In Ezekiel 24: 11-16 it says that God Himself will search for His sheep and take care of them and that he would be the one looking after them. It says that He will rescue them from where they are scattered to. It says that He will be the one. It says that He will take came of them. God will be the one. God knows his sheep.
In the Old Testament shepherds weren’t looked down upon like they were in the New Testament era. Ezekiel refers to God as a shepherd, Isaiah mentions God as a shepherd, we know that King David was a shepherd in his youth and Psalm 23 refers to God as a shepherd. God is referred to as the “Good Shepherd.” Somewhere between the Old and the New Testament a transaction occurred whereby shepherds were viewed in the same light as the tax collectors. People considered the shepherd to be the “lowlife” of society. The considered the shepherd to be anything but honorable.
In Luke 15 Jesus is telling a parable about three things, 1. About a shepherd and his sheep, 2. About a woman and her lost coin, 3. About a son who went astray and was lost. When you look at Luke 15 you will notice the people were gathering around Jesus to listen to what he had to say. They weren’t the “high and mighty,” they weren’t the elite of society, not were they the “holier than thou” people. They were present but they were standing at a distant watching. They were standing at a distant because they didn’t want to rub shoulders with those who were gathered close to Jesus. Those who were close to Jesus were the tax collectors, the prostitutes and the “sinners.” They were considered to be the lowlifes of the world. The Pharisees, the Sadducees, the scribes and the priest were there, just not very close. They just didn’t want to associate with those who were there. The religious elite really believed that the Messiah would come from their ranks. They thought he would be educated at the University of Pharisee and learned under the great Gamaliel. So when the Messiah can onto the scene, he was different than what they expected. He was associating with “sinners.” Those people the Pharisees despised.
Jesus knowing all things knew what the religious elite were thinking. And knowing what they were thinking Jesus took the opportunity to teach not only those who were hungry for the Word, but to also teach the religious elite. Jesus had a way of bringing people into his stories. He starts the parable saying that suppose you have a hundred sheep. Not someone else, but you. Right away, the religious were in the story, they had 100 sheep and now he only has 99. One of them was lost. It was in the sheepfold this morning. The shepherd takes an inventory of his sheep and notices he only has 99. He does a recount and comes up with the same number. He knows which one is lost because he knows his sheep. They belong to him. He is not a hired herdsman; he is the owner of the sheep. The hired herdsman may know that a sheep is missing, but so what. A hired herdsman will go in the evening after word and tell the owner that one wondered off. This is the owner. He knows that it is the one with the black mark under its left eye, the one that was caught in the briars just a week before.
The shepherd realizing that one of his is missing becomes very concerned. The shepherd is thinking, “I must go and search for my lost sheep, if I don’t then my lost sheep will be taken by a bear, a lion or other wild predator. My sheep may end up starving to death, may fall over a cliff.” The shepherd is very concerned. The owner-shepherd must go and find his lost sheep. He is not going to send the hired hands to go and find his sheep, he is going. He is going to leave the 99 sheep that did not wonder off in the hands of the hired herdsman. The 99 did not wonder off, he personally will go and find the lost one.
As the shepherd searches, he must go through the valleys, climb the rough terrain, and crawl through the thicket. It doesn’t matter where he must go, the only thing on his mind is his lost sheep and that he must rescue it. The shepherd knows that he will find his sheep. Jesus in his parable doesn’t say “if he finds it” but rather “when he finds it.” Make no mistake about it, the shepherd will find it. The shepherd will not give up until he finds it. After many hours of searching the shepherd sees his sheep, perhaps in a distance, perhaps ready to be pounced on by a bear. The shepherd to the rescue! The shepherd rescues his sheep and saves the day. When he finds the sheep, the shepherd is full of joy. He doesn’t scold the sheep for wondering off. He knows that his sheep need him. He knows his sheep is dependent upon him. He knows his sheep aren’t he smartest of the animals but are none the less precious. Being full of joy he puts the sheep on his shoulders. He doesn’t make the sheep walk the long path home. The trail was rough, the sheep needs the shepherd. The shepherd would not even think about making his sheep walk the hard path home. The shepherd places the sheep on his shoulders and carries the sheep back across the rough terrain, through the thicket, back into the valley until he arrives home.
When the shepherd arrives home, he doesn’t release the sheep back into the sheepfold but rather calls all of his friends to come to the celebration saying, “rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” Luke 15:7 says that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over the ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Many families today have family members who have wondered off from the family. Perhaps someone in the family said something to “hurt their feelings.” Perhaps someone in the family did something to them and this one member of the family left. Maybe the one who wondered off did something that the rest of the family “couldn’t forgive.” What are you going to do about it? As a Christian you are called to forgive as Jesus forgives. As a Christian you are called to love as Jesus loves.
Within the church there have been members of the sheepfold who have wondered off. It’s not until sometime later that we ask, “Whatever happened to so and so?” Maybe they were offended by something someone said. Maybe they misunderstood something. What are you going to do about it? Are you going to simply say that they choose to leave or are you going to love as Jesus loved and find out what happened to them? In Isaiah 58 God said that if we do what we should do, we will be called, “Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” It’s your choice!
To learn more about “Restoration” Click Here!
More about “Restoration” Click Here!
“Restoration” Click Here!
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Showing posts with label God's Word. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's Word. Show all posts
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
Over the years I have used many different study and reference Bibles. One of my favorites is the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible. This week I will provide information on the origin and the make-up of the Thompson. The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible is published by Kirkbride Bible Company. The information contained herein has been taken from their company. I have read and reviewed what the company presents and find it to be totally accurate. With that in mind, who better to explain their Bible than themselves?
Dr. Frank Charles Thompson was a young preacher in the late 1800s when he became disappointed with the reference Bibles being sold to preachers. Dr. Thompson believed the Bible should be presented in a simple, but scholarly way. He saw the need for a well-organized reference Bible that would be of practical use to the layman as well as a minister.
