13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him:
13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God:
13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments: and took a towel, and girded himself.
13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
13:6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now: but thou shalt know hereafter.
13:8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
13:9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
13:10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
13:11 For he knew who should betray him: therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
13:12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well: for so I am.
13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet: ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord: neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hat lifted up his heel against me.
13:19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
13:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me: and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
13:21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
13:22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
13:23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
13:24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
13:25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
13:26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
13:28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
13:29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast: or, that he should give something to the poor.
13:30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
13:31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
13:32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.
13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall see me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if we have love one to another.
13:36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now: but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
13:37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
13:38 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Disobedience and a False Prophet
"How to Identify a False Prophet, Or, A Guide to Keep You From Opposing a True Prophet"
by Tom Stewart
He Hath Spoken to Turn You Away From the LORD (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).
A "prophet, or a dreamer of dreams", who gives a "sign or wonder" (13:1) recalls the signs the LORD gave to Moses to convince the Children of Israel that Moses was truly sent from God -- turning Moses' rod into a serpent and back again (Exodus 4:2-4), and turning Moses' hand leprous and back again (4:6-8).
We are not to think it strange that even a false prophet can make the "sign or the wonder come to pass" (13:2) -- by the supernatural power of Satan.
Of course, the Almighty must first give permission to Satan before Satan has the slightest ability to accomplish anything. Or, as the LORD Jesus plainly explained to Pontius Pilate concerning the limit of Pilate's control over Himself: "Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from Above" (John 19:11).
Pivotal to the concept of identifying false prophets, is that a false prophet seeks to turn people away from the LORD Jesus Christ, i.e., "Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them" (Deuteronomy 13:2).
If we understand that our loving obedience to the Word of God is the basis for our certainty that we belong to Him, then we also know that anyone who is clearly in disobedience to the commands of our LORD Jesus Christ, is a liar.
Just as we are to "prove all things; [and] hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21), the LORD desires to prove us "to know whether [we] love the LORD [our] God with all [our] heart and with all [our] soul" (Deuteronomy 13:3). Not only does our proving "all things" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) keep us away from evil, but it confirms to us what is good.
This points to the First and Great Commandment (Matthew 22:38), which is, "Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (22:37). As can be seen, it is morally impossible to love God and serve worldly treasure at the same time. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Luke 16:13).
If we "cleave unto Him" (Deuteronomy 13:4), Who is "[our] Life" (30:20), then we will not sin against our God. "Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not" (1 John 3:6). In fact, at that moment, we cannot sin because we will not sin -- as we are kept by His Spirit.
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God (3:9). [See our article, "He will Subdue Our Iniquities", for help with abiding in Christ.]
Though the New Testament Church has not been given Old Testament Israel's commission to slay the false prophets, we are to mark and avoid those who give offense to the body of Christ.
Devotion and gratitude to the LORD that "bought [us] with a price" (1 Corinthians 7:23, will keep us from faltering from the LORD.
When assailed with doubts -- "without were fightings, within were fears"S (2 Corinthians 7:5) -- if we would cling in loving obedience to the LORD Jesus, He will deliver us from our fears.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love" (1 John 4:18). [See our article, "A Prophet Hath Been Among Them", for more discussion of this topic.]
by Tom Stewart
He Hath Spoken to Turn You Away From the LORD (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).
- "If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder," (Deuteronomy 13:1).
A "prophet, or a dreamer of dreams", who gives a "sign or wonder" (13:1) recalls the signs the LORD gave to Moses to convince the Children of Israel that Moses was truly sent from God -- turning Moses' rod into a serpent and back again (Exodus 4:2-4), and turning Moses' hand leprous and back again (4:6-8).
"And Moses answered and said, But, behold they [the Children of Israel] will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee...
And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs [the rod into a serpent, and the leprous hand] neither hearken unto my voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land" (Exodus 4:1, 9).
- "And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;" (Deuteronomy 13:2).
We are not to think it strange that even a false prophet can make the "sign or the wonder come to pass" (13:2) -- by the supernatural power of Satan.
"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matthew 24:24).
Of course, the Almighty must first give permission to Satan before Satan has the slightest ability to accomplish anything. Or, as the LORD Jesus plainly explained to Pontius Pilate concerning the limit of Pilate's control over Himself: "Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from Above" (John 19:11).
Pivotal to the concept of identifying false prophets, is that a false prophet seeks to turn people away from the LORD Jesus Christ, i.e., "Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them" (Deuteronomy 13:2).
If we understand that our loving obedience to the Word of God is the basis for our certainty that we belong to Him, then we also know that anyone who is clearly in disobedience to the commands of our LORD Jesus Christ, is a liar.
"And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His Commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His Commandments, is a liar, and the Truth is not in Him" (1 John 2:3, 4).
- "Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD you God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 13:3).
Just as we are to "prove all things; [and] hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21), the LORD desires to prove us "to know whether [we] love the LORD [our] God with all [our] heart and with all [our] soul" (Deuteronomy 13:3). Not only does our proving "all things" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) keep us away from evil, but it confirms to us what is good.
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8).
- "Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear Him, and keep His Commandments, and obey His Voice, and ye shall serve Him, and cleave unto Him" (Deuteronomy 13:4).
This points to the First and Great Commandment (Matthew 22:38), which is, "Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (22:37). As can be seen, it is morally impossible to love God and serve worldly treasure at the same time. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Luke 16:13).
If we "cleave unto Him" (Deuteronomy 13:4), Who is "[our] Life" (30:20), then we will not sin against our God. "Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not" (1 John 3:6). In fact, at that moment, we cannot sin because we will not sin -- as we are kept by His Spirit.
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God (3:9). [See our article, "He will Subdue Our Iniquities", for help with abiding in Christ.]
- "And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee" (Deuteronomy 13:5).
Though the New Testament Church has not been given Old Testament Israel's commission to slay the false prophets, we are to mark and avoid those who give offense to the body of Christ.
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Romans 16:17).
Devotion and gratitude to the LORD that "bought [us] with a price" (1 Corinthians 7:23, will keep us from faltering from the LORD.
"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is Love; and he that dwelleth in Love dwelleth in God, and God in him" (1 John 4:16).
When assailed with doubts -- "without were fightings, within were fears"S (2 Corinthians 7:5) -- if we would cling in loving obedience to the LORD Jesus, He will deliver us from our fears.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love" (1 John 4:18). [See our article, "A Prophet Hath Been Among Them", for more discussion of this topic.]
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Getting to Know Jesus: John 12
12:1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Betheny, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
12:2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
12:7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
12:8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
12:9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
12:11 Because that by reason of him many Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
12:12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
12:14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
12:15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.
12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
12:17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
12:18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
12:20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
12:21 The same came therefore to Phillip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
12:22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die; it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
12:29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
12:30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
12:34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
12:36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did himself from them.
12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
12:39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
12:41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also man believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
12:44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
12:45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
12:2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
12:7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
12:8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
12:9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
12:11 Because that by reason of him many Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
12:12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
12:14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
12:15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.
12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
12:17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
12:18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
12:20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
12:21 The same came therefore to Phillip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
12:22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die; it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
12:29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
12:30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
12:34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
12:36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did himself from them.
12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
12:39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
12:41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also man believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
12:44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
12:45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
How to Identify a False Prophet
Or, A Guide to Keep You From Opposing a True Prophet
by Tom Stewart
Preface
The Saints of God are unique in that they have been given the Holy Spirit to teach them the very Scripture of Truth (Daniel 10:21) that is a "Light unto [our] path (Psalm 119:105) to guide us away from the snares of false prophets.
The inability to discern a false prophet from a true prophet, will open the way for the deception of the False Prophet -- the beast "out of the Earth" (Revelation 13:11) -- who is the End Time co-worker of the Antichrist. All the marks of a false prophet should be understood by the Body of Believers and applied to our daily discernment of who ought to be believed and who ought to be rejected.
Our LORD did not excuse the hypocrites for their lack of discerning the "signs of the times" (Matthew 16:3). Nor will He excuse the world for allowing the False Prophet to deceive them into worshipping the Antichrist.
Then, why should the LORD allow those of us that name the "Name of Christ" (2 Timothy 2:19) to be ignorant of the false prophets, who are currently deceiving the "Flock of God" (1 Peter 5:2)?
by Tom Stewart
Preface
"When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him" (Deuteronomy 18:22).
