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Genuine Religion

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He will protect His flock like a shepherd, He will gather the lambs in His arm, He will carry them in His bosom; He will gently and carefully lead those nursing their young. (Isa 40:11, CEV)

God makes it genuine
God makes it genuine

Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has at times given directions to His servants to go to a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep.{DA 479.3}

God is often pictured as a shepherd, gently caring for and guiding his flock. He is powerful (Isa 40:10), yet careful and gentle. He is called a shepherd (Psalms 23); the good shepherd (John 10:11, John 10:14); the great Shepherd (Heb 13:20); and the Great Shepherd (1 Pet 5:4). Note that the shepherd is caring for the most defenseless members of his society: children and those caring for them. This reinforces the prophetic theme that the truly powerful nation is not the one with a strong military, but rather the one that relies on God’s caring strength to look after those in want, and the many families that are suffering these days.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.(James 1:27, ESV)

Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. (Psalms 82:3-4)

In the first century, orphans and widows had very little means of economic support. Unless a family member was willing to care for them, they were reduced to begging, selling themselves as slaves, or starving. By caring for these people, the church put God’s Word into practice. When we give with no thought of receiving, we show what it means to truly serve others.

To keep ourselves from letting “the world” corrupt us, we need to commit ourselves to Christ’s ethical and moral system, not the world’s. We are not to adapt to the world’s value system, which is based on money, power, pleasure, convenience. True faith means nothing if we are contaminated with such values that tear down the foundations of our “religion.”

A Christian is a Christlike man, a Christlike woman, who is active in God’s service, who is present at the social meeting, whose presence will encourage others also. Religion does not consist in works, but religion works; it is not dormant {7BC 935.13}

Many seem to feel that religion has a tendency to make its possessor narrow and cramped, but genuine religion does not have a narrowing influence; it is the lack of religion that cramps the faculties and narrows the mind. When a person is narrow, it is an evidence that they need the grace of God, the heavenly anointing; for a Christian is one whom the Lord, the God of hosts, can work through, that they may keep the ways of the Lord of the earth and make manifest His will to others.{7BC 935.14}

It is not enough for us to believe that Jesus is not an impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. We may believe that the name of Jesus is the only name under heaven whereby man may be saved, and yet we may not through faith make Him our personal Savior. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth. It is not enough to make a profession of faith in Christ and have our names registered on the church roll. “He that keeps His commandments dwells in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us.” “Hereby we do know that we know Him if we keep His commandments.” 1 John 3:24; 2:3. This is the genuine evidence of conversion. Whatever our profession, it amounts to nothing unless Christ is revealed in works of righteousness. {COL 312.3}

“Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy [yoke] you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. (Mat 11:28, ERV)

A yoke is a heavy wooden harness that fits over the shoulders of an ox or oxen. It is attached to a piece of equipment the oxen are to pull. A person may be carrying heavy burdens of

(1) sin,

(2) excessive demands of religious leaders (Mat 23:4; Act 15:10),

(3) oppression and persecution, or

(4) weariness in the search for God.

Jesus frees people from all these burdens. The rest that Jesus promises is love, healing, and peace with God, not the end of all labor. A relationship with God changes meaningless, wearisome toil into spiritual productivity and purpose.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Mat 11:28-30, Msg)

The Yoke of Restraint and Obedience.

Christ says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you”–the yoke of restraint and obedience–“and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” We are to find rest by wearing His yoke and bearing His burdens. In being co-workers with Christ in the great work for which He gave His life, we shall find true rest. When we were sinners, He gave His life for us. He wants us to come to Him and learn of Him. Thus we are to find rest. He says He will give us rest. “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.” In doing this you will find in your own experience the rest that Christ gives, the rest that comes from wearing His yoke and lifting His burdens {5BC 1090.3}

Your work is not to gather up burdens of your own. As you take the burdens that Christ would have you, then you can realize what burdens He carried. Let us study the Bible, and find out what kind of yoke He bore. He was a help to those around Him. He says: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

You see there is a yoke to bear. Now this is the very faith that we want–a faith that will grasp the promises of God, one that will take the yoke of Christ and bear the burdens that He would have us. We often think we are having a hard time in bearing burdens, and it is too often the case, because God has not made any provision for us to carry these burdens; but when we bear His yoke and carry His burdens, we can testify that the yoke of Christ is easy and His burdens are light, because He has made provision for these.

But when you feel depressed and discouraged, do not give up the battle; you have a living Savior that will help you, and you will have rest in Him. You must not put your neck under the yoke of fashion, and yokes that God has never designed that you should bear. It is not our work to study how to meet the world’s standard, but the great question with each one should be, How can I meet God’s standard? Then it is that you will find rest to the soul; for Christ has said, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” {5BC 1091.2}

Isaiah’s Experience Represents Last-Day Church Experience

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And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isa 6:3, ESV)

"I saw the Lord" (Isa 6:1)
“I saw the Lord” (Isa 6:1)

As the prophet Isaiah beheld the glory of the Lord, he was amazed, and, overwhelmed with a sense of his own weakness and unworthiness, he cried, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts.” {4BC 1138.6}

Isaiah had denounced the sin of others; but now he sees himself exposed to the same condemnation he had pronounced upon them. He had been satisfied with a cold, lifeless ceremony in his worship of God. He had not known this until the vision was given him of the Lord. How little now appeared his wisdom and talents as he looked upon the sacredness and majesty of the sanctuary. How unworthy he was! how unfitted for sacred service! His view of himself might be expressed in the language of the apostle Paul, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” {4BC 1139.1}

But relief was sent to Isaiah in his distress.

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” (Isa 6:6-7)

The vision given to Isaiah represents the condition of God’s people in the last days. They are privileged to see by faith the work that is going forward in the heavenly sanctuary. “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” As they look by faith into the holy of holies, and see the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, they perceive that they are a people of unclean lips,–a people whose lips have often spoken vanity, and whose talents have not been sanctified and employed to the glory of God.

