Hebrews 6:18, "...Who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us."
The writer of Hebrews was speaking of the assurance of eternal salvation in 6:13-20 and mentions our strong encouragement because of God's promise, God's oath, and God's Son.
Hebrew 6:18 mentions the phrase "fled for refuge." This is fulfillment in Christ of a Old Testament type.
The phrase “fled for refuge” suggests the Old Testament “cities of refuge” described in Num. 35:9 and Joshua 20:1-9.
God appointed six cities, three on each side of the Jordan, into which a man could flee if he had accidentally killed someone.
The elders of the city would investigate the case. If they determined that it was indeed manslaughter and not murder, they would permit the man to live in the city until the death of the high priest. Then he could return to his home. The members of the slain man’s family could not avenge themselves so long as the man remained in the city.
We have fled to Jesus Christ, and He is our eternal refuge. As our High Priest, He will never die (Heb. 7:23-25); and we have eternal salvation. No avenger can touch us, because He has already died and rose from the dead.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Lessons Learned at the Hospital
1. Faith has to be tested and stretched to be to enduring faith [James 1:2-4].
2. Suffering, sickness, and death come about from the fall of man into sin [Gen. 2:16-17].
3. We live in frail temporary bodies that are for earth and not heaven [Phil. 3:21].
4. We go through trials so we can be a channel of comfort to others when they go through trials [2 Cor. 1:4].
5. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” 1 Cor. 15:22
6. Faith in God, a loving family and friends, and a praying church family, is “priceless.”
2. Suffering, sickness, and death come about from the fall of man into sin [Gen. 2:16-17].
3. We live in frail temporary bodies that are for earth and not heaven [Phil. 3:21].
4. We go through trials so we can be a channel of comfort to others when they go through trials [2 Cor. 1:4].
5. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” 1 Cor. 15:22
6. Faith in God, a loving family and friends, and a praying church family, is “priceless.”
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The Preachers Authority
Titus 2:15, "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."
This single verse is one of the strongest statements in Scripture on the spiritual authority of men whom God calls to minister His Word and shepherd God’s people.
The religious leaders asked Jesus in Mark 11:28, “By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority to do these things?”
Jesus replied on one occasion in John 7:16-17 “My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me.” John 8:28b, “…I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.”
If Jesus spoke only those things received of the Father, how much more should we speak only on the authority of Scripture.
I want to share 2 aspects of spiritual authority:
1. The Sources of False Authority.
A. Personal authority.
Some pastors assume authority over people in choices and issues and become dictators. The Pastor feels like he is to run the life of the believer.
Others claim to be their own authority with no submission or obedience to God’s Word.
B. Church authority.
The Roman Catholic system has claimed to be the only true church and stands above scripture rather than under it.
It is the sole reliable interpretation of scripture but channel thru which God speaks ex-cathedra thru the Pope. Church councils and papal decrees hold the same as authority as the Bible.
The priests have authority to forgive sins and even in an unconscious state, the priest can forgive thru last rites.
C. Experiential authority.
I believe it is right, or I feel its right. Feeling and emotion do not discern biblical truth. I can’t find a Scripture, but this is my opinion.
Some say,"I had an experience…"
2. The Source of True Authority.
The preacher is called to accurately interpret and proclaim Biblical truth (2:1) and things pertaining to holiness (2:2-14) with strong authority.
The preacher must put himself out of the way and let God’s Word speak thru him? Mannerisms, style, eloquence are not important but preaching the Word and letting the Scripture speak is important.
The 3 tasks of the preacher are to preach the Word for understanding, belief, and obedience.
1. Speak with authority. “Speak”
Utter the Word of God. Preach the Word. Speak as one who commands authority. Be a commanding proclaimer, faithful expositor, and a passionate preacher.
He is to make clear God’s truth so that those who hear will understand by the illumination of the Spirit. Faithful preaching gives knowledge of the truth and does not entertain.
Tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them what you are telling them, and tell them what you told them. Tell them what they don’t want to hear, and tell them to do what they don’t want to do.
2 Timothy 1:13, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me.”
2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the Word; be instant in season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
This carries the idea of hearing. This is the responsibility of the hearers.
Titus 2:1
2. Encourage for belief. “Exhort”
Say it like you believe it and they will believe it to. This carries the idea of beseeching, entreating, and pleading. It involves more than stating and explaining truth, but to persuade hearers to not only understand but believe God’s truth.
