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Monday, January 31, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Purgatory-2

Bible Questions Answered:
In 1 Corinthians 3:15 clearly we see that one who falls short of perfection in this life, is saved by fire in the next. Why is not this proof of purgatory known?
Selena/ Pelotas, Brazil South America

Bible Answer:
Possibly because, in no way, is it ever taught in the Word of God.

Bible Text:
I Corinthians 3:4-15 NLT
4 When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world?
5 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us.
6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.
7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.
8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.
9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.
10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.
11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw.
13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.
14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward.
15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.

As you and I read these verses, we realize that the Apostle is speaking about “builders.”
In verse 10, Apostle Paul, calls himself a builder, that is, he has been busy, building up the Kingdom of God on earth. As a Christian, he plants the seed, the word of God, another (in this case Apollos), comes along and waters that seed, helps it to grow and mature in the hearts of Christian believers.

Apostle Paul also says in verse 10, that others besides himself (other builders, other followers of Christ) are building up the kingdom of God, but how careful they must be, he states, that they build upon the one, and only one true foundation, which is Jesus Christ the Lord (verse 11).

Is there any rational being that would dare to think that the beloved Apostle, would ever dare to call a practicing sinner, a builder in God's kingdom?

Now, knowing this, who are we talking about then in verse 15?
Apostle Paul is talking about “workers of the kingdom", Christians who are doing the call of God in their lives, building up God's church.

And by the way, all Christians, are called to be workers in Gods kingdom!


Mark 13:32-37 KJV
32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning:
36 Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping.
37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

John 6:28,29 KJV
28 Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.

John 9:4 KJV (Christ)
I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

I Corinthians 15:58 KJV
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

II Corinthians 9:8 KJV
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Colossians 1:10-14 KJV
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

II Timothy 4:5 KJV
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Hebrews 6:9-11 KJV
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

I Peter 1:15-19 KJV
15 But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Revelation 22:10-15 KJV
10 And He saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.
14 Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.


I Corinthians 3:11-13 KJV
11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw.
13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.

Whenever a Christian solely resorts to reliance upon human talents, human wisdom, and human resources, and does not seek the blessing and anointing of God, his works become so much wood for the fire.

Clearly the words of the Apostle teach us one thing, certainly “not,” all the works of Christians, have or do meet the test of being spiritually valuable, in God's sight!

Now concerning the subject of purgatory see the following blog posting Purgatory
And for the subject of Second-Chance-Salvation see Second Chance Salvation

Friday, January 28, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Anger - 2

Bible Questions Answered:
How can one be angry and sin not?
Quibilah/ Cairo, Egypt

Bible Answer:

Bible Text:
Ephesians 4:26,27 KJV
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.

Was Jesus ever angry?

John 2:13-16 NLT (Matthew 21:12,13)
13 It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem.
14 In the Temple area He saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; He also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money.
15 Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables.
16 Then, going over to the people who sold doves, He told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning My Father’s house into a marketplace!”

Yes, He most certainly was, and He had just reason to be.
Merchandising has “no,” place in the house of the Lord!

Isaiah 56:7 KJV
"... for Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Jeremiah 7:8-11 KJV
8 Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit.
9 Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;
10 And come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?
11 Is this house, which is called by My name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD.

Anger is a fiery passion, that if not checked, will lead to sin.

Psalm 4:4 NLT
Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

In the Apostle's words of warnings to the Ephesian believers, notice the evil things mentioned.

Ephesians 4:20-32 NLT
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ.
21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,
22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.
23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.
26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,
27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.
29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

All these things, lies, anger, theft, cursing, grieving the Spirit of Grace, bitterness, rage, slander and on and on, are the marks of the sinful old man, before we came to Christ.
As Christian people, we are to live in righteousness, mortifying the deeds of the flesh while putting on the “new man.”

Romans 8:12,13 NLT
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.
13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death* the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.

*Death-Greek-Thanatoo (Than-at-o-o): To kill, become dead, put to death, mortify.

Colossians 3:1-17 NLT
1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory.
5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.
7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.
8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.
9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.
10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.
11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Anger like as spiritual cancer, if not checked, will spread, until one has not only been angry, but done something in his anger to one day regret.

How may one not be the victim of anger?
One must be strengthened by the Lord.