The Saints of God are unique in that they have been given the Holy Spirit to teach them the very Scripture of Truth (Daniel 10:21) that is a "Light unto [our] path (Psalm 119:105) to guide us away from the snares of false prophets.
"But the Anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same Anointing teacheth you of all things, and is Truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him" (1 John 2:27).
The inability to discern a false prophet from a true prophet, will open the way for the deception of the False Prophet -- the beast "out of the Earth" (Revelation 13:11) -- who is the End Time co-worker of the Antichrist. All the marks of a false prophet should be understood by the Body of Believers and applied to our daily discernment of who ought to be believed and who ought to be rejected.
"For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the Word of Righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:13, 14).
Our LORD did not excuse the hypocrites for their lack of discerning the "signs of the times" (Matthew 16:3). Nor will He excuse the world for allowing the False Prophet to deceive them into worshipping the Antichrist.
"And he [the False Prophet] exerciseth all the power of the first beast [the Antichrist] before him, and causeth the Earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed" (Revelation 13:12).
Then, why should the LORD allow those of us that name the "Name of Christ" (2 Timothy 2:19) to be ignorant of the false prophets, who are currently deceiving the "Flock of God" (1 Peter 5:2)?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Getting to Know Jesus: John 11
11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
11:6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
11:7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
11:8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee: and goest thou thither again?
11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
11:10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
11:11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
11:12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
11:13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
11:17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
11:18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
11:19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
11:20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
11:22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
11:23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
11:28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
11:29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
11:30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
11:31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.
11:32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been her, my brother had not died.
11:33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
11:34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
11:35 Jesus wept.
11:36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
11:37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
11:38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
11:39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou has heard me.
11:42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
11:46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
11:47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
11:49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
11:50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
11:51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation:
11:52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
11:53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews: but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
11:55 And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
11:56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
11:57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were he should shew it, that they might take him.
11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
11:6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
11:7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
11:8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee: and goest thou thither again?
11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
11:10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
11:11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
11:12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
11:13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
11:17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
11:18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
11:19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
11:20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
11:22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
11:23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
11:28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
11:29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
11:30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
11:31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.
11:32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been her, my brother had not died.
11:33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
11:34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
11:35 Jesus wept.
11:36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
11:37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
11:38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
11:39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou has heard me.
11:42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
11:46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
11:47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
11:49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
11:50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
11:51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation:
11:52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
11:53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews: but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
11:55 And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
11:56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
11:57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were he should shew it, that they might take him.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Why Are You Tithing...Guilt or Ignorance? 2
By Lafe Tolliver
One of the many gross misconceptions of the so called "mandate" given by many of today's preachers, teachers, and televangelists is that you are required by the Word of God to give a tithe which is now commonly accepted as one tenth of one's gross income.
Regrettably, these proponents of the tithe conveniently omit to tell their audience that giving ten percent is not a requirement for one's salvation or a requirement for "good standing" with God nor is it a badge of righteousness by which one can impress God.
One of the major tenants of this non-defensible position on the tithe is the argument that Abraham gave the tithe before the law and as such, the tithe is superior to both law and grace. Wrong!
If you read the scriptures at Genesis, chapter 14, you will notice that Abraham did not tithe out of his income or possessions but rather he gave what he won in battle with the four named kings. Abraham was already rich before the giving of this "tithe" and as such the giving of this "tithe" did not make him wealthy (see Genesis chapter 13).
Plus, if you allow scripture to interpret scripture, you will also notice that nowhere else is it ever mentioned about this act of honor as done by Abraham to Melchizedek is to be construed as an ongoing requirement that is binding upon New Testament believers.
Nor was this concept of tithing ever transferred to the New Testament by any of the prophets or authors of the accepted canons. Even Jesus did not comment on this act of honor as being a requirement for believers.
When Jesus spoke in Matthew 23:23 about the Pharisees tithing off of the cumin, dill, and mint, it was because Jesus was a Jew speaking to Jews about Jewish law (remember the tithe was instituted under the law...not under grace). He was not condoning the acts of tithing for those under grace since he had not yet gone to the Cross and thus by his death and resurrection ushered in the New Testament.
News flash!! Jesus did not tithe since he was a carpenter and a tithe was not required from non produce or husbandry/vineyard based income.
The other misconception is the improper use of the word..."first fruits." First fruits is not the tithe and the tithe is not the first fruits. First fruits refers to grain offerings (Leviticus 23:10, 17; Revell's Bible Dictionary page 383).
If one is going to go back under the law and pull out the "tithe chestnut" then you are duty bound to pull out the rest of the laws as found in the Old Testament including dietary, marriage, sacrifices, slavery, debt, dress, justice, and worship requirements. In other words, back to legalistic bondage.
Tithing was used by God as a tax for purposes of both temple maintenance and as a means to provide for the widows, the orphans, and the stranger in the land (Deuteronomy 14:28, 29; Revell's Bible Dictionary page 982).
Also, there were three tithes but yet modern day preachers and teachers seem fixated on the one that deals with money; and as a matter of fact, that particular tithe was not in the form of currency of gold or silver! See Numbers 18:21, 24; Deuteronomy 14:22-24, 28, 29.
One tithe as found at Deuteronomy 14:26 even allowed for the bringer of the tithe to consume or eat the goods and wine that the tithe could buy and that person was to eat it with merriment and with others!
When was the last time your pastor told you to spend your "tithe" on some good wine and table fixings and invite over a crowd and give God the praise while you "chow down?" It is in the Word. Read it for yourself. Don't take my word for it. Be a good Berean and examine the scriptures (Acts 17:11).
What then is the standard of giving for the believer? It is found at 2 Corinthians 9:6-11. Understand that the tithe is not being dismissed as antiquated. It is being dismissed as being substandard! We are bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20) and as such we are not our own.
That being so, God has a total and complete demand on all of our worldly goods including both the ten percent and the remaining 90 percent of our income. As God has blessed, you, in prayer and thanksgiving to God, must get the mind of God for yourself and give accordingly. Not according to please a pastor or a church budget but in obedience to what God has told you about how he has blessed you in your weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly income.
Can you continue to give ten percent of your income...gross or net? Sure. Can you give more or less than the ten percent? Sure. What makes the difference? As you know and understand the leading of the Holy Spirit and as you are in fellowship with God, what is He telling you to give?
It can vary from payday to payday and can be different if you work piecemeal or on a commission or straight salary or if you receive other sources of income be it social security, pension, rent receipts, dividends from stocks and bonds, or annuities.
Do you believe that you should give when you are in dire straits with other creditors or do you believe that you should witness by paying down or off your creditors and then giving more to the kingdom? See 1 Timothy 5:8 for the answer.
The widow's mite example (Mark 12:42) is not the standard for regular New Testament giving because if you always gave everything you had at all times, you would not be able to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's (today, known as your local, state, and national obligations to pay government imposed obligations) (Matthew 22:21).
Where the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17) and that same liberty (not feelings of oppression or guilt) should be manifested in your giving. When you understand and can internalize that God does not need your giving (Psalms 50:10) and that giving allows you to develop a characteristic of God which is that of a giver, you should begin to "stress-less" about this bogus issue of tithing and walk in liberty.
When the shrill voice of the televangelist comes on and tells you a lot of hocus pocus that if you give ten dollars and they will in turn send you an anointed penny from the Holy Land that was found in the pocket of Saint Peter and you will receive a hundred fold return, turn off that patented foolishness, get off their mailing list and seek God for your increase.
Giving a tithe means by which you are going to try to twist God's arm to bless you will not work. God never said..."put in ten and I will give you one hundred. The scripture at Luke 6:36-38 does not refer to money but rather to the reaping of righteousness and your growth in God.
If God had a sure fire money plan by which the saints of God could, without a miscue, give God money and He in turn would be obligated to give back a set formulaic amount, would not the entire world church be "rolling in dough?"
God's money plan includes the concept of stewardship by which we as born again believers are held to give an account of the material goods and responsibilities placed with us by Jesus. Luke 12:42-48 clearly indicates that we will have to "fess up" as to what we have done with the privileges and benefits Christ gives each one of us regardless of your station in life.
God's blessing plan is that you as a steward are operating under proper principles of sowing and reaping and your life is in line with the Word of God.
