmas tree. Some Christians feel that erecting a Christmas tree is the Christianization of a pagan practice. Some say it originates from the pagan idea of evergreen trees representing a celebration of the renewal of life. Others have traced its beginnings to the horrendous tradition of Yule among early Germanic tribes who sacrificed male animals and slaves, suspending them from branches of trees; in the same way that we hang presents on Christmas trees! Then there are those who have linked it with an obscure passage from the book of Jeremiah 10:2-4: "Do not learn the way of the Gentiles… for one cuts a tree from the forest... They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple."
Martin Luther. There is no proof that our custom of the Christmas tree descended from any of these pagan traditions. There is more evidence that the tradition of Christmas trees began with Martin Luther.
One cold Christmas Eve, around 1500 AD, Luther was walking through snow-covered woods, captivated by the beauty of a group of small evergreens. As the moon shone down upon them, their branches, dusted with snow, glistened and gleamed. Luther hurried home and set up a little fir tree indoors and endeavored to re-create the scene with his children. He adorned it with candles which he lit in celebration of Christ's birth.
The Tree Of Life The Bible mentions two trees in the Garden of Eden. The first was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat from this tree. We might ask, "Why is the knowledge of good and evil a bad thing?" It's more a question of how do we define what is good and what is evil? Only God is good; therefore that which is consistent with His character and nature is good. Only God is qualified to determine what is good and evil. We were meant to learn what is good and what is evil from God. When man ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he saw himself as god and began to relate everything to himself. He placed himself at the center of the universe and has stayed there ever since. Man sees himself as able to decide right from wrong. Probably the best definition of sin is 'self.'
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way" (Isa.53:6). That's sin. There was another tree in the Garden called the tree of life. Why didn't Adam and Eve eat from this tree instead? Because they already had life! God put the tree of life in the Garden of Eden in anticipation of the salvation they would need when they sinned. The tree of life represents Jesus: the way, the truth and the life. God said that when man ate of the forbidden tree he would die. Sin demands the forfeiture of a life. The wages of sin is death. But God accepts a substitute, and Jesus laid down His life for us on a tree! When Peter was preaching to the Jews he said, "The God of our fathers’ raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree" (Acts 5:30). Later, in his first epistle he taught the significance of that death. He said that He "... bore our sins in His own body on the tree" (1 Pet.2:21). As Adam and Eve died eating from a tree, so we live by eating from God's tree of life, Jesus. When I erect a Christmas tree in my home, and hang gifts from it, it reminds me of the greatest gift of all that hung from a tree - the Son of God who died for you and me. The gospel puts God back in the center - that's life!
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Will there be Christmas in Heaven? By Mathew Bartlett Photo © Magdalena Bujak This article was originally given as a video & may be viewed at: http://youtu.be/Whzhgvy_ORE
Will there be Christmas in Heaven? The Bible doesn’t tell us. In fact, it doesn't tell us much about heaven at all. But the Bible does say there shall be many things in heaven which remind us of Christmas. Heaven is so beautiful, that is doesn't need to be decorated with baubles or tinsel such as we put on our Christmas trees. Someone who had been there said of heaven that its foundation was of precious stones, its gates made of pearl and its streets of pure gold. In fact, it was beautiful beyond description. The foundations of the city's wall are decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation is jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates are twelve pearls -each one of the gates is made from just one pearl! The main street of the city is pure gold, like transparent glass. Rev 21:19-21 On my tree I put an angel, which reminds me of the angel who brought good news to Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds that a Saviour had been born for all men. The Bible tells us that in heaven there will be an even larger number of angels praising God for all that he has done
HEAVEN CAN’T BE LESS JOYFUL THAN EARTH! by sending His only son to be the saviour of the world. Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels in a circle around the throne, as well as the living creatures and the elders. Their number was ten thousand times ten thousand -thousands times thousands --all of whom were singing in a loud voice: "Worthy is the lamb who was killed to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and praise!" Rev 5:11-12 At Christmas we put up an evergreen tree, but in heaven there is an even better tree - the tree of life.
He showed me the river of the water of life -- clear as crystal -pouring out from the throne of God and of the Lamb, flowing down the middle of the city's main street. On each side of the river is the tree of life producing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month of the year. Its leaves are for the healing of the nations. Rev 22:1-2 On top of my Christmas tree I place a star, to remind me of the star which led the wise men from the east to Jesus. In heaven Jesus is the centre of attraction, brighter than any star:
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"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star!" Rev 22:16 The wise men brought gifts to Jesus, as we send each other presents at Christmas. They laid at his feet gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. God's people who surround his throne in heaven will also place their gifts at his feet. The Bible pictures them casting their crowns before him, meaning that they gladly give back to him everything that they have. The twenty-four elders throw themselves to the ground before the one who sits on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever, and they offer their crowns before his throne, saying: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, since you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created!" Rev 4:10-11 On top of my tree I have a star, like the star which led the wise men to Jesus, but in haven, Jesus himself is the centre of attraction, brighter than any star: "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star!" Rev 22:16 The wise men, of course, brought gifts to Jesus, as we send each other presents at Christmas. They laid at his feet gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. God's people who surround his throne in heaven will also place their gifts at his feet.
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The Bible pictures them casting their crowns before him, meaning that they gladly give back to him everything that they have. The twenty-four elders throw themselves to the ground before the one who sits on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever, and they offer their crowns before his throne, saying: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, since you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created!" Rev 4:10-11 There will be plenty of gifts for those who have served God. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end!) Rev 22:13 Christmas is meant to be a time of peace and happiness, and there will be eternal peace and everlasting joy in heaven. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more -- or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist." Rev 21:4 We sing carols and praise God at Christmas time, and we shall not stop singing joyful carols when we get to heaven! They were singing a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were killed, and at the cost of your own blood you have purchased for God persons from every tribe, language, people, and nation. Rev 5:9
Some people consider the best part of Christmas to be when travel home to meet up with family and friends. To the Christian, heaven is our home, and we will go there to be with Go and meet again all those who have loved Go d and who have died before us.
Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me. There are many dwelling places in my Father's house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too. John 14:1-3
Christmas time is a celebration of the Saviour's birth, but in heaven the saviour himself will be there, and so will all those who put their faith in him. Jesus died and rose again so that all who believe in him may not perish but live eternally.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, we look forward to an even greater celebration– IN HEAVEN.