Psalm 27:14 KJV
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 29:11 KJV
The LORD will give strength unto His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace.

Psalm 37:39 KJV
But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: He is their strength in the time of trouble.

Psalm 46:1 KJV
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 81:1 KJV
Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Psalm 73:26 KJV
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Psalm 138:3 KJV
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

Isaiah 40:28-31 KJV
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Bruised Reed-Smoking Flax

Bible Questions Answered:
Matthew says Jesus will not quench smoking flax, what is this meaning?
Trisha/ Raleigh, North Carolina U.S.A.

Bible Answer:

Bible Text:
Matthew 12:15-21 KJV
15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew Himself from thence: and great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all;
16 And charged them that they should not make Him known:
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias* the prophet, saying,
18 Behold My Servant, whom I have chosen; My Beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased: I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear His voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto victory.
21 And in His name shall the Gentiles trust.

*Isaiah 42:1-4 KJV
1 Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighteth; I have put My Spirit upon Him: He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.
3 A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for His law.


Matthew 12:18 KJV (Isaiah 42:1)
Behold My Servant, whom I have chosen; My Beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased: I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

Matthew 3:13-17 KJV (Fulfillment)
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbade Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer (permit) it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered (permitted) Him.
16 And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He
saw the Spirit of God descending like a Dove, and lighting upon Him:
17 And lo a Voice from heaven, saying, This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 17:1-6 KJV
1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
2 And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light.
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with Him.
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three
tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a Voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.


Matthew 12:19 KJV
He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear His voice in the streets.

Some spiritually shallow heralds, in their ever seeking aggrandizement, love to proclaim the gospel “in the streets,” so as to make a name for themselves.
Not so, with our dear and humble Saviour!

Zechariah 9:9 NLT
Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.

John 13:5 KJV
After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded.

Philippians 2:5-8 KJV
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.


Matthew 12:20 KJV
A bruised reed shall He not break...

Often a reed, is used as a staff, something to lean on.
And a Christian like that reed should be strong in faith, and courage, but some times he may become weary, through the Pilgrim's Progress of life.
Men, righteous or not, may fail us, but there is One, who will never fail us, nor forsake us at any time, and that dear and precious one is the Saviour.

Isaiah 40:28-31 KJV
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.


Matthew 12:20 KJV
...smoking flax shall He not quench,

In our Lord's day, lighting, was by lamp. Each lamp, was molded from clay, had a reservoir of olive oil, and a flax wick. Flax contains threadlike fibers which make it very conducive as a wick.
A smoking wick, is where there is the ember of fire, but no flame. A smoking lamp, may be restarted by being refueled and by the wick being blown on.

Rather than extinguish, the ember, the hurting, those who need help the most, our loving and wonderful Saviour, breaths life into His people, to restore and renew them, to the flaming lights He wishes them to be.

Isaiah 41:10 KJV
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.

John 20:21,22 KJV
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.
22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Ephesians 3:16 KJV
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His Glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;


Matthew 12:20 KJV
...till He send forth judgment unto victory.

Because of our great Saviour's love and humility, His gospel, will be a gospel of victory!
Multitudes of weary souls, restored and set ablaze for the Kingdom of God, will follow Him to the very gates of heaven.

Matthew 11:28-30 KJV
28 Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

Revelation 22:17 KJV
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Disagreement-Christian

Bible Questions Answered:
Did Paul and Barnabas have a fight?
Debby/ San Antonio, Texas

Bible Answer:

Bible Text:

Acts 15:36-41 KJV
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Acts 15:36-41 NLT
36 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.”
37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark.
38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work.
39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus.
40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care.
41 Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

The Apostle Paul and Barnabas, had a strong difference of opinion, over the young man, John Mark.

And the reason why we find in Acts 13:13

Acts 12:25 NLT
When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, taking John Mark with them.

Acts 13:1-5;13,14 NLT
1 Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul.
2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”
3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.
5 There, in the town of Salamis, they went to the Jewish synagogues and preached the word of God. John Mark went with them as their assistant.
13 Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem.
14 But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia.

John was his Jewish name, while his Gentile surname was Mark.
Tradition says that Mark's mother had a large house in Jerusalem, and she and Mark were members of the Jerusalem church, and so it was that Peter often resorted to go to their home. For Mark to have been Barnabas' cousin, Mark's mother was sister, to either the mother or father of Barnabas.