In 1890, Dr. Thompson began the work he would continue for the rest of his life. He completed the "thought suggestions" opposite the verses throughout the Bible. These are what became the "chain-links" that are the heart of the Thompson system. Some of the men in Dr. Thompson's church saw his Bible and told him this would be a great help to them in their Bible study too. They encouraged Dr. Thompson to have his Bible, with marginal references, published so that everyone could enjoy the blessing of this helpful study tool.
In 1908, the first edition of the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible® was printed by Methodists Book Concern of Dobbs Ferry, New York. It became known as the most helpful, trustworthy and unbiased study Bible available. The Thompson® Bible continues to have that reputation today.
In 1913, Dr. Thompson joined with B.B. Kirkbride in Indianapolis, Indiana to form the Kirkbride Bible Company. This was to assure the constant improvement of this remarkable study tool, and the widest distribution possible.
Today, the Thompson® Chain-Reference Bible offers you a complete study library in one volume. With over 78 practical features for in depth Scriptural appreciation and understanding, nothing can match what the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible offers:
Over 100,000 topical references
Over 8,000 Chain Topics
Updated Archaeological Supplement with photos and maps
Outline studies of each book of the Bible
Journey maps and Bible harmonies
Biblical Atlas
Bible Book Outlines
Over 4,000,000 Thompson Chain-Reference Bibles sold!
Thompson Bibles are made for those who use their Bibles every day. A Thompson study Bible will help you in ways other Bibles can't. It's the unique Chain-Reference® System that allows you to follow any subject, person, place or idea, from the front of your Bible to the end. Thompson users say it's the best way to study your Bible. No other Bible has this superb, patented, "Chain-Reference System" developed by Dr. Frank C. Thompson in 1890. Since that time, Kirkbride Bible Company has been adding thousands of additional topics and links. The Thompson you buy today has over 100,000 links covering over 7,000 topics. Every page is stuffed with treasure. Your Thompson Bible will become a trusted friend.
Your Thompson Bible comes with extras, found only in premium study Bibles, like gold-foil gilded pages and double-sided real silk ribbon bookmarks. Your Thompson can also be personalized with your name in gold on the cover. For super-swift researching you can order your Thompson "thumb indexed."
Choosing a Thompson Bible is a personal choice. All Thompson regular sized Bibles are available in a variety of covers, colors and translations. If you would like a lifetime of use, we recommend the leather covers. You'll find our leather Bibles are exquisite.Thompson adult Bibles are available in the 4 most popular English translations: King James Version, New King James Version, New International Version, and New American Standard Bible.
Celebrating a milestone
2008 marked the Centennial Anniversary of the Thompson Chain-Reference King James Bible. During 2008 all KJV regular size and Large print Bibles where "Centennial Editions" with these special features:
Spine will bear special "Centennial Edition" stamp
Box will be marked "Centennial Edition"
It will include an extra signature with special Centennial Title page, a letter from Krikbride's CEO Marshall Gage, and a brief history of the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible and Kirkbride Bible Co.
Special signed and numbered top-of-the-line leather editions along with premium leather editions will be available
A Thompson® is the only true "Influence-Free" Study Bible. This is the one very important difference between a Thompson® and most other study Bibles. Most study Bibles fill their margins with another person's commentary. These are notes from a knowledgeable author who tries to explain the text to you. Commentaries can be useful, but every author has his or her own view and biased agenda. Commentaries offer wide and often opposing influence. Your Thompson® Bible is "influence-free," because instead of commentary, our margins are filled with thousands of chain-references® that propel you ahead into Scripture. Scholars agree that the Bible is its own best commentary, and no other study Bible helps you go deeper into the Scriptures than a Thompson® Chain-Reference® Study Bible.
Thompson® Bibles include hundreds of pages of additional study tools, many of which are available in no other Bible. These 75 extra tools make your study easier and more enjoyable, sparing you from needing many other volumes.
Thousands of additional chain-references have been added over the decades. Study any Bible verse and you'll always know where to go next.
Here are some helps that are included:
Index of Chain Topics. Complete listing of over 7,000 marginal topics and reference chains. Most verses are printed out in the Index.
Selected Bible Readings. An arrangement by subject matter of Bible verses suitable for private devotions or public services. Listed are such topics as Death, Gifts from God, Unbelievers, and more.
Revised Concordance. This will help you find any verse, even if you only know a few words. Alphabetical listing of English words found in your Thompson® Bible with help numbers linking you to other help sections in your Bible.
Bible Harmonies & Illustrated Studies. Biographical harmonies of Moses, Jesus, and Paul by means of pictorial maps, charts, and outlines. Follow their footprints with Journey Maps, a feature found only in Thompson Chain-Reference Bibles.
Extensive Archaeology Section. Ties modern discoveries to real verses. Contains much factual information on people, places, and things as found in modern excavations.
Bible Marking Guide. Offers you time-tested secrets for keeping your discoveries fresh.
Bible Atlas. Puts you right there, in the holy land, during every biblical period. A series of extremely detailed, color maps, showing Archaeological sites in the holy land, Journeys of the Apostle Paul, the ancient World, Palestine, Jerusalem and others.
Outline Studies of Each Book. Go here first to find out who, what, when, where and why. Devoted to a study of the Bible as a whole, from its earliest beginnings through modern translation and also a complete outline of each Book of the Bible, giving author, theme, and key words. A must-have feature for those involved in teaching.
Dozens of helpful charts. Illustrated with delightful artwork you can study for hours.
Bible Character Studies. Biographical sketches and outline studies of all the major characters of the Bible. Includes early life, divine call, and biblical history.
Bible Glossary. Helps you pronounce and understand Bible terms.
General Index. An alphabetical listing of all topics with connecting numbers.