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December Reader’s Article – from the USA
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The Kenosis of Christ Read Philippians 2:1-11. By Carl Whorley, Associate Pastor Lighthouse Baptist Church, Montana USA [1] The English word consolation comes from the Greek word paraklesis, from which comes the word "comforter", a description of the ministry of Holy Spirit. Those who possess the consolation and mercies spoken of here are born again believers who are growing in the love, holiness, and compassion of Jesus Christ; for such deep love and affection that can only come from Jesus Christ (Col. 3:12). [2] The Apostle wanted the Philippian believers to perfect within themselves the same joy in Christ which he had attained. Since true believers have one aim in life, to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, they demonstrate a unity of thought, will, and brotherly love for each other (see Rom. 12:3 and 1 Cor. 4:6). Jesus Christ is the center of their lives, which explains why Philippians contains no less than seventy five references to the person of Jesus Christ. Men and women of faith must seek to be like Jesus. Paul wanted the Philippian Church to understand the fullness and completeness of their union to Christ and live it out in their lives. [3] Another way to describe vainglory would be self-glorification at the expense of others. It can also mean self-glorification at the expense of God our Heavenly Father. Strife has to do with factions within the Church. To achieve unity each believer must grow out of selfishness and pride. A true body of believers cannot survive in a world of petty jealousies (Gal. 5:26 and James 3:14). The Apostle was concerned that this otherwise great Church might become divided by petty jealousies and contentions. We see this in Phil. 4:2 "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord". The state of our personal and hidden relationship with Jesus will always be made manifest by our relationships with other believers. Jesus is looking for humble and submissive servants, who rather than running the Church, will follow the example of Christ and become leaders who serve the Church.
Thirty five steps through Philippians By Carl Whorley
1. Become a subject of God's grace (1:6) 2. Be partaker of God's grace (1:7) 3. Abound more in love (1:9) 4. Approve all things that are excellent (1:10) 5. Be without offence to the end (1:10) 6. Be sincere until the end (1:11) 7. Be filled with fruits of righteousness (1:11) 8. Let you manner of life be as becomes the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1:27) 9. Stand fast in one spirit and one mind with others striving together for the Gospel (1:27) 10. Be not terrified by enemies (1:28) 11. Suffer for His sake (1:29) 12. Be likeminded with Christ (2:2) 13. Have the same love (2:2) 14. Be of one mind with other believers (2:2 & 3:16) 15. Let nothing be done through strife of vain glory (2:3) 16. Esteem others better than yourself (2:3) 17. Be interested in others (2:4) 18. Let the mind of Christ be in you (2:5) 19. Obey the Gospel (2:12) 20. Work out your own Salvation (2:12-13) 21. Do all things without murmuring and disputing (2:14) 22. Be blameless and harmless (2:15) 23: Hold forth the Word of Life (2:16) 24. Beware of dogs, evil workers, false teachers (3:2) 25. Press toward the high calling (3:13-16) 26. Walk by the Gospel standard (3:16) 27. Follow me and avoid enemies of the Cross (3:17-20) 28. Stand fast in the Lord (4:1) 29. Help all workers of Christ (4:3) 30. Rejoice in the Lord always (4:4) 31. Let your moderation be known to all men (4:5) 32. Be anxious for nothing (4:6) 33. Let request be known to God (4:6) 34. Think on right things (4:8) 35. Do what you have learned, received, heard and seen in me (4:9)
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[4] Humility is far better than strife and self-elevation. Jesus always identified Himself in terms which spoke of His humility when standing before the Heavenly Father. A successful Church cannot busy itself with gloating over its particular gifts and talents. We should bear in mind that these gifts and talents were given by our Heavenly Father, and be as much interested in the gifts and talents of other believers around us, as in our own. Apparently, the Philippian Church was demonstrating petty jealousies inside the membership over various honors, gifts and rewards. Paul directs them toward the path of humility and servitude toward each other (John 13:35). [5] In Philippians 2:5-11, the Apostle will use the supreme example of humility and subjected servitude Jesus Christ Himself. The factual historical account of the life of Jesus Christ gives us the definitive example which is meant to govern the life and acts of all mankind. Paul wants the Church toward a mind-set of inner unity through servitude, despite strong external influences, which were attempting to deceive and polarize the m. Phil. 2:5-11 is the climatic culmination of the letter. Most of the language of the manuscript is somewhat casual in nature, until we come to these seven verses. It is here that the language turns more formalized and liturgical, a hymn of praise to be sung with and awe toward Christ and God our Father. It is also noteworthy that verses 511 show Paul's understanding of the uniqueness of the person and work of Christ. Paul's overall point is that the disposition and temper of Church members ought always to be that of Christ.
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[6] The Apostle's choice of words is meticulous. He felt that is was imperative for his readers would understand that in Jesus the one and only Deity subjugated Himself to the lowly state of His own creation. Jesus chose not to come to earth exercising His role in as God, but took on the form of a lowly slave, in an effort to rescue all mankind. The co-equal existence between the Son and Father was and is perfect. Jesus did not feel it inappropriate to have an equal position with the Father, for He was, is and always will be, co-equal and co-existent with the Heavenly Father. Though in mortal form, Jesus was still from everlasting to everlasting, the very God (Psalms 90:2). Jesus is the Word, or God the Son, who was manifested in the flesh, but who exists from all eternity past, to all eternity future (Isa. 7:14, Isa. 9:6-7, Mic. 5:2, John 1:1-3, Col. 1:1517, Heb. 1:8 and Rev. 1:8-11). Being God in human form, Jesus displayed the same nature, essence, and characteristics of Deity. Though Jesus was very God, He never exploited His position as the Deity with His own agenda. He became like a slave in order to fulfill the Divine destiny, will, and purpose of the Heavenly Father. Jesus gave us a supreme example. If God the Son became as a humble and submissive slave to God, we should learn to be the same. At the transfiguration, Jesus gave Peter, James and John a glimpse of the preexistent glory he laid aside (Matt.17:1-2, C/F Ex. 34:18-23). The Bible tells us in 1 John 3:1-3 that when we see Jesus at the Rapture of the Church that we will see Him as He truly is. What will believers see at that moment? This was revealed to John, who saw the glorified and risen Christ:
Rev. 1:10-17 “I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last..: And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw …one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. “ This glory was our Lord's before he came to earth, and yet he refused to exercise his rights as God when he came to earth to suffer, bleed and die for the sins of a lost humanity. [7] The words "humbled himself" denote a laying aside of all privilege. It is the act of making one's self of none effect or of no reputation in an effort to honor the wishes of the one in the position of higher authority. Here is a call on the part of the Apostle for all true born again believers to put aside all false human motives such as deceit, cunning, self-seeking and most of all, pride. It is a call for all believers to grow in the true Holiness of the Heavenly Father and not the pseudo-righteousness which is possible among some Church members. In Christology, the word kenos expresses how Jesus willingly refused to exercise all rights and privileges of His own Divine Deity, while at the same time maintaining all of His own Deity.