Well may they despair as they contrast their own weakness and unworthiness with the purity and loveliness of the glorious character of Christ. But if they, like Isaiah, will receive the impression the Lord designs shall be made upon the heart, if they will humble their souls before God, there is hope for them. The bow of promise is above the throne, and the work done for Isaiah will be performed in them. God will respond to the petitions coming from the contrite heart. {4BC 1139.3}

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Anyone that believes on him is not condemned: but they that believe not are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest their deeds should be reproved. But those who do the truth come to the light, so that their deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:17-21)

Wars And Rumors: Putin Will Fail

Reading Time: 10 minutes

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. (Mat 24:6-8, NIV)

waiting for Jesus
waiting for Jesus

Recent headlines for our area here yesterday read as follows:

The Russians Warned The West Again:

“No One Will Be Able To Prevent Our Retaliation, Learn the Nuclear Doctrine by Heart.”

So many people are dying because of this man and his aspirations. How many more will die? Not a pleasant subject to think about.

Our world has never been in such a state of war and rumors of war. Much sabre-rattling, threats,fighting, and slaughtering are breaking out everywhere. Russia and “The Axis Of Evil” countries are gaining new confidence to impose terror and fear upon the world. Russia seems to be on a hell-bent runaway. With help from North Korea and Iran, things look very frightening and uncertain. Yes, it’s quite true that Putin with his recent nuclear doctrine can possibly impose much death and destruction and spread abject fear, world wide. But Mr Putin is not immune to the hand of God.

My friends, if that is all we do is to read “the news” then yes. We are going to be scared. But, is there really something else we might read that will address what we are talking about and that give us assurance and hope, and that will help to inform us on what is happening in our world today? I believe that kind of reading is found in the Bible which just happens to be more up to date than next weeks news.

And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. (Dan 2:43, KJV)

History has shown consistently the accounts of other men, who thought they could do whatever they wanted to and rule the world. Or to  rule over Europe. In every single case, they have utterly failed. Yes, the death and destruction they imposed was formidable but no one has ever succeeded in trying to unite or rule all countries of the world, or even just the countries in Europe.

Did you know that the Bible, talking about the kingdoms in Europe, says “they shall not cleave, one to another?” No matter what they do today, kingdoms and rulers will never be able to accomplish the uniting of Europe, or of ruling the world. The question has been asked before:

“Will One Power Rule The World?”

In an Adventist publication called “Signs of The Times,” there was penned a very bold statement about this. The year was 1940 and Arthur S Maxwell penned the following bold words concerning the ancient Roman Empire and the future of Europe:

“Crushed beneath the weight of it’s own vast proportions, it crumbled to pieces. Never to be united again.It’s elements lost the power of cohesion, and no man, or combination of men can consolidate them.”

In all of the long years since those days, that Adventist magazine has never had to go back on this interpretation of the great prophecy in the second chapter of Daniel. And no matter how crazy things get today, that is one point that will never have to be retracted. “THEY SHALL NOT CLEAVE ONE TO ANOTHER.” (Dan 2:43)

Maxwell continues in the same magazine article:

“True, many are beginning to ask questions and to entertain doubts. The Adventist interpretation here is under fire from many quarters People are saying things to us like “Look what is happening in Europe today. This new Napoleon is so strong that no one can stop him. He is bound to spread his dominion over the whole continent.”

Friends,today we are seeing another repeat of this kind of scenario. Many are literally shaking in “their boots” as we witness the horrors Putin and his helpers are forcing upon our world today. Putin himself, like people in the past, is now saying publicly that

“No one will be able to prevent our retaliation.”

History shows a long line of over-confident men. Over estimating their power and their level of control. For it is God alone that sets Kings up or brings them back down. (Dan 2:21)

As an Adventist, my only reply to what we are seeing in the world today is exactly what my brethren of the past have said about this prophecy. There is no need to retract or revise anything we have taught about the prophecy of Daniel 2:43. This prophecy is the most remarkable,the most significant to be found anywhere in the Bible. Daniel 2 is absolutely authentic and 100% reliable. It is not possible that this interpretation of Daniel 2 will ever be overthrown by any sequence of world events that we are seeing now or that we will see in the near future.

The Daniel 2:43 prophecy is the only prophecy in the Bible to which the words “certain” and “sure” are both attached. If for no other reason, with these two seals upon it, then surely we can trust it 100%. It has never failed in the past. It cannot fail now.

Perhaps this is partly why the Apostle said later in The New Testament:

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:(2 Pet 1:19, KJV)

There is a compelling reason in the witness of Bible prophecy, through which the faith of all might be confirmed and securely anchored. “We have also,” Peter declared, “a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” {AA 534.3}

While exalting the “sure word of prophecy” as a safe guide in times of peril, the apostle solemnly warned the church against the torch of false prophecy, which would be uplifted by “false teachers,” who would privily bring in “damnable heresies, even denying the Lord.” (1 Tim 4:1, 2 Thes 2:3, Acts 20:30, 2 Tim 3:1-5) To such false teachers, arising in the church and accounted true by many of the superficial brethren in the faith, the apostle compared to “wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever.” “The latter end is worse with them,” he declared, “than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” {AA 535.1}

Looking down through the ages to the close of time, Peter was inspired to outline conditions that would exist in the world just prior to the second coming of Christ.

“There shall come in the last days scoffers,” he wrote, “walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” But “when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” 1 Thes 5:3.

Not all, however, would be ensnared by the enemy’s devices. As the end of all things earthly should approach, there would be faithful ones able to discern the signs of the times. While a large number of professing believers would deny their faith by their works, there would be a remnant who would endure to the end. {AA 535.2}

I recently spoke to a friend who said they were going to preach about something in Bible prophecy. I felt that I should remind them about the centrality of the cross and how they should make sure their message comes across as centered in Christ and Him crucified. The reply I got was something like this:

“I agree but I am teaching on signs of the times, and where we are in the prophetic time from Daniel’s statue.”