Colossians 4:10 KJV (Apostle Paul)
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner saluteth you, and Marcus (Greek: Mark), sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

When Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch from their Jerusalem visit, they took John Mark with them. A year or so later, John Mark was selected to go with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.

The young man John Mark was with Paul and Barnabas as they evangelized Cyprus, but when they pressed on to go into Perga, on their way into Asia Minor, Mark left them, scared, home sick, whatever the cause, to return to his home in Jerusalem.

Later after Paul and Barnabas had returned, the day came when they planned their second missionary journey. Barnabas suggested taking John Mark, once more with them, and to this the Apostle Paul remonstrated greatly.

This Christian disagreement was so great that Paul and Barnabas, parted company, Paul traveling with one Silas, a teacher from the Jerusalem church, and Barnabas with his cousin, John Mark.

Was it wrong and unforgiving of Paul to not accept the young man, for sure it was proof of the adage,
“blood is thicker than water.”

Paul and Silas left for the churches of Syria and Cilicia and to gain the help of another young man, Timothy, while Barnabas and John Mark traveled for Cyprus.

After some time, the Apostle Paul believed in the sincerity of John Mark, and referred to Barnabas as his co-worker.

Colossians 4:10 KJV (Paul's final instructions.)
Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’ cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way.

Philemon 23 NLT (Paul's last greetings.)
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings.
24 So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.

II Timothy 4:11 NLT (Final words of the Apostle Paul.)
Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.

I Corinthians 9:6 KJV (Co-workers together.)
Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?

It has been said that Barnabas had a shepherds heart, while Paul had the heart of an evangelist, and perhaps so.

Early Christian tradition, says that Mark became the constant companion of Peter, and later became a bishop in Alexandria.

The end of the matter...

I Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud
5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

II Corinthians 6:6 NLT
We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.

Ephesians 4:1-3 KJV (Apostle Paul)
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Colossians 3:12-15 NLT
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Hands Lifted Up.

Bible Questions Answered:
I've seen people on t.v. when they pray, they have their hands up in the air, what is this?
Teresa/ Sydney, Australia

Bible Answer:

Psalm 63:3,4 KJV
3 Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

This was a Jewish custom of praise, and prayer, a custom that Christians, have adopted for themselves.

Clemens of Alexandria A.D. 192 “...raise the head and lift the hands towards heaven.”
Tertullian “We Christians, looking upwards, with hands out spread, because free from guilt; with head bare, because we are not ashamed; ...because we pray from the heart.”
Origen A.D. 230 “...the stretching forth of the hands, and the lifting up of the eyes;...stretches forth his soul towards God, beyond his hands, as it were, and his mind farther than his eyes.”
Eusebius, says of Constantine; that he “had himself depicted on coins “looking up to heaven, and stretching forth his hands like one praying.”

Nehemiah 8:6 KJV
And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

Psalm 28:1,2 KJV
1 I pray to you, O Lord, my Rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you are silent, I might as well give up and die.
2 Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.

Psalm 88:9 KJV
"...LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

Psalm 119:48 KJV
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

Psalm 134:1-3 KJV
1 Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.
3 The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.

Psalm 141:1,2 KJV
1 Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Psalm 143:6 KJV
I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

I Timothy 2:8 KJV (Apostle Paul)
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: White Stone.

Bible Questions Answered:
Revelation mentions a white stone, given to the people in heaven, what is this?
Kerrie/ United Kingdom

Bible Answer:

Bible Text:
Revelation 2:17 KJV
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that over cometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Revelation 2:17 KJV
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that over cometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna,"

First of all, how wonderful it is to know the Bread of Life, and to be nourished by Him.

John 6:31-35 KJV
31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father giveth you the True Bread from heaven.
33 For the Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
34 Then said they unto Him, Lord, evermore give us this Bread.
35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.

The True Bread of heaven, is not from “she, or they,” rather it is only from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:12 NASB New American Standard Bible
"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."

Revelation 2:17 KJV
“...and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

The White Stone:

It was the custom of ancient Greeks, when giving verdicts of innocence or condemnation, to give either a white stone or a black one to the defendant. White stood for absolution or acquittal, black for condemnation.