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This tension between his glory and humility may be observed in the following verses Matthew 26:50-54, John 18:4-8, John 19:9-11. The doctrine of the Kenosis of Jesus Christ means that the Creator allowed the creation to crucify His flesh in order to fulfill the will of the Heavenly Father in the price of the redemption of all mankind. The very best commentary on the Bible is the Bible itself. Isaiah 53 explains in meticulous detail the Kenosis of Jesus Christ, how he humbled himself to become a man and bare our sin (Rom. 8:3). That Jesus came to this earth in the form of sinful man does not mean that Jesus was sinful, but that He was manifested the form of man, yet without sin, in order to take our sin upon himself (Heb. 4:15 and 2 Cor. 5:21). During His earthly sojourn, Jesus truly became man. Not merely in outward appearance but in thought and feeling. He who was the full image of the very God became the full image of man. For in His humanity, Christ differed from all other men by virtue of His consistent obedience unto the Heavenly Father and His Holy Word. It is thus stated in Philippians 2:7 that Christ changed His form and assumed an appearance which made Him like men. Thus Divinity enters history, as John heralds in the words "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). It was in His role as a man that Jesus Christ accomplished what no other man could have ever imagined to have accomplished. His perfect obedience led to the ultimate conclusion.
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Jesus never surrendered any of His attributes of Deity; but in order for the redemption of mankind to be made possible by the cross, Deity took on flesh that he might taste death for every man.
Jesus allowed Himself to be obediently subjugated to the most horrifying and humiliating form of execution of His day, crucifixion (I Cor. 1:23, I Cor. 2:2, I Pet. 2:24).
When Jesus willfully and voluntarily took on the restrictive limitations of a human body in order to fulfill this purpose, his form of flesh was like a curtain over His own glory.
1. God has highly exalted Him vs. 9; Eph. 1:21
Yet sometimes this glory still shone through. For example, we see in John 18:5-8, that when the Jewish authorities came to arrest Jesus, Jesus spoke to them His divine name "I AM!" and overcome by his glory, all of His would-be captors fell to the ground. To further understand kenosis, look at what Jesus says to Pilate in John 19:1011. And in John 17:5 Jesus Himself gives to us a definitive definition of kenosis. Christ came to this earth as man, fully understanding that the cross was His destiny. What love! What tremendous love which defies human description! [8] The willful obedience of Jesus on the cross is exemplary of obedience to the Heavenly Father. The death on the cross was the lowest stage of Christ' humiliation which consummated our Savior's obedience to the will of the Heavenly Father. Jesus was obedient to the Father before death and He remained obedient during death. The love of God's redemption from eternity past was now complete and consummated by the Son. On that day, on the cross, what man saw as a catastrophic loss, was Heaven's moment of a glorious and victorious triumph, with Jesus laying down his life that we might become righteous before God (John 10:18, Romans 5:19).
[9] These verses give us the 7 exaltations of Jesus:
2. God has given Him a name that is above every name vs. 9 3. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow to Him vs. 10 4. Everything in Heaven vs. 10 5. Everything in the earth vs. 10 6. Everything under the earth vs. 10 7. Every tongue will confess His Lordship to the glory of God the Father vs.11 [10] What we see at the crucifixion, is creation attempting to murder the Creator. However, because of the obedience of Jesus to the will of the Heavenly Father, now all creation must bow to the Son in humble adoration (Isa. 45:23). [11] In this verse, you see the characterization of Paul as being a slave unto the person of Jesus Christ. We need to stop and remember how that Philippians 2:1-11 started. In verses 1-4, Paul was addressing the need within the Church for believers to speak the same mind, heart and spirit. Just as Jesus lived for the will of His Father in Heaven, so He taught us that true joy is when we empty ourselves of our own agendas, to live only for the plans of God for our lives, regardless of the cost.
May our Heavenly Father bless you so very richly in His deep and abiding love.
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The Moving Ministry An extract from “Kneeling we Triumph” by Edwin & Lillian Harvey ISBN 1-932774-08-4. 128 Pages Price $6.00. Image © Margaret M. Stewart Reproduced by kind permission of Harvey Publishers. www.harveycp.com
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together . . . and with great power gave the apostles witness . . . and great grace was upon them all.(Acts 4:31, 33). At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang. . . . And suddenly there was a great earthquake (Acts 16:25-26). Speaking of travailing in prayer through the Spirit, that noble and good woman, Mrs. Catherine Booth, had this to say to younger converts: "It was one of the things in which I grieved the Spirit of God in my early days, that I would not let Him, to the extent He would have done, make me a woman of prayer; and yet, in comparison with many, perhaps, I was one. He used to lay particular people and subjects on my heart, so that I could not help praying; but, oh! how bitterly I have regretted and wept before the Lord that I did not let Him have all His way with me in this respect. "Take warning! And you, whom He is beginning to lead, let Him lead you. Pour out your souls for others and with others. I believe that more souls are convinced in real prayer than in speaking. I have noticed this many a time. I have seen at the bottom of a
great hall or theatre, or in the gallery a lot of the roughest men conceivable, behaving in the most unseemly manner, arrested by the influence of prayer. Perhaps, when the rowdyism has been ready to break into open tumult, a little woman has stretched out her hands over the congregation, and said, ‘Now, let us pray,’ and I have seen the whole mass of men assume an attitude of quietness and reverence.
KNEELING WE TRIUMPH
I have watched the aspect of the congregation, and have seen great, rough, black-faced fellows get their heads down, and sometimes wipe their eyes; and when we have got up to sing, there has been no more disorderly conduct, but they have settled down with the solemnity of death to listen. Hundreds of them were convinced of sin while under that prayer. It was the Holy Ghost wrestling for those souls in the heart of that woman that struck them with conviction.
—Charles Wesley.
"Prayer is agony of soul—wrestling of the spirit. You know how men and women deal with one another when they are in desperate earnestness for something to be done. That is prayer, whether it be to man or God; and when you get your heart influenced, and melted, and wrought up, and burdened by the Holy Ghost for souls, you will have power, and you will never pray but somebody will be convinced—some poor soul’s dark eyes will be opened, and
From strength to strength go on, Wrestle, and fight, and pray, Tread all the powers of darkness down, And win the well-fought day; Still let the Spirit cry In all His soldiers: Come! Till Christ the Lord descend from high, And take the conquerors home.
spiritual life will commence. "The direct power of prayer is, in a sense, omnipotent. Prayer moves the hand that moves the world. It secures for the believer the resources of divinity. What battles has it not fought! What victories has it not won! What burdens has it not carried! What wounds has it not healed! What grief has it not assuaged! It is the wealth of poverty, the refuge of affliction, the strength of weakness, the light of darkness. It is the oratory that gives power to the pulpit. It is the hand that strikes down Satan and breaks the fetters of sin. It turns the scales of fate more than the edge of the sword, the craft of the statesmen, or the weight of scepters. It has arrested the wings of time, turned aside the very scythe of death, and discharged Heaven’s frowning and darkest cloud in a shower of blessings.—Guthrie.