I Timothy 4:13, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
This carries the idea that those who hear are called to understand the truth.
3. Rebuke for obedience. “Rebuke”
This means to convince or correct to turn from a wrong behavior or belief. The sin must be exposed so conviction can come.
2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
This carries the idea that those who hear are to understand and obey the Word.
4. Don’t be intimidated. “Despise”
Don’t apologize for truth and truth-telling. The Believer or non-believer should be allowed to reject God’s truth.
Despise, disregard, or disrespect? Thinking around something,
usually for the purpose of evasion and denial.
Luke 10:16, “He that hearth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.”
Con:
In these days we don’t need wimpy preachers with a watered down message.
We need men who will proclaim the truth with authority, and call for understanding, belief, and obedience.
Why? Our authority does not come from our position, but from the authoritative Scripture.
That is our authority. We have no authority outside of Scripture.
This single verse is one of the strongest statements in Scripture on the spiritual authority of men whom God calls to minister His Word and shepherd God’s people.
The religious leaders asked Jesus in Mark 11:28, “By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority to do these things?”
Jesus replied on one occasion in John 7:16-17 “My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me.” John 8:28b, “…I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.”
If Jesus spoke only those things received of the Father, how much more should we speak only on the authority of Scripture.
I want to share 2 aspects of spiritual authority:
1. The Sources of False Authority.
A. Personal authority.
Some pastors assume authority over people in choices and issues and become dictators. The Pastor feels like he is to run the life of the believer.
Others claim to be their own authority with no submission or obedience to God’s Word.
B. Church authority.
The Roman Catholic system has claimed to be the only true church and stands above scripture rather than under it.
It is the sole reliable interpretation of scripture but channel thru which God speaks ex-cathedra thru the Pope. Church councils and papal decrees hold the same as authority as the Bible.
The priests have authority to forgive sins and even in an unconscious state, the priest can forgive thru last rites.
C. Experiential authority.
I believe it is right, or I feel its right. Feeling and emotion do not discern biblical truth. I can’t find a Scripture, but this is my opinion.
Some say,"I had an experience…"
2. The Source of True Authority.
The preacher is called to accurately interpret and proclaim Biblical truth (2:1) and things pertaining to holiness (2:2-14) with strong authority.
The preacher must put himself out of the way and let God’s Word speak thru him? Mannerisms, style, eloquence are not important but preaching the Word and letting the Scripture speak is important.
The 3 tasks of the preacher are to preach the Word for understanding, belief, and obedience.
1. Speak with authority. “Speak”
Utter the Word of God. Preach the Word. Speak as one who commands authority. Be a commanding proclaimer, faithful expositor, and a passionate preacher.
He is to make clear God’s truth so that those who hear will understand by the illumination of the Spirit. Faithful preaching gives knowledge of the truth and does not entertain.
Tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them what you are telling them, and tell them what you told them. Tell them what they don’t want to hear, and tell them to do what they don’t want to do.
2 Timothy 1:13, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me.”
2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the Word; be instant in season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
This carries the idea of hearing. This is the responsibility of the hearers.
Titus 2:1
2. Encourage for belief. “Exhort”
Say it like you believe it and they will believe it to. This carries the idea of beseeching, entreating, and pleading. It involves more than stating and explaining truth, but to persuade hearers to not only understand but believe God’s truth.
I Timothy 4:13, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
This carries the idea that those who hear are called to understand the truth.
3. Rebuke for obedience. “Rebuke”
This means to convince or correct to turn from a wrong behavior or belief. The sin must be exposed so conviction can come.
2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
This carries the idea that those who hear are to understand and obey the Word.
4. Don’t be intimidated. “Despise”
Don’t apologize for truth and truth-telling. The Believer or non-believer should be allowed to reject God’s truth.
Despise, disregard, or disrespect? Thinking around something,
usually for the purpose of evasion and denial.
Luke 10:16, “He that hearth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.”
Con:
In these days we don’t need wimpy preachers with a watered down message.
We need men who will proclaim the truth with authority, and call for understanding, belief, and obedience.
Why? Our authority does not come from our position, but from the authoritative Scripture.
That is our authority. We have no authority outside of Scripture.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Keepers at Home
This command in Titus 2:4-5 is one of the most neglected and misinterpreted in the New Testament, and probably misunderstood and despised.
This does not suggest that her home is a prison where she must be kept! “Caring for the home” is the idea. She is to manage and work in the home. This word comes from the root word which means “A stayer at home.”