Then again an eastern custom, if a man committed a crime, he could often offer money (blood-money) to offer to buy his freedom. He then always was seen in white, a white camel, tent, and a white boulder out side of his tent, announcing to one and all, that he was a free man, having paid for his freedom.
It would be as though he had never committed a crime, and its proof would be the white boulder out side of his tent.

Now Jesus says,
Revelation 2:17 KJV
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that
over cometh will I give ...him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Who are the over comers? Who are the forgiven (justified), cleansed, as though they had never sinned?

Acts 13:37-39 KJV
37 But He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
39 And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Romans 5:1 KJV
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

I John 5:4,5 KJV
4 For whatsoever is born of God over cometh the world: and this is the victory that over cometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that over cometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Salvation, may not be “bought,” it is a free gift.

Ephesians 2:8,9 KJV
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Psalm 143:2 KJV
"...for in thy sight shall no man living be justified."

Romans 3:20 NLT
For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.

Galatians 5:4 NLT
For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.

And yes, forgiveness of sins and eternal life, cannot be bought by “religious works,” no matter how grand!
Not by confirmations, dedications, baptisms, communions, memberships or honorary degrees.
“it is the GIFT of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

And acquittal, absolution, forgiveness, cleansing, comes only from a person, and that person is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Forgiveness of sin:

Psalm 103:1-3 KJV
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Acts 5:30,31 KJV
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 13:38,39 NLT
38 “Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this Man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins.
39 Everyone who believes in Him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do.

Ephesians 1:6,7 NLT
6 So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son.
7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.

I John 1:6-10 KJV
6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

A New Name:

Isaiah 56:5 KJV
"...I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off."

Isaiah 62:2 KJV
"...and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

Revelation 3:12 KJV
Him that over cometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him My new name.

Is your name in the Lamb's book of life, is there a white stone with your name in it in heaven?

Acts 2:21 KJV
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.


Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Bible Lesson: Miracles Of Jesus: Canaanite Woman's Daughter Healed.

Bible Lesson: Miracles Of Jesus: Canaanite Woman's Daughter Healed.

Bible Location: Near Tyre.

Bible Text: Mark 7:24-30 KJV, Matthew 15:21-28 KJV

Mark 7:24-30 KJV
24 And from thence He arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but He could not be hid.
25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of Him, and came and fell at His feet:
26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought Him that He would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
28 And she answered and said unto Him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.
29 And He said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

Mark 7:24-30 NLT
24 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house He was staying in, but He couldn’t keep it a secret.
25 Right away a woman who had heard about him came and fell at His feet. Her little girl was possessed by an evil spirit,
26 and she begged Him to cast out the demon from her daughter. Since she was a Gentile, born in Syrian Phoenicia,
27 Jesus told her, “First I should feed the children—my own family, the Jews. It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”
28 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.”
29 “Good answer!” He said. “Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter.”
30 And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone.


Mark 7:24 KJV
And from thence He arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but He could not be hid.

Jesus and His disciples had no rest, as they traveled the area of the Sea of Galilee, so they traveled to the North West territory known as Tyre and Sidon. As a former country of Phenicia, the land belonged to Syria. Into this Gentile area, the Lord and His disciples came hoping to find some rest from the crowds and time of instruction from their Master.

The Lord's reputation had proceeded Him, and it wasn't long before the needs of one Syrophenician mother, came before Him.


Mark 7:25,26 KJV
25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of Him, and came and fell at His feet:
26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought Him that He would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.

Need knows no boundary. There is “no-place,” on this planet, where there is not a need for help of one kind or another.

This Syrophenician mother had heard the stories concerning Jesus, and for her, He was just the miracle worker who could help her daughter.

Perhaps one of the great mysteries that we will one day ask our Lord about is how precious children, could ever become demon possessed. Was it by the sins of her parents, or of those generations before her, or by some other means?

This Greek mother certainly is to be commended for several things; her ability to discern, between physical sickness, and spiritual attack, and discernment to recognize that Jesus who's heart reached out to the sick, setting spiritually oppressed and possessed prisoners free, surely was her answer.
And she had the wonderful discernment as did Nicodemus, that …

John 3:1,2 KJV
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with Him.