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Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. This Christmas, many will buy gifts for their families and loved ones. What the gifts cost is by no means as important as the giving from a loving heart. At Christmas God gave His Son to the world from a heart full of love (John 3:16). The Lord Jesus Christ is as a gift wrapped up in many layers. In giving us Jesus, God gave us all things, the fullness of his blessings. As we consider the angel announcing the coming of Jesus, we will see several aspects of this greatest gift of all.
A Message "The angel said to [Mary], 'Rejoice, highly favored (or graced) one, the Lord is with you; Do not be afraid, for you have found favor (or grace) (c)with 1DavidGod'" Asche (Luke 1:28, 30). These two expressions sum up the Christmas message: the grace of God and the peace of God.
The Grace of God "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28). Literally, you are much graced by God. Jesus birth announced God's grace or "goodwill" to all men. When God gives us what we do not deserve that is grace. It can be defined as the "unmerited favor" by which God saves, justifies, sanctifies, and ultimately glorifies us. When Jesus Christ came into the world "we beheld His glory, the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. And of His fullness we have all received, and grace [upon] grace" (Jn 1:14-16 and Titus 2:11). But for the grace of God we would have been condemned to eternal misery, shut out of God's presence. God's grace brings forgiveness and reconciliation to helpless sinners and rebels. By sending Jesus Christ
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into the world, God offers pardon for the past, power to live for God in the present, and a glorious prospect for a future with the Lord. It was by His grace that God chose Mary as the instrument of bringing the gift of Christ into a sin-sick world, that he might bring grace to us all.
The Peace of God "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God" (Luke 1:30). The absence of fear is peace. This is the essential message of Christmas. Firstly, we must have "peace with God" (Rom. 5:1) which comes through forgiveness. Then we can know "the peace of God" (Phil. 4:7), which rules in the mind and heart of a yielded Christian. Finally there will be perfect peace when the prince of peace returns to reign over this world, "The Lord will give him the throne of David". Are you looking forward for that blessed day? The announcement of Christ's birth is the message of the gospel: the grace of God and the peace of God.
A Miracle "You will conceive and bring forth a Son, and call Him Jesus" (Luke 1:31).
The Gift of a Miraculous Birth. . The Holy Spirit will come upon you." (Luke 1:35). Mary was suitable for God's purpose- a virgin engaged to a God fearing man. Here the angel announced the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy "The virgin shall be with child and give birth to a son whose name is Immanuel - God with us." In the womb of Mary the eternal Son of God took on flesh that he might dwell among us (John 1:14). The miracle of Christmas is the incarnation. God becoming man was a unique act never to be repeated. Yet God's purpose for our salvation is that there may be a new birth in the hearts of those who repent and believe the gospel.
"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13). In speaking to a very religious man, Jesus said, "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again"' (John 3:3). The miracle of Christmas is that the Christ who was formed in the womb of Mary by the Holy Spirit can come to dwell in our hearts by faith. "With God nothing will be impossible". Mary said, 'Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word'" (Luke 1:37-38). The miracle could never have taken place without Mary's submission of love and decision of faith. Mary believed the word she heard and chose to do God’s will. In that moment a miracle even greater than creation took place, for Mary conceived in her womb the very life of the Son of God. When we make the same decision of faith, and yield our lives to the Lord, Christ comes to live in us With Mary's act of decision and submission came her confession, "My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47). Mary confessed Christ as her Savior. Have you believed on the Lord Jesus, received him into your heart and confessed him before men as your Lord and Savior? That is when the greatest miracle takes place and Christ is born again, spiritually, in your heart. Christ's comes into our lives just as He came into the world that first Christmas. In the words of Phillips Brooks:
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The Gift of Christmas Read Luke 1:26-38 Images © Vladikpod
O holy Child of Bethlehem! Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in; Be born in us today.
A Ministry “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His Father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:30-33). Having heard the message and received the miracle of Christmas, we are given the ministry of Christmas, which is:
To Exalt the Name of Jesus "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David" (Luke 1:32).
God has exalted His Son and He longs for Him to be exalted by men and among men. Paul felt this responsibility as he wrote: "(I want) Christ (to) be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death." (Phil. 1:20-21). One day "at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:9-11). It is our privilege today to live in such a way that will commend our Savior to people, that they might accept Him as their Lord. We have no greater ministry on earth than that of exalting the name of Jesus in life and lip.
To Extend the Fame of Jesus "He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:33).
Jesus Christ will one day be revealed as the ruler the whole universe. Since it is his will to reign in the heart and life of every man, woman, and child, we must give our time and energy for extending his fame, making the gospel heard so that others may join us in His kingdom. Some even today have never once heard the name of Jesus. And they never will unless we go to them, extending His fame. What an amazing gift! God has given us a message, a miracle and a ministry. And he has given us much more beside what we could ever consider in such a brief study. Yet all the gifts and blessings of God are wrapped up in one single word, one single gift, and one single name:
JESUS.
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What Angels Sing About By Mathew Bartlett. Image © Connie Larsen
The ministry of angels is seen throughout the Christmas story. Not only to Mary and Joseph, but also to the shepherds they announced good news of a Savior's birth. So just who are angels and what purpose do they serve? The Bible says that angels are ministering spirits sent by God to serve those who are saved by his grace. I fact, we actually know very little about these heavenly beings. But what we do know is sufficient. I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that three times in the New Testament we are allowed to hear the angels singing. What is the theme of their song?
They sing about a Savior in a MANGER. "And suddenly there was with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God" Luke 2.12 The birth of the Lord Jesus was such a tremendous event that it made all the angels to pour out of heaven into the skies above Bethlehem and burst into spontaneous song. The reason for their joy? God himself had become man. At Bethlehem, the eternal, invisible God took human form, born as a baby. The Scripture says “God was manifested in the flesh, seen of angels." The angels had always worshipped God in heaven, but they had never seen him. God is of a different order of spirit to the angels, for he is uncreated spirit, so is invisible even to their eyes. But now God's Son was revealed, a tremendous sight for angels to witness. The Bible says angels were created by God before the heavens and the earth. They shouted
for joy as he completed Creation. Yet at Christ's birth they did more than shout- they sang for joy! The reason for his coming was the theme of their song. They announced to the shepherds that Jesus was a Savior for all people, the anointed or holy one (Christ) and that he was God (the Lord). The largest angelic choir ever gathered sang, "Peace on earth and goodwill to all men."