Harmony of the Gospels. A side-by-side listing of Gospel accounts.
Messianic Prophecies. Prophecies concerning Jesus and their fulfillment.
Portraits of Christ. Christ's character and work as seen by Isaiah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, and Revelation.
Topical Treasury. Contains practical helps for Christian workers. Suggests topics to be used at prayer meetings and devotional meetings.
You can order nearly any Thompson® Bible Thumb-Indexed for just a few dollars extra. We carefully hand-cut 35 notches into the open side of your Thompson Bible and apply 26 black gilded tabs and 9 gold tabs, to help you locate all 66 books of your Bible, your Index, Helps Section, Concordance and Archaeology information.
Why 35 tabs?
On the page before the Book of Genesis in every Thompson Chain-Reference Bible is a chart entitled "River of Inspiration". Starting with Genesis and proceeding throughout the Bible to Revelation, every Book of the Bible is grouped into one of nine major divisions. The Gold(or Silver) tabs used in our exclusive indexing process represent the Book where a major division begins, while the black tabs represent the remaining Book names.
This educational feature benefits readers by helping them become more familiar with the location of major divisions of the Bible and helps to clarify their understanding of how the scriptures were written. In turn their Bible study time is more rewarding and effective.
9 Major Divisions:
Pentateuch
O.T. History
Poetry
Major Prophets
Minor Prophets
Gospels & N.T. History
Paul's Epistles(Major Letters)
General Epistles(Minor Letters)
Revelation
These tabs add value to your one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted Thompson Bible. Furthermore, they'll help you become better acquainted with your new Bible. Since Thompson Bibles have nearly a thousand pages of additional helps at the back, you will be glad to have the Thumb Index to help you find anything in an instant.
Chain Reference System
The Chain-Reference® System is found only in Thompson® Bibles. It is the most helpful study tool ever assembled. Every important verse of the New and Old Testaments has been analyzed into topics which help to open up the meaning of the verses and stimulates Bible study. Start with any verse of Scripture and follow thousands of topics all the way through your Bible.
Forward Chain-Reference®. These chain links are found on every page of your Thompson® Bible. They will lead you to the next Scripture verse in the chain, helping you follow any topic from Genesis through Revelation.
New Topics. These marginal references direct you to a new topic in this verse. You simply go to the Index of Topics you'll find a wealth of information and the first place in Scripture to begin the 'chain' for this topic.
Better than a Concordance. You'll find related topics not mentioned by word in the Bible Text. This helps you to expand the scope of your study in a way that goes beyond what a complete concordance can do.
Analysis of Each Chapter. Each Chapter of your Bible has been thoroughly analyzed into the main divisions and printed in bold-face type, presenting a digest of the teachings of the Chapter.
To view a complete line of Thompson Chain-Reference Bibles, Click here!
To view a complete line of Bibles, please click here!
Visit Emmaus Road Christian Store @ http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Reconciled to God
Matthew 14 records Jesus calling Peter to come out of the boat and to “walk on the water.” Peter immediately exited the boat and indeed began to walk on the water. It wasn’t until he took his eyes off of Jesus that he had fear, began to sink and called out to Jesus, “Lord, save me.” Not that one can compare Peter’s experience of walking on the water with the walk that Adam and Eve had with God in the Garden of Eden, but please stay with me and I hope you will see where I am going with this.
When God created man and placed him in the garden, everything was perfect. Adam and Eve walked with God everyday, communed with Him and were in a sense, one with God. Just as Peter exited the boat and was walking on the water. Adam and Eve took their eyes off of God and lost their focus. They allowed Satan to tempt them with the sin of pride and once sin entered in, they fell. Once Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he sank. Perhaps this analogy isn’t what the great scholars would consider noteworthy, but I thought the comparison was worth considering.
Before the fall of Adam and Eve, before God created what we call the “known universe,” God in his infinite wisdom knew that he would have to repair the damage, build the bridge that was caused by Adam and Eve. Before all of this, God decided to send the second person of the Godhead, the Christ to be the One to reconcile fallen man back to God. Everything in the Old Testament, starting with the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) where the priest would make the sacrifice for the sins of Israel, to the time of the cross was all established by God to prepare fallen man for the ultimate reconciliation back to Him.
In Hebrews 9:12-14 it says that Jesus did not enter the tabernacle by the way of goats and calves, but rather he entered the Most Holy Place once for all of us by the shedding of his own blood. It says that prior to Jesus; the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer were sprinkled on those who were ceremonially unclean to sanctify them so that they were outwardly clean. The writer of Hebrews goes on to say that the blood of Christ offered himself unblemished to God to cleanse of our sins. The giving of the law by Moses in the Old Testament was only a shadow of the good things to come. I’ll come back to this in a moment.
So exactly why did Jesus come? Jesus said, “I have not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17) In Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17 and Luke 5:32 Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” In Matthew 10:34 he said, “Don’t suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Jesus said in Mark 1:38 that he came to preach the gospel. Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
In Luke 12:49 Jesus said that he came to bring fire on the earth. In John 6:38 Jesus said that he did not come down from heaven to do his own will but the will of the Father. In John 9:39 Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” The reasons why Jesus came? Because He loves you so much that he does not want to see you separated from God. He does not want to see you parish.
Jesus came to reconcile sinful man back to the Father.
Ephesians 2:13-16 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Colossians 1:19-23 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Romans 5:8-11 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Sometimes speakers and writers try to razzle-dazzle people with their knowledge of the scriptures or their great insight. I must fall on the worlds of Paul who said in 1 Corinthians 2:2 not to know anything except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I thank God that Jesus Christ reconciled me back to the Father. It wasn’t something that I could do on my own. My salvation and yours is not based on anything we can do on our own. You and I, individually, must accept the free gift of salvation offered to us through Jesus Christ. Amen.