As if there was no way the cross needed to be included, much less be the central message of that part of Daniel, which, by the way is found in Dan 2.I am not talking about just one individual here. Quite a few people have told me recently that “the cross” is not really a part of Bible prophecy,

The biggest reason that Bible prophecy is scary to people is because when we talk about the Bible’s views on end time prophecy, we rarely talk about Jesus. As humans we often gravitate towards the beast, the mark, and all of the horrific things associated with them. In Gal 6:14 we are told to glory in nothing but the cross of Christ. The three angel’s message does just that. Prophecy is really just the story of Jesus, and His role in the great controversy with the devil. Rather than doting too much on history when we talk about prophecy, we desperately need a renewed focus on HIS-STORY. Lets look briefly at how the three angel’s message does this:

And I saw another angel flying in heaven: and with blood, he had the everlasting gospel, to proclaim to dwellers on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; (Rev 14:6, Murdock)

“With blood” is the phrase that tells us how God desires us to focus more on “Christ and Him crucified.” Thats why Paul said in Gal 6:14 “God forbid that I glory in anything but Christ and Him crucified.” One Christian writer put it like this

There is one great central truth to be kept ever before the mind in the searching of the Scriptures–Christ and Him crucified. Every other truth is invested with influence and power corresponding to its relation to this theme. The soul palsied by sin can be endowed with life only through the work wrought out upon the cross by the Author of our salvation. When Christ bowed His head and died, He bore the pillars of Satan’s kingdom with Him to the earth. He vanquished Satan. {FLB 50.2-3}

The very reason the gospel is therein called “everlasting” is because the cross has always been a fact and always will be the foundation of everything. Because of the cross we can all count on a solid foundation, no matter how horrible we have been or how much we have fallen short now.

“Those that are afar off are made near by the blood of Christ.” (Eph 2:13)

If the three angel’s message starts with Christ and Him crucified,then why don’t we? “I saw another angel WITH BLOOD,” says what it means and means what it says. Yes, Bible prophecy tells us that terrible things are coming, but it also tells us that Jesus is coming. And that is the whole point of Bible prophecy. Satan loses. Jesus wins. And when Jesus returns, we will finally win with Him. Christ is coming the second time, with power unto salvation. To prepare human beings for this event, He has sent the first, second, and third angels’ messages. These angels represent those who receive the truth, and with power open the gospel to the world. {7BC 978.11}

Through His servants, God gave the Jewish people a last opportunity to repent. He manifested Himself through His witnesses in their arrest, in their trial, and in their imprisonment. Yet their judges pronounced on them the death sentence. They were men of whom the world was not worthy, and by killing them the Jews crucified afresh the Son of God. So it will be again. The authorities will make laws to restrict religious liberty. They will assume the right that is God’s alone. They will think they can force the conscience, which God alone should control. Even now they are making a beginning; this work they will continue to carry forward till they reach a boundary over which they cannot step. God will interpose in behalf of His loyal, commandment-keeping people. {DA 630.1}

On every occasion when persecution takes place, those who witness it make decisions either for Christ or against Him. Those who manifest sympathy for the ones wrongly condemned show their attachment for Christ. Others are offended because the principles of truth cut directly across their practice. Many stumble and fall, apostatizing from the faith they once advocated. Those who apostatize in time of trial will, to secure their own safety, bear false witness, and betray their brethren. Christ has warned us of this, that we may not be surprised at the unnatural, cruel course of those who reject the light. {DA 630.2}

The Bible is clear that Putin cannot win. He will never control the world the way he wants to. For the simple reason that he is not the one that is in control.

As Christians, our calling from God is to become like Christ (Rom 8:29). This is a gradual, lifelong process that will be completed when we see Christ face to face (1 John 3:2). To be “worthy” of this calling means to want to do what is right and good as Christ would do and help us to do. (John 7:17, John 1:12).

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thes 4:13-18, NIV)

Bible prophecy is a real eye opener on the activities of Christ throughout history and how because of His death on the cross, we all can get through the crazy times in which we now live. Bible prophecy tells us that we may look forward with peace, strength, and assurance that as we glorify God now in our life, He too will glorify us as He leads us into the next life.

“…when [Jesus] comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thes 1:10-12, ERV)

Jesus once said that

“People who really want to do what God wants will know that my teaching comes from God. They will know that this teaching is not my own. (John 7:17, ERV)

Those who sincerely attempt to know God’s will and do it will know beyond any reasonable doubt that Jesus was telling the truth about Himself. Have you ever listened to religious speakers and wondered if they were telling the truth? Test them.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

Whatever they are saying should always end up glorifying God. Pointing others to Jesus. Not to themselves. (Acts 20:30) Just as the first angel of Rev 14:6 admonishes. If you want to know how to respond to what is happening around us today, just listen once again to that first angel:

I saw another angel flying in heaven: and with blood, he had the everlasting gospel, to proclaim to dwellers on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; saying with a loud voice, Worship God, and give glory to him; because the hour of his judgment is come; and adore ye Him, who made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water. (Rev 14:6-7, Murdock)

A friend just reminded me of the following as I was penning this article

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Jesus reminds us that no matter what we face; His victory is our source of real hope. These words encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that Christ’s triumph over the world  assures us of His enduring support and love.”

The Power That Works In Us

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“Unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph 3:20).

Out of you will flow living water John 7:38
Out of you will flow living water John 7:38

How solemn is the application of this text! How heart searching the message of God to us! How important it is that we should learn to pray through it all! Shall we claim all the fullness of the promise and all the possibilities of believing prayer?

“Exceeding abundantly above all.” Each word is packed with infinite love and power to “do” for His praying saints. There is one limitation, “according to the power that worketh in us.” He will do just as much for us as we let Him do in us. The power that saved us, washed us with His own blood, filled us with might by His Spirit, kept us in manifold temptations, will work for us, meeting every emergency, every crisis, every circumstance, and every adversary.