During time of war, such a declaration is called an armistice. One side lays down its weapons and invites the other to do the same. God hasn't been doing any fighting, we have fought him. Isn't it time, this Christmas, to lay down our weapons of hostility and turn to the Lord, who died that we might have peace with Him?
The angels rejoiced that God had sent His Son to end the separation and hostility that existed between man and God. We were enemies of God because of our sin. God is holy and we had broken his laws. But in His love God sent Jesus to die on a cross for our sin. During his life, Christ fulfilled all the requirements of the law and by his death took the sentence due to lawbreakers, so that guilty men can find forgiveness and peace. Those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are made right with God. The angels understood something of this, as they proclaimed God's "goodwill to all men".
2. They sing about a Savior an the Heart "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" Luke 15.10 On one occasion the Lord Jesus Christ was criticized by religious leaders of his day for eating with sinners. We are all sinners. Only the Lord Jesus Christ was perfectly without sin in thought, word or deed. So in reply to this criticism, Jesus told the wellknown stories about a sheep,
Hark! The Herald angels sing, Glory to the new born King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies! With the angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem! Charles Wesley
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3 They sing about a Savior on the throne And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. Rev 5.11-12.
As powerful as angels are, there are some things they do not know. During the life of the Lord Jesus, they did not fully understand God's purpose in allowing his son to be taken by wicked hands and crucified. This plan for our salvation was formed by God, and no angel or man knew anything about it until it was revealed by the Holy Spirit. Angels are unable to experience salvation for themselves. That tremendous privilege has been made possible only for human beings, who through Jesus death and resurrection can be born again as children of God.
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Let's look at the role the angels played as God's plan of salvation for mankind was worked out. In Gethsemane, an angel appeared to the Lord Jesus, strengthening him in the agony of decision before going to the cross. As he leaves Gethsemane, the angels looked on in wonder to see the Son of God beaten and forced to carry his own cross. No angel was allowed to intervene and carry it for him. They looked on, perhaps stunned, as his hands and feet were nailed to that cross. They received no orders to take him down. They watched as his body was laid in a borrowed tomb, but none of them were to be involved in this drama again until the third day, when they joyfully proclaimed Christ's resurrection. They roll the stone away from the door of the tomb to announce "He is not here, he is risen." And after he had shown himself alive to His disciples for forty days, and returned to heaven, I presume the Lord was escorted once again by the angels.
If the angels were amazed at the plan of salvation, then they are overwhelmed with adoring wonder when they see what salvation has achieved in human lives. God has made sinners clean and has made his enemies His own sons. No wonder the angels join in the praise around the throne of God singing "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain (a reference to His dying for men)" (Rev. 5:12). If angels praise God for his marvelous work in saving men, our thanks to Him is far more personal. It is "Thank you Lord, for saving my soul." There is a song the Christian will sing in heaven which no angel can ever sing: “To him who loves us and has washed us from sin in his own blood… be glory and power forever AMEN." So when you see the angel on the tree this Christmas, think of the angels song - the song of the Savior born in a manger at Christmas that he might live in your heart and one day bring you to His throne.
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The Importance of Communion By
Ramon Hunston (PAOC) Images Š Petar Neychev and Welford Tiller
INTRODUCTION The Communion is especially sacred to all believers in Christ. We are commanded by Christ Himself to share in its observance. It provides us with an opportunity for spiritual growth, for receiving God's blessing and for reevaluating our commitment to the Lord. There is no doubt that participating in the Communion is of vital importance to all Christians and an integral part of our faith. However it is essential to avoid two misunderstandings concerning the Communion. Firstly, that of over estimating the material side; for the emblems will always be simply bread and wine, serving as memorials of Christ's death. Secondly, there is a danger of under valuing the spiritual importance of the Communion. Observing the communion is not an optional extra to our Christian faith but is a direct commandment of our Lord, 'Do this in remembrance of me"
1. THE INSTITUTION OF THE COMMUNION The Communion was instituted by Christ Himself and as such it is a Church ordinance. Any ordinance must have three factors. Firstly it must be instituted by Christ Himself. Secondly, it must have tangible elements, such as the bread and the wine. Thirdly, it must involve a personal and spiritual experience. These three factors separate an ordinance from tradition. It was instituted by Christ during the Passover during which bread was to be eaten with the lamb. This symbolized death, and the third cup (the cup of blessing) was drunk speaking of life. The observance of the Communion was not only divinely ordained for all believers in Christ but was also a definite and divine commandment for all believers to fulfill.
2. THE OBSERVANCE OF THE COMMUNION The Early Church regularly shared the Communion which was ordained to be observed perpetually on earth but only until the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus. It should be noted that there are three suppers stated in the Bible and each has a particular significance concerning the Cross of Christ. Firstly, the Passover which is prophetic of the Cross; secondly, the Lord's Supper (Communion) which demonstrates the reality of the Cross; and thirdly, there is the marriage Supper of the Lamb (REV. 19:7) which heralds the final result of the Cross. It is important to realize that communion is a memorial of Christ's death, not a re-enactment. Jesus died for us once and for all, and the Communion is the symbol of the believer's participation in Christ. We participate with the crucified Christ in that He died for us. We participate in the life of the risen Lord in that He lives for us. We participate in the power of the risen Christ in that His presence is constantly with us. We participate in the glory of the risen Lord in that our future is secured in Christ and is evidenced by the fact that the Communion is ''Till He comes." (1 COR. 11:26) The Communion is the profession of the believer's faith. ''You show the Lord's death till he comes.'' By partaking of the emblems we profess our faith personally and publicly. The Bible declares that the partaking of the Communion is elemental to Christian faith. As such it is an obedience that is basic to our progress and stability in faith. The Communion is the seal that believers are the focus of God's love. It declares that salvation is an actual possession of the believer and is God's new covenant with us.
The Communion reveals the oneness and mutual relationship of believers in Christ that we are members one of another. In so doing, the Communion declares the essential of unity. We cannot hold a grudge or some other situation against another believer and properly share the Communion. Jesus made that very clear in Matthew 5:27 that reconciliation is always the prologue to true worship.