There are so many great resources available to you if it be your desire to learn more about being reconciled. The first and the greatest resource of course is the Word of God.
Next, may I suggest clicking here!
Next, click here!
Other Christian resources, please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
When God created man and placed him in the garden, everything was perfect. Adam and Eve walked with God everyday, communed with Him and were in a sense, one with God. Just as Peter exited the boat and was walking on the water. Adam and Eve took their eyes off of God and lost their focus. They allowed Satan to tempt them with the sin of pride and once sin entered in, they fell. Once Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he sank. Perhaps this analogy isn’t what the great scholars would consider noteworthy, but I thought the comparison was worth considering.
Before the fall of Adam and Eve, before God created what we call the “known universe,” God in his infinite wisdom knew that he would have to repair the damage, build the bridge that was caused by Adam and Eve. Before all of this, God decided to send the second person of the Godhead, the Christ to be the One to reconcile fallen man back to God. Everything in the Old Testament, starting with the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) where the priest would make the sacrifice for the sins of Israel, to the time of the cross was all established by God to prepare fallen man for the ultimate reconciliation back to Him.
In Hebrews 9:12-14 it says that Jesus did not enter the tabernacle by the way of goats and calves, but rather he entered the Most Holy Place once for all of us by the shedding of his own blood. It says that prior to Jesus; the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer were sprinkled on those who were ceremonially unclean to sanctify them so that they were outwardly clean. The writer of Hebrews goes on to say that the blood of Christ offered himself unblemished to God to cleanse of our sins. The giving of the law by Moses in the Old Testament was only a shadow of the good things to come. I’ll come back to this in a moment.
So exactly why did Jesus come? Jesus said, “I have not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17) In Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17 and Luke 5:32 Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” In Matthew 10:34 he said, “Don’t suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Jesus said in Mark 1:38 that he came to preach the gospel. Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
In Luke 12:49 Jesus said that he came to bring fire on the earth. In John 6:38 Jesus said that he did not come down from heaven to do his own will but the will of the Father. In John 9:39 Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” The reasons why Jesus came? Because He loves you so much that he does not want to see you separated from God. He does not want to see you parish.
Jesus came to reconcile sinful man back to the Father.
Ephesians 2:13-16 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Colossians 1:19-23 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Romans 5:8-11 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Sometimes speakers and writers try to razzle-dazzle people with their knowledge of the scriptures or their great insight. I must fall on the worlds of Paul who said in 1 Corinthians 2:2 not to know anything except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I thank God that Jesus Christ reconciled me back to the Father. It wasn’t something that I could do on my own. My salvation and yours is not based on anything we can do on our own. You and I, individually, must accept the free gift of salvation offered to us through Jesus Christ. Amen.
There are so many great resources available to you if it be your desire to learn more about being reconciled. The first and the greatest resource of course is the Word of God.
Next, may I suggest clicking here!
Next, click here!
Other Christian resources, please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Pride, Pride, Pride, Is It All That Bad?
Pride
How many times do you look at others and say they are prideful? How often do you look at others and compare yourself with “their pride?” Instead of looking at others and being judgmental, look rather to yourself, look in the mirror and ask yourself, “am I prideful am I haughty, am I arrogant?” God has given us the scriptures to examine to help us along the way. Perhaps God’s Word can give us the information we need.
Daniel 5
This is the story of Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar who was very prideful of “his” accomplishments. He gave no honor to God who is the true God and thus God took the throne away from him. Belshazzar was giving a great feast for all the nobles of the land. He dishonored God by his actions. His pride cost him more than his kingdom, that very night it cost him his life.
You can read of another similar account in 2 Chronicles 26 where King Uzziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. King Uzziah took care of the people, built cities, created a great army, but then he became prideful. His pride, the scripture says, led to his downfall. He did that which was unlawful. He entered the temple and burned incense which only the priests could do. As a result of his pride, leprosy broke out on his forehead that remained for the rest of his life. He no longer lived in the palace but in a separate house, isolated until the day he died.
You can read in Proverbs 6:16-19 that there are seven things the Lord detests and the first one listed is “Pride.” Why does God detest “Pride?” Because it says to others that, “I am better than you are.” (My baseball team is better, my company is better; my home is nicer, etc.) You look down on people because they have not accomplished what you’ve accomplished, or so you think. Pride occurs when you want to glorify yourself and your accomplishments. Pride says to God, “I don’t need you; I can do it on my own.” Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the same status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependency on Him. Pride says to God, “I am going to contend with you for supremacy.” Contend with God for supremacy? You are probably saying that you would never do that. Won’t you? What makes you so sure? Are you prideful of the fact that you are not prideful?
You can read in Ezekiel 28 where God calls Lucifer the model of perfection and in Isaiah 14 he is called the “Morning star, son of the dawn.” Lucifer wanted to contend for supremacy with God and we know that God was quick to respond. Because no sin is permitted in heaven, Lucifer was cast out, he and all the angels who became prideful with him. On your own, are you more powerful than Lucifer?
After Lucifer fell he was given a new name, Satan (Adversary of God). He is opposed to God. He is trying to deceive you and bring you down to his level. You’ve heard the saying, “misery loves company?” That’s Satan. He wants you with him. He will do whatever he can to bring you down. He started at the very beginning with Adam and Eve. In Genesis 3 we read where the Serpent deceived Eve. He honed in on the one thing that brought him down… Pride. “You can be just like God, you can be as smart as Him, as wise as Him, and you can live forever.” He of course lied to Eve but it was her Pride, her desire to be “just like God” that brought her down.
What about Job? Surely not Job! Didn’t God say that Job was blameless and upright? We read in Job 32:2 that Elihu became very angry with Job because he was justifying himself rather than God. Job’s sin was Pride.