True Christian practice is, to follow Christ:

“I have prayed for thee, that thy strength fall not” (Luke 22:32)

“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23;34)

And in following the Lord, to follow St. Paul’s advice and example

“For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 3:14)

What an intercession this is! It is a pattern of intercessory prayer for us today; it is rightly grounded; it seeks the most precious gifts on behalf of his brethren; it has the highest designs in view in asking their bestowment.

There are many who long to help others, but they feel that they have no spiritual strength or light to impart. Let them present their petitions at the throne of grace. Plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bible in your hands say, I have done as Thou hast said. I present Thy promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” {COL 147.2}

We must not only pray in Christ’s name, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said that the Spirit “maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26. Such prayer God delights to answer. When with earnestness and intensity we breathe a prayer in the name of Christ, there is in that very intensity a pledge from God that He is about to answer our prayer “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20. {COL 147.3}

Christ has said, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13. And the beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks with great plainness and assurance: “If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. Then press your petition to the Father in the name of Jesus. God will honor that name. {COL 147.4}

Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21, MKJV)

How Many Covenants?

Reading Time: 10 minutes

And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you(Gen 9:9,KJV)

everlasting covenant (Gen 9:16)
everlasting covenant (Gen 9:16)

I have entitled this article How Many Covenants because contrary to the popular notions of Churchianity, and our ever stretching “truth” there is technically no such thing as The Old and New Covenants. God’s covenant promise is always the same and can be seen recorded back in the book of Genesis. And ending in the book of Revelation. There is the odd context in Scripture, where a “new covenant” is mentioned but it is only called “new” because it’s typically something that the people concerned have never done before. Gods message of salvation never changes from Old Testament to New Testament. Much like the “new commandment of love” that Jesus reminded His hearers of in the New Testament, He knew that for His disciples, it was very new, since they had never done that before. That “new commandment” is also found in Lev 19:18.

Jesus once said:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34, NIV)

When you think of it, how could this be literally a “new commandment” as in a different or revised gospel message of some kind? Scripture tells us how that “God never changes,” “God never lies,” “God never contradicts Himself,” We may rejoice that this very same commandment can be found way back in Leviticus and further:

“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” (Lev 19:18)

There is something sometimes called “The Old Covenant” simply because its something that people have tried to do that is not a part of the “everlasting” covenant on the shed blood of Christ. As humanity we tend to seek ways and means of doing God’s will in our own strength and wisdom, even though God gives us plenty of reminders that He wants to do it through us. As they said in the Old testament, “all that you have said God WE WILL DO.” And God has to keep reminding by saying “I WILL write my law on your hearts. God has always wanted to be there for us and do what we can never do in our own strength or supposed wisdom. In our opening text God says I WILL ESTABLISH my covenant.” So there is always this tug of war between I WILL or God Will. That is why the Bible says “Christ in you THE HOPE in glory.” (Col 1:27)

A Covenant is simply a promise or undertaking resting on certain conditions, with a sign or token attached to it. The bow in the cloud, the Lord’s Supper, etc are signs and seals of their respective covenants. We should never witness a rainbow without remembering that as God hath sworn that the waters of Noah shall no more go over the earth, so He will not withdraw His loving kindness.

“To me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So now I have sworn not to be angry with you, never to rebuke you again. Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. (Isa 54:9-10, NIV) here, the Covenant is called “everlasting.” From beginning to the end in the Bible, ‘everlasting’ is the favorite word used to describe the covenant. “From the foundation of the world” means “everlasting.”

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Rev 13:8)

“From the foundation of The World” means ‘everlasting.’ Another verse does call the blood of Christ “the everlasting covenant.”

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,(Heb 13:20)

It is not Biblically correct to just say “Jesus Himself is the “everlasting covenant,” for a covenant by it’s very nature is an agreement about something by two parties. There is a covenant, or agreement between God and His people about the shed blood of Christ. The cross is the only thing in our earthly realm that can be called “everlasting.” No other belief or event can be called “everlasting.” Thats why the gospel is called simply wonderful and wonderfully simple.

“OLD”  COVENANT

Made when Israel came from Egypt. This is what God says about what we tend to call an “Old Covenant”

For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (Heb 8:7-10, NIV)

It is more accurate to just call them the first covenant, and the second covenant, but not “the old” or “the new.” The reason it’s not a literal “new covenant” is because once again, it was just something that the people had not done before:

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (Jer 31:31-33)

First promise to obey by the people, Exodus 19:5-8. Second promise, Exodus 24:3. Third promise, Exodus 24:4-7.

This covenant was broken by our human efforts to keep it. Jer 31:32.

As humanity we have always promised to obey in our own strength and failed. It is always and only in Christ’s strength can anyone keep their covenant with God. Thats why John 14:15 says

Scripture says that the covenant made by God with the people was then ratified by blood, Exodus 24:8; Heb 9:17-21

This is called the first covenant, not because it was the first one made, or because its a different gospel, but because it was the first covenant ratified by blood. By the blood of Christ. By the blood of the Lamb, “slain from the foundation of the world.” Thats what makes “the covenant” EVERLASTING.

“NEW” COVENANT

Law of God the basis for the new Covenant. As with what we call “the old covenant,” The New Covenant was simply an agreement about the law between God and His people. Jer 31:33; Heb 8:10. What we now call The New Covenant was actually initiated very early in the Old Testament and will continue until the second coming of Jesus. Otherwise how can it be an “everlasting covenant” as scripture calls it? Forgiveness of sins are a central part of the covenant. Jer 31:34. ONLY Christ’s blood cleanses from sin, 1 John 1:7. Christ is the lamb slain “from the foundation of the world”, Rev 13:8; therefore, the new covenant began in the beginning and extends until sin is destroyed forever at the second coming.