3. THE VIEWING OF THE COMMUNION. 1 COR. 11:23-34 How we view the Communion will have a profound effect on its impact on our faith. Firstly, the Communion causes us to look back. We remember Christ's death on the Cross for us. This is the great mystery that the eternal God in the person of His Son died for us! One can only say with Charles Wesley, ''Tis mystery all, the immortal dies. Who can explore His strange design? We remember why Christ died, that He died as our substitute, paying the penalty for our sins. (2 PETER 2:24) In doing so, He died willingly, not as a martyr but at all times totally in control. (JOHN 10:1718; 19:10-11) In sharing the Communion we remember that Christ rose again from
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the dead and ever lives at the right hand of God the Father. Thus the Communion is not a monument but a blessed fellowship with the living Christ. Secondly, The Communion causes us to look forward, until He comes. When believers share the Communion we are anticipating the time when we shall be like Christ. No longer to be as we are now with weakness and failure, but in glorious perfection. We look forward to being with Christ in that realm where there is no more pain, sorrow, death, tears or suffering. In that day we will understand in total perfection all that was previously a mystery in this life. ''Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.'' Thirdly, the Communion causes us to look within ourselves. ''But let a man examine himself'' (1 CORINTHIANS 11:28) Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit does not say that we have to be worthy to share the Communion, but we must partake in a worthy manner. The Communion is for sinners saved by divine grace but must never be treated in a sinful or casual manner. We are to examine ourselves and confess any sin to God who will graciously forgive us. It is unconfessed sin in our lives that makes us guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. We are to examine ourselves not each other. The Communion is totally personal.
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Although the communion is a projection of truth, it will not be so perpetually, for it is not an eternal ordinance. It is only ''Till He comes.” The Communion is an appreciation of truth and as such it is an expression of gratitude. That is why it is also called the Eucharist or Thankfulness. Thankfulness is stated to be the avenue into God's presence, (PSALM 95:2) and is stated to be the expression of God's will (1 THESSALONIANS 5:18). Thankfulness is declared to be a great incentive to faith, (PHILIPPIANS 4:6), and is the secret of our personal peace. (COLOSSIANS 3:15) It is also a celebration of truth, for sharing the Communion expresses the joy of our deliverance from sin and its power over us through Christ.
5. THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE COMMUNION It must be noted that there are stated limits for those who can participate. The Bible makes it very clear that it is for believers only, who must be capable of believing and able to understand its meaning and significance. The Bible clearly states that it is an open table for all believers and therefore to limit participation in the Communion in any other way is not Scriptural. The Bible clearly states the personal responsibility of those who participate.
Fourthly, we must look around to discern the Lord's body. We do this in two aspects. We discern it in the bread which is the memorial of Christ's broken body. We also discern the Lord's body in the local church. This is the function of the Lord's body and is seen in the demonstration of unity with each other. Christ's body was broken that we might be complete in Him. (COLOSSIANS 2:10)
4. THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMUNION 'Ye do show the Lord's death, till He comes.” The Communion is the projection of truth, foretelling the final victory and glory of Christ. Jesus said that He would not share such an occasion again with His followers until the time that they were with Him in glory. (Matthew 26:29)
'A man will leave his father and mother and will be united with his wife, and the two will become one
There is the responsibility of personal rightness before God and man. ''Let man examine himself''. There is also the responsibility of personal faith. (2 COR. 13:5) We are to be sure of our eternal destiny. ''Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith.” We are also commanded to ''Prove your own selves.” This involves our personal discipleship of Christ, our personal involvement in His work and our own personal spiritual experience. This Scripture also states ''Know ye not your own selves'' because only our own selves really know the level of our personal commitment to Christ. The Communion is not a spiritual autopsy, although the confession to God of any known sin is important. The Communion should be a joyful time of anticipation of the Lord's coming. It should be a time of great thanksgiving for what the Lord has done for us. As we gather around the Lord's Table, it should be a time of blessed worship and real commitment to the Lord. Let us ''show forth the Lord's death till He comes.” Ramon Hunston has served as Pastor many churches in the UK and Canada. A former editor of the Elim Evangel Magazine, he is a retired minister of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, now living in England.
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A Harvest of Love The Book of Ruth Chapter Two. A brief Bible study by Derek Williams. Photo © Rtimages
To human eyes and understanding it may have seemed that it was pure chance that Ruth happened to choose the field that belonged to Boaz, but it was in fact the providence of God, who was sovereignly moving on Ruth’s behalf. Not only would God fulfill His plan and purpose for Ruth’s life, but through her He would advance His plan of salvation. Although during the time of the judges Israel continually turned back from God and served idols, Boaz and his workers were faithful to God. We can see from their greetings that they had a godly relationship with each other and that Boaz had a concern for the welfare of all his workers. What better greeting could be given than "the Lord be with you" and for God to bless. In times of spiritual apathy and decline, Boaz and his men did not follow the crowd but stood firm to their beliefs (C/F Jer. 11:10 and 1 Tim. 1:19).
A Committed and Supportive Daughter-in-Law v1-7 Right at the beginning of this chapter we are introduced to the man who was going to mean so much to Ruth, and who was a foreshadowing of our Kinsman Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. The fact that he was a close relative of Elimelech is important as we shall see. 'Of great wealth,' in Hebrew means more than money it stood for the possessor's power and social standing in the community. Boaz means 'swiftness.'
The character of Ruth now begins to be revealed by her actions. The words she had said to Naomi in chapter one were not empty or emotional, she fulfilled them. James tells us that 'faith without works are dead' and to 'be doer's of word, and not just hearers only' (James 1:22 and James 2:26). She bowed to Naomi's seniority and headship over her and asks permission to glean. She was prepared to do anything no matter how humiliating it may be in order to support her mother-in-law. The law required farmers to leave a corner of their plots for gleaning the poor (Lev. 19:9-10).
For Boaz to notice Ruth among all the other women she must have been outstanding, and was probably very beautiful, and more importantly, through her service for her motherin-law, her inner beauty shone through. In reply to his enquiries he is told that she had not ceased from her labors since starting early in the morning except for a little rest. What a picture of continuance for those who serve the Master!
“We must labor for the master from the dawn till setting sun”. Again and again in the New Testament, Christians are exhorted to continue 'in Christ’s love, in God’s grace, in faith, in His goodness, and in prayer (John 15:9; Acts 13:43; Col. 1:23; Rom. 11:22 and Col. 4: 2).