As for those persons who, by guile and ruse, have merchandised the Body of Christ (2 Peter 2:3) with their shameless flimflam...God will see to it that they get their just desserts. Again, you will also note that whenever stewardship is mentioned in the Word of God that tithing is not mentioned, demanded, assumed.
Why? It is a non issue because it is not a requirement for sanctification, holiness, or fellowship with God. This is a blood covenant that Jesus set up with us...not a money covenant. If Jesus has your heart and motives, the money giving issue is a no-brainer. You will want to give because you love him who first gave himself to you (John 3:16).
Jesus did not come to earth to die to make Christians rich or that every time Kenneth Hagin, Oral Roberts, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, or Joyce Meyers speak that you will sacrifice your rent or car payment to build their personal kingdoms, but rather he came to die so you could be reconciled back to the Father (John 3:16).
Born again believers have an indwelt urge as governed by the Holy Spirit to give of their material blessings to the advancement of the local assembly or fellowship and the gospel of Jesus being propagated (Matthew 13:44, 45).
If tithing was such an important principle and if I was Christ, after my resurrection, I would be hammering tooth and nail to the disciples and the apostles about making sure the early church was rooted and grounded in tithing requirements. But Christ did not do so because it was legalistic and bondage to set a minimum or maximum as to the precept of freely ye have received...freely ye shall give (Matthew 10:8).
What happens if and when the saints of God fall short on their material needs and the local assemblies are hard pressed for cash. Simple. God is the builder of the church and He alone is able to manifest all grace and blessings to us so that we can carry out his great commission and fulfill the normal and necessary needs of the people of God. If we are "sweated" so that we are in temporary lack, could it be a lesson in faith and or to tighten up our stewardship?
Our part as believers is to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) and seek the will of God in all things including our giving. God's responsibility is to meet our needs when we conform to his word and our motives are not suspect.
Are there examples in the New Testament of the saints being in deprivation and yet God manifested himself and supplied their needs? Sure. God gets the glory when we as individuals and as local assemblies realize that, but for the moment by moment grace of God, we are all without a hope and a prayer. The same goes for our finances.
The Apostle Paul was a study in deprivation (1 Corinthians 4; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10) but yet he was more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37)...including his finances being at times, "not in the black."
Saints of God, the question is not the tithe because the tithe represents being under the law and the tithe was a tax as it were. The question is what is God saying to you right now about your current finances and what is he saying to you about your current level of stewardship and giving.
You want to still give ten percent? Great! Go ahead but do so with the knowledge that God is not demanding that if you do not give ten percent you are under any nonsensical curses or that your arm is going to fall off or that you cat is going to be hit by a car or that you are going to suffer a bout of leprosy. That is guilt/fear preaching coming from ignorant (lack of knowledge) expositors of the Word (1 Timothy 1:5-7).
Give freely, knowingly, abundantly, regularly, joyfully, cheerfully, with purpose, and with Godly direction...therein is the blessing...material or otherwise.
Lafe Tolliver, Atty.
For comments or questions, contact me at Tolliver@Juno.com
One of the many gross misconceptions of the so called "mandate" given by many of today's preachers, teachers, and televangelists is that you are required by the Word of God to give a tithe which is now commonly accepted as one tenth of one's gross income.
Regrettably, these proponents of the tithe conveniently omit to tell their audience that giving ten percent is not a requirement for one's salvation or a requirement for "good standing" with God nor is it a badge of righteousness by which one can impress God.
One of the major tenants of this non-defensible position on the tithe is the argument that Abraham gave the tithe before the law and as such, the tithe is superior to both law and grace. Wrong!
If you read the scriptures at Genesis, chapter 14, you will notice that Abraham did not tithe out of his income or possessions but rather he gave what he won in battle with the four named kings. Abraham was already rich before the giving of this "tithe" and as such the giving of this "tithe" did not make him wealthy (see Genesis chapter 13).
Plus, if you allow scripture to interpret scripture, you will also notice that nowhere else is it ever mentioned about this act of honor as done by Abraham to Melchizedek is to be construed as an ongoing requirement that is binding upon New Testament believers.
Nor was this concept of tithing ever transferred to the New Testament by any of the prophets or authors of the accepted canons. Even Jesus did not comment on this act of honor as being a requirement for believers.
When Jesus spoke in Matthew 23:23 about the Pharisees tithing off of the cumin, dill, and mint, it was because Jesus was a Jew speaking to Jews about Jewish law (remember the tithe was instituted under the law...not under grace). He was not condoning the acts of tithing for those under grace since he had not yet gone to the Cross and thus by his death and resurrection ushered in the New Testament.
News flash!! Jesus did not tithe since he was a carpenter and a tithe was not required from non produce or husbandry/vineyard based income.
The other misconception is the improper use of the word..."first fruits." First fruits is not the tithe and the tithe is not the first fruits. First fruits refers to grain offerings (Leviticus 23:10, 17; Revell's Bible Dictionary page 383).
If one is going to go back under the law and pull out the "tithe chestnut" then you are duty bound to pull out the rest of the laws as found in the Old Testament including dietary, marriage, sacrifices, slavery, debt, dress, justice, and worship requirements. In other words, back to legalistic bondage.
Tithing was used by God as a tax for purposes of both temple maintenance and as a means to provide for the widows, the orphans, and the stranger in the land (Deuteronomy 14:28, 29; Revell's Bible Dictionary page 982).
Also, there were three tithes but yet modern day preachers and teachers seem fixated on the one that deals with money; and as a matter of fact, that particular tithe was not in the form of currency of gold or silver! See Numbers 18:21, 24; Deuteronomy 14:22-24, 28, 29.
One tithe as found at Deuteronomy 14:26 even allowed for the bringer of the tithe to consume or eat the goods and wine that the tithe could buy and that person was to eat it with merriment and with others!
When was the last time your pastor told you to spend your "tithe" on some good wine and table fixings and invite over a crowd and give God the praise while you "chow down?" It is in the Word. Read it for yourself. Don't take my word for it. Be a good Berean and examine the scriptures (Acts 17:11).
What then is the standard of giving for the believer? It is found at 2 Corinthians 9:6-11. Understand that the tithe is not being dismissed as antiquated. It is being dismissed as being substandard! We are bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20) and as such we are not our own.
That being so, God has a total and complete demand on all of our worldly goods including both the ten percent and the remaining 90 percent of our income. As God has blessed, you, in prayer and thanksgiving to God, must get the mind of God for yourself and give accordingly. Not according to please a pastor or a church budget but in obedience to what God has told you about how he has blessed you in your weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly income.
Can you continue to give ten percent of your income...gross or net? Sure. Can you give more or less than the ten percent? Sure. What makes the difference? As you know and understand the leading of the Holy Spirit and as you are in fellowship with God, what is He telling you to give?
It can vary from payday to payday and can be different if you work piecemeal or on a commission or straight salary or if you receive other sources of income be it social security, pension, rent receipts, dividends from stocks and bonds, or annuities.
Do you believe that you should give when you are in dire straits with other creditors or do you believe that you should witness by paying down or off your creditors and then giving more to the kingdom? See 1 Timothy 5:8 for the answer.
The widow's mite example (Mark 12:42) is not the standard for regular New Testament giving because if you always gave everything you had at all times, you would not be able to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's (today, known as your local, state, and national obligations to pay government imposed obligations) (Matthew 22:21).
Where the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17) and that same liberty (not feelings of oppression or guilt) should be manifested in your giving. When you understand and can internalize that God does not need your giving (Psalms 50:10) and that giving allows you to develop a characteristic of God which is that of a giver, you should begin to "stress-less" about this bogus issue of tithing and walk in liberty.
When the shrill voice of the televangelist comes on and tells you a lot of hocus pocus that if you give ten dollars and they will in turn send you an anointed penny from the Holy Land that was found in the pocket of Saint Peter and you will receive a hundred fold return, turn off that patented foolishness, get off their mailing list and seek God for your increase.
Giving a tithe means by which you are going to try to twist God's arm to bless you will not work. God never said..."put in ten and I will give you one hundred. The scripture at Luke 6:36-38 does not refer to money but rather to the reaping of righteousness and your growth in God.
If God had a sure fire money plan by which the saints of God could, without a miscue, give God money and He in turn would be obligated to give back a set formulaic amount, would not the entire world church be "rolling in dough?"