Note this phrase does not say “house keeper or keeper of the house.” It says, “Keeper of the home.” Nor does it say, “Stay at home Dad.”
The culture says that to be a homemaker is a form of bondage by males and they need to be freed.
It is estimated that 60% of mothers with children under 6 years of age hold jobs outside the home.
Dr. John MacArthur says, “It is tragic that the mother has to work because the husbands have died, imprisoned, abandoned with no child support, and their families are unable or unwillingly to help. It is not that their place is in the home as much as their responsibility is in the home.”
We say, “Well that’s what I have been taught and taught my girls. Both parents have to work to make it in the real world.”
I agree that this is what we have been taught and programmed. We live in a fallen world where the pursuit of things is our god. But is that what this verse teaches? Are there any “yeah buts” in this command?
1 Timothy 5:14, “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” [Proverbs 31:27-29].
Let the Scripture speak.
This does not suggest that her home is a prison where she must be kept! “Caring for the home” is the idea. She is to manage and work in the home. This word comes from the root word which means “A stayer at home.”
Note this phrase does not say “house keeper or keeper of the house.” It says, “Keeper of the home.” Nor does it say, “Stay at home Dad.”
The culture says that to be a homemaker is a form of bondage by males and they need to be freed.
It is estimated that 60% of mothers with children under 6 years of age hold jobs outside the home.
Dr. John MacArthur says, “It is tragic that the mother has to work because the husbands have died, imprisoned, abandoned with no child support, and their families are unable or unwillingly to help. It is not that their place is in the home as much as their responsibility is in the home.”
We say, “Well that’s what I have been taught and taught my girls. Both parents have to work to make it in the real world.”
I agree that this is what we have been taught and programmed. We live in a fallen world where the pursuit of things is our god. But is that what this verse teaches? Are there any “yeah buts” in this command?
1 Timothy 5:14, “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” [Proverbs 31:27-29].
Let the Scripture speak.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Best State to Live In
Phil. 4:13 is one of the most misinterpreted verses in the Bible and one of the most misapplied verses. It is often used to say that one can pass a hard test having not studied. Some use it to say they can accomplish a seemingly impossible athletic task. Some use it to say that they can accomplish any other task that seems impossible. They can do it because Christ strengthens them. Is this what this verse teaches?
Context: Paul was thanking the church at Philippi for financial assistance in his ministry. Paul is speaking of the fact that he had learned to be content in whatever state he was in. He had learned to be content whether he was abased or abounding, whether full or hungry, and whether abounding or in need.
Summary: Paul is basically saying that contentment is better than riches. He could do all things and be content in whatever state he was in, as long as it was God's will.
The Greek Work for content means "Sufficient, satisfied, or adequate." Whatever God's will was for his life, he was content in it.
The best state to live in is the state of contentment!
Let the Scripture speak!
Context: Paul was thanking the church at Philippi for financial assistance in his ministry. Paul is speaking of the fact that he had learned to be content in whatever state he was in. He had learned to be content whether he was abased or abounding, whether full or hungry, and whether abounding or in need.
Summary: Paul is basically saying that contentment is better than riches. He could do all things and be content in whatever state he was in, as long as it was God's will.
The Greek Work for content means "Sufficient, satisfied, or adequate." Whatever God's will was for his life, he was content in it.
The best state to live in is the state of contentment!
Let the Scripture speak!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Is That in the Bible
People often quote a saying or axiom and give it as being a Biblical truism or in Scripture. You may respond by asking, “Where is that in the Bible?”
More often than not, they can’t tell you. It seems that sayings have been handed down and passed on and we just assume they are in the Bible.
I want us to take a humorous view, yet informative view at some of the popular sayings that pass for Scripture. Remember, it doesn’t mean they might not be true, but just not in inspired Scripture.
My resources for this study are the Scriptures, Google, and Bible websites.
1. “God helps those who help themselves”
This is not found anywhere in Scripture. In fact, we read that God helps those who can’t help themselves.
This is a saying from Aesop’s [620 to 564 BC] fable “Hercules and the Waggoner.” A man’s wagon got stuck in a muddy road, and he prayed for Hercules to help get the wagon out. Hercules responded, “Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel.”
We can’t do anything to help when it comes to salvation; salvation is through Christ alone. In sanctification we play a part, but the Spirit is ultimately is the one who makes us like Christ.
The phrase is never used in the Scriptures in regard to working and God helping us.
God helps the helpless.