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A Considerate, Protective, and Providing Master v8-7 On realizing who Ruth was, although she was a complete stranger, Boaz shows her kindness, and gives her protection, hospitality and is very generous. This is what the Lord Jesus Christ is to us (Eph. 2:12-19). The benevolence of Boaz overwhelms Ruth for she cannot understand why she should be shown so much favor (grace) and she can only fall at his feet. Even so we cannot comprehend the greatness of God's grace shown to us through His Son (Eph. 2:7). From the lips of Boaz we hear how totally committed to Naomi Ruth was. So much so that it had become general knowledge and a living testimony to her. She had remained with Naomi and had done all that she possibly could to comfort her and ease her burden, she had left all - her mother, father, and country - and had come to dwell among a strange people in order to do this. Christians too are called to leave all behind them for Christ's sake (Luke 14: 33, 5: 11). As Ruth has been to Naomi so the Lord, who sees all things and does not let any act of kindness go unrewarded, will give to her (Matt. 10:42). She had put her trust in the God of Israel therefore He will shelter her under His wings (Ps. 36:7). Ruth fully appreciated what Boaz was doing for her and his words had spoken to her heart and given comfort and hope. Ruth is further honored by being invited to sit with the reapers, something that the gleaners were not allowed to do, and being provided
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with food from the hands of Boaz himself (Song 2:4 and Rev. 19:9). Boaz made provision for Ruth by making it easy for her to obtain the barley, telling the reapers to purposely leave bundles behind for her to gather. This ensured that she gleaned a larger amount than she could otherwise have hoped (an ephah was about 4 gallons).
Ruth receives counsel from her mother-in-law as an older and wiser woman and response to it. Jesus Christ is our "Counselor" (Isaiah 9:6), let us make certain that we seek Him for any advice or counsel we may need for His will always be true and right. As He used Naomi here to advise Ruth so He uses His own people, the Word and the Holy Spirit to guide us.
A Kinsman Redeemer v18-23 On reaching home, Ruth hands over the produce of her labors to Naomi and gives to her what she had saved from lunch (v14). As she had received freely by grace and so she gave freely (Matt. 10:8). Naomi realized that Ruth could not have gleaned so much barley unless someone had been very gracious to her and so she blesses the one who looked so kindly upon her daughterin-law. On hearing that it was Boaz, more of the bitterness within her heart melted, and she instinctively praises the LORD. Though, she had previously blamed God for her misfortunes, she now recognized that He was responsible for opening a door leading to their redemption. The term next kinsman, or close relative means that Boaz was in fact one of the "kinsman's redeemers" a reference to the legal obligation of redeeming or buying back the property of destitute relatives from foreclosure (Lev. 25:25-28). Here we see the beginning of a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ as our "kinsman redeemer" paying the price for our lost souls to buy us back for God (1 Pet. 1:18).
© Saeid Shamin Kiya
The story of Ruth tells of the love which Boaz the kinsman redeemer came to have for an outsider who had believed and joined the commonwealth of Israel.
NEXT MONTH: Ruth’s Redemption Assured.
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Our In Depth Study. Revelation 10. By
Derek R. Williams. Photo © Godfer
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Revelation 10: The Mighty Angel and the Little Scroll The Mighty Angel. v1 – 7 1. "I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire." Before the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:15) comes a new series of visions. The first of these is of the mighty angel with the little book. Although some aspects of the description John gives of the angel correspond to what was said of Christ in chapter one, this mighty angel is certainly not Jesus Christ. Christ is not an angel, and nowhere in Scripture is he referred to as such. God the Son is greater than the angels. Here, John clearly states that he saw "another mighty angel" the first being the one in Rev. 5:2 who cried "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?" That these mighty angels are of a higher order than the others can be deduced from the adjective "mighty" i.e. powerful or strong. Although of a higher order they are not given the title of archangel, as is ascribed to Gabriel and Michael. John watched the descent of this angel from heaven until his feet touched the earth. That this angel was a special messenger from God is signified by the following:
(a) He is surrounded by a cloud of the glory of God. The Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven in clouds of glory (Acts 1:9) and He will return to earth in clouds of glory (Rev. 1:7). (b) He had a "rainbow" on his head, the symbol of God's covenant mercy with His people (Gen. 9:12 - 13) there is a rainbow around the Throne (Rev. 4:3). (c) His face shone like the sun - i.e. with a radiance that told of his might. In the same way the face of the Lord Jesus Christ is described in Matthew 17:2 and Rev. 1:16. (d) Feet as pillars of fire signify his strength to subdue all things. So John similarly describes the feet of Christ in Rev. 1:15. This is the only mighty angel who is describe like this and we can conclude that this angel "reflects the glory of God and comes with Christ's authority" (Wesley). Although not the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the angel “descends with the evidences of Christ's power" (Ellicott). 2. "He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land," He held in his left hand a little book (bibliaridion - little bible). The fact that it was open suggests that its contents were about to be made known.
The earth and sea are under the feet (and hence under the command) of this angel. 3,4. "and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices. Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them." Like the roar of a lion the angel gave a great shout and in response came a sevenfold thundering voice which gave a distinctive message. What the source of the thunder was is not made clear, but we may reasonably presume that it came from heaven. (Ps. 29:3 - 9).
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When it had finished John was about to write down what had been said when a voice from heaven told him not to do so for this message was not yet to be made known. 5, 6. "The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer," The angel then raised his right hand (as most translators agree) to heaven to make a solemn oath in the name of the eternal God of creation that there would be no more waiting, for the time had come for God's wrath to be poured on the earth. (Rev. 6:10). 7. "but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets." When the seventh angel sounds the seventh trumpet (11:15) God's hidden purpose for the redemption of man would be completed (Col. 1:26) just as He had made known through His servants the prophets (1 Pet. 1:12).
The Little Book. v8 - 11 8. "Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, "Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth." The voice from heaven instructs John to take the open book from the angel's hand.
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9, 10. "So I went to the angel and said to him, "Give me the little book." And he said to me, "Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth." Then I took the little book out of the angel's hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter." John did as he was told and asked the angel for the little book. (This book is distinguished from the book or scroll of chapter 5: 1 by the word "little" since the first contained the whole revelation while this contains but a part). On handing the little book to John the angel instructs him to take and "devour it", that is, to read it thoroughly and take every word in. But he warns him that although the reading of it will be like eating honey, the digesting, or understanding of it, will give him great discomfort (Ezek. 3:1 - 3; Jer. 15:16). John did as the angel said and found it to be just as the angel had told him. 11. "And he said to me, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings." Finally the angel tells John that it is essential for him to prophesy, as he has done previously, about many people, nations and languages. Having just devoured the contents of the little book, it is clear that the contents of the book would be the subject of his prophecies.
Note: Tatford cites Girdlestone who suggests "that the command really implied his giving forth prophetic truth the second time concerning the whole of the same period". If this were so then it would not have commenced until after the seventh trumpet had sounded.