Obedience to the law of God through the blood of Christ is the object of the everlasting, or new covenant, Heb 13:20-21. Technically speaking, it is only called “new” because as people learn about it they realize through The Holy Spirit that it is a way of life in Christ they have never done before. As humanity, we tend to always think “we can do that,” (Exodus 19:8) yet God, in His infinite love, mercy, and grace, tenderly reminds us that “I will do that.” (Jer 31:33, Heb 8:10)

Upon the first promise of a Savior, Gen 3:15 God promised that He alone would establish enmity between His people and the Devil. The Lord pledged the new, or everlasting covenant, to Noah and his posterity, Gen 9:9-17. The rainbow was given as a pledge of the covenant, Gen 9:13-16. This same covenant was pledged to Abraham and his children, Gen 17:2-7; Gen 17:21; and to Abraham’s seed, Gal 3:16; Gal 3:19.

A covenant is very much the same as a will, or a last testament. (Gal 3:15, margin; Heb 9:16-17). The death of testator seals the will, or covenant/testament made , Heb 9:16. Christ’s death sealed or ratified what people often call the new covenant, John 19:28-30. But as we have already seen, the covenant re the blood of Christ is everlasting, being called that “from the foundation of the world.” A person’s will cannot be broken after the death of the testator, Gal 3:15. Therefore, nothing can be added to Christ’s covenant after His death. Nothing else is needed in addition to the shed blood of Christ! (Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13) For that reason Jesus instituted baptism and the Lord’s supper,- HIS divinely appointed memorial of His death and resurrection. Even though Jesus was resurrected on Sunday, Sunday is not THAT memorial. Sunday is simply “the first day of the week” in Scripture.

Christ has, however, reaffirmed the Sabbath commandment before His death, Mat 24:20.

Pray that it will not be winter or the Sabbath day when these things happen and you have to run away,

The strongest advocates for Sunday observance give nothing earlier than the first day of the week upon which Christ arose from the dead as evidence for Sunday observance; but Sunday is on the wrong side of the cross to be included in the everlasting, or new covenant. Nothing can be added to the new covenant after Christ’s death. Scripture provides us with the following illustration of living under what some call the new covenant:

Moses said to the LORD, “You told me to lead these people, but you did not say who you would send with me. You said to me, ‘I know you very well, and I am pleased with you.’ If I have really pleased you, then teach me your ways. I want to know you. Then I can continue to please you. Remember that these people are your nation.” The Lord answered, “I myself will go with you. I will lead you.” Then Moses said to him, “If you don’t go with us, then don’t make us leave this place. Also, how will we know if you are pleased with me and these people? If you go with us, we will know for sure. If you don’t go with us, these people and I will be no different from any other people on the earth.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will do what you ask. I will do this because I am pleased with you and because I know you very well.” Exodus 33:12-17. Moses depended on God continually. Christ exemplified dependence on God fully in His life and ministry too

Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. John 8:28

“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.  John 5:30.

The one who walks by faith, trusting in God for help continually, lives under the new/second covenant. The individual who walks by sight, trusting in their own strength, lives under the old/first covenant.

Under which covenant are you living today?

The LORD said to Moses

“I am coming to you in a storm cloud so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always believe you.” Moses told the LORD what the people had said. (Exodus 19:9, GW)

The cloud that guided Israel, stood over the tabernacle. The glory of the cloud emanated from Jesus Christ, who from the midst of the glory talked with Moses, as He had talked with him from the burning bush. The brightness of God’s presence was enshrouded in the darkness of the cloud which He made His pavilion, that the people could endure to look upon the cloud, as seeing Him who is invisible. This is God’s plan whereby He might approach humanity today. Rev 1:7 tells us that Jesus will come again on a cloud. (Rev 1:7) In all the dark clouds of our experience today, Jesus is there. Jesus is the “light of the world” (John 8:12)in every cloud.

Jesus talked to the people again. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never live in darkness. They will have the light that gives life.” (John 8:12)

“That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” The world has had its great teachers, men of giant intellect and wonderful research, men whose utterances have stimulated thought, and opened to view vast fields of knowledge; and these men have been honored as guides and benefactors of their race. But there is One who stands higher than they.

“As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” “No man hath seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” John 1:12, John 1:18.

We can trace the line of the world’s great teachers as far back as human records extend; but the Light was before them. As the moon and the stars of the solar system shine by the reflected light of the sun, so, as far as their teaching is true, do the world’s great thinkers reflect the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. Every gem of thought, every flash of the intellect, is from the Light of the world. In these days we hear much about “higher education.” The true “higher education” is that imparted by Him “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” Col 2:3; John 1:4. “He that followeth Me,” said Jesus, “shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” {DA 464.4}

In the words, “I am the light of the world,” Jesus declared Himself the Messiah. The aged Simeon, in the temple where Christ was now teaching, had spoken of Him as “a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” Luke 2:32. In these words he was applying to Him a prophecy familiar to all Israel. By the prophet Isaiah, the Holy Spirit had declared, “It is too light a thing that Thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.” Isa 49:6, R. V. This prophecy was generally understood as spoken of the Messiah, and when Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” the people could not fail to recognize His claim to be the Promised One. {DA 465.1}

 

 

Trust Pray Commit

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Depend on the LORD. Trust in him, and he will help you. (Psalms 37:5, ERV)

trust pray commit (Psalms 37:5)
trust pray commit (Psalms 37:5)

Whatever it is that presses you into darkness and doubts, go tell the Father; put the whole matter over into His hand, and you will be freed from that dividing, perplexing care, fretting, and fear that the world is full of. When you are either to do or suffer anything, when you are about to embark upon any purpose or business, go tell God of it, and acquaint Him with it; yes, burden Him with it, and you have done for matter of caring; no more care, but quiet, sweet, diligence in your duty, and dependence on Jesus for the carrying of all your matters. Roll your cares, and yourself with them, as one burden, all on our God.

We will always find it impossible to commit our way unto the Lord, unless it is going to be a way that Jesus approves. It is only by faith that any person can commit their way unto the Lord; if there be the slightest doubt in the heart that “our way” is not a good one, faith will refuse to have anything to do with it. This committing of our way to Jesus must be a continuous, not a single act.