God's money plan includes the concept of stewardship by which we as born again believers are held to give an account of the material goods and responsibilities placed with us by Jesus. Luke 12:42-48 clearly indicates that we will have to "fess up" as to what we have done with the privileges and benefits Christ gives each one of us regardless of your station in life.
God's blessing plan is that you as a steward are operating under proper principles of sowing and reaping and your life is in line with the Word of God.
As for those persons who, by guile and ruse, have merchandised the Body of Christ (2 Peter 2:3) with their shameless flimflam...God will see to it that they get their just desserts. Again, you will also note that whenever stewardship is mentioned in the Word of God that tithing is not mentioned, demanded, assumed.
Why? It is a non issue because it is not a requirement for sanctification, holiness, or fellowship with God. This is a blood covenant that Jesus set up with us...not a money covenant. If Jesus has your heart and motives, the money giving issue is a no-brainer. You will want to give because you love him who first gave himself to you (John 3:16).
Jesus did not come to earth to die to make Christians rich or that every time Kenneth Hagin, Oral Roberts, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, or Joyce Meyers speak that you will sacrifice your rent or car payment to build their personal kingdoms, but rather he came to die so you could be reconciled back to the Father (John 3:16).
Born again believers have an indwelt urge as governed by the Holy Spirit to give of their material blessings to the advancement of the local assembly or fellowship and the gospel of Jesus being propagated (Matthew 13:44, 45).
If tithing was such an important principle and if I was Christ, after my resurrection, I would be hammering tooth and nail to the disciples and the apostles about making sure the early church was rooted and grounded in tithing requirements. But Christ did not do so because it was legalistic and bondage to set a minimum or maximum as to the precept of freely ye have received...freely ye shall give (Matthew 10:8).
What happens if and when the saints of God fall short on their material needs and the local assemblies are hard pressed for cash. Simple. God is the builder of the church and He alone is able to manifest all grace and blessings to us so that we can carry out his great commission and fulfill the normal and necessary needs of the people of God. If we are "sweated" so that we are in temporary lack, could it be a lesson in faith and or to tighten up our stewardship?
Our part as believers is to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) and seek the will of God in all things including our giving. God's responsibility is to meet our needs when we conform to his word and our motives are not suspect.
Are there examples in the New Testament of the saints being in deprivation and yet God manifested himself and supplied their needs? Sure. God gets the glory when we as individuals and as local assemblies realize that, but for the moment by moment grace of God, we are all without a hope and a prayer. The same goes for our finances.
The Apostle Paul was a study in deprivation (1 Corinthians 4; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10) but yet he was more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37)...including his finances being at times, "not in the black."
Saints of God, the question is not the tithe because the tithe represents being under the law and the tithe was a tax as it were. The question is what is God saying to you right now about your current finances and what is he saying to you about your current level of stewardship and giving.
You want to still give ten percent? Great! Go ahead but do so with the knowledge that God is not demanding that if you do not give ten percent you are under any nonsensical curses or that your arm is going to fall off or that you cat is going to be hit by a car or that you are going to suffer a bout of leprosy. That is guilt/fear preaching coming from ignorant (lack of knowledge) expositors of the Word (1 Timothy 1:5-7).
Give freely, knowingly, abundantly, regularly, joyfully, cheerfully, with purpose, and with Godly direction...therein is the blessing...material or otherwise.
Lafe Tolliver, Atty.
For comments or questions, contact me at Tolliver@Juno.com
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Getting to Know Jesus: John 10
10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will fleee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
10:16 And another sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have poweer to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
10:20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
10:21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.
10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
10:30 I and my Father are one.
10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
10:33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
10:36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
10:39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
10:40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.
10:41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
10:42 And many believed on him there.
10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will fleee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
10:16 And another sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have poweer to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
10:20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
10:21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.
10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
10:30 I and my Father are one.
10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
10:33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
10:36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
10:39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
10:40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.
10:41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
10:42 And many believed on him there.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Why Are You Tithing...Guilt or Ignorance? 1
By Lafe Tolliver
What difference would it make in your relationship to God and in your giving of supporting works of Bible based ministries if the "tithe" (I will use this term to mean ten percent of one's gross monetary income) was determined not to be a requirement or a doctrine for the saints (born again believers) of God under the New Testament?
Would you give more than the proverbial "ten percent" tithe or would it be less? Would it be liberating to know that the tithe was never intended to be a mandatory requirement of New Testament giving but rather God had a higher design in mind that does not include the taking out of context the "proof" verses of the priesthood of Melchizedek and his encounter with Abraham (Genesis chapter 14) or the incessantly quoted Malachi 3:8-10 or Luke 6:38?
If it could be shown that sound Bible doctrine does not include tithing as an obligatory principle of New Testament living or giving, would you be relieved or full of guilt or even anger for being mislead by preachers and teachers who did not thoroughly examine the scriptures in order to make certain that tithing was a doctrine approved or taught by Jesus or expounded upon by the apostles?
The basic premise of this two part article is that the tithe was originally instituted by God for the support of the Temple Levites whom were not apportioned any land along with the other eleven tribes (Numbers 18:23, 24; Deuteronomy 14:27, 29). As such, God made provision for their physical sustenance via a tithe being paid into the Temple (Deuteronomy 14:27-29). This tithe was not money but was produce and grains and foodstuff including meat.
Malachi, which is the last book of the Old Testament and the last of the prophetic books, indicates via a careful reading of the context of the scriptures that the priests who served the Levites became corrupted and stopped bringing the whole tithes to the Temple warehouse and as such they were robbing God (Malachi 3:9). They were skimming off the top of the tithes.
As punishment for their acts of theft, God cursed the land and the corrupt priesthood and withheld the rainfall from Israel and which rainfall was vitally needed for their agrarian/husbandry economy.
When they (the priests) stopped stealing from the Temple, God said he would open the windows of heaven (indicating the resumption of the rain showers) and pour out a blessing (Malachi 3:10). By the way, nothing in Malachi remotely denotes an offering being required by God or being given to God in order to appease Him.
Basic Bible research would indicate that the Old Testament tithe(s) were not "paid" in gold or silver but rather the tithe or the "tax" was on the increase from both foodstuff and the herds of the Israeli people. Sample verses include: Leviticus 27:30, 31, Numbers 18:27 Deuteronomy 12:17, and Malachi 3:10.
Money was not the normative exchange currency even though Christ and the apostles in the New Testament could have mentioned this as an obligatory/required tithe or an offering but they did not do so.
Since Calvary, Christians are not under curses nor can curses through the Blood of Jesus come and "get us" (Galatians 3:10). Errant or willfully ignorant preachers, teachers, and pastors who preach curses upon The Body of Christ for not giving a tithe are preaching out of ignorance and/or shameless exploitation and thus placing people in fear and which fear is bondage and not the liberty that Christ bought us to in Him (2 Corinthians 3:17; 1 John 4:18).
Malachi was the last voice before we had the 400 year "blackout" of no word from God until John the Baptist (also a prophet) came on the scene. From the prophetic words of John the Baptist and until the final Book of Revelations, there is no church doctrine endorsed by either Jesus Christ or the Apostles regarding the tithe being a church doctrine or a requirement for the born again believer. None!
The giving or tithing of money was never a linkage to the covenant with God. The linkage was and will be his grace towards us and tithing and/or giving an offering was not and is not a requirement for either salvation or being blessed of the Lord (Titus 3:7; Romans 3:24; Romans 11:6).
When Jesus came as the exact image of the Father (John 1:1-3) and by his perfect life and until his death at Calvary, the law was still in effect. At the death of Jesus it is only then that we have the initiation of the New Testament and its provisions (John 19:30).
Until Jesus died, Jesus was the fulfillment of the law and what he spoke to the Pharisees about tithing was spoken to those who were still under the law and not under grace (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:19, 24, 25; Galatians 4:4).
Grace and the provisions of the New Testament did not appear until Jesus died at Calvary. Without that understanding, tithing will be erroneously seen as an extension of Old Testament requirements including being linked to salvation by works.
Jesus does not want a paltry ten percent but rather he is seeking 100% of everything of his followers (1 Corinthians 6:20). Tithing (or as we commonly refer to it as a tenth of our gross income) is less than full commitment to the Kingdom of God. If the Holy Spirit was to tell you to give 5% or 50%...would you obey and do so gladly and not fall back to the legalistic requirement that you are only "obligated" to give a tithe?