Proverbs 16:18 says that Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before the fall. This can be on an individual basis or a corporate basis. It can happen in a local community or on a national scale. It can happen in a small church or a mega church. When pride enters in, be sure of this, destruction is coming, the fall is just around the corner. You can read in Isaiah 3 how the women of Zion were haughty, thinking themselves to be better than others, always looking down at people. It said that their necks were stretched out (kind of like having your nose in the air), they were flirting with their eyes, taking dainty steps, and covered with jewelry. They were snobbish. God doesn’t want his people to be prideful. He loves you to much to leave you there. He will do whatever it takes to bring you back to humility. For the women of Zion, this meant that God would give the women baldness with scabs on their heads. This meant God would cause them to loose all of their fine jewelry and beautiful clothing. This meant that God would actually make them stink. It says that God would replace their beauty with shame.
Both the Apostle Peter and James the brother of Jesus said that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Friend, you must examine yourself and ask God to reveal to you the areas of your life whereby you are prideful. You must repent of your sin of pride and ask God for humility. We must have the humility of Jesus himself. Philippians 2:5 says your “attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus: who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Jesus showed His humility in many ways. Jesus, a king, rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Jesus exemplified humility by washing the feet of his disciples; Jesus left his throne in heaven to save us.
Most often, pride is revealed in your attitudes and interactions with others. Instead of desiring to be the best you can be, pride causes us to focus solely on being "better" than someone else. A prideful person wants to be the center-of-attention at all times, constantly referring to him or herself. A prideful person can't handle criticism and hates handing out apologies; A prideful person can't stand to see others succeed, and refuses to do "menial tasks." If Jesus was willing to wash the feet of His disciples, then is there anything that you can rightfully refuse to do?
When all else fails, God may allow adversity into our lives. Nothing gets our attention better than going through a difficult time. He allows these experiences in order to filter out pride, causing us to return our focus on Him. As much as our prideful spirit may disagree, we cannot live a fulfilling life without God. Simply put, when God is out, pride is in.
How many times do you look at others and say they are prideful? How often do you look at others and compare yourself with “their pride?” Instead of looking at others and being judgmental, look rather to yourself, look in the mirror and ask yourself, “am I prideful am I haughty, am I arrogant?” God has given us the scriptures to examine to help us along the way. Perhaps God’s Word can give us the information we need.
Daniel 5
This is the story of Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar who was very prideful of “his” accomplishments. He gave no honor to God who is the true God and thus God took the throne away from him. Belshazzar was giving a great feast for all the nobles of the land. He dishonored God by his actions. His pride cost him more than his kingdom, that very night it cost him his life.
You can read of another similar account in 2 Chronicles 26 where King Uzziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. King Uzziah took care of the people, built cities, created a great army, but then he became prideful. His pride, the scripture says, led to his downfall. He did that which was unlawful. He entered the temple and burned incense which only the priests could do. As a result of his pride, leprosy broke out on his forehead that remained for the rest of his life. He no longer lived in the palace but in a separate house, isolated until the day he died.
You can read in Proverbs 6:16-19 that there are seven things the Lord detests and the first one listed is “Pride.” Why does God detest “Pride?” Because it says to others that, “I am better than you are.” (My baseball team is better, my company is better; my home is nicer, etc.) You look down on people because they have not accomplished what you’ve accomplished, or so you think. Pride occurs when you want to glorify yourself and your accomplishments. Pride says to God, “I don’t need you; I can do it on my own.” Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the same status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependency on Him. Pride says to God, “I am going to contend with you for supremacy.” Contend with God for supremacy? You are probably saying that you would never do that. Won’t you? What makes you so sure? Are you prideful of the fact that you are not prideful?
You can read in Ezekiel 28 where God calls Lucifer the model of perfection and in Isaiah 14 he is called the “Morning star, son of the dawn.” Lucifer wanted to contend for supremacy with God and we know that God was quick to respond. Because no sin is permitted in heaven, Lucifer was cast out, he and all the angels who became prideful with him. On your own, are you more powerful than Lucifer?
After Lucifer fell he was given a new name, Satan (Adversary of God). He is opposed to God. He is trying to deceive you and bring you down to his level. You’ve heard the saying, “misery loves company?” That’s Satan. He wants you with him. He will do whatever he can to bring you down. He started at the very beginning with Adam and Eve. In Genesis 3 we read where the Serpent deceived Eve. He honed in on the one thing that brought him down… Pride. “You can be just like God, you can be as smart as Him, as wise as Him, and you can live forever.” He of course lied to Eve but it was her Pride, her desire to be “just like God” that brought her down.
What about Job? Surely not Job! Didn’t God say that Job was blameless and upright? We read in Job 32:2 that Elihu became very angry with Job because he was justifying himself rather than God. Job’s sin was Pride.
Proverbs 16:18 says that Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before the fall. This can be on an individual basis or a corporate basis. It can happen in a local community or on a national scale. It can happen in a small church or a mega church. When pride enters in, be sure of this, destruction is coming, the fall is just around the corner. You can read in Isaiah 3 how the women of Zion were haughty, thinking themselves to be better than others, always looking down at people. It said that their necks were stretched out (kind of like having your nose in the air), they were flirting with their eyes, taking dainty steps, and covered with jewelry. They were snobbish. God doesn’t want his people to be prideful. He loves you to much to leave you there. He will do whatever it takes to bring you back to humility. For the women of Zion, this meant that God would give the women baldness with scabs on their heads. This meant God would cause them to loose all of their fine jewelry and beautiful clothing. This meant that God would actually make them stink. It says that God would replace their beauty with shame.
Both the Apostle Peter and James the brother of Jesus said that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Friend, you must examine yourself and ask God to reveal to you the areas of your life whereby you are prideful. You must repent of your sin of pride and ask God for humility. We must have the humility of Jesus himself. Philippians 2:5 says your “attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus: who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Jesus showed His humility in many ways. Jesus, a king, rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Jesus exemplified humility by washing the feet of his disciples; Jesus left his throne in heaven to save us.