Believing that fully, this mother....
Mark 7:25 KJV
...came and fell at His feet:

How wonderful, to attend the church, where members or parishioners, upon entering, kneel and bow in reverence to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Mark 7:26 KJV
...and she besought* Him that He would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
*Besought-Greek: Erotao (Er-o-tah-o): To request, ask, beseech, desire, intreat, pray.

Mark 7:26 NLT
... and she begged Him

Oh, the wonderful heart of a mother, and so God has ordained it.
There was nothing this mother would not do to get help for her child, her love was so great.
Humble herself, bow, and beg, yes and more, if need be.

Mark 7:27,28 KJV
27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
28 And she answered and said unto Him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.

Christ spoke figuratively, and in like fashion she responded.

She had no doubt heard, that He was the prophesied Jewish Messiah. Certainly it was His right to help His own people first, but she also knew that that would not help her daughter.
In respectful, tenacious, persistence, she replied...

Mark 7:28 KJV
...Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.

And what was the result?

Mark 7:29,30 KJV
29 And He said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

Dear friend, do not dare think for one moment, that our Lord, ever thought to deny this loving mother any care for her daughter!

Mark 7:27 KJV
But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

Never would that be the case, but our Lord, desired above all things that this mother's faith would reach out beyond limit, for what she needed, and the lesson is the same for us today!

Luke 18:1-8 KJV
1 And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?
8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?

God's people are to be a people of ever increasing faith, ever reaching out, believing for more, in doing the work of the Lord.

Prayer and Faith:

I Chronicles 16:11 KJV
Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually.

Psalm 34:6 KJV
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalm 61:1,2 KJV
1 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.

Matthew 7:7,8 KJV
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

John 16:24 KJV
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Ephesians 6:18 KJV
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

I Thessalonians 5:17 KJV
Pray without ceasing.

I John 5:4 KJV
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.


The Living God is our Answer:

II Samuel 22:2 KJV
And he said, The LORD is my Rock, and my Fortress, and my Deliverer;

Job 5:19 KJV
He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

Psalm 91:1-16 NLT
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.
3 For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
11 For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name.
15 When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life and give them My salvation.”

Isaiah 46:3,4 NLT
3 “Listen to Me... I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born.
4 I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.

Jeremiah 1:8 KJV
Be not afraid...: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

Daniel 6:27 KJV
He delivereth and rescueth, and He worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

I Corinthians 10:13 KJV
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

II Corinthians 1:10 NLT
And He did rescue us from mortal danger, and He will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in Him, and He will continue to rescue us.

II Timothy 4:18 KJV
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

II Peter 2:9 NLT
...the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials..."

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3

Bible Questions Answered:
In revelation why did John pick these seven churches, there were other churches too.
Carl/ Seattle, Washington

Bible Answer:
That is correct. First of all, the seven churches of Asia (western Turkey), were not chosen by the Apostle, but by the Lord Jesus, and the reason He choose them, is that they are representative of all other churches, be they in John's day or ours, or anywhere in between.

CHURCH
DISTINGUISHING CHARAERISTIC
CHURCH AGE

Revelation 2:1-7 Church of Ephesus.
They Had Lost Their 1st Love.
30-100 A.D Apostolic Church Age.

Revelation 2:8-11Church of Smyrna.
Faithful Christian Church, That Suffered Persecution.
100-313 A.D. Persecuted Church Age.

Revelation 2:12-17 Church of Pergamos.
Christian Church Filled With False Teachers.
313-590 A.D. State Church Age.

Revelation 2:18-29 Church of Thyatria.
Church Filled With Works, And Controlled By A False Teacher
590-1517 A.D. Papal Church Age.

Revelation 3:1-6 Church of Sardis.
Church Filled With Works, But Spiritually Dead.
1517-1790 A.D. Reformation Church Age.

Revelation 3:7-12 Church of Philadelphia.
Faithful Christian Church, Known For It's Evangelism.
1730-1900 A.D. Missionary Church Age

Revelation 3:13-22 Church of Laodiceans.
Church That Was Spiritually Dead, Called Luke Warm.
1900-Present A.D. Apostate Church Age.

If the book of Judges has taught us anything, it has taught us that judgment must fall, before repentance, then and only then may blessing take place.

I Peter 4:7,17 KJV
7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

The lesson of spiritual coldness and death, must not be forgotten.
Loss of love for Jesus Christ the Saviour, acceptance of false, “non-Biblical teachings”, religious “works,” substituting for spiritual fervency, lack of witnessing, adherence to teachers, who are “not,” measured by biblical standards, lead to a spiritually dead church.