It would be unthinkable for me to sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. I will go on teaching you the way that is good and right. (1 Sam 12:23, GW)

However extraordinary and unexpected may seem to be God’s guidance, however near the edge of the cliff Jesus may take you, you are not to snatch the guiding reins out of His hands. Are we willing to have all our ways submitted and committed to God, for Him to pronounce His opinion on them? There is nothing a Christian needs to be more scrutinizing about than about their own personal confirmed habits and views. We are all too likely to take for granted the Divine commendation of them. Why are some Christians so anxious, so fearful? Evidently because they have not left their way with the Lord. They took it to Him, but brought it away with them again.

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thes 5:17, KJV)

Old Testament Verifies New Testament

Reading Time: 9 minutes

The Book of John shows us some amazing and some awesome things about “the everlasting gospel.” (Rev 14:6-7) Both Old and New testament verify the wonder-working power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Phil 3:10)

A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.(Isa 40:3, ESV)

power of His resurrection" (Phil 3:10)
power of His resurrection” (Phil 3:10)

John told them the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am the voice of someone shouting in the desert: ‘Make a straight road ready for the Lord.'” (John 1:23, ERV)

Preparing a straight highway means removing obstacles and rolling out the red carpet for the coming of the Lord. The wasteland is a picture of life’s trials and sufferings. We are not immune to these, but our faith need not be hindered by them. Isaiah told people to prepare to see God work. John the Baptist used these words as he challenged the people to prepare for the coming Messiah (Life Application Study Notes)

When it was the right time, John the Baptizer began telling people a message from God. This was out in the desert area of Judea. John said, “Change your hearts and lives, because God’s kingdom is now very near.” John is the one Isaiah the prophet was talking about when he said, “There is someone shouting in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make the road straight for him.'” (Mat 3:1-3, ERV)

John The Baptist Born for a Special Work

In every stage of this earth’s history God has had His agencies to carry forward His work, which must be done in His appointed way. John the Baptist had a special work, for which he was born and to which he was appointed–the work of preparing the way of the Lord. . . . His wilderness ministry was a most striking, literal fulfillment of prophecy. {5BC 1115.2}

The Old Testament has the same gospel as the New Testament. Through John, Peter, Paul, Mathew, Mark, Luke and all of the New testament writers, under the inspiration of The Holy Spirit, we are told again and again how Jesus of Nazareth’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension to the throne of God in Heaven are all fulfillments of their corresponding Old testament prophecies.

Pilate, Herod, and Caiaphas were the most powerful leaders in Palestine, but they were one-upped by a wilderness prophet, (John The Baptist) a back-woods man from rural Judea. God chose to speak through this poorly dressed loner, who probably looked much like some of our homeless people that we see today. John the Baptist, has gone down in history as greater than any of the rulers of his day, as Jesus said. (Mat 11:11). How often people judge others by the superficial standards of power, wealth, and beauty, and miss the truly great people through whom God works! Greatness is measured not by what you have but by your faith in God. Like John, give yourself entirely to God so God’s power can work through you.

In a discourse about John the Baptist, Jesus honored the prophet with these words: “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). John certainly did not see himself as “great”—he did not see himself as worthy enough to baptize Jesus (Matthew 3:13–14) or even to carry His sandals (Matthew 3:11).

The “greatness” that Jesus refers to concerning John has to do with John’s unique position in history, not with any special talent, holiness, or personal merit. In fact, immediately after stating that John is the greatest “among those born of women,” Jesus says, “Yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11)

One reason that Jesus called John the Baptist the “greatest” was that John held the honor of being chosen by God as the forerunner to the Messiah. John’s mission was to personally prepare the world for Christ’s arrival. John’s ministry was predicted in Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1. After Jesus came, John introduced Him to the world as the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world (John 1:35–36). John was the herald who introduced to the world the Hero of all history. It was this introduction that accredited Jesus before the Jewish crowds and leaders, some of whom believed on Jesus, and many of whom did not.

John was also the “greatest” in that he preached with the power of Elijah (Luke 1:17; 3:7–18). John shared many qualities with Elijah, including calling a nation to repentance, rebuking the king, and persevering in the face of public misunderstanding and malicious persecution (Matthew 11:16–18; Mark 6:14–19).

John was also the “greatest” in that God had chosen him to break the 430 years of divine silence that had existed since the prophet Malachi. John was the Spirit-anointed bridge from the Old Testament to the New. John was the last of the Old Testament prophets and stood on the cusp of a new dispensation. His preaching was the end of the Law and the beginning of the Promise. He was the last in the long line of prophets who predicted Christ, yet he was the only one who could actually see Christ in the flesh. Moses, Isaiah, and the rest of the prophets had pointed to a far-distant personage they could see only faintly. John pointed at an actual human being who stood directly in front of him. No other prophet had that privilege.

Jesus’ full statement in Matthew 11:11 is paradoxical: “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” How can John be the greatest, if even the “least in the kingdom” is greater than John? Again, the answer has to do with the Christian’s unique position in history, not with his personal merit. John died without seeing the fullness of God’s plan in Christ (see Mark 6:17–29). John never saw the crucifixion of Christ or His glorious resurrection. Yet even the “least in the kingdom of heaven” knows of these events and understands their meaning.

Jesus was our example in all things that pertain to life and godliness. He was baptized in Jordan, just as those who come to Him must be baptized. The heavenly angels were looking with intense interest upon the scene of the Savior’s baptism, and could the eyes of those who were looking on, have been opened, they would have seen the heavenly host surrounding the Son of God as He bowed on the banks of the Jordan. The Lord had promised to give John a sign whereby he might know who was the Messiah, and now as Jesus went up out of the water, the promised sign was given; for he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God, like a dove of burnished gold, hovered over the head of Christ, and a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” {5BC 1077.6}

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Mat 3:13-17, NIV)