Regrettably, I have sat under ministries wherein the pastor would literally "rant and rave" about we "owing" the tithe or ten percent and it was our offerings which would "determine" the blessing of God!
Such spiritual gibberish from the pulpit! I also heard the unsupportable doctrine of Christians being under a curse if we did not give or bring a tithe and an offering. No scripture...(save for the mis-applied Malachi chapter 3) just a lot of pulpit hoopla, emotionalism, and scriptures taken out of context meant to place people in fear of losing their status with God (as if we could be separated from the love of God by such poppycock) (Romans 8:37-39).
Think about it. We, the followers of God informing God that our tithe will bless Him and that our offerings will require or demand a flow of financial blessings to us from Him. Again, another non scriptural rendering of Malachi chapter 3.
The tithe is not our connection to the N.T. covenant but rather our connection to God is through the shed Blood of the Lamb of God. It is a blood connection...not a monetary connection! God never made financial blessings or prosperity his sign of favor to any believer.
If you think so, read the verses of the Apostle Paul and his life and fortunes or misfortunes and see where he was financially "blessed" for all of his travails with the early church (2 Corinthians 11:16-29).
I am sure the Word of Faith adherents would say that Paul did not have enough faith to believe God for his various manifold problems including his bouts of poverty or lack. The greatest in the kingdom are those who serve and it is not due to their gifting or talent in acquiring mammon (Matthew 20:26).
Real prosperity in God's eyes is holiness and the increase in the fruits of the Spirit so that we are more conformed to his image (Colossians 1:10; Matthew 7:20; Ephesians 1:11-18) and not to the bangles and lures of the Wall Street money hype or Madison Ave., and their "buy...buy...buy" slogans.
The standard of giving for the born again believer is found at 2 Corinthians 9:7 where the believer is to give cheerfully and as he has so purposed in his heart and according to how God has blessed.
The original tithe in Israel was based on an agrarian economy and not paid wages or labor. It was specifically used to support the non landholding Levites and in turn the Levites were to bring in to the Temple priests a tenth of the tithe that they received from the Israelites (Nehemiah 10:38; Numbers 18:21-24).
In Malachi, when the priests became thieves and did not account for the turning in of the tithe of the Temple, it was then and then only and not now that God placed a curse on a curse involving that situation only and to the priests and the nation of Israel.
We are now the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:4-5) and we do not tithe to each other and nor is there a local Temple or synagogue to support since we are the Body of Christ (Ephesians 5:30).
This curse is not a transferable concept to the New Testament since according to Galatians 3:10 we are not under the law and if we try to fulfill the law in one aspect, we are guilty if we do not fulfill the law in all of its 613 requirements (Romans 11:6)! It is a wonder that the tithe grabbing pastors and preachers strangely do not mention that portion of Galatians but since it does not fit their financial planning, it is conveniently omitted.
Without proper examination of scripture (Acts 17:11) the church has erroneously assumed that the tithe was affirmed by Jesus for the New Testament believers. It was not. The doctrine that was once and for all delivered to the saints (Jude) does not and did not include tithing as a mandatory doctrine to be followed by believers.
God's standard of giving is more expansive than a confining ten percent or a tithe. Matter of fact, if we were to scrupulously follow the Old Testament law as to tithing, it would be more around a third of our "assets" not including special givings or offerings including the Levitical tithe, the tithe for the poor and the feast tithe. See for example: Leviticus 27:30.
The charlatan prosperity teachers enjoy merchandising the saints of God (2 Peter 2:1-3) with the buttery statements of giving to God in reality to their own personal kingdoms); and as their vain promise to you, they state that you will in turn reap enormous financial rewards.
Such tomfoolery has been accepted by too many gullible but sincere saints who give to God in such a manner that they believe God is obligated to give to them. Wrong. It won't happen since you are giving with wrong motives. God is not a slot machine...just put in a dollar in the offering plate and out comes five dollars.
Those false prophets and teachers and ministries that intentionally corrupt the Word of God with their flimflam of fleecing the flock for their own personal aggrandizement will face the wrath of God at the day of judgment for they attempt to make the Word of God of no effect, and worse yet, they are trying to add to scripture their own twisted interpretations so that they may benefit at your expense. Flee such doctrine and such expositors (2 Timothy 2:15)!
What difference would it make in your relationship to God and in your giving of supporting works of Bible based ministries if the "tithe" (I will use this term to mean ten percent of one's gross monetary income) was determined not to be a requirement or a doctrine for the saints (born again believers) of God under the New Testament?
Would you give more than the proverbial "ten percent" tithe or would it be less? Would it be liberating to know that the tithe was never intended to be a mandatory requirement of New Testament giving but rather God had a higher design in mind that does not include the taking out of context the "proof" verses of the priesthood of Melchizedek and his encounter with Abraham (Genesis chapter 14) or the incessantly quoted Malachi 3:8-10 or Luke 6:38?
If it could be shown that sound Bible doctrine does not include tithing as an obligatory principle of New Testament living or giving, would you be relieved or full of guilt or even anger for being mislead by preachers and teachers who did not thoroughly examine the scriptures in order to make certain that tithing was a doctrine approved or taught by Jesus or expounded upon by the apostles?
The basic premise of this two part article is that the tithe was originally instituted by God for the support of the Temple Levites whom were not apportioned any land along with the other eleven tribes (Numbers 18:23, 24; Deuteronomy 14:27, 29). As such, God made provision for their physical sustenance via a tithe being paid into the Temple (Deuteronomy 14:27-29). This tithe was not money but was produce and grains and foodstuff including meat.
Malachi, which is the last book of the Old Testament and the last of the prophetic books, indicates via a careful reading of the context of the scriptures that the priests who served the Levites became corrupted and stopped bringing the whole tithes to the Temple warehouse and as such they were robbing God (Malachi 3:9). They were skimming off the top of the tithes.
As punishment for their acts of theft, God cursed the land and the corrupt priesthood and withheld the rainfall from Israel and which rainfall was vitally needed for their agrarian/husbandry economy.
When they (the priests) stopped stealing from the Temple, God said he would open the windows of heaven (indicating the resumption of the rain showers) and pour out a blessing (Malachi 3:10). By the way, nothing in Malachi remotely denotes an offering being required by God or being given to God in order to appease Him.
Basic Bible research would indicate that the Old Testament tithe(s) were not "paid" in gold or silver but rather the tithe or the "tax" was on the increase from both foodstuff and the herds of the Israeli people. Sample verses include: Leviticus 27:30, 31, Numbers 18:27 Deuteronomy 12:17, and Malachi 3:10.
Money was not the normative exchange currency even though Christ and the apostles in the New Testament could have mentioned this as an obligatory/required tithe or an offering but they did not do so.
Since Calvary, Christians are not under curses nor can curses through the Blood of Jesus come and "get us" (Galatians 3:10). Errant or willfully ignorant preachers, teachers, and pastors who preach curses upon The Body of Christ for not giving a tithe are preaching out of ignorance and/or shameless exploitation and thus placing people in fear and which fear is bondage and not the liberty that Christ bought us to in Him (2 Corinthians 3:17; 1 John 4:18).
Malachi was the last voice before we had the 400 year "blackout" of no word from God until John the Baptist (also a prophet) came on the scene. From the prophetic words of John the Baptist and until the final Book of Revelations, there is no church doctrine endorsed by either Jesus Christ or the Apostles regarding the tithe being a church doctrine or a requirement for the born again believer. None!
The giving or tithing of money was never a linkage to the covenant with God. The linkage was and will be his grace towards us and tithing and/or giving an offering was not and is not a requirement for either salvation or being blessed of the Lord (Titus 3:7; Romans 3:24; Romans 11:6).
When Jesus came as the exact image of the Father (John 1:1-3) and by his perfect life and until his death at Calvary, the law was still in effect. At the death of Jesus it is only then that we have the initiation of the New Testament and its provisions (John 19:30).
Until Jesus died, Jesus was the fulfillment of the law and what he spoke to the Pharisees about tithing was spoken to those who were still under the law and not under grace (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:19, 24, 25; Galatians 4:4).