And so what is the end of the matter? Of the seven Asian churches of John's day, only two, remain, and those are Smyrna, and Philadelphia, of which no fault was mentioned.

II Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Kings And Priests

Bible Questions Answered:
What then do these do in heaven?
Himanish/ Mumbai, India

Bible Answer:

Born again*, children of God, when in heaven, will do what they are to do now, on the earth!

Born again:

John 3:1-7; 13-18 KJV
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a Teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with Him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be
born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto Him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of Man which is in heaven.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only Begotten Son of God.

Perhaps no other subject needs to be stressed more than the present position of God's people.

Ephesians 1:13 KJV
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Bible Text:
Revelation 1:4-6 KJV
4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne;
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness, and the First Begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

The born again Christian, is both a king in God's eternal kingdom, and a priest.

Christian kingship:

A Christian, is a servant of the King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ. We are kings in the Lord's kingdom of righteousness, we reign with and for Him.

Luke 22:28-30 KJV
28 Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations.
29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto Me;
30 That ye may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones..."

Revelation 3:11 KJV
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Christian Crowns:

1)
The Crown of Rejoicing: Faithful Service.

I Thessalonians 2:19,20 KJV
[19] For what is our hope, or joy, or Crown of Rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
[20] For ye are our glory and joy.

Philippians 4:1 KJV
“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my Joy and Crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”

2)
The Crown of Righteousness: Faithful Testimony.

II Timothy 4:8 KJV
“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.”

3)
The Crown of Life: Faithfulness in Trial.

James 1:12 NIV
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”

Revelation 2:10 KJV
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

4)
The Crown of Glory: Faithfulness in Suffering.

I Peter 5:4 NIV
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:
2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;
3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Hebrews 2:9 KJV
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”

5)
The Incorruptible Crown: Faithfulness in Self-Control.

I Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV
[24] Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
[25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
[26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
[27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.


Revelation 4:9-11 NLT
9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever),
10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

Revelation 20:4 KJV
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them..."

Revelation 22:3-5 KJV
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him:
4 And they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

II Timothy 2:11,12 KJV
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, he also will deny us:


Priesthood of the believers:

As the priests of God, we offer up prayer and praise!
We as believers, may approach God, directly ourselves, because of the finished work of Christ, who has torn the veil of the temple in two.

Matthew 27:50,51 KJV
50 Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; (An act of God, not man.)

Hebrews 10:17-21 KJV
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh;
21 And having an High Priest over the house of God;

Daily our duty is to bring offerings and praise of worship, to the living God.

Exodus 19:5,6 KJV
5 Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine:
6 And ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation..."

Isaiah 61:6 KJV
But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God..."

I Peter 2:5 KJV
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Revelation 20:6 NLT
Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him a thousand years.


Offering of Praise:

Psalm 107:21,22 KJV
21 Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!
22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.

Psalm 116:17 KJV
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

Jeremiah 17:26 KJV
And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the LORD.

Jeremiah 33:11 KJV
The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of Hosts: for the LORD is good; for His mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD..."

Jonah 2:9 KJV
But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.

Hebrews 13:15 KJV
By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.


Offering of Thanksgiving:

I Chronicles 16:8-12 KJV
8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people.
9 Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him, talk ye of all His wondrous works.
10 Glory ye in His Holy Name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
11 Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually.
12 Remember His marvelous works that He hath done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth;

Psalm 50:14 KJV
Offer unto God thanksgiving..."

Psalm 92:1 KJV
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:

Psalm 100:4 KJV
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

Psalm 107:21,22 KJV
21 Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!
22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.

Psalm 116:17 KJV
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

Ephesians 5:19,20 KJV
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Philippians 4:6 NLT
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.

Colossians 1:12-14 KJV
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Colossians 3:15-17 KJV
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

I Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

I Peter 2:9 KJV
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Freedom

Bible Questions Answered:
Is not God, God of fredom, and liberty?
Mandisa/ Johannesburg, South Africa

Bible Answer:

Freedom: The state or quality of being free; or liberation from the control person or arbitrary power; liberty; independence.
(New World Dictionary of American English)

Men may or may not be bound by other men, but by nature, are all bound by sin.
A man may be a slave, and not know freedom.
A man may be a slave, and yet be spiritually free.
A man may be free, and yet still be bound, spiritually bound by sin.