Angel of the Revelation (Book of Revelation, chapter 10) A watercolour by William Blake (London 1757–1827)
Blake used water colour, pen and black ink, over traces of graphite to produce this Biblical masterpiece, which was created ca. 1803–5
Reproduced by kind permission of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. www.metmuseum.org
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"The Father will send you a helper, He will teach you all things and lead you into all truth." These words of Jesus were spoken to his disciples as he was preparing them for his coming death. Jesus knew that these disciples, whom he had poured so much time into, three years, would need more than just remembrance of his words and works. His disciples would need the help of God himself if they were to continue in following Jesus' commands. Peter quotes Leviticus when he commands Christians "You shall be holy, because I am holy." We can look back on the history of Israel and realize that this is a tall order, we cannot be holy as he is holy without some help! Jesus promised that he and the Father would send a helper, that is he would send the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13 states "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." So once a person becomes a believer the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in that person. He comes freely and is given freely. His presence in your life is not earned, he is there dwelling in you.
Transforming the believer In Galatians 2:20 Paul makes a passionate statement on the life of the believer "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." This is the life of the believer. The sinful man has passed away and now we live through the Holy Spirit. We still struggle with the flesh at times, but as we walk with the Holy Spirit and are attentive to his voice we can walk in victory over sin. This process of transformation is talked about many times in the Bible, it is often given the old fashioned name of Sanctification. Sanctification is the process of being set apart, being made acceptable to God. Only God in us can make us acceptable to God. Our 'good works' if they are not his works are pointless. Our merit does not make us acceptable to God, only obedience make us acceptable, as Samuel told Saul "Does God delight in sacrifice...to obey is better than sacrifice." Sanctification is the work of Spirit as we are told in 1 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, and 1 Peter 1:2, we cannot make ourselves acceptable, only the Spirit can do that. How does the Holy Spirit transform the believer? Jesus said the Spirit will teach you all things. When we read the Bible it is the Holy Spirit who makes the word come alive. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12. As we read the word the Holy Spirit will bring to our attention our heart issues and our wrong thoughts, he does so, not to condemn, but to shine his light on areas of our lives that need to be submitted to him. Sanctification is his work, but he is a gentleman and will not force himself on us, we submit to him and as we do so we grow in holiness (acceptableness to God.) As a side note we are completely holy before God because of Jesus, but we walk in holiness as we allow the Spirit to do his work in us.
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GOING DEEPER INTO GOD’S WORD |
(DEC 2011)
The Holy Spirit works in the lives of believers through the Word of God, the Scripture. It is so important that as believers we immerse ourselves in the Bible. The more we study to show ourselves approved, the more the Holy Spirit can reveal the truth to us.
Producing Fruit The spotlight of the Holy Spirit in our lives produces transformation within us, and that transformation shows itself in our behavior towards others. In Galatians 3:19-24 we read "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." As we submit to the Spirit the fruit of the Spirit grows in us. Where once we were angry we now show patience, where once we were out of control, we now exhibit selfcontrol, where once we were full of evil desires we now do the works of goodness, where once we were full of fear we are now full of peace. We know we are walking in the Spirit as we see God growing the fruit, others can see we are walking in the Spirit too as our attitudes and temperance change. In verse 25 Paul says "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." You choose your intimacy level with the Holy Spirit. While he lives in you his level of input in your life is determined by you. He can be suppressed and quenched, but his desire is to know you and be known by you. Determine today to walk in the Spirit. "Holy Spirit, I want to know you in a more intimate way. I repent for having not listened and for having been disobedient to you voice. I determine in my heart today that I will submit to you, that I will draw close to you. Help me to read the Bible. Help me to listen to you, to be quiet before you. Shine your light on the areas of my life that need attention. Grow your fruit in me. I want to know you and be known by you. Amen"
Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke is principally known for his Great Gospel Crusades throughout the Continent of Africa. He is the Founder of the International ministry Christ for all Nations, reaching out with the gospel to millions of people worldwide. To find out more, or to support the work of CfaN visit their website: http://us.cfan.org/?lang=en-US
This article reproduced with the kind permission of Christ for all Nations.
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GOING DEEPER INTO GOD’S WORD |
Are you hanging symbols of God’s love on your Christmas tree? Parents might find this a useful gospel illustration to use with children at home or church when decorating the Christmas tree.
(DEC 2011)
The colored balls or baubles are globes, reminding me of the beautiful world which God has created, and which He loves. God loves every single man, woman, boy and girl in the whole world.
The angel on the Christmas tree reminds me of the angels who came to announce good news of the Savior’s birth. They appeared first to Mary, telling her she would be the mother of God’s Son.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
Then they appeared to Joseph, telling him that Mary’s story was true. They also appeared to the shepherds near Bethlehem to tell them that the promised Savior had been born, and that He was lying in a manger in a cattle shed.
John 3:16 The lights I put on the Christmas tree remind me that Jesus said:
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." John 8:12 Jesus came to bring us from the darkness of sin to the light of friendship with God.
The angels still praise God every day and every night for sending Jesus to our world. The star on top of the Christmas tree reminds me the special star which God placed in the sky for the wise men to follow. It was by following the star that they found the baby Jesus and presented him with their expensive gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. .
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GOING DEEPER INTO GOD’S WORD |
(DEC 2011)
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For unto you is born this day a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
The Christmas tree itself is evergreen, which means that its leaves do not die in the fall. This speaks of the life which lasts forever, the life which only Jesus can give us – eternal life. To bring us eternal life, Jesus had to die on a tree that was cut to be shaped like a cross. He died for our sin, taking the punishment we deserve so that we can be forgiven. On the Christmas tree I hang many little gifts and candy canes, and these remind me of the greatest gift of all, the gift of God’s only Son.
God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 1Jn 4:9 © Photos: Cammeray Dave & Magdalena Bujak
Eternal life is a gift I cannot afford to buy or earn by good works. But it is given me freely by God when I trust His Son Jesus who died for me and rose again. With the glittering colored tinsel I crown the Christmas tree, .but once my King Jesus wore a different crown for me. On the cross where He died for my sin He was wearing a crown of very painful thorns. Wicked men put these sharp thorns on Jesus head and made fun of Him, because they refused to believe in Him. But after Jesus died on the cross, He rose again from the dead, and now He is alive in heaven where He wears a beautiful crown of glory which will last forever and ever! Jesus is the king of Kings and the Lord of Lords. When you put your faith in him, you will have eternal life and become a child of God.
Then if you serve the Lord Jesus every day, one day he will give you a beautiful crown of glory that will be all your own. To finish decorating my Christmas tree I hang strips of gold lamenta foil. The gold color reminds me of heaven, which is God’s home. The Bible says that the street of heaven is made of gold. It must be very beautiful there. No one is ever sad, and no one ever dies in heaven. Heaven is the wonderful place where Jesus came from before he was a baby. He is there now. One day, because I have believed in him, I will go there too. Will I see you there? Yes, if you have trusted the Lord Jesus as you Savior, you too will be in heaven one day
Merry Christmas
GOING DEEPER INTO GOD’S WORD |
(DEC 2011)
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!
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