Grace and the provisions of the New Testament did not appear until Jesus died at Calvary. Without that understanding, tithing will be erroneously seen as an extension of Old Testament requirements including being linked to salvation by works.
Jesus does not want a paltry ten percent but rather he is seeking 100% of everything of his followers (1 Corinthians 6:20). Tithing (or as we commonly refer to it as a tenth of our gross income) is less than full commitment to the Kingdom of God. If the Holy Spirit was to tell you to give 5% or 50%...would you obey and do so gladly and not fall back to the legalistic requirement that you are only "obligated" to give a tithe?
Regrettably, I have sat under ministries wherein the pastor would literally "rant and rave" about we "owing" the tithe or ten percent and it was our offerings which would "determine" the blessing of God!
Such spiritual gibberish from the pulpit! I also heard the unsupportable doctrine of Christians being under a curse if we did not give or bring a tithe and an offering. No scripture...(save for the mis-applied Malachi chapter 3) just a lot of pulpit hoopla, emotionalism, and scriptures taken out of context meant to place people in fear of losing their status with God (as if we could be separated from the love of God by such poppycock) (Romans 8:37-39).
Think about it. We, the followers of God informing God that our tithe will bless Him and that our offerings will require or demand a flow of financial blessings to us from Him. Again, another non scriptural rendering of Malachi chapter 3.
The tithe is not our connection to the N.T. covenant but rather our connection to God is through the shed Blood of the Lamb of God. It is a blood connection...not a monetary connection! God never made financial blessings or prosperity his sign of favor to any believer.
If you think so, read the verses of the Apostle Paul and his life and fortunes or misfortunes and see where he was financially "blessed" for all of his travails with the early church (2 Corinthians 11:16-29).
I am sure the Word of Faith adherents would say that Paul did not have enough faith to believe God for his various manifold problems including his bouts of poverty or lack. The greatest in the kingdom are those who serve and it is not due to their gifting or talent in acquiring mammon (Matthew 20:26).
Real prosperity in God's eyes is holiness and the increase in the fruits of the Spirit so that we are more conformed to his image (Colossians 1:10; Matthew 7:20; Ephesians 1:11-18) and not to the bangles and lures of the Wall Street money hype or Madison Ave., and their "buy...buy...buy" slogans.
The standard of giving for the born again believer is found at 2 Corinthians 9:7 where the believer is to give cheerfully and as he has so purposed in his heart and according to how God has blessed.
The original tithe in Israel was based on an agrarian economy and not paid wages or labor. It was specifically used to support the non landholding Levites and in turn the Levites were to bring in to the Temple priests a tenth of the tithe that they received from the Israelites (Nehemiah 10:38; Numbers 18:21-24).
In Malachi, when the priests became thieves and did not account for the turning in of the tithe of the Temple, it was then and then only and not now that God placed a curse on a curse involving that situation only and to the priests and the nation of Israel.
We are now the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:4-5) and we do not tithe to each other and nor is there a local Temple or synagogue to support since we are the Body of Christ (Ephesians 5:30).
This curse is not a transferable concept to the New Testament since according to Galatians 3:10 we are not under the law and if we try to fulfill the law in one aspect, we are guilty if we do not fulfill the law in all of its 613 requirements (Romans 11:6)! It is a wonder that the tithe grabbing pastors and preachers strangely do not mention that portion of Galatians but since it does not fit their financial planning, it is conveniently omitted.
Without proper examination of scripture (Acts 17:11) the church has erroneously assumed that the tithe was affirmed by Jesus for the New Testament believers. It was not. The doctrine that was once and for all delivered to the saints (Jude) does not and did not include tithing as a mandatory doctrine to be followed by believers.
God's standard of giving is more expansive than a confining ten percent or a tithe. Matter of fact, if we were to scrupulously follow the Old Testament law as to tithing, it would be more around a third of our "assets" not including special givings or offerings including the Levitical tithe, the tithe for the poor and the feast tithe. See for example: Leviticus 27:30.
The charlatan prosperity teachers enjoy merchandising the saints of God (2 Peter 2:1-3) with the buttery statements of giving to God in reality to their own personal kingdoms); and as their vain promise to you, they state that you will in turn reap enormous financial rewards.
Such tomfoolery has been accepted by too many gullible but sincere saints who give to God in such a manner that they believe God is obligated to give to them. Wrong. It won't happen since you are giving with wrong motives. God is not a slot machine...just put in a dollar in the offering plate and out comes five dollars.
Those false prophets and teachers and ministries that intentionally corrupt the Word of God with their flimflam of fleecing the flock for their own personal aggrandizement will face the wrath of God at the day of judgment for they attempt to make the Word of God of no effect, and worse yet, they are trying to add to scripture their own twisted interpretations so that they may benefit at your expense. Flee such doctrine and such expositors (2 Timothy 2:15)!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Getting to Know Jesus: John 9
9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
9:6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
9:7 And said unto him, Go wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
9:8 The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
9:9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
9:10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
9:11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
9:12 Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.
9:13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.
9:14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
9:15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
9:16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
9:17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
9:18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.
9:19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?
9:20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
9:21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
9:23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
9:24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
9:25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
9:26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?
9:27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
9:28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
9:29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
9:30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
9:34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
9:35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
9:36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
9:37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
9:38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
9:40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
9:6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
9:7 And said unto him, Go wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
9:8 The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
9:9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
9:10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
9:11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
9:12 Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.
9:13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.
9:14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
9:15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
9:16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
9:17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
9:18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.
9:19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?
9:20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
9:21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
9:23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
9:24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
9:25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
9:26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?
9:27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
9:28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
9:29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
9:30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
9:34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
9:35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
9:36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
9:37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
9:38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
9:40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The Passion of the Laodicians
By Steve Lumbley
Originally published on 9/6/04
Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ was released on DVD last week and once again sales exploded to near record levels as 4.1 million copies were sold in just the first day.
For the record I should make it clear that I have not seen the movie nor do I intend to. I have seen enough of the trailers and read enough about it to know that it is something in which I do not wish to participate. And participation is the operative word when it comes to this movie. The whole point of this film is to draw you in to the ritual represented on the screen.
In case you don't know, The Passion is not about the gospel, it's not even true to the Biblical account of Jesus crucifixion. It is in fact the Catholic ritual known as the Stations of the Cross brought to life on the big screen. As with any ritual it is designed to provoke an emotional response in its participants. It seems clear that the picture has produced a strong emotional response in those who have viewed it.
But has this movie accomplished what many church leaders claimed it would accomplish? Just to review, here's what some prominent church leaders said about the movie at the time of its release.
Without question, this is the finest work that has ever been done on this subject. -Pat Robertson
No film in my lifetime has the potential of impacting more people with the world's greatest story than 'The Passion'. It could be Hollywood's finest achievement to date. -Tim LaHaye
This movie could have profound spiritual effect on millions of people. -Paul Crouch, Jr., Trinity Broadcasting Network
I am praying that Mel Gibson's movie will have a powerful impact on our culture and that it will appeal to millions of movie lovers who are starving for a glimmer of honesty regarding the miraculous and life-changing story of the One who died for everyone, no matter their religious heritage, station in life, sexual preference, or skin color. -Jerry Falwell, from Falwell Confidential, Sept 24, 2003
The film is faithful to the Bible's teaching that we are all responsible for Jesus' death, because we all have sinned. It is our sins that caused his death, not any particular group. I doubt if there has been a more graphic and moving presentaion of Jesus' death and resurrection, which Christians believe are the most important events in human history. -Billy Graham 12-01-03
The verdict was nearly unanimous. Virtually every well known Christian leader in the U.S. endorsed this film. Almost all stated that the movie was true to the Biblical account of Christ's crucifixion. It was promoted as a great evangelistic tool. Now it turns out the results have been somewhat less than what was hoped for, at least as it applies to the proclamation of the Gospel.
A July survey by the highly respected Barna Group measured the impact of The Passion of the Christ on those who had seen it. Here's what they found.
People who had seen The Passion were asked if it affected their religious beliefs in any way. Just one out of six viewers (16%) said it had.
The audience was also asked if viewing the movie had affected their religious practices. In total, 18% said some aspect of their religious behavior was different due to seeing the movie. The most common behavioral changes listed included praying more often (listed by 9% of those who saw the film), attending church more often (8%), and becoming more involved in church-related activities (3%).