What does this scene mean to us? How thoughtlessly we have read the account of the baptism of our Lord, not realizing that its significance was of the greatest importance to us, and that Christ was accepted of the Father in man’s behalf. As Jesus bowed on the banks of Jordan and offered up His petition, humanity was presented to the Father by Him who had clothed His divinity with humanity. Jesus offered Himself to the Father in man’s behalf, that those who had been separated from God through sin, might be brought back to God through the merits of the divine Petitioner. Because of sin the earth had been cut off from heaven, but with His human arm Christ encircles the fallen race, and with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite, and earth is brought into favor with heaven, and man into communion with his God. The prayer of Christ in behalf of lost humanity cleaved its way through every shadow that Satan had cast between man and God, and left a clear channel of communication to the very throne of glory. The gates were left ajar, and heavens were opened, and the Spirit of God, in the form of a dove, encircled the head of Christ, and the voice of God was heard saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” {5BC 1078.1}

The voice of God was heard in answer to the petition of Christ, and this tells the sinner [today] that their prayer will find a place at the throne of the Father. The Holy Spirit will be given to those who seek for its power and grace, and will help our infirmities when we would have audience with God. Heaven is open to our petitions, and we are invited to come “boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:6) We are to come in faith, believing that we shall obtain the very things we ask of Him {5BC 1078.2}

The authority of Scripture is “rightly divided” (2 Tim 2:15) only when we use them to show who Jesus is. If we use the scriptures to simply say “I/we are right, and you are wrong” then we are still wrong no matter how many verses we whip people with.

True Christianity will always “make the way straight” by pointing people to the cross. To who Jesus is. The cross will always show us exactly who Jesus is. The cross is or should be the focal point of every doctrine. All of the things that the Old testament writers said and that were verified by new Testament writers, pointed to the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.

Friend, Jesus died for us. There is one great central truth to be kept ever before the mind in the searching of the Scriptures–Christ and Him crucified. Every other truth is invested with influence and power corresponding to its relation to this theme. The soul palsied by sin can be endowed with life only through the work wrought out upon the cross by the Author of our salvation. {FLB 50.2}

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8.

Jesus was always pointing His disciples to the Scriptures which foretold of His ministry here on Earth. But when did the disciples finally understand correctly that the Scriptures pointed to His life, death and resurrection? It was only after Jesus died and was resurrected, and appeared to them after His death that they finally got it.

When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. (John 2:22)

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. (John 20:8-9)

Jesus was not talking about the Temple made of stones, but about his body. His listeners didn’t realize it, but Jesus was greater than the Temple (Mat 12:6). His words would take on meaning for his disciples after his resurrection. That Christ so perfectly fulfilled this prediction became the strongest proof for his claims to be God.

Jesus’ resurrection is the key to the Christian faith. Why? (1) Just as he said, Jesus rose from the dead. We can be confident, therefore, that he will accomplish all he has promised. (2) Jesus’ bodily resurrection shows us that the living Christ, not a false prophet or imposter, is ruler of God’s eternal Kingdom. (3) We can be certain of our own resurrection because Jesus was resurrected. Death is not the end—there is future life at our resurrection. (4) The divine power that brought Jesus back to life is now available to us to bring our spiritually dead selves back to life. (5) The Resurrection is the basis for the church’s witness to the world.

Paul once said

It’s far more than that! I consider everything else worthless because I’m much better off knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. It’s because of him that I think of everything as worthless. I threw it all away in order to gain Christ and to have a relationship with him. This means that I didn’t receive God’s approval by obeying his laws. The opposite is true! I have God’s approval through faith in Christ. This is the approval that comes from God and is based on faith that knows Christ. Faith knows the power that his coming back to life gives and what it means to share his suffering. In this way I’m becoming like him in his death, with the confidence that I’ll come back to life from the dead. (Phil 3:8-11)

Paul gave up everything—family, friendship, and freedom—in order to know Christ and his resurrection power. We, too, have access to this knowledge and this power, but we may have to make sacrifices to enjoy it fully. What are you willing to give up in order to know Christ? A crowded schedule in order to set aside a few minutes each day for prayer and Bible study? Your friend’s approval? Some of your plans or pleasures? Whatever it is, knowing Christ is more than worth the sacrifice.

Our Prince’s Call

Reading Time: 3 minutes

A Special Blessing In Not Being “Offended”

“…blessed is the one who is not offended [scandalized, tripped up, enticed to sin] by Me (Luke 7:23,ESV)

"one in Christ" (John 17:21-22)
“one in Christ” (John 17:21-22)

Jesus is saying something very interesting here. There is something for everyone in this.

Nain lay near the plain of Esdraelon, on the slopes of Little Hermon. Two confluent streams met there-those with Christ and those with death, Luke 7:11-12. He wipes away tears by removing the cause. When the people are being borne by their companions to graves of sin, it is right there that the Master arrests them. See Eph 5:14. There was a threefold gradation in the power He put forth-to Jairus’ daughter, just dead; to this young man, on the way to burial; and to Lazarus, who was three days dead.

The depression from John’s long confinement in the gloomy fortress of Machaerus, east of the Dead Sea, and the fact that Jesus had not sent to deliver him, were the double root of this sad lapse from the position taken up on the Jordan bank, when he recognized and indicated the Lamb of God. But our Lord did not chide; He understood, Psalms 103:9. His miracles of mercy and power are His best evidences, and He left John to draw his own conclusions, Isa 35:5-6. May ours be the blessedness of the un-offended, who will trust Christ, even though He does not hasten to deliver them just as they had hoped!

It is sometimes very difficult not to be offended in Jesus Christ. The offenses may be circumstantial. I find myself in a prison-house– a narrow sphere, a sick chamber, an unpopular position– when I had hoped for wide opportunities. Yes, but He knows what is best for me. My environment is of His determining. He means it to intensify my faith, to draw me into nearer communion with Himself, to ripen my power. In the dungeon my soul should prosper.

The offense may be mental. I am haunted by perplexities, questions, which I cannot solve. I had hoped that, when I gave myself to Him, my sky would always be clear; but often it is overspread by mist and cloud. Yet let me believe that, if difficulties remain, it is that I may learn to trust Him all the more implicitly– to trust and not be afraid. Yes, and by my intellectual conflicts, I am trained to be a tutor to other storm-driven people.