Romans 5:6, 8; Jeremiah 17:5.
2. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”
This phrase is not in the Bible. The Israelites were given rules for uncleanness as a metaphor for sinfulness.
This began as an ancient Babylonian and Hebrew proverb and became very popular by John Wesley.
Jesus warns us to worry more about the sin in our hearts than the dirt on our hands [Matt. 7:18-23].
Godliness begins inside in transformation and works out in righteous deeds and behavior.
3. “In the last days, you will not be able to know the seasons except by the changing of the leaves.” or “You will not be able to tell the seasons.”
Matt. 24:32-33 uses the budding of leaves heralding the coming of summer as a metaphor for the signs that Christ’s coming is near.
No where in the Bible does it say the seasons will be altered as a sign for Christ’s return.
1 Thess. 5:1; Acts 1:7 speaks of times [extended period of time] and seasons [definite period of time].
4. “Money is the root of all evil.”
Let’s turn to 1 Tim. 6:10. “For the love of money” Money is amoral, neither good nor bad, and being wealthy is not a sin.
Job. 1:1 Job was wealthy and yet blameless, upright, and feared God.
5. “This too shall pass”
This actually is a line from an Old English poem.
Our earthly sorrows are temporary; yet we’re called to rejoice in our trials, knowing they lead to endurance and sanctification [James 1:2-4].
7. “The lion shall lay down with the lamb”
Isa. 11:6 says it is a wolf and not a lamb.
Isa. 65:25
The hunter and the prey will live in peace in the kingdom.
8. “Spare the rod, spoil the child”
Proverbs 13:34; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15
9. “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust”
Gen. 3:19
The phrase is used in the 1662 edition of the Book of Prayer of The Episcopal Church.
A search of the Bible reveals that “ashes to ashes” is used 0 times in the Bible; “dust to dust” is used 0 times in the Bible; and “dust and ashes” is used 3 times in the Bible- Gen. 18:27; Job 30:19; 42:6
More often than not, they can’t tell you. It seems that sayings have been handed down and passed on and we just assume they are in the Bible.
I want us to take a humorous view, yet informative view at some of the popular sayings that pass for Scripture. Remember, it doesn’t mean they might not be true, but just not in inspired Scripture.
My resources for this study are the Scriptures, Google, and Bible websites.
1. “God helps those who help themselves”
This is not found anywhere in Scripture. In fact, we read that God helps those who can’t help themselves.
This is a saying from Aesop’s [620 to 564 BC] fable “Hercules and the Waggoner.” A man’s wagon got stuck in a muddy road, and he prayed for Hercules to help get the wagon out. Hercules responded, “Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel.”
We can’t do anything to help when it comes to salvation; salvation is through Christ alone. In sanctification we play a part, but the Spirit is ultimately is the one who makes us like Christ.
The phrase is never used in the Scriptures in regard to working and God helping us.
God helps the helpless.
Romans 5:6, 8; Jeremiah 17:5.
2. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”
This phrase is not in the Bible. The Israelites were given rules for uncleanness as a metaphor for sinfulness.
This began as an ancient Babylonian and Hebrew proverb and became very popular by John Wesley.
Jesus warns us to worry more about the sin in our hearts than the dirt on our hands [Matt. 7:18-23].
Godliness begins inside in transformation and works out in righteous deeds and behavior.
3. “In the last days, you will not be able to know the seasons except by the changing of the leaves.” or “You will not be able to tell the seasons.”
Matt. 24:32-33 uses the budding of leaves heralding the coming of summer as a metaphor for the signs that Christ’s coming is near.
No where in the Bible does it say the seasons will be altered as a sign for Christ’s return.
1 Thess. 5:1; Acts 1:7 speaks of times [extended period of time] and seasons [definite period of time].
4. “Money is the root of all evil.”
Let’s turn to 1 Tim. 6:10. “For the love of money” Money is amoral, neither good nor bad, and being wealthy is not a sin.
Job. 1:1 Job was wealthy and yet blameless, upright, and feared God.
5. “This too shall pass”
This actually is a line from an Old English poem.
Our earthly sorrows are temporary; yet we’re called to rejoice in our trials, knowing they lead to endurance and sanctification [James 1:2-4].
7. “The lion shall lay down with the lamb”
Isa. 11:6 says it is a wolf and not a lamb.
Isa. 65:25
The hunter and the prey will live in peace in the kingdom.