You may read the entire article here: http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=167. Note: The link no longer works.
Changing ones religious practices and beliefs can be good or it can be bad. Praying more often obviously is good IF you are praying to the God of the Bible and not a god of your own making. Attending church services more often can be good as long as the church you attend is teaching the truth. I note that spending more time in God's word was not found to be a factor.
What about the evangelistic aspect that we were all promised? Has it become the greatest tool for evangelistic in the history of the church?
Here's what Barna found:
Among the most startling outcomes drawn from the research is the apparent absence of a direct evangelistic impact by the movie. Despite marketing campaigns labeling the movie the "greatest evangelistic tool" of our era, less than one-tenth of one percent of those who saw the film stated that they made a profession of faith or accepted Jesus Christ as their savior in reaction to the film's content. Equally surprising was the lack of impact on people's determination to engage in evangelism. Less than one-half of one percent of the audience said they were motivated to be more active in sharing their faith in Christ with others as a result of having seen the movie.
Why this would be a surprise to anyone is beyond me. The Passion is not the gospel. It is not an accurate depiction of the gospel. It does not lay the foundation of repentance from dead works. It makes no mention of man's inherent sin and need for a savior. Except for one brief scene at the end, the movie omits the most important of the story, that being Jesus' resurrection. It is the resurrection that is the true power of God.
Romans 10:9, "That if thou shalt confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Romans 10:14, "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
How could so many respected Christian leaders have been so wrong about this movie and its impact? What does it say about the judgment and Biblical understanding of people like Robertson, Falwell, Crouch, and Graham?
Could it be that these people are deceived? Could it be that they themselves are deceivers? Could it be that they are not the true servants of the Lord Jesus Christ that they claim to be?
Here's the real impact of the movie. The real bottom line is the real bottom line. That means money! This movie has raked in the cash like few in history.
As of July 14, 2004 The Passion of the Christ ranked as the 8th highest grossing movie of all time bringing in over $370 million in the U.S. and over $610 million world wide. The release of the DVD set is expected to add as much as $400 million to that total. That's over $1 billion dollars folks. Most of it from the Christian community!
And what about the films creator, Mel Gibson. He has been hailed by some Christian leaders as a great evangelist even though he adheres to a non orthodox brand of Catholicism. Gibson was asked recently how the success of his movie has changed him. Here's what he said:
"I don't have to answer any of these questions anymore. I'm a h*&! of a lot wealthier than I once was."
There you have it. The bottom line. It's all about money.
Mel Gibson is a great evangelist. He evangelizes for the Church of Laodicea. The church that is friends with the world. The church that loves the things of the world.
All these so called Christian leaders who endorsed and continue to promote this film are part of that church. It is the church that is too busy with the cares of this world to bother itself with work of making Christians. It is the church that thinks it can accomplish spiritual results with worldly methods.
It is a church that is so wealthy that it can throw away $1 billion on shallow entertainment and call it a spiritual experience. It is a church that tosses a few pennies to true mission efforts but spends the bulk of it's money on itself. It is the church of the latter days. The church that haughtily proclaims I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing!
It is the church to which Jesus says come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins.
Do you have ears to hear what the spirit of the Lord is saying?
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth -Revelation 3:14.
Originally published on 9/6/04
Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ was released on DVD last week and once again sales exploded to near record levels as 4.1 million copies were sold in just the first day.
For the record I should make it clear that I have not seen the movie nor do I intend to. I have seen enough of the trailers and read enough about it to know that it is something in which I do not wish to participate. And participation is the operative word when it comes to this movie. The whole point of this film is to draw you in to the ritual represented on the screen.
In case you don't know, The Passion is not about the gospel, it's not even true to the Biblical account of Jesus crucifixion. It is in fact the Catholic ritual known as the Stations of the Cross brought to life on the big screen. As with any ritual it is designed to provoke an emotional response in its participants. It seems clear that the picture has produced a strong emotional response in those who have viewed it.
But has this movie accomplished what many church leaders claimed it would accomplish? Just to review, here's what some prominent church leaders said about the movie at the time of its release.
Without question, this is the finest work that has ever been done on this subject. -Pat Robertson
No film in my lifetime has the potential of impacting more people with the world's greatest story than 'The Passion'. It could be Hollywood's finest achievement to date. -Tim LaHaye
This movie could have profound spiritual effect on millions of people. -Paul Crouch, Jr., Trinity Broadcasting Network
I am praying that Mel Gibson's movie will have a powerful impact on our culture and that it will appeal to millions of movie lovers who are starving for a glimmer of honesty regarding the miraculous and life-changing story of the One who died for everyone, no matter their religious heritage, station in life, sexual preference, or skin color. -Jerry Falwell, from Falwell Confidential, Sept 24, 2003
The film is faithful to the Bible's teaching that we are all responsible for Jesus' death, because we all have sinned. It is our sins that caused his death, not any particular group. I doubt if there has been a more graphic and moving presentaion of Jesus' death and resurrection, which Christians believe are the most important events in human history. -Billy Graham 12-01-03
The verdict was nearly unanimous. Virtually every well known Christian leader in the U.S. endorsed this film. Almost all stated that the movie was true to the Biblical account of Christ's crucifixion. It was promoted as a great evangelistic tool. Now it turns out the results have been somewhat less than what was hoped for, at least as it applies to the proclamation of the Gospel.
A July survey by the highly respected Barna Group measured the impact of The Passion of the Christ on those who had seen it. Here's what they found.
People who had seen The Passion were asked if it affected their religious beliefs in any way. Just one out of six viewers (16%) said it had.
The audience was also asked if viewing the movie had affected their religious practices. In total, 18% said some aspect of their religious behavior was different due to seeing the movie. The most common behavioral changes listed included praying more often (listed by 9% of those who saw the film), attending church more often (8%), and becoming more involved in church-related activities (3%).
You may read the entire article here: http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=167. Note: The link no longer works.
Changing ones religious practices and beliefs can be good or it can be bad. Praying more often obviously is good IF you are praying to the God of the Bible and not a god of your own making. Attending church services more often can be good as long as the church you attend is teaching the truth. I note that spending more time in God's word was not found to be a factor.
What about the evangelistic aspect that we were all promised? Has it become the greatest tool for evangelistic in the history of the church?
Here's what Barna found:
Among the most startling outcomes drawn from the research is the apparent absence of a direct evangelistic impact by the movie. Despite marketing campaigns labeling the movie the "greatest evangelistic tool" of our era, less than one-tenth of one percent of those who saw the film stated that they made a profession of faith or accepted Jesus Christ as their savior in reaction to the film's content. Equally surprising was the lack of impact on people's determination to engage in evangelism. Less than one-half of one percent of the audience said they were motivated to be more active in sharing their faith in Christ with others as a result of having seen the movie.
Why this would be a surprise to anyone is beyond me. The Passion is not the gospel. It is not an accurate depiction of the gospel. It does not lay the foundation of repentance from dead works. It makes no mention of man's inherent sin and need for a savior. Except for one brief scene at the end, the movie omits the most important of the story, that being Jesus' resurrection. It is the resurrection that is the true power of God.
Romans 10:9, "That if thou shalt confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Romans 10:14, "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
How could so many respected Christian leaders have been so wrong about this movie and its impact? What does it say about the judgment and Biblical understanding of people like Robertson, Falwell, Crouch, and Graham?
Could it be that these people are deceived? Could it be that they themselves are deceivers? Could it be that they are not the true servants of the Lord Jesus Christ that they claim to be?
Here's the real impact of the movie. The real bottom line is the real bottom line. That means money! This movie has raked in the cash like few in history.
As of July 14, 2004 The Passion of the Christ ranked as the 8th highest grossing movie of all time bringing in over $370 million in the U.S. and over $610 million world wide. The release of the DVD set is expected to add as much as $400 million to that total. That's over $1 billion dollars folks. Most of it from the Christian community!
And what about the films creator, Mel Gibson. He has been hailed by some Christian leaders as a great evangelist even though he adheres to a non orthodox brand of Catholicism. Gibson was asked recently how the success of his movie has changed him. Here's what he said:
"I don't have to answer any of these questions anymore. I'm a h*&! of a lot wealthier than I once was."
There you have it. The bottom line. It's all about money.
Mel Gibson is a great evangelist. He evangelizes for the Church of Laodicea. The church that is friends with the world. The church that loves the things of the world.