Most often, pride is revealed in your attitudes and interactions with others. Instead of desiring to be the best you can be, pride causes us to focus solely on being "better" than someone else. A prideful person wants to be the center-of-attention at all times, constantly referring to him or herself. A prideful person can't handle criticism and hates handing out apologies; A prideful person can't stand to see others succeed, and refuses to do "menial tasks." If Jesus was willing to wash the feet of His disciples, then is there anything that you can rightfully refuse to do?
When all else fails, God may allow adversity into our lives. Nothing gets our attention better than going through a difficult time. He allows these experiences in order to filter out pride, causing us to return our focus on Him. As much as our prideful spirit may disagree, we cannot live a fulfilling life without God. Simply put, when God is out, pride is in.
Here are some characteristics of pride to be on the lookout for:
• Prayerlessness. If you have no prayer life, take time to evaluate your relationship with the Lord. It takes humility of heart to pray and admit you can't make it on your own.
• The fear of man. Pride thrives on man's approval. But you will never please man - and even if you could, he is not the one you ought to be living for. It is God you must please.
• The inability to receive from others. Most of us love to give gifts, but receiving them can be a humbling experience.
• Judging others. You say, Oh, I would never do that! In saying that, you exalt yourself and your supposed resistance to sin. Matt. 7:1 warns, Judge not, that you be not judged.
• Good works. You may think highly of yourself for all the work you do in the church. Must you blow a trumpet to announce your dedication, or do you work joyfully and silently unto the Lord?
• Not waiting on God. It demonstrates an independence from God's timing; a rebellious heart and a desire to do things your own way. Many times you are on the brink of a miracle, but forfeit it because you give up on God or take control of the situation in an attempt to help God out.
• Contention. Only by pride cometh contention, but with the well advised is wisdom (Prov. 13:10). Contention arises when someone is not willing to back down from a confrontation. Take a look at your home, your church, your work, your ministry. Is there contention anywhere?
Repent of your pride. Ask God to make you humble, no matter what it takes.
There are several resources available to you.
Take a look at B.J Smith’s book, “Don’t Swallow Your Pride…Spit it Out”
Look at the booklet, “The Seven Capital Sins: Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth”
Other resources relating to pride can be found by clicking here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
• Prayerlessness. If you have no prayer life, take time to evaluate your relationship with the Lord. It takes humility of heart to pray and admit you can't make it on your own.
• The fear of man. Pride thrives on man's approval. But you will never please man - and even if you could, he is not the one you ought to be living for. It is God you must please.
• The inability to receive from others. Most of us love to give gifts, but receiving them can be a humbling experience.
• Judging others. You say, Oh, I would never do that! In saying that, you exalt yourself and your supposed resistance to sin. Matt. 7:1 warns, Judge not, that you be not judged.
• Good works. You may think highly of yourself for all the work you do in the church. Must you blow a trumpet to announce your dedication, or do you work joyfully and silently unto the Lord?
• Not waiting on God. It demonstrates an independence from God's timing; a rebellious heart and a desire to do things your own way. Many times you are on the brink of a miracle, but forfeit it because you give up on God or take control of the situation in an attempt to help God out.
• Contention. Only by pride cometh contention, but with the well advised is wisdom (Prov. 13:10). Contention arises when someone is not willing to back down from a confrontation. Take a look at your home, your church, your work, your ministry. Is there contention anywhere?
Repent of your pride. Ask God to make you humble, no matter what it takes.
There are several resources available to you.
Take a look at B.J Smith’s book, “Don’t Swallow Your Pride…Spit it Out”
Look at the booklet, “The Seven Capital Sins: Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth”
Other resources relating to pride can be found by clicking here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Archaeological Study Bible
AN ILLUSTRATED WALK THROUGH BIBLICAL HISTORY AND CULTURE
To engage the Bible more, you need to enter the world from which it came. From the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation, The Archaeological Study Bible is filled with study material that opens your eyes to the archaeological, historical, and cultural contexts of the stories you read and the people you meet in Scripture.
Take a journey back to the lands and origins of the Bible for an unparalleled encounter with the Word of God. Get insights into the roots of the Bible that will strengthen your faith and open new vistas of knowledge and understanding. Like no other study Bible, this one provides a sweeping, detailed look at the lands and times of Scripture, bringing to light the importance of ancient civilizations, practices, historical records and artifacts, literature, architecture, religions, laws, events, movements, geography, agriculture, wars and battles, political and monetary systems, historical figures and other factors that are critical to a deep and accurate grasp of the Bible.
- A comprehensive study tool that highlights the archaeological, historical, and cultural background of the Bible.
- Full-color interior throughout, including nearly 500 color photographs
- Emphasizes the trustworthiness of the Bible and in the bestselling NIV translation
The Archaeological Study Bible not only gives you the complete text of the Bible, but takes you into its very world, opening your eyes to the historical, cultural, and archaeological meaning, relevance, and depth of the Scriptures. Page by page, the features of this unique study Bible offer astonishing and unprecedented clarity.
New International Version (NIV)–today’s most read, most trusted translation – gives you an accuracy and ease of understanding you can count on from Genesis to Revelation.
Full-color interior throughout, a new innovation in a complete study Bible.
Over 8,000 concise, bottom-of-the-page study notes offer insights into the text as you read it from the standpoint of its relationship to the times, places and circumstances in which it was written. The study notes add further explanation to passages that speak on archaeological or cultural facts included in the Scripture.
Over 500 articles shed light on ancient creation narratives, the possible location of Eden, cuneiform writings a Ebla, the naming of children, Greek and Roman culture, and scores of other fascinating topics. The articles include the following five categories:
Archaeological Sites (such as; Hazor, Ugarit, Arad, Ephesus).