8. “Spare the rod, spoil the child”
Proverbs 13:34; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15
9. “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust”
Gen. 3:19
The phrase is used in the 1662 edition of the Book of Prayer of The Episcopal Church.
A search of the Bible reveals that “ashes to ashes” is used 0 times in the Bible; “dust to dust” is used 0 times in the Bible; and “dust and ashes” is used 3 times in the Bible- Gen. 18:27; Job 30:19; 42:6
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Come, Lord Jesus
In Rev.22:13-21 we see four reasons to receive the Lord Jesus Christ and live holy lives:
1. Because of who He is [vs. 13, 16] - The exalted, majestic, glorious Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Because we will miss heaven if we don’t [vs. 14-15] –
Heaven is exclusively for those who have been cleansed from their sins in the blood of Christ and whose names are written in the Book of life of the Lamb [13:8].
3. Because Scripture is true [vs. 18-19] - Because this book is true, it must be proclaimed calling sinners to repentance and faith.
4. Because Christ is coming back [vs. 20-21]. The return of Christ is certain!
Here we have the last recorded words of Jesus in Scripture.
His coming is imminent as Revelation and the rest of Scripture teaches. “I come quickly” is used three other times in Revelation [3:11; 22:7, 12, 20]. All these in there context refer to the rapture. His second coming is referred to in Rev. 1:7.
Wiersbe says, “The word “quickly” could mean either soon or suddenly. The hope of a sudden return would not excite the same anticipation or watchfulness as the hope of a soon return. If suddenly, this means events will rapidly take place at his coming.” Either way this has to be the rapture!
The word “Amen” means “verily, truly, certainly.” It’s as if John is giving a hearty confirmation of the imminent return of Christ.
Paul was a pre-tribulation Pre-Millennialist as well, “We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” [1 Thess. 4:15].
All true believers [Christians] are those who love His appearing.
2 Tim. 4:8, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Peter was pre-Trib- Pre-millennial as well…
1 Peter 1:7-9, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”
The world scoffs [2 Peter 3:4] and says all things continue as they are, but things are not continuing as they are. If the certainty of Christ’s return to judge the lost does not motivate them to repent, then nothing will.
The Lord of glory, as Scripture says, offers heaven to those who, in light of His return, accept His gracious invitation to come to Him.
This book is full of eternal hope for believers and fearful judgment for the lost. In light of His revelation in the Book of Revelation, those who come to Him, say “Even so [yes or absolutely], come Lord Jesus.”
Revelation begins with grace [1:4] and ends with grace [22:21].
1. Because of who He is [vs. 13, 16] - The exalted, majestic, glorious Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Because we will miss heaven if we don’t [vs. 14-15] –
Heaven is exclusively for those who have been cleansed from their sins in the blood of Christ and whose names are written in the Book of life of the Lamb [13:8].
3. Because Scripture is true [vs. 18-19] - Because this book is true, it must be proclaimed calling sinners to repentance and faith.
4. Because Christ is coming back [vs. 20-21]. The return of Christ is certain!
Here we have the last recorded words of Jesus in Scripture.
His coming is imminent as Revelation and the rest of Scripture teaches. “I come quickly” is used three other times in Revelation [3:11; 22:7, 12, 20]. All these in there context refer to the rapture. His second coming is referred to in Rev. 1:7.
Wiersbe says, “The word “quickly” could mean either soon or suddenly. The hope of a sudden return would not excite the same anticipation or watchfulness as the hope of a soon return. If suddenly, this means events will rapidly take place at his coming.” Either way this has to be the rapture!
The word “Amen” means “verily, truly, certainly.” It’s as if John is giving a hearty confirmation of the imminent return of Christ.
Paul was a pre-tribulation Pre-Millennialist as well, “We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” [1 Thess. 4:15].
All true believers [Christians] are those who love His appearing.
2 Tim. 4:8, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Peter was pre-Trib- Pre-millennial as well…
1 Peter 1:7-9, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”
The world scoffs [2 Peter 3:4] and says all things continue as they are, but things are not continuing as they are. If the certainty of Christ’s return to judge the lost does not motivate them to repent, then nothing will.
The Lord of glory, as Scripture says, offers heaven to those who, in light of His return, accept His gracious invitation to come to Him.
This book is full of eternal hope for believers and fearful judgment for the lost. In light of His revelation in the Book of Revelation, those who come to Him, say “Even so [yes or absolutely], come Lord Jesus.”
Revelation begins with grace [1:4] and ends with grace [22:21].
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)