Many today, under a worse yoke than slavery, they are under the spiritual bondage of sin.

Proverbs 5:22 KJV
21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He pondereth all his goings.
22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

John 8:34 KJV
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Acts 8:23 KJV (Peter speaking to Simon the sorcerer.)
For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

Romans 6:16 KJV
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Romans 7:23 KJV
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

II Timothy 2:26 KJV
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Spiritual emancipation, comes only from the Lord Jesus Christ.


Exodus 3:7-8 KJV
7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of My people...,and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
8 And I am come down to deliver them..."

Isaiah 58:6-9 KJV
6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward.
9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am...

Isaiah 61:1 KJV (Luke 4:18)
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me; because the LORD hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

John 8:32 KJV
And ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.

Romans 6:4-8 KJV
4 therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him:

Romans 8:1,2 KJV
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

II Corinthians 3:17 KJV
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Galatians 5:1 KJV
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

James 1:22-25 KJV
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.
24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.
25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

Leviticus 25:10 KJV
"...proclaim liberty throughout all the land..."

Psalm 119:44-48 KJV
44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

Romans 1:1 KJV
Paul, a servant* of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

*Servant:-Greek-Doullos (Doo-los): A slave, in the sense of subjection: bond servant.
(To the God of Love) (Abingdon/Strong Concordance of the Bible)

Jesus calls His followers, His friends.
John 15:12-16 KJV
12 This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you.
16 Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.

Whether bond or free, do you know the liberty that comes from sins forgiven, having your name written in the Lamb's book of life? You can!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Bible Questions Answered: Burning Coals

Bible Questions Answered:
How could burning coals purify the lips of the prophet Isaiah?
Darren/ Denver, Colorado U.S.A.

Bible Answer:

Bible Text:
Isaiah 6:1-7 KJV
1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple.
2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of Hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.
4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.
6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Isaiah 6:1-7 NLT
1 It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of His robe filled the Temple.
2 Attending Him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.
3 They were calling out to each other,
“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with His glory!”
4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.
5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs.
7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”

Isaiah had a revelation from the Lord.
In his revelation of the Lord, he made a discovery.

Isaiah 6:5 KJV
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.

Sadly this is why the evil one has eradicated altars, from our churches!
The place where men and women have thee opportunity to see and hear from God!
At the altar, the Lord reveals Himself to those who humbly seek Him!

Job 42:5 KJV
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.

When we truly take the time to see, and hear from the Lord, for ourselves, and see the King of Glory, we then, and only then will see ourselves for who we really are. For only in His light is all seen and known!

John 3:19-21 KJV
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Matthew 17:1-6 KJV
1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
2 And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light.
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with Him.
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

We can never be a people blessed of the Lord, until we rightly know who we are.
And we can never become the people God longs us to be, until we have seen what Isaiah saw.
Hardly be it any wander why the evil one is so busy in our day, steering souls away from the house of God, and its altar.

After revelation, comes abhorrence, think there be exceptions, think not, for there are none!

Romans 3:10,23 KJV
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

I John 1:8-10 KJV
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Isaiah 6:6,7 KJV
6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Where did the burning coal come from?
It came from the Brazen Altar, where sacrifice was made for sin.

Exodus 25:40 KJV
And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

Hebrews 8:5 KJV
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith He, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

Moses built the tabernacle and its altars, after the pattern of what he had seen in heaven.

On Moses' Brazen Altar, the blood of the sacrificial animal flowed onto the burning coals beneath.
This sacrifice covered the sins of God's people.
But on heavens altar is the blood of God's precious Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world.

Hebrews 9:22;24-26 NLT
22...For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.
24 For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf.
25 And He did not enter heaven to offer Himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal.
26 If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, He has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by His own death as a sacrifice.

I Peter 1:18-20 KJV
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot:
20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

I John 1:7 KVJ
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.

It was the blood on the altar, that took away Isaiah's sins. On heavens altar is the precious blood of our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ, God's dear eternal (Isaiah 9:6), sinless (I Peter 2:22) Son.

Isaiah 55:6,7 KJV
6 Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

Ephesian 1:7 KJV
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;