The offense may be spiritual. I had fancied that within His fold I should never feel the biting winds of temptation; but it is best as it is. His grace is magnified. My own character is matured. His Heaven is sweeter at the close of the day. There I shall look back on the turnings and trials of the way, and shall sing the praises of my Guide. So, let come what will come, His will is welcome; and I shall refuse to be offended in my loving Lord

John was confused because the reports he received about Jesus were unexpected and incomplete. John’s doubts were natural, and Jesus didn’t rebuke him for them. Instead, he responded in a way that John would understand: Jesus explained that he had accomplished what the Messiah was supposed to accomplish. God can handle our doubts, and he welcomes our questions. Do you have questions about Jesus—about who he is or what he expects of you? Admit them to yourself and to God, and begin looking for answers. Only as you face your doubts honestly can you begin to resolve them.

Seek Him In The Actual Conditions

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb… and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Rev 12:11).

seek Him in the actual moment
seek Him in the actual moment

“And by the word of their testimony;” and on account of the word, etc. The one phrase is the natural complement of the other. “The blood of the Lamb” would have been shed in vain without the testimony, the outcome of the faith of his followers; that testimony would have been impossible without the shedding of the blood. And they loved not their lives unto the death; their life even unto death. That is, they valued not their life in this world, even to the extent of meeting death for the sake of giving their testimony.

All who will can be overcomers. Let us strive earnestly to reach the standard set before us. Christ knows our weakness, and to Him we can go daily for help. It is not necessary for us to gain strength a month ahead. We are to conquer from day to day.

When James and John came to Jesus with their mother, asking Him to give them the best place in the kingdom, He did not refuse their request, but He told them it would be given to them if they could do His work, drink His cup, and be baptized with His baptism.

Do we want that kind of competition? The greatest things are always hedged about by the hardest things, and we, too, shall find mountains and forests and chariots of iron. Hardship is the price of coronation. Triumphal arches are not woven out of rose blossoms and silken cords, but of hard blows and bloody scars. The very hardships that you are enduring in your life today are given by the Master for the explicit purpose of enabling you to win your crown.

Do not wait for some ideal situation, some wild-eyed difficulty, some far-away emergency; but rise to meet the actual conditions which the Providence of God has placed around you today.

Your crown of glory lies embedded in the very heart of these things– those hardships and trials that are pressing you this very hour, week and month of your life. The hardest things are not those that the world knows of. Down in your secret soul unseen and unknown by any but Jesus, there is a little trial that you would not dare to mention that is harder for you to bear than martyrdom.

We become overcomers by helping others to overcome, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. The keeping of the commandments of God will yield in us an obedient spirit, and the service that is the offspring of such a spirit, God can accept  {7BC 974.4}

Right there, in the very center of our trials, lies our crown.

To live and love like Jesus in the middle of our sorest trials.

May God help us all to overcome, and to one day wear it.

 

The Atonement–Our Foundation of Peace

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives , give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27.

"peace I give to you" (John 14;27)
“peace I give to you” (John 14;27)

Jesus says, “My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives , give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

The peace spoken of by the great Teacher is larger and fuller than we have imagined. Christ is ready to do large things for us, to restore our natures by making us partakers of His divine nature. He waits to link our hearts with His heart of infinite love, in order that we may be fully reconciled to God; but it is our privilege to understand that God loves us as He loves His Son. When we believe in Christ as our personal Savior, the peace of Christ is ours. The reconciliation provided for us in the atonement of Christ is the foundation of our peace; but gloomy feelings are no evidence that the promises of God are of no effect. You look at your feelings, and because your outlook is not all brightness, you begin to draw more closely the garment of heaviness about your soul. You look within yourself, and think that God is forsaking you. You are to look to Christ. In me, Christ says, you shall have peace. Entering into communion with our Savior, we enter the region of peace.

Yes, at one time you were far away from God, but now in Christ Jesus, you are brought near to him. You are brought near to God through the blood sacrifice of Christ. Christ is the reason we are now at peace… (Eph 2:13-14)

Satan is our destroyer, but Christ is our restorer. We must put faith into constant exercise, and trust in God, whatever our feelings may be. Isaiah says: “Who is among you that fear the Lord, that obey the voice of his servant, that walks  in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.” You can say with the psalmist, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

“Believe in the Lord your God, so shall you be established; believe his prophets, so shall you prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endures for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord sent ambushes against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.” “Unto you therefore which believe He is precious.”

Consider the fact that the Lord has given His only begotten Son, “that whosoever believes  in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”

The end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future. Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us. The peace of God moves into our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict. Jesus says he will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from him. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace

Do not be anxious about anything; but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God in everything; And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. Whatever things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, you do also; and the God of peace shall be with you. (Phil 4:6-9, AFV)

Imagine never worrying about anything! It seems like an impossibility; we all have worries on the job, in our homes, at school. But Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers. Do you want to worry less? Then pray more! Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray.

May our prayer always be

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalms 19:14)

As God works upon the heart by His Holy Spirit, man must cooperate with Him. The thoughts must be bound about, restricted, withdrawn from branching out and contemplating things that will only weaken and defile the soul. The thoughts must be pure, the meditations of the heart must be clean, if the words of the mouth are to be words acceptable to heaven, and helpful to your fellow human beings.

God’s peace is different from the world’s peace (see John 14:27). True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. Our citizenship in Christ’s Kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over sin. Let God’s peace guard your heart against anxiety, fear, and hopelessness.

Let those who are oppressed under a sense of sin remember that there is hope for them. The salvation of the human race has ever been the object of the councils of heaven. The covenant of mercy was made before the foundation of the world. It has existed from all eternity, and is called the everlasting covenant. So surely as there never was a time when God was not, so surely there never was a moment when it was not the delight of the eternal mind to manifest His grace to humanity

And may the God of peace, Who raised our Lord Jesus from among the dead—that great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Perfect you in every good work in order that you may do His will; accomplishing in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be the glory into the ages of eternity. Amen. (Heb 13:20-21, NIV)