Cultural and Historical Notes (ancient seals and scarabs, perfume and anointing, the missionary journeys of Paul).
Ancient Peoples and Lands (the Persian empire, the history of Egypt).
The Reliability of the Bible (the question of the Psalm superscripts, the reliability of Judges, the ending of Mark).
Ancient Texts and Artifacts (the Mesha Stone, the Prayer of Confession).
500 full-color photographs interspersed within articles throughout highlight millennia-old texts and artifacts, ancient weapons of war, ancient children's toys, archaeological sites in the region, other memorabilia of ancient near eastern cultures and civilizations, and a host of other amazing historical, cultural, and archaeological details.
Detailed book introductions that provide basic, at-a-glance timelines, outlines, and information.
Detailed charts on pertinent topics.
In-text color maps that assist the reader in placing the action.
16 Page Satellite-Generated Color Map Section
Concordance.
Cross-references.
Subject and feature indexes.
Words of Christ in red. 9-point type.
To view information of the Archaeological Study Bible, click here!
To view a complete line of Archaeological Study Bibles, click here!
To view all Bibles at Emmaus Road Christian Store, click here!
To visit Emmaus Road Christian Store, go to http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Fasting
It is one of those “things” we would rather forget about. It takes us out of our comfort zone. The average person can only go three hours before hunger pangs take over and we just have to have something to eat or we will surely die. I’m sure Esau wasn’t dying when he begged Jacob for the stew but he willing to give up his birthright.
Typically and traditionally people think of fasting as abstaining from the consumption of food for a period of time. While this is true, fasting is much more than that. Fasting can be giving up something for a period of time that your body craves or needs. Many people are able to go for days without something to eat and it means nothing to them. Ask them to give up their cell phone for a day or two and see what happens. But for simplicity sake, let’s just say for now that fasting is abstaining from the consumption of food for a period of time.
When you read the Old Testament you will find that the Jews were only required to fast once a year and that was on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:31), the day man is reconciled back to God. There were however, other times that people were either called on to fast or chose to fast. People would fast during times of mourning. David and his men fasted when they heard or the death of King Saul (2 Sam. 1:12). David also fasted for several days because his son became critically ill (2 Sam. 12:16). Nehemiah records that upon hearing of the conditions in his home country of Jerusalem; he fasted and prayed (Neh. 1:4).
There were also times when the people would fast in times of sorrow for turning away from God and following after pagan gods. Israel repented for following after other gods; they fasted and repented (1 Sam 7:6). Jonah 3:5 records that the people of Nineveh upon hearing Jonah’s prophecy put on sackcloth, covered themselves with ashes, and fasted. During the time of Nehemiah’s governorship (Neh. 9:1), the Israelites came together for a period of fasting, wearing sackcloth, and having dust on their heads confessing their sins. Jesus told of how his disciples would fast when he is gone.
Then there is a time where the people fasted during the time of salvation from God. W Chronicles 20 records how King Jehoshaphat called for a national time of fasting for all Judah because they were being invaded by foreign nations. God saw their fast, heard their prayers and delivered them. Likewise God spoke to the prophet Joel calling for a fast to restore them from destruction. God said: “Return to God with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments.” God is concerned more about the condition of your heart.
There were also times when people fasted when they were called into a special ministry. Moses fasted 40 days and nights when he was on the mountain with God receiving the commandments of God. Prior to Jesus beginning his earthly ministry he fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the desert region. Upon Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus he fasted for three days before Ananias came and placed his hands onhim. At Antioch (Acts 13:1) the followers were worshipping the Lord and fasting when the Holy Spirit spoke to them telling them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work they were called to do. Acts 14 tells about the setting aside of elders and when they did so they prayed and fasted.
These are just a few of the examples given in scripture abut the need for Gods people to fast. There are also examples given where people fasted for the wrong reasons and the wrong motives. In Matthew 6:16-18 Jesus said that we shouldn’t be like the hypocrites who look somber or gloomy to be seen and noticed by others. Rather Jesus told the people that they should put oil on their heads and to wash their faces so that they don’t bring attention to themselves but rather to be noticed by the Father. Jesus told them that what the Father sees them do in secret he will reward them openly; in other words, the Father will hear their prayers. Jesus also gives up the parable of the Pharisee in Luke 18. The Pharisee brags to God about who he isn’t ( a robber, a person who does evil or an adulterer, not even like the tax collectors), what he does, i.e. fast twice a week and tithe. Jesus said that those people who exalt themselves, those who are full of pride, those who lift themselves up above others, God will humble.
Another example of fasting for the wrong reasons is because of tradition. In Jeremiah 14 the land was devastated and the people confessed their sins to God but didn’t repent of them. God told them that their fasting was of no avail. He would destroy them. The people thought of the rituals they were going through were somewhat of a good luck charm to them. They looked at God as nothing more than a good luck charm. To them God Jehovah was just one of many gods they worshipped. God is a jealous God and shares His glory with no one, nothing! Isaiah 58 tells of the people fasting but God not honoring their fast. They were being religious towards God but not relational with Him. Beginning is Isaiah 58:6-14 God says: “Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
God is not concerned if we are being “hungry” for Him. Fasting does not make you right with God. Fasting does not impress God. We need to come before God in the right fram of mind, heart and soul. Hebrews 11:6 says that god rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Deuteronomy 4:29 says that: “we are to seek the Lord and if we look for him with all our heart and soul we will find him. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked way, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sins and will heal their land.” Jeremiah 29:13 “you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
When Jesus was at the well with the Samaritan woman he was hungry. His personal hunger was set to the side to minister to the woman’s spiritual needs. We are called to be imitators of Jesus. Jesus said when he was hungry, you fed him. When he was naked, you clothed him. When he was in prison, you visited him. The people asked Jesus, when did we see you hungry and fed you, naked and clothed you and in prison and visited you. Jesus told them that what they do to the least of people it is the same as doing it to him. Putting other people’s needs before our own needs is what God calls a “true fast.” How are you doing? Are you putting others needs before your own?