All these so called Christian leaders who endorsed and continue to promote this film are part of that church. It is the church that is too busy with the cares of this world to bother itself with work of making Christians. It is the church that thinks it can accomplish spiritual results with worldly methods.
It is a church that is so wealthy that it can throw away $1 billion on shallow entertainment and call it a spiritual experience. It is a church that tosses a few pennies to true mission efforts but spends the bulk of it's money on itself. It is the church of the latter days. The church that haughtily proclaims I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing!
It is the church to which Jesus says come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins.
Do you have ears to hear what the spirit of the Lord is saying?
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth -Revelation 3:14.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Getting to Know Jesus: John 8
8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stoopped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them out.
8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
8:13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
8:14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
8:15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
8:16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
8:17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
8:19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
8:20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
8:25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
8:27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
8:38 I speak that which I have seen with my father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
8:40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
8:41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is not truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
8:46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
8:48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
8:49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
8:50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
8:52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest if a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.
8:53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
8:54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
8:55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stoopped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them out.
8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
8:13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
8:14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
8:15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
8:16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
8:17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
8:19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
8:20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
8:25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
8:27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
8:38 I speak that which I have seen with my father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
8:40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
8:41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is not truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
8:46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
8:48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
8:49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
8:50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
8:52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest if a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.
8:53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
8:54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
8:55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Friday, June 19, 2009
The New Covenant Promise of a New Heart
By Bob Hoekstra
To live in obedience to the will of God, man needs more than his own best efforts and intentions. The history of Israel emphatically demonstrates this. God gave His law. He commanded them, saying, "Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments, and do them" (Ezekiel 20:19).
Israel had promised to obey.
Nevertheless, they failed miserably.
In order to live obedient lives, people need a new life from God, followed by an understanding in how to develop that new life. Here, we see a promise from God to supply that new life. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you." These promises are related to the new covenant of grace that the prophets proclaimed for Israel some day.
The book of Hebrews elaborates on this new covenant of grace and applies it to the church today: "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us" (Hebrews 10:19, 20).
When anyone embraces the grace of God offered in Jesus Christ (the mediator, the great High Priest of the new covenant), that person is born again by the Spirit of God.
This is a necessity.
Human "flesh-birth" brings with it a hard spiritual heart (a dead spirit). Spiritual new birth from God replaces this hard heart (this dead, non-responsive spirit). "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you." Think of our desperate need for this work of God and brings us a new heart, a new life.
Those not born again are described as living "in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God...because of the hardening of their heart" (Ephesians 4:17, 18). Yet, whoever relies upon the grace of God offered in Jesus Christ becomes a new-born child of God.
Dear Lord, giver of new life, I praise you for replacing my old, hard, dead heart with a new, responsive, living heart. Now I long to grow in the newness of Christ, Amen.
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26).
To live in obedience to the will of God, man needs more than his own best efforts and intentions. The history of Israel emphatically demonstrates this. God gave His law. He commanded them, saying, "Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments, and do them" (Ezekiel 20:19).
Israel had promised to obey.
"All that the LORD has said we will do, and be obedient" (Exodus 24:7).
Nevertheless, they failed miserably.
"Notwithstanding, the children rebelled against Me; they did not walk in my statutes, and were not careful to observe My judgments" (Ezekiel 20:21).
In order to live obedient lives, people need a new life from God, followed by an understanding in how to develop that new life. Here, we see a promise from God to supply that new life. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you." These promises are related to the new covenant of grace that the prophets proclaimed for Israel some day.
"Behold, the days are coming...when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel...not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt" (Jeremiah 31:31, 32).
The book of Hebrews elaborates on this new covenant of grace and applies it to the church today: "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us" (Hebrews 10:19, 20).
When anyone embraces the grace of God offered in Jesus Christ (the mediator, the great High Priest of the new covenant), that person is born again by the Spirit of God.
"That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6).
This is a necessity.
"Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).
Human "flesh-birth" brings with it a hard spiritual heart (a dead spirit). Spiritual new birth from God replaces this hard heart (this dead, non-responsive spirit). "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you." Think of our desperate need for this work of God and brings us a new heart, a new life.
Those not born again are described as living "in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God...because of the hardening of their heart" (Ephesians 4:17, 18). Yet, whoever relies upon the grace of God offered in Jesus Christ becomes a new-born child of God.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Dear Lord, giver of new life, I praise you for replacing my old, hard, dead heart with a new, responsive, living heart. Now I long to grow in the newness of Christ, Amen.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Getting to Know Jesus: John 7
7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
7:2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
7:3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
7:4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
7:5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.
7:6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
7:7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
7:8 Go ye up into this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.
7:9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
7:10 But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
7:11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
7:12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
7:13 Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
7:14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
7:18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
7:19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?
7:20 The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?
7:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
7:22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
7:23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
7:25 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?
7:26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?
7:27 Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.
7:28 Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come to myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
7:29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
7:30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
7:31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
7:32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
7:33 Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
7:34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
7:35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
7:36 What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
7:40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.
7:41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?
7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ come of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
7:43 So there was a division among the people because of him.
7:44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
7:45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
7:46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
7:47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
7:48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
7:49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
7:50 Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)
7:51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
7:52 They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
7:53 And every man went unto his own house.
7:2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
7:3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
7:4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
7:5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.
7:6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
7:7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
7:8 Go ye up into this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.
7:9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
7:10 But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
7:11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
7:12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
7:13 Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
7:14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
7:18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
7:19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?
7:20 The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?
7:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
7:22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
7:23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
7:25 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?
7:26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?
7:27 Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.
7:28 Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come to myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
7:29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
7:30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
7:31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
7:32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
7:33 Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
7:34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
7:35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
7:36 What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
7:40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.
7:41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?
7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ come of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
7:43 So there was a division among the people because of him.
7:44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
7:45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
7:46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
7:47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
7:48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
7:49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
7:50 Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)
7:51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
7:52 They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
7:53 And every man went unto his own house.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Robber of Cruel Streets, Part 6
This is the last installment of the remarkable life story of George Muller:
Do you, like George Muller, know Christ the Savior? If not, find out more here. Don't let another day go by without coming to a full knowledge of Him.
Do you, like George Muller, know Christ the Savior? If not, find out more here. Don't let another day go by without coming to a full knowledge of Him.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Getting to Know Jesus: John 6
6:1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
6:2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
6:3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
6:4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
6:5 When Jesus lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
6:6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
6:7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
6:8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,
6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
6:10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
6:12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
6:14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
6:16 And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
6:17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
6:18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
6:20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
6:21 Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
6:23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
6:24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
6:25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
6:26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
6:30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
6:31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
6:32 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.
6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
6:35 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.
6:36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
6:41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
6:42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
6:43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
6:46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
6:48 I am that bread of life.
6:49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
6:50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
6:52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
6:59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
6:61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
6:62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, thay are spirit, and they are life.
6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life?
6:69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
6:71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
6:2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
6:3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
6:4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
6:5 When Jesus lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
6:6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
6:7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
6:8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,
6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
6:10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
6:12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
6:14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
6:16 And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
6:17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
6:18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
6:20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
6:21 Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
6:23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
6:24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
6:25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
6:26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
6:30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
6:31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
6:32 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.
6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
6:35 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.
6:36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
6:41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
6:42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
6:43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
6:46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
6:48 I am that bread of life.
6:49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
6:50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
6:52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
6:59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
6:61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
6:62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, thay are spirit, and they are life.
6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life?
6:69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
6:71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Robber of Cruel Streets, Part 5
Inspired yet? Here's another installment of George Muller's impressive life and ministry:
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Getting to Know Jesus: John 5
5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews: and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
5:5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
5:6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
5:9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
5:11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
5:12 Then asked they him, what man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed and walk?
5:13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
5:15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.
5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also because he is the Son of man.
5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
5:31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
5:32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
5:33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
5:34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
5:35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
5:38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are which testify of me.
5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
5:41 I receive not honour from men.
5:42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
5:5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
5:6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
5:9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
5:11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
5:12 Then asked they him, what man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed and walk?
5:13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
5:15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.
5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also because he is the Son of man.
5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
5:31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
5:32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
5:33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
5:34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
5:35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
5:38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are which testify of me.
5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
5:41 I receive not honour from men.
5:42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
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