God wants us to fast. He wants us to seek him. He wants us to draw closer to him. He also wants us to care for the needs of his people. This is evidenced in Isaiah 58 and also Zechariah 7:3-10. God told them not to do what they have been doing year after year, but “rather, administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.” James 1:27 tells us that we are to look after the widows and orphans in their distress.
Our very being should be taken up by doing service to others. Get wrapped up in God’s work. People need the Lord. You may be the only Jesus that some will ever see.
For more information on fasting, may I recommend visiting here!
You can also view other Christian products at Emmaus Road Christian Store ;
http://www.emmaus-road.com
Typically and traditionally people think of fasting as abstaining from the consumption of food for a period of time. While this is true, fasting is much more than that. Fasting can be giving up something for a period of time that your body craves or needs. Many people are able to go for days without something to eat and it means nothing to them. Ask them to give up their cell phone for a day or two and see what happens. But for simplicity sake, let’s just say for now that fasting is abstaining from the consumption of food for a period of time.
When you read the Old Testament you will find that the Jews were only required to fast once a year and that was on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:31), the day man is reconciled back to God. There were however, other times that people were either called on to fast or chose to fast. People would fast during times of mourning. David and his men fasted when they heard or the death of King Saul (2 Sam. 1:12). David also fasted for several days because his son became critically ill (2 Sam. 12:16). Nehemiah records that upon hearing of the conditions in his home country of Jerusalem; he fasted and prayed (Neh. 1:4).
There were also times when the people would fast in times of sorrow for turning away from God and following after pagan gods. Israel repented for following after other gods; they fasted and repented (1 Sam 7:6). Jonah 3:5 records that the people of Nineveh upon hearing Jonah’s prophecy put on sackcloth, covered themselves with ashes, and fasted. During the time of Nehemiah’s governorship (Neh. 9:1), the Israelites came together for a period of fasting, wearing sackcloth, and having dust on their heads confessing their sins. Jesus told of how his disciples would fast when he is gone.
Then there is a time where the people fasted during the time of salvation from God. W Chronicles 20 records how King Jehoshaphat called for a national time of fasting for all Judah because they were being invaded by foreign nations. God saw their fast, heard their prayers and delivered them. Likewise God spoke to the prophet Joel calling for a fast to restore them from destruction. God said: “Return to God with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments.” God is concerned more about the condition of your heart.
There were also times when people fasted when they were called into a special ministry. Moses fasted 40 days and nights when he was on the mountain with God receiving the commandments of God. Prior to Jesus beginning his earthly ministry he fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the desert region. Upon Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus he fasted for three days before Ananias came and placed his hands onhim. At Antioch (Acts 13:1) the followers were worshipping the Lord and fasting when the Holy Spirit spoke to them telling them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work they were called to do. Acts 14 tells about the setting aside of elders and when they did so they prayed and fasted.
These are just a few of the examples given in scripture abut the need for Gods people to fast. There are also examples given where people fasted for the wrong reasons and the wrong motives. In Matthew 6:16-18 Jesus said that we shouldn’t be like the hypocrites who look somber or gloomy to be seen and noticed by others. Rather Jesus told the people that they should put oil on their heads and to wash their faces so that they don’t bring attention to themselves but rather to be noticed by the Father. Jesus told them that what the Father sees them do in secret he will reward them openly; in other words, the Father will hear their prayers. Jesus also gives up the parable of the Pharisee in Luke 18. The Pharisee brags to God about who he isn’t ( a robber, a person who does evil or an adulterer, not even like the tax collectors), what he does, i.e. fast twice a week and tithe. Jesus said that those people who exalt themselves, those who are full of pride, those who lift themselves up above others, God will humble.
Another example of fasting for the wrong reasons is because of tradition. In Jeremiah 14 the land was devastated and the people confessed their sins to God but didn’t repent of them. God told them that their fasting was of no avail. He would destroy them. The people thought of the rituals they were going through were somewhat of a good luck charm to them. They looked at God as nothing more than a good luck charm. To them God Jehovah was just one of many gods they worshipped. God is a jealous God and shares His glory with no one, nothing! Isaiah 58 tells of the people fasting but God not honoring their fast. They were being religious towards God but not relational with Him. Beginning is Isaiah 58:6-14 God says: “Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
God is not concerned if we are being “hungry” for Him. Fasting does not make you right with God. Fasting does not impress God. We need to come before God in the right fram of mind, heart and soul. Hebrews 11:6 says that god rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Deuteronomy 4:29 says that: “we are to seek the Lord and if we look for him with all our heart and soul we will find him. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked way, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sins and will heal their land.” Jeremiah 29:13 “you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
When Jesus was at the well with the Samaritan woman he was hungry. His personal hunger was set to the side to minister to the woman’s spiritual needs. We are called to be imitators of Jesus. Jesus said when he was hungry, you fed him. When he was naked, you clothed him. When he was in prison, you visited him. The people asked Jesus, when did we see you hungry and fed you, naked and clothed you and in prison and visited you. Jesus told them that what they do to the least of people it is the same as doing it to him. Putting other people’s needs before our own needs is what God calls a “true fast.” How are you doing? Are you putting others needs before your own?
God wants us to fast. He wants us to seek him. He wants us to draw closer to him. He also wants us to care for the needs of his people. This is evidenced in Isaiah 58 and also Zechariah 7:3-10. God told them not to do what they have been doing year after year, but “rather, administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.” James 1:27 tells us that we are to look after the widows and orphans in their distress.
Our very being should be taken up by doing service to others. Get wrapped up in God’s work. People need the Lord. You may be the only Jesus that some will ever see.
For more information on fasting, may I recommend visiting here!
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